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Science News for January 15, 2002


Meteorologists combine diverse weather information for denser coverage

Penn State meteorologists have combined weather data from airports, weather stations and sensors to create a more detailed picture of weather conditions in the state. The project aims to provide real-time displays of observations and user-specific products for various industries, including agribusiness and the power industry.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 15, 2002

New method greatly improves U.S. seasonal forecasts

A new method significantly improves U.S. seasonal forecast accuracy by analyzing changes in sea surface temperatures across various ocean basins. The approach raises the bar for seasonal and inter-annual climate forecasts, with increases in predictability noted during spring and summer months.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 15, 2002
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Is there a link between alcohol and allergies?

Research found that regular alcohol intake higher than 70 grams per week is associated with increased total serum IgE levels. Moderate drinking may also lead to abnormal immune responses, affecting the control of the immune system's response to allergens.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 15, 2002

Testing for alcohol problems in the workplace

A study found that employees with elevated or risky levels of alcohol consumption showed an increase in sick days. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) tests were used to identify risk consumers, while the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test was used for comparison purposes.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 15, 2002

Other highlights in the Jan. 16 issue of JNCI

Researchers investigate DNA repair capacity and its association with melanoma risk, while also exploring the predictive value of HPV testing in managing equivocal Pap tests. Additionally, a study on breast cancer biomarkers finds that measuring uPA and PAI-1 levels may help predict disease course and inform treatment strategies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002

Mouse experiments link folic acid deficiency to Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that mice fed a folate-deficient diet developed severe Parkinson-like symptoms, while those with adequate amounts of the vitamin protected their brain cells from damage. Folate deficiency may contribute to increased toxin-induced damage to dopamine-producing neurons.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJan 15, 2002

Doctor, counselor, cost-cutter

A study found that physician interventions can significantly decrease alcohol use and related health issues in at-risk patients. The intervention program, Project TrEAT, resulted in a 15-20% reduction in patient health care utilization and overall costs.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 15, 2002
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Pain in the gut? Don't blame stomach acid

Researchers found that inhibiting acid production made stomachs more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and gastritis. The study suggests that antibiotics are the best way to kill bacteria causing gastritis and eliminate inflammation. Inhibiting acid production can actually trigger an inflammatory response, making gastritis worse.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 15, 2002

Some ethnic differences in lung cancer rates linked to nicotine metabolism

A study by UCSF scientists has found that Chinese-American smokers metabolize nicotine more slowly than Latinos and Caucasians, leading to lower lung cancer rates. This slower metabolism helps explain why they smoke fewer cigarettes and are less likely to develop lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002

New method for anticancer drug discovery developed

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have developed a new cell-based approach for anticancer drug discovery, which identified 39 new compounds selective for yeast cells with faulty DNA repair enzymes. This approach is adaptable to high-throughput screening methods and complements target-based screening, potentially...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002

Excessive growth of bacteria may also be major cause of stomach ulcers

A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers suggests that bacterial overgrowth, rather than stomach acidity, may be a major cause of stomach ulcers. The study found that proton pump inhibitors can actually promote the growth of other types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 15, 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.

New genetic technique delivers knockout blow to 'Asthma Virus'

Researchers have developed a new genetic technique that can deliver a knockout blow to the Asthma Virus by targeting its RNA. The technique, called post-translational gene silencing, uses specific siRNA molecules to block viral protein production and suppress virus replication.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateJan 15, 2002

New study examines patterns of women and power

Researchers found that women form hierarchies among themselves in a more democratic style, waiting to establish relationships before forming structures. This challenges the notion that women are uncomfortable with hierarchical environments and instead highlights their ability to gather power slowly and carefully.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 15, 2002

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy alters thyroid function

A study found that alcohol consumption during the third trimester of pregnancy alters thyroid function in both mothers and fetuses, which could lead to brain defects. The researchers used sheep as a model and administered varying doses of alcohol to pregnant ewes, resulting in altered thyroid hormone levels in both mother and fetus.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJan 15, 2002
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Ease of return, prompt delivery are key drivers for online shoppers, says O.R. study

A study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that e-customer loyalty is driven by ease of return, timeliness of delivery, web site navigation, product availability, price, and product information. These factors have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 15, 2002

Differences in nicotine metabolism may explain ethnic variations in lung cancer rates

A study found that Chinese-Americans take in less nicotine per cigarette and metabolize it more slowly than whites and Latinos, possibly explaining lower lung cancer rates. This correlation suggests slow nicotine metabolism may contribute to reduced nicotine intake, a factor linked to lower lung cancer incidence.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.