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Science News for November 12, 2002


Growth hormone, sex steroid combination 'not ready for prime time'

A recent study found that a combination of growth hormone and sex steroids showed significant increases in lean body mass and decreases in fat mass, but also reported common side effects such as joint pain and swelling. The study suggests that the treatment is not yet ready for prime time due to its adverse effects.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJAMA·DateNov 12, 2002

Pain may come with gain in childhood exercise

Researchers from the University of California - Irvine discovered that even a single intense bout of exercise in teens and preteens raises cellular chemicals associated with disease while building muscle mass and increasing fitness. The study suggests a need to determine how much exercise is too much for healthy children.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 12, 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.

Mayo Clinic physicians look for cause of 'hot tub lung'

Mayo Clinic researchers identified Mycobacterium avium complex as the cause of 'hot tub lung', a previously poorly understood disease. The study found that warm temperatures and inadequate cleaning practices facilitate the growth of MAC in hot tub water, leading to respiratory problems.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 12, 2002

Air pollution linked to increased medical care and costs for elderly

Research suggests that reducing air pollution can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care. The study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory admissions, with the greatest hospital admissions occurring in the Deep South.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 12, 2002

Twins’ distress differs by relationships with parents, others

A recent study of 289 identical twin pairs reveals that twins differ in their feelings of emotional distress, despite being genetically identical. The twin who was less distressed tended to have closer relationships with their mother and teachers, attend church more often, or had parents granting them more autonomy.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateNov 12, 2002

Gene increases schizophrenia risk, says study

A study found that an uncommon variation of the Nogo gene increases schizophrenia risk, particularly when inherited from both parents. One in five people with schizophrenia has this risk gene, and researchers hope to discover new related genes to aid diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Brain Research·DateNov 12, 2002
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.

Study suggests that tomboys may be born, not made

Researchers found a link between maternal testosterone levels and increased masculine-typical behavior in girls, but no correlation for boys. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 children born in England and suggests that hormone-related predispositions may play a role in shaping gender roles.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateNov 12, 2002

Training improves cognitive abilities of older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that training improved certain thinking and reasoning abilities in older adults. The training focused on developing strategies to improve memory, problem-solving, and concentration, but did not affect daily living skills.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJAMA·DateNov 12, 2002

Square Kilometer Array gets NSF design grant

The NSF has awarded a design grant for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope, which aims to be the largest scientific instrument ever built. The U.S. consortium, led by Cornell University, will investigate feed antennas and low-temperature receivers, as well as address radio frequency interference issues.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 12, 2002

Health care disparities affect elderly across ethnic lines

A recent study found significant differences in healthcare quality for elderly individuals across various ethnic groups. Black patients showed greater disparities compared to white patients, while Hispanic women had even more pronounced gaps in breast cancer screening rates than black women. The study highlights the need to address the...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 12, 2002
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Preschoolers' thinking, behavior influenced by family income

Family income significantly impacts preschool children's cognitive development and behavior, with higher-income families providing more stimulating learning environments and lower-income families facing economic pressure that leads to behavioral problems. The study suggests offering programs promoting learning materials, family literac...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateNov 12, 2002

New study provides molecular-level understanding of common anti-malarial drugs

Researchers have gained a new understanding of how quinoline-based drugs work against the Malaria parasite, slowing crystal growth to toxic levels and killing the parasite. The study provides insights into physical chemistry and crystalline surface structure to explain drug action, offering potential solutions to drug resistance.

SourceNoonan/Russo Communications·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateNov 12, 2002

NIH funds new AIDS drug discovery research with $4.6 million

The NIH has awarded a $4.6 million grant to Rutgers University to develop new and effective drugs for AIDS. The five-year program will use structure-based drug design to identify proteins involved in HIV transmission and develop inhibitors that can overcome drug resistance.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 12, 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.

T cell clones shrink melanoma tumors

A clinical trial using lab-grown T cell clones has shown promise in shrinking melanoma tumors. In the study, five patients saw their tumors stop growing for up to a year, while three experienced tumor shrinkage.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2002

Physicists puzzle over unexpected findings in 'little' big bang

Researchers probing strong nuclear force's nature encounter surprise at RHIC in Brookhaven, NY., where particles stream out faster from football-shaped collision tips than sides. This defies treasured boost invariance theory and complicates understanding of collisions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2002

Crops society announces Pioneer Fellowship in Plant Sciences

The Crop Science Society of America partners with Pioneer Hi-Bred International to create the Pioneer Fellowship in Plant Sciences, providing $25,000 annual stipends for four years. The fellowship aims to advance plant improvement through education and research.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateNov 12, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Insurance coverage for smoking cessation not always effective

A recent study by HealthPartners found that insurance coverage for smoking cessation programs had no significant effect on quitting rates. Despite previous studies suggesting the effectiveness of bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy, researchers found that smokers with coverage were no more likely to quit than those without it.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 12, 2002

Focusing on preservatives: How they keep food fresh

Preservatives can be grouped into three types: antimicrobials, antioxidants, and enzymes that fight natural ripening. Sulfur dioxide blocks microbial growth in foods, while propionates and benzoates help keep bakery products fresh.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 12, 2002

Pacific Ocean temperature changes point to natural climate variability

A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that natural climate variability may contribute up to half of the observed global surface warming since the 1970s. The analysis of ocean surface temperature records in the tropical Pacific indicates that long-term changes in ocean temperatures precede global air temperature ch...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2002

Natural or synthetic secretin does not reduce symptoms of autism, study shows

A new study from the University of Washington found that neither natural porcine secretin nor a synthetic form of the hormone reduced symptoms of autism. The research involved 85 children with autism and tested the effects of both forms of secretin versus a placebo, concluding there is no evidence for its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2002
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.

People who give, live longer: U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study found that people who provided practical support to others were more than twice as likely to survive as those who did not. The researchers analyzed data from over 423 older couples and found a significant link between giving and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 12, 2002