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Science News for March 25, 2002


Waist circumference and body mass index predict body fat and disease risk

A study of 206 men and 135 women found that waist circumference and BMI are both strong predictors of nonabdominal, abdominal subcutaneous, and visceral fat stores. Combining these two measures is more effective at predicting abdominal obesity and its associated health risks than using either variable alone.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 25, 2002

Unexpected links found between many RNA viruses

Researchers found surprising parallels in RNA virus replication, suggesting a common strategy to kill various viruses. The discovery could lead to more general virus control strategies.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 25, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Effect of diet on risk of benign prostate disease in middle-aged men

A study of 33,344 participants found that higher dietary energy intake was associated with a greater risk of benign prostate disease. Additionally, high protein intake, especially from animal sources, and certain polyunsaturated fats increased the risk. The authors suggest that dietary factors may contribute to the development of BPH.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 25, 2002

Iron supplementation enhances aerobic training in iron-depleted women

A study found that iron supplementation significantly enhanced maximal oxygen uptake and respiratory exchange ratio in iron-depleted women, improving their adaptation to aerobic exercise. Women with more depleted initial iron status showed the most improvement.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 25, 2002

UC Berkeley chemists identify missing nitrogen oxide pollutant in atmosphere

Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified organic nitrogen oxides, previously unknown pollutants, which play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. The team's advanced detector can monitor NO compounds continuously with unprecedented sensitivity, enabling better predictions of ozone formation and air pollution impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMar 25, 2002
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Traits link viruses from common cold to HIV

Scientists found that viruses causing diverse ailments like AIDS, common cold, and hepatitis share functional traits, linking large groups of viruses. These traits involve replication mechanisms and messenger RNA stages, suggesting a common ancestor among the viruses. The discovery bolsters prospects for broad-spectrum antiviral agents.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 25, 2002

Scientists reveal secrets of infectious childhood heart disease

Researchers have identified genes unique to group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause acute rheumatic fever, a leading cause of childhood heart disease. The study also reveals that genetic material from different strains can be swapped, enabling the spread of the disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2002

Was Poet Emily Dickinson a closet geologist?

Researcher Michele L. Aldrich found that Dickinson's poetry incorporated geological terms, indicating an influence from her education at Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke College. This study aims to encourage students interested in geology to explore the subject through literary examples like Dickinson's poems.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 25, 2002
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Genomics and public health

The University of Michigan has launched a new Center for Genomics and Public Health, which aims to narrow the gap between genomics and public health practice. The center will examine population-based data to describe genes associated with cardiovascular disease and understand their interaction with other risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 25, 2002

Alaskan terrane shared seaway with Siberia and Ural Mountains

Geologists find strong similarities in Silurian marine fossils between Alaska, Urals, and Siberia, indicating a shared contiguous seaway. This discovery contradicts a previous hypothesis that the Alexander terrane was located in the Southern Hemisphere during the Silurian period.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 25, 2002

Hiroshima porcelain pieces provide insight into exposure levels

A new study by Union College geology student Jonathan MacDonald measures the neutron-induced fission tracks on porcelain fragments near ground zero in Hiroshima. The results provide insight into the exposure levels from the atomic bomb, with one sample showing a 2 to 2.5 times higher value than previous estimates.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 25, 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.

Rock solid evidence of Manicouagan impact causing earthquake

Lawrence H. Tanner found evidence of a Manicouagan impact causing an earthquake in the Fundy Rift Basin, a sedimentary basin 700 km away from the impact site. The association between the impact and paleoseismicity was made using shocked quartz grains, providing a stratigraphic context for the event.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateMar 25, 2002

Millions of migraine sufferers could benefit from better use of medical care

A recent study found that migraine prevalence in the US has remained stable over the past decade, with many sufferers relying on over-the-counter medications. The study suggests that millions of people could benefit from proper medical attention, which can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 25, 2002

Alzheimer’s disease with psychotic behaviors aggregates in families

A study by Robert A. Sweet MD establishes that Alzheimer's disease with psychosis (AD+P) may aggregate in families, suggesting a genetic link. The presence of psychotic symptoms in AD patients is also linked to aggressive behavior, rapid decline, and early institutionalization.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 25, 2002
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

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