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Science News Archive May 2002


Page 8 of 9

Heart attack patients may benefit from drinking tea

A study found that heavy tea drinkers had a 44% lower death rate than non-tea drinkers after a heart attack, while moderate tea drinkers had a 28% lower risk. Flavonoids in tea may help prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and improve endothelial function.

CF Foundation seizes proteomics for drug discovery

The CF Foundation is leveraging proteomics research to accelerate the discovery of new therapies for cystic fibrosis. By analyzing protein interactions and identifying novel targets, scientists aim to develop effective treatments that can correct faulty cells and prevent disease progression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low referral rates, low income keep women out of cardiac rehab programs

A new study found that women hospitalized for a heart attack or unstable angina are less likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation programs despite being good candidates. Women with lower family income and less confidence in their ability to improve their heart health face significant barriers to participation.

Next-generation training of peacekeepers is part technology, part psychology

Researchers are developing more realistic training simulations that take into account fatigue, stress, personal values, emotion, and cultural influences to improve skill attainment. The goal is to steer trainees away from behaviors contributing to crowd aggression, such as flaunting weapons or authoritarian governance.

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.

New methods for detecting brown recluse spider venom

Two new studies introduce a reliable assay to detect brown recluse spider venom in patients, reducing the need for invasive biopsies. The assay detects venom in hair, fluid from wounds, and skin biopsies, improving diagnosis accuracy and avoiding misidentifications.

Study: Katie Couric wakes up America on colonoscopy screening

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that Katie Couric's 2000 colonoscopy on-air campaign significantly increased colon cancer screenings, with a 19% rise and sustained increases for 40 weeks. The 'Couric Effect' suggests celebrity influence can drive public behavior change.

Human rabies often caused by undetected, tiny bat bites

Bats are the leading cause of human rabies in the US, with tiny bites going unnoticed. The study found it unlikely for bat rabies to be transmitted through the air or from an infected animal like a cat or dog. Dr. Gibbons advises seeking emergency care if direct contact occurs.

Astrocytes play starring role in neural stem cell development

Recent research reveals that astrocytes instruct neural stem cells on which developmental pathway to select, promoting neuronal maturation. The study also found that astrocytes trigger stem cell proliferation and differentiation into neurons, suggesting a new mechanism for regulating neural growth.

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.

Some smokers can't quit even after suffering head and neck cancers

A new study found that nearly a quarter of head and neck cancer patients continue to smoke, scoring lower on quality of life measures. Depression was also prevalent among these patients, with both smoking and depression associated with significantly poorer quality of life.

UCSF finding offers provocative insight into what drives cancer

The study found that the c-Myc protein has a key cancer-preventing mechanism, causing cell death, but also triggers the growth of invasive tumors when another oncoprotein is activated. Suppressing this mechanism can lead to rapid tumor regression and collapse of blood vessels.

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.

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.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

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.

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.

Depressed brains get better on placebo!

A study found that depressed patients who responded to a placebo treatment showed similar brain changes as those who received an antidepressant, but with additional changes in the brainstem and hippocampus. The researchers suggest that these changes may be necessary for long-term recovery.

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.

Working in Britain in 2000

A survey of nearly 2,500 employed people in Britain found that employees express declining loyalty to their organisations, working harder and longer. However, a growing proportion of the workforce needs advanced information technology skills, with most occupational groups indicating these skills are essential for their work.

Study finds a huge child care workforce waiting to be trained

A new study reveals that two-thirds of the nation's 2.3 million child care workers lack college training, highlighting the need for a massive national investment to train millions of caregivers. The study also found that early learning is crucial and requires qualified caregivers for toddlers aged 18-36 months.

Male/female health differences during life's final season

A study of older brother/sister twin pairs found that men and women had similar numbers of illnesses, with the exception of very life-threatening conditions. Women reported more total health problems and physical symptoms, while men had more cardiovascular conditions.

Placebo, antidepressant may lift depression via common mechanism

A team of researchers found that both placebo and antidepressant responders showed increased activity in the cortex, accompanied by decreased activity in limbic regions. Patients who responded to fluoxetine also experienced unique changes in lower brain areas thought to confer additional advantage in sustaining the response.

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.

Vitamin C transporter gene discovery in mice

A study published in Nature Medicine found that mice without a functional vitamin C transporter gene died shortly after birth due to severe health problems. The research suggests that vitamin C plays a crucial role in fetal lung development, which could have implications for premature infants and pregnant women.

New treatment for spinal disorder proves effective in UCSF study

A UCSF study shows that 80% of patients taking etanercept experience significant relief from ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. The drug reduces spinal inflammation and slows disease progression, offering a new therapeutic option for the chronic inflammatory arthritis.