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Science News for January 16, 2002


Can you make it big in America... or are you likely to fail?

A study estimates that Americans have a roughly 50/50 chance of experiencing the American Dream or the American nightmare. The study reveals that being African American or having less than 12 years of education dramatically increases the odds of poverty, while decreasing the likelihood of affluence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateJan 16, 2002

Early breast cancer shares some risk factors with advanced breast cancer, a study by Yale researchers shows

A new study by Yale researchers found that many risk factors for early breast cancer are also linked to advanced breast cancer. The study, which included over 1,000 women diagnosed with early breast cancer, revealed a correlation between family history, previous breast biopsy, and older age at menopause.

SourceYale University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 16, 2002

Researchers closer to defining function of two proteins involved in neurotransmitter release

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant progress in understanding the function of two proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The study found that RIM1a is essential for long-term plasticity, a process critical for learning and memory. This breakthrough has broad implications for the development of dr...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2002
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists succeed in blocking transmission of cell-associated AIDS virus

Researchers have identified a cholesterol-depleting agent, beta-cyclodextrin, that blocks the transmission of cell-associated HIV. This novel approach targets the migration of white blood cells in semen or cervical mucus carrying HIV and offers a promising method for disease prevention.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2002

Girls fare better than boys following heart surgery

A recent study found that female patients have higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 during and after heart surgery, which may explain why girls recover more easily than boys. However, no association was found between progesterone levels and patient recovery.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJan 16, 2002

Scientists use seals as 'underwater eyes'

Researchers equipped Weddell seals with cameras and data recorders to track their movements and interactions with prey, gaining new insights into the habits of Antarctic silverfish and toothfish. The 'seal cam' technique sheds light on the behaviors of these little-known species, including migration patterns and depth ranges.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalMarine Biology·DateJan 16, 2002

Researchers identify link between obesity and type 2 diabetes

A recent study reveals a critical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes through the AMPK pathway and leptin hormone. Researchers found that AMPK activation, triggered by leptin, inhibits an enzyme involved in fat metabolism, increasing fat burning.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The stongest game show strategy

Researchers found that players should bank money after each correct answer to maximize their winnings. However, the game's psychological dynamics can lead players to abandon this optimal strategy due to the host's aggressive tactics.

SourceNew Scientist·DateJan 16, 2002

The illusion of drivers

A driver going at 65 miles per hour may think the average speed is over 70, while a slow driver perceives a high proportion of fast cars. Heavy traffic skews perception, making brake and accelerator sensitivity twice as sensitive.

SourceNew Scientist·DateJan 16, 2002

Technique aims to protect, possibly improve internet video

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to resynchronize internet video, preventing lost frames and protecting intellectual property rights. The method uses digital watermarking to verify the authenticity of videos, which can be crucial in applications such as surveillance and law enforcement.

SourcePurdue University·DateJan 16, 2002

Educational lag for premature infants persists into adulthood

A study of premature infants born in the late 1970s has found that they continue to face educational challenges into adulthood. The research, which followed 242 infants until age 20, found that fewer premature adults had graduated from high school and had lower I.Q. scores compared to their full-term peers.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 16, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blocking transmission of cell-associated HIV

Researchers have developed a mouse model to study the transmission of cell-associated HIV in women, finding that hormonal treatments and agents disrupting lipid rafts can prevent infection. The study reveals the importance of understanding cell-associated HIV transmission for developing effective prevention strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2002

How to hunt an alien Earth

Researchers are using computer simulations to determine if the 47 Ursae Majoris system can contain an Earth-like planet. The system's asteroid belt is in the habitable zone, increasing the likelihood of finding a terrestrial planet.

SourceNew Scientist·DateJan 16, 2002

Hammering cancer cell survivin

Researchers have discovered a new target for treating cancer cells that rely on survivin to survive. This finding offers new hope for patients with cancer who are struggling with this aggressive protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2002

Cleveland researchers track premature babies for 20 years

A 20-year study of premature babies born between 1977 and 1979 found that those with very-low-birth-weight were less likely to engage in risk-taking behavior and had a higher likelihood of completing high school, despite facing cognitive and behavioral challenges.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 16, 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.

Adhesive interactions in contact dermatitis

Researchers investigated adhesive interactions in contact dermatitis, a common skin condition. Key findings indicate that adhesions play a significant role in the development and progression of this disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2002

Images reveal how body regulates salt uptake in cells

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the chloride ion channel using x-ray crystallography, resolving a long-standing biochemical puzzle. The discovery provides insights into how nature arranges proteins to stabilize anions like chloride inside cell membranes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2002
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

LabNotes -- research highlights from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

PNNL researchers developed an ultrasonic tool to monitor key physical properties of fluid products in real-time. Additionally, the lab showcased a new mass spectrometry technique called DREAMS that analyzes more proteins with greater accuracy, providing insights into low-level proteins crucial for cellular processes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 16, 2002