Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive June 2002


Page 4 of 8

Botox proving successful at preventing headaches

A study by Troost found Botox to be an effective preventive therapy for headache treatment, with 92% of patients experiencing improvement after four treatments. This alternative approach can reduce medication use and side effects, offering a promising solution for debilitating headaches.

Early statin use refined

A new analysis suggests that early statin use after a heart attack is only effective in patients with high cholesterol levels above the recommended guidelines. The study found no difference in mortality rates between those who received early statins and those who did not.

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.

Breast cancer mortality may be tied to prolonged exposure to low dose radiation

A study of female radiologic technologists found that prolonged exposure to low dose radiation is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mortality. Women who started working as radiologic technologists before 1940 were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than those who began working in 1960 or later.

Other highlights in the June 19 issue of JNCI

A study found that the GSTP1 polymorphism was associated with increased survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received platinum-based chemotherapy. Meanwhile, research on human herpesvirus-8 suggested that the K1 gene may play a role in malignant transformation.

Molecular 'stop signs' may hold secret of nerve regeneration

Scientists have identified brain chemicals that can stimulate nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury, providing a potential new target for intervention. By understanding how these chemicals interact with inhibitors, researchers hope to develop treatments to repair damaged nerve cells and improve outcomes for patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genetic manifestation of melanoma linked to geographic location

A study found that genetic mutation penetrance for melanoma varies by geographic location, with higher risks in countries like the US and Australia. Researchers suggest environmental factors contribute to this variation, contradicting previous assumptions about gene mutations and their impact on disease expression.

'Sloppy genes' behave like their neighbours

Researchers found over 200 groups of adjacent and similarly expressed genes in Drosophila melanogaster, accounting for approximately 20% of the genome. The 'sloppy' regulation may reflect chromatin's packaging and influence gene expression more by accident than design.

Tomato packs more cancer-fighting punch

Researchers at Purdue University and the USDA have developed tomatoes with significantly higher levels of lycopene, a key cancer-fighting antioxidant. The genetically modified tomatoes contain up to 3.5 times more lycopene than conventional varieties, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

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.

New model to help engineers improve heat-resistant coatings

A new computational model developed at Purdue University accurately predicts the performance of thermal-barrier coatings, allowing designers to predict the properties of various mixtures. The model has been shown to be over 90% accurate and promises to save time and money by ruling out ineffective mixtures.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fungi help some trees weather acid rain, not all

Researchers found that certain fungi can supply calcium to trees in acidic soils, reducing the loss of essential nutrients. However, not all tree species have beneficial fungal associations, and other factors like soil acidity can still hinder plant growth.

Ecological risks of GMOs come in unexpected ways, model shows

A computer model reveals that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can lead to the extinction of natural populations in as few as 20 generations. The research also identifies an 'invasion risk' where introduced genes spread through the population without reducing overall size.

Dartmouth/VA researchers examine news coverage of breast cancer prevention

A study by Dartmouth/VA researchers found that major US news media favored routine use of screening mammography and urged caution about tamoxifen, with greater emphasis on the negative aspects of the latter. The coverage of these issues highlights the need for balanced media reporting to focus on science rather than emotions or politics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

New insight into origin of superconductivity in magnesium diboride

Researchers used two techniques to examine the electronic structure of magnesium diboride, revealing interactions between electron holes that contribute to its superconductivity. The findings provide new insight into the material's properties and may lead to improved magnetic resonance imaging and electric power transmission.

HPET & CT image fusion study reveals limitations for radiotherapy planning

The study found that while the CT and HPET images could be co-registered within 2mm in centrally located tumor inserts, tumor inserts on the peripheral were only 8-10mm due to distortion and resolution loss of HPET images. This made it difficult for a therapist to refine treatment volume using the co-registered HPET/CT images.

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.

PET/CT may identify 'vulnerable' aortic plaque

A study using PET/CT scans found that 58.8% of patients had at least one positive focus of FDG uptake in the thoracic aortic wall, which may indicate 'vulnerable' plaque. This could lead to future cardiovascular events if left untreated.

FDG PET predicts outcome in osteosarcomas

The study found that higher initial FDG uptake in tumor was associated with poorer prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Patients identified as having high FDG uptake could be treated more aggressively to improve outcomes.

Experience alters how we perceive emotion

A recent study by Seth Pollak found that children who have experienced physical abuse categorize facial expressions differently than non-abused children. Abused children identified more faces as being 'angry' rather than fearful or sad. This suggests that experience can shape how people perceive and understand emotions.

