Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 10, 2002


The greening of the North: real, and caused by climate change

Satellite observations show northern regions experiencing a 'greening' trend over the past two decades, with spring advancing by about a week and summer maximum leaf cover increasing. The LPJ model confirms this trend, attributing it to warming caused by climate change, while also highlighting other factors such as increased carbon dio...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2002

Mimicking a human disease in mice

Researchers created mice with human alpha-synuclein gene to study MSA pathology. Healthy cells do not produce this protein, while affected cells form insoluble inclusion bodies.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 10, 2002

How does serotonin effect depression

Researchers investigate how reducing serotonin levels affects people with and without depression. The study uses tryptophan depletion to temporarily lower serotonin levels in participants, aiming to discover new ways to predict who is at risk for major depression and when treatment can be safely discontinued.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateJun 10, 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.

Genetic engineering could salvage once-promising anti-cancer agents

Researchers have developed a way to modify genes that create maytansinoids, potentially making them more effective against tumors and better tolerated by patients. The technique uses genetic engineering to alter the chemical structure of the anti-cancer agents, reducing toxicity and improving efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2002

Interplanetary rapid transit system

The proposed system uses autonomous spaceships to transport crews between Earth and Mars, enabling frequent 5-month trips. The design architecture includes Astrotels and Taxis, which will facilitate sustainable Mars habitation and exploration.

SourceGlobal Aerospace Corporation·DateJun 10, 2002

Expeditions find no evidence of ivory-billed woodpecker

Researchers from Cornell University deployed acoustic recording units to capture sounds from the Pearl River drainage, but found no indication of the ivory-billed woodpecker's presence. The technology may provide conclusive evidence on future sound recordings.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 10, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electrodiagnostic studies the better alternative for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome

The American Academy of Neurology endorses electrodiagnostic tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These tests offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The guideline recommends laboratory studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis of CTS due to its importance in treating patients who frequently require surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 10, 2002

Mosquitoes repelled by tomato-based substance

A natural compound found in tomatoes has been patented and licensed for production as an insect repellent. The substance, IBI-246, is considered slightly safer than DEET and repels a range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 10, 2002

Osteoporosis is costly for Californians, according to UCSF researchers

A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that osteoporosis has significant economic costs for Californians, with Medicare paying for most hospital care and nursing home care being the largest expense. Early detection and prevention are critical to reducing these costs, which include indirect losses due to premature death.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJun 10, 2002

Bacterial control of zebra mussels, low power radio

A common soil bacterium produces a toxin that kills zebra mussels, causing major problems in water-dependent infrastructure. Preliminary tests indicate the microbe does not harm other species, paving the way for commercialization and potential use as an eco-friendly control agent.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateJun 10, 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.

Breast cancer rising among Asian-American women

A recent study by the University of Southern California reveals that breast cancer incidence rates have increased significantly among Asian-American women, particularly those of Japanese descent. The study found that breast cancer rates for Japanese and Filipino women were about double those for Chinese and Korean women.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 10, 2002

Findings show exceptional longevity runs in families

A study found that sisters of centenarians have about half the risk of dying at any given age compared to the national average. Brothers of centenarians also exhibit low mortality rates, especially during young adulthood, increasing their chances of becoming centenarians.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2002

Update on national asthma guidelines released

The new guidelines stress the importance of inhaled corticosteroids for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. The update also highlights the need for further research on combination therapy, particularly in young children.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·DateJun 10, 2002

'Trojan horse' technology destroys blood supply to cancer tumors in mice

Researchers have developed a new technique using the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a carrier to deliver a toxic agent selectively to tumor blood vessels. This approach has shown impressive anti-tumor effects in mice with human melanoma and prostate cancer, reducing tumor growth by up to 16 percent.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 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.