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Science News for May 2, 2002


Number of teens --primarily boys -- having sex declined in '90s

A new study by sociologists found that teenage boys' sex rates dropped 8.5% between 1991 and 1997, while teen pregnancy rates fell 14%. The decrease was largely attributed to fewer boys having sex during this period.

SourceUniversity of Washington·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 2, 2002
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Heavy drinkers bear the heavy burden of bleeding stroke

A new study has found that heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of bleeding stroke, with hypertension and genetic factors also contributing to the condition. The research, conducted by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, involved 107 individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 197 without stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateMay 2, 2002

Natural cholesterol-lowerer shows the way

A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002

Planning could preserve urban forests for future enjoyment

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that urban forest fires have led to increased tree density of specific species in New York City's undeveloped parklands. In contrast, an old-growth urban forest in Cleveland, Ohio, has remained stable with no history of forest fires since 1935.

SourcePenn State·JournalArboricultural Journal·DateMay 2, 2002

Successful measles vaccination feasible in low-income countries

In southern Africa, measles elimination strategies reduced reported clinical cases from 60,000 to 117 cases between 1996 and 2000. With overall vaccination coverage of 91%, continued national commitment is crucial for implementation and maintenance of proven strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Leprosy bug provides clues to early nerve degeneration

Researchers found that the leprosy bug attaches to Schwann cells, disrupting the myelin sheath and causing nerve damage. This discovery may provide insights into early molecular events of neurodegeneration processes in diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002

EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences

The EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences promotes active research and public outreach by recognizing innovative science communication. The award is given annually to a winning application that showcases imaginative and original works across various media forms.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateMay 2, 2002

American Chemical Society to honor Albert Szent-Györgyi

Albert Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of vitamin C and its extraction from paprika. He pioneered studies on biological oxidation mechanisms, leading to significant advances in biochemical understanding.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2002
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.

Study: Showering boosts concentrations of potentially hazardous trihalomethanes

Researchers found that showering increased THM levels in blood by a factor of four, suggesting the compounds are getting into the bloodstream through water use. The study investigated THM concentrations in women's blood before and after showering, revealing correlations with local tap water quality.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 2, 2002

Looking for clues about how proteins talk to each other

Researchers have found that highly connected proteins are unlikely to interact with each other, a phenomenon that helps reduce interference and increase stability in protein networks. This discovery was made possible by computer modeling of protein interactions in yeast cells, which revealed an

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002

Pentoxifylline beneficial for treating leg ulcers

A systematic review found pentoxifylline to be around 50% more effective than placebo in treating venous leg ulcers. The drug's addition to standard compression therapy showed a 30% increase in complete healing rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2002

Scientist explores the future of research collaboration

Researchers examine the evolution of collaboration, from World War I to modern-day global partnerships, highlighting its benefits and impact on scientific productivity. The study also delves into how emerging technologies like email and the Internet have revolutionized research collaboration, making it more diverse and effective.

SourceWilliams College·JournalScientometrics·DateMay 2, 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.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May (first issue)

Research finds that infants with flow limitation in breathing may be more likely to develop asthma, while rhinovirus infection increases disease severity in acute bronchiolitis, and exercise can be safely done by women with sickle cell anemia

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 2, 2002

Thunderstorms are affected by pollution

Aerosols from pollution particles reduce ice crystal sizes in thunderstorms, leading to less precipitation over land. Aerosol levels are highest over Northern Africa, with smaller ice crystals found in clouds above the eastern Pacific and southern Indian Oceans.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 2, 2002

Early promise of simple test for diagnosing malignant hyperthermia

Researchers propose a new test for diagnosing malignant hyperthermia by measuring carbon dioxide pressure after caffeine injection, showing increased CO2 levels in susceptible individuals. Further testing is needed to define sensitivity and specificity of the test before it can be used for diagnosis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2002

Gene may link alcohol drinking and stress, mouse study suggests in Science

A German study on mice found that genetic variations in a key stress-response gene may contribute to excessive alcohol consumption under stressful conditions. The researchers identified a specific receptor, CRH1, which is associated with increased alcohol intake in stressed mice, suggesting potential targets for preventing relapse.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 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.

Foods rich in folate may reduce risk of stroke

Research found that consuming at least 300mcg of folate per day reduces stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. Folate, a B-vitamin, is found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, and grain products.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateMay 2, 2002

Bidding goodbye to borders: migration in the new Europe

The report counters common views on uncontrolled immigration, citing improved information and matching migrants with employer needs. It suggests an auction-based system for migration permits to better match skills and demands.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 2, 2002

Hopkins scientists reveal how sound becomes electric

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding how we hear, revealing that tiny 'hair cells' release a barrage of chemical packets to an adjacent nerve when sound is detected. This finding could improve the design and programming of hearing aids and cochlear implants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 2, 2002
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.

Basic macromolecular research aimed at national defense technologies

The project focuses on fundamental breakthroughs in nanostructured macromolecular materials, with potential applications in military uniforms, miniaturized machines, displays, sensors, and actuators. Branched macromolecules will be studied to provide information for the development of high-tech surfaces and structures.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 2, 2002

Long-term safety data on Xalatan presented

A five-year study demonstrated Xalatan's efficacy in managing open-angle glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) sustainably. The treatment was well-tolerated, controlling IOP without surgery in 72% of patients.

SourceKetchum UK·DateMay 2, 2002

UF expert: ancient fossil suggests flowers may be underwater gift

A 125-million-year-old fossilized plant has provided clues about the evolution of modern flowering plants, which are the dominant vegetation on Earth. The discovery, made in northeast China, shows that flowering plants may have originated underwater before transitioning to land.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002

New treatment for difficult-to-treat inflammatory disease

Imatinib mesylate, a drug used to treat leukemia, has shown remarkable success in reducing eosinophil levels in people with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), a difficult-to-treat inflammatory disease. Four of five patients studied experienced complete elimination of symptoms.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 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.

Disorder forces DNA molecules out of tight spaces

DNA molecules are pulled into a dense array of pillars by an electric field and then recoil back into the open space due to entropic forces. The researchers estimate the minimum entropic force at 5.7 femtoNewtons, suggesting this method could be used to separate molecules by length.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2002

Steroid pill prolongs survival in patients with multiple myeloma

A recent study by the Southwest Oncology Group found that long-term treatment with prednisone after initial chemotherapy response significantly prolonged patient survival and delayed disease progression in those with multiple myeloma. Patients receiving higher doses of prednisone lived up to 37 months longer than those on lower doses.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalBlood·DateMay 2, 2002

Study shows infliximab can prolong remissions in Crohn’s disease

A multi-center research team found that infliximab prolonged remissions in moderate to severe Crohn's disease patients by twice as long at bi-monthly infusions compared to every eight weeks. The drug also helped patients reduce steroid use and improve quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2002

Scientists produce long, hair-like nanotubes

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a breakthrough method for producing long, hair-like strands of carbon nanotubes up to 20 centimeters in length. This simplified approach uses chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with a sulfur-containing compound and hydrogen, resulting in high yields of long strands.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A new weapon to disable bacteria discovered

Scientists have identified a mechanism by which neutrophils can neutralize disease-causing bacteria like Shigella and Salmonella. Elastase, an enzyme produced by neutrophils, destroys virulent proteins in bacteria, allowing for the mobilization of other defenses that can destroy the bacteria.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 2, 2002