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Science News for May 20, 2002


Depression predicts quality of life for lung transplant patients

Duke University researchers found depression to be a significant predictor of worse quality of life and perceived shortness of breath in patients awaiting lung transplantation. The study suggests that treating depression could improve outcomes after lung transplantation, which could benefit patients with severe lung disease like COPD.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMay 20, 2002

New technology creates 'super soap'

Researchers developed Microbial Anti-attachment Technology (MAT), reducing bacteria attachment by 50-58% compared to traditional soaps. The technology uses three cosmetic ingredients to deposit a thin film on skin, blocking bacteria-binding sites and altering surface properties.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2002

'Meow' isn't language, but enough to manage humans

A study by Cornell University's Nicholas Nicastro found that cats use acoustic features to convey urgency and demand, but not true language. Cats have become skilled at managing humans for food, shelter, and affection without using complex language.

SourceCornell University·DateMay 20, 2002

Effect of race in prostate cancer survival is questioned

A recent study has challenged the long-held notion that African-Americans with prostate cancer have a poorer prognosis than their white counterparts. Researchers found that, when treated within clinical trial settings, African-American patients survived for an average of 15 months, comparable to 14-month survival rates for whites.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateMay 20, 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, May 13, 2002

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all adults for depression, according to new guidelines. A Canadian study also found that men and women receive equal treatment for coronary heart disease once their condition is known, challenging previous reports of bias.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 2002

New food-addiction link found

Researchers found that mere sight or smell of food spikes levels of dopamine in the brain, a key player in addiction. The study also showed that certain medications can amplify weak dopamine signals, potentially helping with weight management.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalSynapse·DateMay 20, 2002

Columbia dental school receives grant to expand oral health services for underserved children

Columbia University Irving Medical Center has received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to expand its oral health services for underserved children. The program, led by the School of Dental and Oral Surgery (SDOS), aims to provide comprehensive medical care, including dental services, to children in need. With the suppor...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMay 20, 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.

Choice-based placement policies are insufficient to shift low-income and minority students

A three-year study found that choice-based placement policies failed to improve academic outcomes for low-income and minority students due to institutional barriers and student aspirations. Students often preferred familiar low-track classrooms over honors courses, citing role strain and desire for respect.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMay 20, 2002

White wine may benefit lungs

A study of 1,555 adults found that drinking white wine may be beneficial for lung health, with greater lung function observed in those who consumed white wine compared to red wine. The antioxidant flavonoids in white wine are thought to play a key role in this protective effect.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2002

Happy 80th birthday, vitamin E!

Most Americans are getting less than the recommended daily intake of vitamin E, with almonds being a concentrated source of this essential nutrient. Almonds deliver more nutrition per calorie compared to other snack foods.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateMay 20, 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.

Leading Minds of tomorrow, rewarded today

Three exceptional researchers have been awarded the Young Minds in CNS Award for their innovative work on residual symptoms in bipolar disorder, serotonin receptors in anxiety disorders, and thalamic neurochemistry in schizophrenia. The $20,000 award will support career development and attendance at international congresses.

SourceShire Health International·DateMay 20, 2002

FDA approves Actonel for once-a-week use

The FDA has approved Actonel 35 mg once-a-week for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, showing a significant increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months. The study found that once-a-week dosing is therapeutically equivalent to daily dosing.

SourceHill and Knowlton·DateMay 20, 2002

USPSTF urges primary care doctors to screen all adults for depression

The USPSTF recommends screening all adults for depression, as five percent to nine percent of adult patients in primary care settings suffer from the condition. Depression can be treated with counseling, medications, or both, reducing health care utilization and costs associated with lost workdays.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 2002

Unique population of muscle stem cells found in mice

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a unique population of muscle stem cells that can be transplanted into mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, delivering the key protein dystrophin and improving muscle regeneration. The study suggests these cells may hold promise for treating the genetic disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 20, 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.