Exploring the genetic commonality of alcohol and tobacco abuse

Researchers found that male and female rats selectively bred for high and low sensitivity to alcohol also exhibited differences in their response to nicotine. The study suggests that genetic factors may contribute to the co-occurrence of these two substances in individuals, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, June 18, 2002

A study found contaminated E. coli bacteria in hot sauces from popular tourist restaurants in Mexico and Texas, increasing the risk of travelers' diarrhea. A simple test can detect peripheral arterial disease by comparing blood pressure in the arm and lower leg.

Membrane filters offer options for cleaner water

University of Houston researchers are studying novel filtration membranes that can remove up to 90% of natural organic material from water. Their goal is to design better large-scale filtration systems to improve the quality of drinking water supplies, particularly in areas with contaminated or dirty water sources.

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.

Cardiac differences in infants born to HIV-positive mothers may persist

A long-term pediatric AIDS study of over 500 children reveals that cardiac abnormalities may persist in infants born to HIV-positive mothers. The study found that both infected and uninfected children had higher left ventricle mass and lower contractility, but differences dissipated over time.

New radioimmunotherapy cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a new radioimmunotherapy cancer treatment that has shown significant promise in treating mantle cell lymphoma. The study found that high-dose therapy resulted in complete remission for seven of eight patients, compared to only one of four with low-dose therapy.

New cellular evolution theory rejects Darwinian assumptions

A new cellular evolution theory challenges Darwinian assumptions by emphasizing horizontal gene transfer as the driving force behind cellular life's evolution. This process allowed for the acquisition of alien cellular components, including genes and proteins, to promote evolutionary change.

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.

Few women regret sterilization procedures

A recent study published by the NIH found that approximately 6-7% of women experience regret after tubal sterilization, with a higher risk for those who have experienced conflict with their husbands. The study also discovered that only 2% of women request reversal of either procedure.

PET reveals early coronary damage in young smokers

A PET scan study found impaired endothelium-dependent coronary artery vasodilator function in healthy young smokers, indicating increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that smoking begins to cause damage much earlier than previously thought, even in those without apparent coronary disease.

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.

Studies of spider's silk reveal unusual strength

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara study spider dragline silk's mechanical properties, revealing its elastic and strong nature. The protein unfolds into a modular structure with sacrificial bonds that reform under load, making it a promising material for bulletproof vests, armor, and tethers.

Improving water use in growing corn possible, study shows

Researchers developed a formula to accurately determine water-use efficiency in typical soils, showing that no-till techniques can improve crop yields while reducing runoff and drainage losses. Soils with higher clay content and greater capacity to retain water produce better results, highlighting the importance of soil type management.

H. William Strauss receives de Hevesy Pioneer Award

H. William Strauss is a pioneer in cardiovascular nuclear medicine and has published extensively on the subject. He recently received the de Hevesy Pioneer Award for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of nuclear medicine.

Jorge R. Barrio, PhD receives Aebersold Award for research

Dr. Barrio has made significant contributions to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease research, including the first PET study on plaque visualization in living brains. He also supports nuclear medicine research through various committees and publications.

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.

Researchers identify gene for most common paediatric malignant brain tumour

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that predisposes children to the most common type of pediatric brain tumor, medulloblastoma. This discovery could lead to new treatment options and improve survival rates. The study also found that the same signaling pathways affected in medulloblastomas are disrupted in other cancers.

Early intervention stops damage to insulin-producing cells

Researchers found that early treatment with insulin-resistant drugs saves about 30% more beta cells than late intervention, preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lessening the workload on beta cells can prevent or slow disease onset.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Insulin sensitizer has anti-inflammatory effect in diabetics

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone (Avandia) has a significant anti-inflammatory effect in Type 2 diabetes patients. The drug decreased levels of oxygen free radicals and inflammatory markers, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Hair loss syndrome created in mice

Researchers created a mouse model of hair loss syndrome, which sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and their effects on human diseases. The study found that genetic background plays a significant role in determining the severity of the condition, and could potentially inform gene therapy approaches.

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.

Intensification therapy studied in head and neck cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an intensification therapy regimen that combines chemotherapy and radiation to treat advanced head and neck cancers. The treatment has shown promising results, with a significant increase in survival rates and minimal patient non-compliance.