Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2002


Ergonomic changes help musculoskeletal problems

A Cornell University study found that workers using proper ergonomic products and trained in their use experience a significant decline in musculoskeletal problems. The study, which involved coordinating ergonomic interventions with training, showed improvements in nearly half of the participants.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 4, 2002

The effect of laws mandating bicycle helmet use

The study found a significant increase in bicycle helmet use from 36% to 84%, resulting in a decrease in head injuries among cyclists. However, another commentator suggests that legislation alone may not be sufficient to promote safe cycling and recommends combining it with other strategies such as bike paths.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 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.

Fighting the spread of sudden oak death

A new water mold fungus, Sudden Oak Death, is killing oaks in California and poses a threat to Eastern US forests. The fungus can spread through plant transportation or infected mud, and has already killed over 100,000 trees.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateMar 4, 2002

New technology may benefit health care, bioterror defense

Researchers at University of Houston develop new direct molecular sensing technology for rapid genetic information sequencing, potentially saving lives in bioterrorism attacks. The technology could also enable personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to an individual's unique genetic makeup.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMar 4, 2002
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.

Fusion in a flash?

Tiny, super-hot bubbles created by acoustic cavitation may be producing nuclear fusion, according to researchers. The experiment produced stable bubbles that could expand to nearly a millimeter before collapsing, and detected higher levels of tritium and neutrons.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2002

Optical tweezers show how DNA uncoils

Using optical tweezers, researchers have observed the dynamic structure of individual nucleosomes for the first time. They found that DNA in these units can be released from histones through a three-stage process, allowing enzymes like RNA polymerase to access genetic information.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, March 5, 2002

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating vomiting after chemotherapy or surgery, as well as nausea associated with pregnancy. However, its effectiveness in treating chronic pain, back pain, and headache is still a topic of debate, with conflicting results from clinical trials.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2002

University of Warwick researchers in nose-on-a-chip-project

Researchers from the University of Warwick, Leicester, and Edinburgh are developing a nanotechnology-based electronic nose that mimics human olfactory sensors. The device aims to improve the sensitivity and processing power of existing electronic noses, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental pollutants and food safety.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateMar 4, 2002

Two viruses team up in West Nile vaccine

Researchers have developed a hybrid vaccine that protects mice from West Nile virus infection by combining weakened dengue and West Nile viruses. The vaccine stimulates strong immune responses and has shown to be effective in mice, paving the way for human trials.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2002

Transplanted stem cells restore function in stroke

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully transplanted stem cells into laboratory animals with stroke, restoring brain function. The study demonstrates that bone marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia, offering hope for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateMar 4, 2002
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.

Study details costs of providing care inconsistent with patient wishes

A study of 1,185 seriously ill patients found that 60% expressed a preference for comfort care but 35% believed they received aggressive treatment. Patients who received inconsistent care had significantly higher medical costs and lower survival rates.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 4, 2002

Steroid nasal spray more effective against hay fever

A new study has found that fluticasone steroid nasal spray is more effective in reducing symptoms and inflammation of seasonal allergies compared to a combination of antihistamines. The treatment had minimal side effects, with the researchers preferring it due to its effect on inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMar 4, 2002

New scale measures customer service quality of Web sites

A new five-dimension scale assesses consumers' perceptions of Internet retail service quality, highlighting factors such as performance, information, security, sensation, and access. The scale helps online retailers identify areas for improvement to increase customer satisfaction and drive sales.

SourceKansas State University·DateMar 4, 2002

Link found between kids’ sleep, behavior problems

A new study reveals a strong link between children's sleep problems and behavioral issues like hyperactivity and inattention. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that children who snore often are nearly twice as likely to have attention and hyperactivity problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2002
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.

Evidence of PSA screening efficacy lacking

Evidence suggests PSA screening may not significantly reduce prostate cancer mortality rates. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and provide clarity on the effectiveness of PSA screening at a population level.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2002

X-ray camera images fuel injection in action

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel X-ray camera capable of capturing microsecond images of events hidden to optical cameras. The camera successfully imaged shock waves generated by high-pressure fuel sprays, providing new insights into the distribution and atomization of diesel fuel.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2002