CONVINCE trial results unveiled at annual hypertension meeting

The CONVINCE trial demonstrated that a controlled-onset extended-release calcium channel blocker, COVERA-HS, can provide equivalent effects to standard care therapy in reducing cardiovascular events. The study found that over 84% of patients achieved blood pressure control after medication titration.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateMay 20, 2002

Improving accuracy of cross-cultural neuropsychological testing

Researchers found that African Americans scored lower on neuropsychological tests due to poor educational experiences, but incorporating reading tests addressed this issue. The study suggests that including reading assessments can improve diagnosis accuracy among individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateMay 20, 2002
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.

Prehistoric human footpaths lure archaeologists back to Costa Rica

Researchers are studying prehistoric human footpaths in Costa Rica, which were visible only through satellite images but invisible to the naked eye. The team hopes to uncover insights into ancient settlements, cultural practices, and potential connections between villages.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMay 20, 2002

Iron-binding compounds decrease body odor

Researchers identified iron as a key factor in axillary bacterial growth and developed an iron-chelating compound, DTPA, to inhibit bacterial growth. Combining DTPA with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) showed significant deodorancy benefits by limiting the bacteria's access to iron.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2002

Engineers create robotic system to make composite material

A team of researchers from Purdue University and their partners have developed a new manufacturing approach to produce carbon-carbon composites at lower cost. The robotic system uses computer control to precisely deposit carbon fibers, resulting in better part quality and reduced production time.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 20, 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.

Elderly colon cancer patients benefit from chemotherapy and surgery

Researchers found that elderly patients with lymph node involvement in colon cancer experienced a 30% reduction in mortality at five years after diagnosis with both chemotherapy and surgery. This contradicts the common assumption that age is a deterrent for these treatments, allowing doctors and patients to make more informed decisions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 2002

Paths to egalitarian gender attitudes differ

A study by Dr. Scott Myers and Dr. Alan Booth found that sons rely on more factors than daughters to become forerunners, with early family life in a two-parent household playing a crucial role. In contrast, women tend to develop egalitarian attitudes through education and entering the workforce.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateMay 20, 2002

Terror aftermath tough on psychiatric patients, study shows

A study conducted at Brown University found that 33 percent of psychiatric patients, compared to 13 percent of medical patients, reported significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric patients were more likely to experience trauma-related symptoms such as thinking about the attacks and avoiding reminders.

SourceBrown University·DateMay 20, 2002
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers solve killer protein's 'crime'

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that the 'Reaper' protein triggers programmed cell death by instructing a fly cell's principal guard protein, DIAP1, to self-destruct. This finding may lead to novel strategies for targeting immortal cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 20, 2002

New Jersey chemist and educator receives award for fostering diversity

Brown, a renowned chemist and educator, has been recognized for her efforts to promote diversity in the chemical workplace. Through various initiatives, she has acted as a mentor and role model for underrepresented groups, serving on committees and participating in programs that encourage STEM education.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2002

Compound identified in grapes may fight cancer and diabetes

Scientists have identified pterostilbene, found in grapes, as having similar anticancer properties to resveratrol and potential antidiabetic benefits. Laboratory tests on cells showed that pterostilbene can prevent cell damage caused by cancer-causing agents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 20, 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.

Optimistic outlook may benefit lungs

A new study suggests that an optimistic outlook may improve lung function in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Optimism was linked to higher lung function and slower rate of decline in lung function compared to pessimistic individuals, even after controlling for smoking.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2002

New Jersey researcher receives award for petroleum research

Shun C. Fung, a senior engineering associate at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, has received the American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Award for his work on improving catalyst reuse. His research enabled petroleum companies to capture and reuse expensive catalysts, passing millions of dollars in savings to cons...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2002
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

The pathway to anxiety begins early in life

A study published in Nature found that mice without a serotonin receptor gene exhibit anxiety-like behaviors, indicating the gene plays a crucial role in regulating emotional circuitry. The research suggests that anxiety may be laid down during early development, and that adult brains without the serotonin receptor create normal behavior.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2002