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Science News Archive January 2002 - Page 5


Page 5 of 7

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

Women who suppress their emotions end up more angry

Research finds that women who suppress their anger experience more intense feelings of anger and disgust than men. This 'rebound effect' suggests that suppressing emotions may not be an effective strategy for managing anger.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 13, 2002

Human genome sequence yields new tool for microbe-hunting

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a method for detecting unknown microorganisms in human tissue, leveraging DNA sequencing data. The technique, called computational subtraction, has shown promise in identifying novel infectious agents in mysterious chronic diseases.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 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.

Pondering a climate conundrum in Antarctica

Researchers at NSF Longterm Ecological Research in Antarctica found a cooling trend on the continent, contradicting global warming expectations. The study indicates that most of the continent is cooling, posing challenges to climate models and potentially affecting unique ecosystems.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2002

Depression and difficulty expressing feelings are associated with eating disorders

A study of 820 female college students found depression and alexithymia more strongly associated with disordered eating than childhood abuse and neglect. Researchers suggest interventions addressing adaptive coping mechanisms for depression may help individuals with disordered eating behaviors.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateJan 13, 2002

Antibiotic prescription patterns violate guidelines, increase costs

A study found that only 24% of antibiotics prescribed for women's urinary tract infections are the recommended drug, down from 48% in 1990. The alternative medications are no more effective and cost 11-40 times as much. This trend appears to result from non-clinical forces such as pharmaceutical promotions and sub-specialty culture.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2002

Doctors steer sick patients away from capitated HMOs

A national survey of 787 physicians found that 40% encourage sicker patients to avoid capitated managed care plans and 23% encourage healthier patients to join them. This practice, known as risk selection, raises legal, ethical, and policy issues.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 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.

Patients consider dropping doctors who are poor communicators

A recent study of over 2,000 patients found that good communication is crucial for building trust with physicians. Patients who experience poor communication or feel left out of medical decisions are more likely to consider changing their primary care provider.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2002

Attitudes towards depression vary with culture

A study found significant cultural differences in depression attitudes between Protestants and Jews, particularly among Jewish men who were less likely to use alcohol as an escape from depression. The research also revealed gender differences in attitudes towards alcohol and suicide.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJan 12, 2002

Simple blood test in doctor's office could detect new cases of diabetes

A simple blood test can identify millions of patients with previously undetected diabetes, according to a new study. The test, HgA1c, accurately indicates blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months and detects at least 75 percent of cases of diabetes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2002

USDA establishes Honeybee Genetics and IPM Center

The new center will focus on developing solutions to the two major threats to honeybees, including parasitic mites and Africanized honeybees. It aims to create mite-resistant stocks of honeybees using molecular technologies and traditional breeding methods.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 11, 2002
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Congo River Basin: Geology and soil type influence drought impact

Researchers found that soil geology plays a significant role in the Congo River Basin's response to drought. The basin's varied geology, including ferruginous cuirassed peneplain, sandy soils, and porous aquifers, affects discharge reduction rates during droughts.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJan 11, 2002

New study: Girls barely trail boys in mathematics

Contrary to previous research, a new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that U.S. girls hardly surpass U.S. boys in mathematical ability. The study analyzed data from elementary school through high school and found no significant gender differences until late high school, when the gap was only 1.5 percent.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalSocial Forces·DateJan 11, 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.

The SMART way to fight AIDS

The SMART trial aims to find a balance between aggressive HIV treatment and minimizing adverse side effects. The study will compare two distinct treatment approaches over an average of seven years, providing valuable insights into the optimal use of antiviral therapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJan 10, 2002

Astronomers discover gold in ancient star

Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJan 10, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January (First Issue)

A study on preterm birth found that premature infants' lungs develop under different conditions after birth, affecting lung function. Leukotriene antagonists improved treatment for moderate to severe asthma by increasing pulmonary function and reducing symptoms. A personalized oral appliance also showed significant improvement in child...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 10, 2002
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Canis Majoris has sand and whiskers in its eyes

Researchers using the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory have found that VY Canis Majoris' smoky shroud consists of tiny particles made up of iron whiskers and amorphous silicates. The study provides new insights into the star's massive outflow, which is driven by intense pressure from its light output.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2002

Fly cells on the move may reveal clues to cancer metastases

Researchers used genetic tricks with fruit flies to identify the key signal allowing stationary cells in the ovary to travel. They found a protein called Unpaired that activates these cells, which may help clarify how human cancer cells invade distant tissues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 2002

Astronomers determine color of the universe

Researchers used data from thousands of galaxies to assess theories of star formation and stellar population dynamics. The cosmic spectrum shows a predominantly greenish hue due to the large numbers of old red stars and young blue stars in the universe.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJan 10, 2002

There's more to ice ages than main theory explains

Scientists have tracked sea level changes and volumes of glacial ice using fossil corals. The study found that sea levels rose too early to be consistent with Milankovitch's orbital forcing, implying other factors can override glacial cycles.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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.

Over 40,000 lives lost worldwide every year

A new study strengthens evidence that aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes in patients with high-risk conditions like angina and diabetes. Researchers estimate an extra 40,000 lives could be saved annually if more people with these conditions receive aspirin.

SourceClinical Trial Service Unit, Oxford University·DateJan 10, 2002

Sudan - a war against the people

Child malnutrition rates are 50% in some conflict areas, while vaccine-preventable diseases persist due to the ongoing war. Militia groups regularly direct armed raids against Dinka villages, resulting in deaths and disappearances of family members, particularly children under 5 years old.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2002

Physicists see once-in-a-trillion event — again!

Researchers confirm rare kaon decay through 6 trillion decays, shedding light on fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe. The discovery is a significant confirmation of earlier findings and paves the way for further study of exotic aspects of the Standard Model.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 10, 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.

Brain protein tied to sleep and feeding also involved in bodily sensations

A brain protein linked to narcolepsy helps regulate bodily sensations and modulate sensory input from the body. Hypocretin-2 was found to inhibit activity of neurons associated with pain and temperature sensation, suggesting a potential mechanism connecting wakefulness and sensory modulation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 10, 2002

Staff workload risk factor for infant death intensive care

A comprehensive UK study highlights the risk factor of high staff workload on infant mortality in intensive care units. After adjusting for initial clinical risk and illness severity, patient volume and staffing provision did not influence mortality or cerebral-damage outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 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.

Minority patients face barriers to optimum end-of-life care

A review article highlights ethnic differences in access to medical services, particularly end-of-life care, among minority groups. Cultural mistrust and lack of awareness about individual patient preferences also hinder effective care.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 2002

Researchers find gene involved in pain relief

A genetic mechanism involved in pain modulation has been discovered, which could lead to an entirely new approach to pain control. Genetically engineered mice lacking the DREAM gene showed dramatic loss of pain sensitivity compared to those with the gene.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 2002

Abstaining smokers fare better after surgery

A study found that preoperative smoking intervention significantly reduces postoperative complications in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement. Smoking cessation or reduction leads to fewer wound-related and cardiovascular complications, with a significant decrease in hospital stay duration.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 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.

HIV-1-positive women at increased risk of genital cancer

A prospective population study found that HIV-1-positive women are 16 times more likely to develop vulvovaginal or perianal lesions than HIV-1-negative women. The study suggests that HIV-1-positive women should have a thorough inspection of the vulva and perianal region during gynaecological examination.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2002

Study adds to the understanding of musical pitch perception

A new study reveals that specific subdivisions of the auditory cortex play a crucial role in identifying fine distinctions in pitch. The research found that subtle manipulations in the brain's response to complex tones can significantly impact our perception of musical nuances.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJan 10, 2002