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Science News Archive January 2002 - Page 2


Page 2 of 7

New transgenic rat model of ALS expands research possibilities

Scientists have created a new transgenic rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that can quickly test novel treatments and advance understanding of the disease. The rats carry an abnormal human gene for superoxide dismutase, which reveals the critical role of astrocytes in ALS progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New rat resource and research center to help investigators understand human disease

The Rat Resource Research Center (RRRC) will provide a centralized facility for information on available rat strains and a source of animals themselves. This will significantly increase the capacity for researchers to study specific human diseases using rat models, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateJan 28, 2002

Gene for neat repair of DNA discovered

Researchers discovered that the Rad54 gene plays a vital role in repairing DNA breaks in a neat and efficient manner, preventing mutations. The study's findings suggest that individuals without this gene may be more susceptible to radiation therapy side effects and could benefit from milder treatment protocols.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 28, 2002

David Nelson to receive the first annual PITTCON Heritage Award

David Nelson, pioneer of chromatography data systems, recognized for promoting public understanding of analytical chemistry and its role in world economies. His work demonstrated the benefits of personal computers in analytical chemistry, benefiting forensic science, pharmaceutical drug discovery, and environmental remediation.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 28, 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.

Dosage appears to be a critical factor in cocaine vaccine

A study conducted by Yale University has shown that a cocaine vaccine can significantly reduce cravings and addiction in patients who abuse the drug. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective in increasing anti-cocaine antibodies, which help prevent the uptake of cocaine across the blood-brain barrier.

SourceYale University·JournalVaccine·DateJan 28, 2002

Nanomaterials expert wins Franklin Medal in Earth Sciences

Navrotsky's work has pioneered methods to measure the energy needed to form crystal structures, allowing scientists to study minerals deep within the earth. Her research has established the identity of materials at hundreds of kilometers depth, enabling new discoveries in nanogeoscience.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJan 28, 2002

UNC expands national clinical trials of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's drugs

The University of North Carolina is expanding its CATIE project to examine the effectiveness of newer anti-psychotic drugs for schizophrenia and behavioral problems in Alzheimer's disease. The trials will include a newly-approved drug, ziprasidone, and aim to determine its relative effectiveness compared to other medications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJan 28, 2002

MIT professor to receive the 2002 Othmer Gold Medal

Langer's groundbreaking research in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering has paved the way for a multi-billion dollar industry. His work has led to the development of novel biodegradable polymers with medical applications, including a FDA-approved treatment for brain cancer that extends patient lives.

SourceChemical Heritage Foundation·DateJan 28, 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.

Scans link 2 key pieces of schizophrenia puzzle

Researchers have linked two key brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, including reduced frontal lobe activation and abnormal dopamine release, suggesting a common pathophysiological mechanism. The study suggests that antipsychotic drugs may target the wrong area, leading to an excess of dopamine activity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2002

Brain-injured children from stressed or disadvantaged families are more vulnerable to ongoing problems

A new study found that brain-injured children from less stressed and more supportive families had significantly higher achievement and behavior scores than their peers. The authors speculate that severe traumatic brain injury exacerbates the effects of unfavorable family circumstances, leading to worse academic and behavioral outcomes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 27, 2002

What killed King Herod?

Clinicians and scholars unraveled the mystery of King Herod's death, concluding he died from chronic kidney disease likely complicated by Fournier's gangrene. The diagnosis was reached through a historical case study presented at the VA's Clinical Pathologic Conference.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateJan 25, 2002
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Clamping down on a cancer-causing protein

Researchers have identified a crucial structural piece in the Abl protein that acts as an internal switch to control its transmission of signals. This discovery provides potential targets for designing new drugs specifically for cancers caused by BCR-Abl, which is linked to leukemia.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJan 25, 2002

Magnetic moments in a crystal mosaic

A team of physicists has discovered evidence of an unusual, fluctuating magnetic order in high-temperature superconductors, which could be crucial for explaining this phenomenon. This discovery was made using neutron beams to investigate the properties of a high temperature superconductor.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2002

Reserve creates model for science-based indigenous stewardship of land

The Ecuadorian government has signed a decree to create a globally outstanding protected area in the Andean foothills, led by The Field Museum and the Cofán Survival Fund. This marks the first time federally protected lands have been placed in official custody of indigenous people, with the Cofán residents set to manage the 195-square-...

