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Science News for January 14, 2002


Seawinds casts a closer eye on tropical cyclones

Researchers have developed a new method to detect potential tropical cyclones using satellite data, allowing for earlier warning times of up to 40 hours. This technique uses wind speed data from the SeaWinds scatterometer on NASA's QuikSCAT satellite to identify areas of rotating winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 14, 2002

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, January 15, 2002

A study in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that accurate profiling of physician care depends on study design, and that most quality initiatives fail to adjust for patient characteristics. Additionally, researchers estimate that colonoscopy is a cost-effective strategy for investigating rectal bleeding in young people

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002

Not enough telling in telemedicine

Patient participation is limited in teleconsultations due to restricted talk time and lack of opportunity for patients to ask questions or assert their opinions. However, incorporating partnership-building methods like asking for patient's opinion can increase patient involvement and improve diagnosis, treatment, and health improvement.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTelemedicine Journal·DateJan 14, 2002
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Validity of JCAHO hospital accreditation

A new study by University of Michigan researchers finds that JCAHO hospital accreditation does not correlate with patient outcomes, highlighting the need to review the current system for ensuring quality in US hospitals. The study also suggests that the JCAHO system prioritizes structural measures over newer performance metrics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalQuality Management in Health Care·DateJan 14, 2002

Greenhouse emissions growth slowed over past decade

A new NASA-funded study shows that global warming in recent decades has been caused by carbon dioxide, with other greenhouse gases including methane, tropospheric ozone, and black carbon. The growth of emissions has slowed over the past 20 years, primarily due to the phase-out of ozone-depleting gases.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2002

Researchers seek ways to reduce children's injury risk

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that safety counseling coupled with convenient access to reduced-cost products increased parents' safety practices. The combination of pediatric counseling and visits to a children's safety center was successful in increasing safety practices, while home visiting prog...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Munching microbes aid environment, oil industry

A University of Houston researcher developed a biodegradation test to ensure synthetic-based drilling fluids are environmentally safe. The EPA guideline reduces pollution by seven million pounds annually, saving operating costs without economic impacts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 14, 2002

Health care providers' approach to patient care linked to successful physician-patient relationships, study finds

A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002

Smithsonian researchers show Amazonian deforestation accelerating

A research team led by William Laurance found that Amazonian forest destruction rates have risen sharply since 1995, contrary to the Brazilian government's claims. Deforestation has increased due to infrastructure projects and expanding logging and mining industries.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·DateJan 14, 2002
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

USPSTF urges patients and doctors to discuss aspirin therapy

The USPSTF recommends discussing aspirin therapy with adult patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease, such as those with unfavorable cholesterol levels, smoking, or hypertension. Aspirin may help prevent heart attacks in these individuals, but its benefits and harms should be carefully weighed.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002

Common variation of 'klotho' gene associated with human life expectancy

A recent study found that having two copies of a less-common version of the klotho gene is linked to a shorter lifespan in infants, while one copy may be associated with a longer life in older adults. The researchers also discovered that the variant is relatively common across different ethnic populations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2002

UW researcher plans project to pin down moon's distance from Earth

A team led by Tom Murphy will use laser ranging and a large telescope to measure the moon's distance from Earth with accuracy of a millimeter. The project will also test Einstein's equivalence principle and the strength of gravitational interaction, providing insights into gravity's nature.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJan 14, 2002