Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 30, 2002


New climate study challenges thinking on large-scale, global climate change

A new climate study found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a period of wet climate conditions. The research contradicts traditional thinking on global glaciation and suggests an alternative trigger for climate change.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2002

First consensus guidelines on lightning safety issued before summer storms

The American College of Emergency Physicians has issued first consensus guidelines on lightning safety before summer storms. These guidelines emphasize the importance of individual responsibility in avoiding lightning injury and provide tips on safer practices, including knowing safe locations and following weather updates.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

UNC studies add new dimension to 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action

A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMay 30, 2002

Fat cells transformed to resemble nerve cells

Duke University researchers have successfully transformed adult stem cells taken from fat into cells that resemble nerve cells. The new cells were grown in the laboratory using chemicals and growth factors, and showed promise as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders. While further research is needed to determine th...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateMay 30, 2002

New study challenges traditional notions of global climate change

Researchers found that glaciers in the tropical Andes Mountains retreated several thousand years earlier than North American glaciers during a wet period, indicating temperature change was the primary cause of glacial retreat. This challenges conventional wisdom that high northern latitudes drive global climate change.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2002

Brain signal boosts as monkey nears reward

Researchers studied monkey behavior in a task that simulates goal-driven actions, revealing a boost in brain signal as the reward neared. The signal is thought to sustain goal-directed behavior and may underlie abnormal activity in the brain area associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restricting epileptic drivers unnecessary, counterproductive

Epilepsy does not increase motor vehicle crash risks compared to other medical conditions; regulations hinder patients from seeking proper care. Mandatory reporting laws are discriminatory and destroy patient-physician confidentiality.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 2002

Physicians and dentists play important role in smoking practices of the elderly

A recent study by Dr. Mark S. Kaplan and colleagues found that regular physician visits and dental check-ups are strongly associated with lower rates of smoking among older adults. The study analyzed data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey, which surveyed over 73,000 households across Canada.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateMay 30, 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.

Study finds public lacks awareness of effective alcohol control policies

A national survey found that most adults are unaware of the effectiveness of policies like raising taxes on alcoholic beverages and increasing the drinking age. Effective measures have saved tens of thousands of lives, but public awareness is needed to prevent accidents.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 2002

Students invent voice-activated grasping tool for disabled man

A team of Johns Hopkins University students designed and built a muscle enhancement device that enables a disabled man to grasp and lift small objects. The device uses two motors, voice recognition software, and an exo-skeleton inspired by science fiction to provide mechanical help in moving the man's fingers and bending his elbow.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMay 30, 2002

High tech sky tech

Researchers aim to develop autonomous intelligent network and systems that can perform coordinated actions without human intervention. The goal is to create a 'commander' giving broad operational orders, while agents work together to overcome complex challenges, such as distributed signal processing and wireless communication.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 30, 2002

Emily Dickinson’s influence on modern writers topic of book

Gardner's book examines how contemporary writers are expanding and testing the idea of 'fallen poetics' explored by Dickinson. The author analyzes works by Robinson, Graham, Wright, and Howe, among others, to understand their responses to human limits and the opening out of human responsiveness.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMay 30, 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.

New diagnostic faecal test could identify colorectal cancer

A new diagnostic faecal test detected MCM2-positive cells in 37 of 40 patients known to have colorectal cancer, but not in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that the test could be suitable for population screening, either alone or in combination with other tests.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 2002

Cancer-suppressing protein is part of amoeba's compass

PTEN, a cancer-suppressing protein, directs cells by anchoring to the cell membrane and regulating phosphate groups. Its presence helps cells move forward while restricting movement at the back, crucial for sensing direction. The findings could have implications in understanding cancer spread and metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2002

Drug prescribing by nurses in the UK - Editor of the Lancet urges caution

The Lancet's editor urges caution on expanding nurse prescribing rights in the UK, citing concerns over inadequate training and potential risks to patient care. The government's plan to extend prescribing powers to all nurses is criticized for its haste and lack of regard for nursing professional boundaries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 30, 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.

Triggering remembrances

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the CA3 region of the hippocampus is essential for 'pattern completion', allowing memories to be recalled from partial representations. The study involved genetically engineered mice with impaired NMDA receptor function in the CA3 region, which displayed deficits in memory recall.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2002

Underwater show stoppers

Scientists have observed glowing coral reefs when illuminated with blue light, which could be used to map specific coral groups within a reef. This phenomenon is related to species and coral health, providing a potential tool for managing sensitive military areas and detecting man-made objects.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 30, 2002
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Was Einstein wrong?

A team of scientists led by Indiana University's Alan Kostelecky aims to determine if Albert Einstein's theory of relativity holds true. By comparing extremely precise clocks in zero gravity, they may find changes that contradict the theory, revolutionizing our understanding of space and time.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 2002

When every minute counts

QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 30, 2002

Emergency physicians set higher standards of education for themselves

Leaders in emergency medicine will read the same articles to share a common knowledge and background, with annual self-assessment tests to prove mastery of medical literature. The requirement aims to improve patient safety and physician accountability, as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 2002
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study finds elderly patients know too little about their medications

A study found that elderly patients with multiple prescription medications have difficulty identifying them, dosages, frequencies, and indications. The study suggests that this issue may be more widespread among elderly patients who are disoriented or medically unstable.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 30, 2002