SourceField Museum·DateJan 25, 2002

Consumer issues in the spotlight of new research

The Cultures of Consumption programme investigates growing significance of consumer issues in society. It examines the role of consumers, consumption patterns, and their impact on health, environment, family life, and civil society.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 25, 2002

Antioxidant prevents type 1 diabetes in mice

Researchers found that an antioxidant, AEOL 10113, can prevent type 1 diabetes by modifying the immune system's recognition of antigens. The treatment lasted for up to four weeks, suggesting a promising new line of research for autoimmune diseases.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalDiabetes·DateJan 25, 2002
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Marijuana-derived drug less effective than standard drug for improving appetite and weight in patients with advanced cancer

A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that megestrol acetate was more effective than dronabinol in improving appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer. The study, which evaluated 469 patients, showed that 75% of those taking megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement, compared to 49% of those taking dronabinol.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 25, 2002
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Jaguar conservation spotty

A recent study assesses the jaguar's long-term survival prospects and identifies priority areas for conservation. The researchers found that the big cats are likely to survive in 70% of their current range, with the Amazon Basin being a key region for protection.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002

Preventing overload in the brain

The study found that interneurons inhibit pyramidal cells in two ways, allowing the brain to remain alert without becoming overloaded. This mechanism is crucial in preventing epilepsy, where the brain becomes disorganized and overwhelmed.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Microchip gives blind chance of sight

Researchers from the Office of Naval Research have developed a retinal microchip to restore vision in the blind. The chip electronically stimulates healthy retina cells, transmitting signals to the brain to recognize faces and read large text.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 24, 2002

Moderate alcohol consumption could reduce risk of dementia

A Dutch study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of dementia among older individuals. The research found a significant association between light-to-moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of developing dementia, as well as vascular dementia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2002
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Protein may be target for new cancer drugs

Researchers found that the Hrs protein regulates cell proliferation by tagging receptors for degradation through a process called endocytosis. This finding could lead to new cancer treatments targeting the Hrs protein.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 24, 2002

Navy medics going digital

NavMedWatch enables healthcare professionals to track medical assets, anticipate future needs, and provide alerts for transportation to other facilities. The next version will include a history function to track individual patient care throughout the Naval medical system.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 24, 2002

Scientists to manipulate the 'super-size boson'

Researchers Eric Cornell, Carl Wieman, and Wolfgang Ketterle create a super-size boson by manipulating Bose-Einstein Condensates. They achieved this feat using optical and magnetic trapping techniques, demonstrating the wave nature of matter.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJan 24, 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.

Chemical industry helped by small invisible tube

Researchers from Utrecht have discovered that carbon nanofibres can effectively replace active carbon as a carrier for catalysts, enhancing the efficiency of hydrogenation reactions. The new material allows for the reuse of catalysts and has shown promise in the industrial-scale production of compounds like cinnamon alcohol.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002

Race could influence outcome after liver transplantation

A recent study found that liver transplant patients from African American and Asian backgrounds experience lower two-year and five-year survival rates compared to their white American and Hispanic counterparts. The study suggests a need for further research into the reasons behind these disparities in patient outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2002
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Outside-in conservation: What's around an area

Research shows that ant diversity near forest fragments is higher in shade than sun coffee farms, and salamander abundance is higher in disturbed streams confluent with undisturbed ones. Conservation efforts may focus on making surrounding areas more conservation-friendly rather than connecting fragments.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002

Darwin and the world’s first ecological experiment

Researchers have discovered an experiment conducted by George Sinclair, head gardener to the Duke of Bedford, in a garden at Woburn Abbey in South East England. The study investigated the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, which is currently a hot topic in ecology. The findings push back the link between commu...

