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Science News for November 1, 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 study focuses on after-school hours

A $3.3 million NIH-funded grant will test whether changing the afternoon environment can increase physical activity, improve diets, and reduce body fat in third-graders.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 1, 2002

Genetic variant may impact smoking cessation

A genetic variant in the CYP2B6 gene has been found to impact smoking cessation success. Researchers discovered that smokers with a decreased activity variant of this gene were more likely to relapse during treatment. The study also suggests that bupropion may be more effective for female smokers, particularly those with the polymorphism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPharmacogenetics·DateNov 1, 2002

Perception of punishment undermines HIV treatment adherence

A recent study published in Psychosomatics found that HIV-positive patients who perceive their illness as a 'punishment' experience lower self-esteem and increased depression. The research highlights the need for addressing psychosocial issues, such as punishment beliefs about HIV, on self-care and medical outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateNov 1, 2002

Americans’ self-esteem undermined by focus on body image

A study published in Psychosomatics found that American college students are more likely to develop body image concerns and be preoccupied with their appearance than German counterparts. The data suggests an association between poor body image and low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateNov 1, 2002

Overfishing may diminish genetic diversity even when millions of fish remain

A recent study found that only a small proportion of individuals produce large numbers of offspring that survive, threatening the genetic diversity of marine fish populations. With millions of fish remaining, even a few hundred capable breeders can be insufficient to sustain genetic variability.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 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.

US and Scottish astronomers explain hot star disks

New theory explains why circumstellar Keplerian disks are stable around Be stars, contradicting previous model's predictions. The Magnetically Torqued Disk model suggests a narrow range of star types can form detectable disks.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateNov 1, 2002

Purdue scientists lead $5.9 million plant study to improve products

Researchers will use infrared spectroscopy to identify mutant genes affecting plant cell wall architecture in Arabidopsis and maize. The goal is to determine the function of all genes involved in plant cell walls, potentially leading to improvements in food-derived health benefits and product durability.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 1, 2002

Seeing into the Alzheimer’s brain

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using PET scans to detect Alzheimer's disease more accurately. By analyzing brain activity, the scans can identify changes that occur before patients themselves may recognize problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 1, 2002

Snakes, robots, and the war on terrorism

Howie Choset's snakebot technology can navigate through three-dimensional terrains with enhanced flexibility and 'reach' ability. The robot's hyper-redundant mechanisms enable it to thread through tightly packed spaces without disturbing the surrounding areas.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateNov 1, 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.

Depression after bypass surgery linked to later problems

A recent study found that depression one month after coronary artery bypass surgery is a significant risk factor for continued cardiac problems. The research suggests that evaluating patients for depression after surgery and providing treatment may enhance long-term outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateNov 1, 2002

Religious coping may ease depression in cancer patients’ spouses

A study of 156 spouses of people with lung cancer found that those using moderate levels of religious coping had lower depressive symptoms. High levels of religious coping were linked to higher depression scores, suggesting a complex relationship between the two.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateNov 1, 2002

Hibernating squirrels provide clues for stroke, Parkinson's

Researchers have found that delta opioid peptide may help protect brain cells from the ravages of Parkinson's disease by inducing a state of suspended animation. The compound was shown to reduce brain damage and neurological deficits in animal models of stroke, suggesting potential benefits for patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNeuroreport·DateNov 1, 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.