Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 13, 2002


Obesity, stress among factors predicting high health care costs

A new study finds that lifestyle factors, including obesity and stress, significantly predict healthcare costs among young employed adults. Participants with high-risk scores for overall wellness, stress, or obesity used more healthcare services and incurred higher costs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateMar 13, 2002

Portable unit created to treat wastewater in remote locations

A portable wastewater treatment unit has been developed to treat wastewater in remote locations, using stainless steel screens and pressure filters with clay beads. The unit can treat 30,000 gallons per day of wastewater, producing partially dried sludge that can be disposed of with regular solid waste.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 13, 2002

Microtumor-induced vascular development

Glioma cells induce angiogenesis by interacting with host vasculature and sprouting new vessels, defying the cooptation model. Vascular outgrowth occurs as a continuous process of growth and remodeling, starting early in tumor progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mayo Clinic news briefs

A Mayo Clinic study finds an association between estrogen status and reduced coronary calcium and plaque area, suggesting a potential benefit against heart disease. Estrogen may modulate the calcium content of atherosclerotic plaques, slowing progression of atherosclerosis in women.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 13, 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.

School choices are limited for working class children

Research shows working-class children tend to opt for schools based on family background and local community, whereas middle-class families use tactics like home tutoring and strategic applications to secure better schools. The study highlights the emotional costs of current educational policy initiatives, revealing that high aspiratio...

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 13, 2002

Lack of inhibition strengthens nicotine addiction

Researchers found that nicotine prolongs the reward period by disabling the system that counterbalances its pleasant effects. This results in an enhanced ability to reinforce smoking behavior, making it challenging for people to quit despite the severe health consequences of tobacco use.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 13, 2002

Bacterial proteins cause autoimmunity in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Researchers found bacterial proteins cause autoimmune disorders in APS patients by mimicking endogenous host proteins. High-affinity antibodies against these proteins were pathogenic and induced symptoms similar to APS. The study raises concerns about vaccine risks, particularly the tetanus toxoid protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 2002

Researchers capture unusual sprite-like blue jet

Researchers have captured an unusual sprite-like blue jet over Puerto Rico, exhibiting characteristics of both blue jets and sprites. The event's unique features include a branching conical shape and hot spots, which are similar to those seen in computer models but not fully explained.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Many obese youth have condition that precedes type 2 diabetes

Many obese children and adolescents have impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that 25% of obese kids under 10 and 21% of teens between 11-18 had impaired glucose tolerance.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 13, 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.

Roadmaps & Rampways

The book highlights the success stories of 92% of AAAS internship program graduates, who went on to secure full-time jobs or graduate school. The study also explores the impact of laws like ADA and the role of mentors and families in overcoming barriers to employment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateMar 13, 2002

Study finds drops work as well as patch for 'lazy eye'

Researchers found that atropine drops can work just as effectively as patching in treating amblyopia, a condition of poor vision in one eye. Compliance is key, and the drops offer a convenient and stigma-free option for children and older patients.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMar 13, 2002

Oxidative damage to eNOS by tissue peroxynitrite

Research reveals that peroxynitrite damages endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), promoting uncoupled catalysis and oxidative stress in vascular tissues. This damage can propagate to other susceptible enzymes, exacerbating inflammation and oxidative stress.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 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.

Under construction: Information super highway getting wider

Researchers from Agere Systems transmitted 3.2 terabits of information per second over a 1000km long fiber optic line using DWDM technology. A separate team from Mitsubishi Japan has made progress on transoceanic class transmissions, aiming to establish longer connections between countries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateMar 13, 2002

U.S. forests may be products of pollution

New research suggests that unpolluted forests may exhibit more uniform nitrogen biogeochemistry than previously thought, with complex and idiosyncratic responses to human activities. This challenges long-held assumptions about the ecological function of forests near populated regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2002

Evidence behind claim of religion-health link is shaky, researchers say

A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found little to no empirical support for claims that religious involvement leads to better physical and mental health. The researchers analyzed the medical literature and found that most studies on religion and health were irrelevant or had significant methodological flaws.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMar 13, 2002