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2002

Fragmentation can make seedlings wimpy

Research in tropical dry forests reveals that fragmentation decreases seedling quality, with reduced germination rates and smaller leaves. Despite the negative effects, isolated trees can still serve as genetic stepping stones for pollinating moths and gene flow between populations.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002

Race influences outcome of liver transplants, according to Hopkins study

A Hopkins-led study found that African Americans and Asians have poorer graft rejection and survival rates after liver transplantation compared to white Americans and Hispanics. The study's lead author suggests that more research is needed to determine the causes of these disparities, with preliminary data suggesting socioeconomic fact...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 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.

What remains to be discovered in Central American forests

A new report identifies knowledge gaps in Central American flora, particularly among fungi and mosses. The Mesoamerican and Caribbean Herbarium Network, which holds over one million plant specimens, is a key resource for future discovery.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateJan 24, 2002

Research shows way to boost morphine's pain-killing benefits

UCSF scientists have demonstrated in animals how morphine's potent painkilling powers can be sustained without increasing dosages. By pairing morphine with an opioid that facilitates endocytosis, they showed that the natural cellular process can arrest the pattern of tolerance to morphine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJan 24, 2002

High survival rate for stem cell transplants to treat (SCID)

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that stem cell transplants performed within the first 28 days of life have a 95 percent success rate in treating newborn babies with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The early transplants also stimulate a more robust and effective immune system, with reduced stresses on the th...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateJan 24, 2002

Climate change following collapse of the Maya empire

A team of paleoecologists from Amsterdam used pollen grains to accurately recreate the local climate in Southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala around 1000 AD. The study suggests that the collapse of the well-organised Maya empire led to widespread destruction of wildlife and agricultural areas, resulting in a drier climate.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Gene for neat repair of DNA discovered

Scientists have identified a key gene, Rad54, involved in neat DNA repair, preventing mutations and potentially improving cancer treatment. The study found that patients with an inactive Rad54 gene are more susceptible to radiotherapy side effects, leading to the idea of milder treatments.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJan 24, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January (second issue)

A study of 63 young persons found that children who started wheezing between ages 2 to 5 were highly likely to continue wheezing in adulthood. Researchers also developed a brief questionnaire to predict future asthma-related healthcare utilization. Additionally, sleep disordered breathing was linked to obesity and craniofacial abnormal...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 24, 2002
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Surf against surface: tortured water ripples at contact

Scientists have successfully pinned down water at a hydrophobic surface, revealing capillary waves that ripple against the surface. This finding may aid in understanding structure of water films near patchy hydrophilic-hydrophobic surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2002

Condoms and education dramatically reduce HIV spread in Thailand

A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that condom use and education can dramatically reduce the transmission of HIV in Thailand. The study also highlights the increasing role of injection drug use in spreading the disease, particularly among young men.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJan 24, 2002

Adsorption on clay accounts for organic-rich rocks

The study found a clear relationship between organic carbon and smectite clay minerals, suggesting that dissolved organic molecules are drawn into the crystal lattice where they are protected from oxidation. This process, known as adsorption, plays a crucial role in maintaining habitable conditions in the biosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2002
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

US ecology dramatically altered by fertilizers and acid rain

A NASA-funded study reveals that ancient South American forests hold the key to understanding US ecosystems before the industrial revolution. The study finds complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs about inorganic nitrogen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2002

Protecting waterbirds from watercraft

Research by James Rodgers and Stephen Schwikert found that flush distances for motorboats were greater than those for personal watercraft (PWC), allowing for more effective protection of waterbirds. The study recommends customized buffer zones to protect vulnerable species, such as great white herons.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002