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Science News for May 21, 2002


Studying the strength of protein bonds one molecule at a time

Penn researchers used laser tweezers to study the strength of ligand-receptor binding in platelets, refining the paradigm of how blood clots form. They found that changes in integrin's ability to bind to fibrinogen are regulated by the cell as an all-or-none phenomenon with only one functional state compatible with binding.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 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.

More preventive tuberculosis treatment should reduce cases in non-US-born

Researchers found that treating latent tuberculosis infections in non-U.S.-born residents may help decrease active disease cases. A new treatment regimen with shorter duration and fewer doses could improve compliance, but targeting only US-born populations is insufficient to solve the problem.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2002

New guidelines for managing women with abnormal pap smears

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology has released comprehensive national consensus guidelines to evaluate women with abnormal Pap tests. The guidelines recommend utilizing new technologies, including liquid-based cytology and HPV testing, to standardize care.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 21, 2002

Implantable pain pumps improve cancer patients' quality of life

Researchers found that implantable pain pumps improved cancer patients' quality of life by increasing survival rates, reducing pain and side effects. Patients treated with the pump had significantly less fatigue, constipation, and nausea compared to those on medical management.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMay 21, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Obesity and smoking increase asthma risk

A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that obesity and smoking significantly increase asthma risk in adults. Women were 94% more likely than men to have asthma, while people in lower socioeconomic groups were 30% more likely to be affected.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2002

Jefferson scientists find Cox-2 may play role in some brain tumors

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that COX-2 expression is higher than normal in meningioma and pituitary macroadenomas, with more aggressive disease associated with greater enzyme presence. The study opens up opportunities for designing potential therapies against brain tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateMay 21, 2002

Mechanics of bacterium’s toxin being unraveled

Brenda A. Wilson's research explores Pasteurella multocida toxin's mechanism, revealing its impact on Gq protein and cell damage. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating toxin-mediated diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 21, 2002

Menopause dashes sex life

A study of Melbourne women found a decline in sexual interest, arousal, and frequency during menopause, with estradiol levels plummeting. Relationship factors, not hormonal changes, have the greatest impact on sexual response.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMay 21, 2002
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

DNA testing identifies suspect bacteria in coral reef disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have identified the main bacteria associated with black band disease, a widespread coral disease characterized by a ring-shaped bacterial mat. The study found that cyanobacteria are a key factor in the development of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 21, 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.

Ramoplanin beats antibiotic resistance by fighting the battle on its own terms

Researchers discovered that ramoplanin effectively targets bacteria's ability to build cell walls, dodging common mechanisms of mutational resistance. This finding could lead to the development of new classes of antibiotics for treating drug-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2002

Jefferson scientists create first animal model of common type of leukemia

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed an animal model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. The model enables scientists to investigate biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and test potential new drugs.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2002

Grandparent divorce weakens relationships with grandchildren

Research by Penn State's King found that ever-divorced grandparents live farther away from their grandchildren than married grandparents. Grandfathers report less contact and higher conflict with grandchildren compared to grandmothers. However, a good parent-grandparent relationship can mitigate the negative influence of divorce.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 21, 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.

Secondhand smoke impairs lung function in women

A study by the American Thoracic Society found that non-smoking females with and without asthma experience decreased lung function due to secondhand smoke exposure. High levels of cotinine, a marker of secondhand smoke exposure, were associated with lower lung function in these women.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2002

Bacteria point the way to gold deposits

A study found that B. cereus spores are associated with high numbers of gold-containing soils, suggesting their potential use as a biogeochemical indicator. The method could help geologists locate gold deposits at low cost and efficiency.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 21, 2002