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Science News for November 21, 2002


Expert panel publishes new guidelines for physicians who treat the elderly

A new set of guidelines, known as Clinical Glidepaths, aims to improve treatment decisions for older adults by considering individual probabilities of life expectancy and function. The 24 paths cover various common problems faced by elderly patients, allowing clinicians to tailor care to each patient's unique needs.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 21, 2002

UMass team to study bioremediation of acid, heavy metals from collapsed mind

Researchers are studying the natural processes that clean up acid and heavy metal-contaminated water at a Massachusetts mine site. The UMass team is investigating the role of microorganisms in breaking down these pollutants, with the goal of demonstrating global importance of using bacteria to clean up the environment.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateNov 21, 2002

Versatile immunosuppressant drug may have new role in radiotherapy for cancer

Research in mice found that rapamycin combined with radiation treatment delayed the regrowth of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) human tumors by an average of 19 days. Rapamycin inhibits the activity of mTOR, a protein promoting tumor growth, and its combination with radiation may enhance chemotherapy efficacy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateNov 21, 2002
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

First clinical trial of intravenous rViscumin under way in Germany and France

A phase I trial using rViscumin administered intravenously has begun in Hanover and Nantes, France, with preliminary results showing immune system responses to the drug. The trials are part of further Phase I studies being considered, which will determine the clinical significance of rViscumin.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateNov 21, 2002

Too many turtles may end up as roadkill

A recent study suggests that roads are a major threat to US turtle populations, with over 5% of turtles likely to die while crossing roads. The researchers recommend establishing buffer zones around aquatic habitats and building road crossings to mitigate this issue.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 21, 2002

Healthy diet index study discloses dramatic reductions in chronic disease risk

Researchers analyzed data from two large studies and found that individuals with the highest adherence to dietary guidelines had significantly lower risks of chronic diseases. Men in the highest-scoring quintile of the AHEI had a 20% reduced risk of developing major chronic disease, while women had an 11% reduced risk.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 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.

High iron stores and possible increased health risks in the elderly

A study found that approximately 13% of elderly individuals had high iron stores, while those consuming more fruit and whole grains had lower risks. The study suggests that a typical Western diet and unsupervised iron supplements may increase the risk of developing chronic disease.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002

Pesticides linked to amphibian declines

Researchers found habitat destruction and pesticide exposure linked to declines of four frog species and two toad species in California. The study suggests that wind-borne agrochemicals may be a contributing factor to amphibian population declines.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 21, 2002

Serving method and portion size affect the amount of food consumed at a single meal

A study of 51 participants found that serving food on an individual plate with varying portion sizes led to less eating than when participants served themselves. The authors suggest developing strategies to limit portion sizes in restaurants and at home to combat the national obesity epidemic.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 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.

Hatchery salmon may endanger wild cousins

Research suggests hatchery steelhead do not harm wild steelhead, but may jeopardize wild chinook survival rates. Studies reveal a strong negative association between hatchery steelhead and wild chinook smolt-to-adult survival.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 21, 2002

High iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase cardiovascular risk

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research analyzed serum ferritin concentrations and their impact on cardiovascular risk factors, revealing a significant association between iron levels and...

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Non-native earthworms may be wiping out rare plants

Research by Michael Gundale found that non-native earthworms can endager rare plants like the goblin fern, which relies on fungi for energy. The study discovered a link between earthworm presence and thinner forest floors, threatening the long-term survival of these unique plant species.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 21, 2002

Once big bad wolf, now man's best friend: Science studies trace dogs' origins

Domesticated dogs originated in East Asia before spreading across Asia, Europe, and into the New World around 12,000-14,000 years ago. Genetic analysis reveals that Eurasian wolves were the likely ancestors of modern dogs, with breeding over the last 500 years responsible for size and shape differences.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2002

Calling the pharmaceutical industry to account

Graham Dukes argues that the pharmaceutical industry prioritizes shareholder interests over global public health. He criticizes the industry's practices, including excessive pricing and promotional activities, which do not account for societal needs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 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.

White flight: Property values, neighborhood quality most often cited

According to a study by Maria Krysan, white residents often blame African Americans for problems in poor urban neighborhoods, despite stable black middle-class areas existing. Whites are more likely to move due to concerns about crime and property values than education level or personal comfort.

SourcePopulation Reference Bureau·JournalDemography·DateNov 21, 2002

Norwegian study demonstrates targeted coxibs may prevent oral cancer

A Norwegian study demonstrates that COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) can be effective in preventing oral cancer by targeting high-risk individuals. The study's results suggest that coxibs may be a promising approach to chemoprevention, particularly for head and neck cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateNov 21, 2002

A possible role for honey in the treatment of wounds

Research suggests that honey's antibacterial properties can inhibit a range of strains, including MRSA, VSE, and VRE. This study indicates a possible role for honey in the treatment of wounds colonised by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateNov 21, 2002

Exercise barriers seen for spinal cord injury survivors

A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of spinal cord injury patients want to exercise but only half actually do. The study also found that only 47% had been encouraged to exercise by their physicians, with 'lack of motivation' being a major barrier. Researchers aim to address these barriers through education and support programs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 21, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Photosynthesis analysis shows work of ancient genetic engineering

Researchers analyzed genomes of five bacteria to understand how photosynthesis evolved, finding evidence of horizontal gene transfer and the merging of evolutionary lines. The study sheds light on the origins of complex metabolic pathways and may inspire human-directed biodesign.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2002

Discovery may dramatically reduce liver transplants in children

A groundbreaking study by Dr. Jorge Bezerra at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified a genetic underpinning to biliary atresia, the most common reason for liver transplant in children. The discovery points to a potential role of cytokines in driving an inflammatory response against the body's own tissues.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 21, 2002

Deep-sea technology is put to the test in campus tank

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are refining computerized navigation and control systems for deep-sea robots. The new testing facility allows researchers to fine-tune the system, which enables precise positioning and movement of underwater vehicles.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 21, 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.

Brain's method of merging input depends on which senses supply it

Researchers found that when sensory cues from hands and eyes differ, the brain splits the difference to create a single percept, weighing individual senses differently. The brain maintains three separate representations of an object's properties, prioritizing combined visual and haptic cues over conflicting signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2002

Black holes in a double pack

Astronomers detected two active black holes at the center of galaxy NGC 6240 using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The binary black hole system will eventually merge, producing massive gravitational waves detectable by LISA.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 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.

Statins benefit older people

A recent study found that pravastatin treatment reduced coronary death, non-fatal heart attack, and fatal or non-fatal stroke by 15% in adults aged 70-82. The benefits were most pronounced for reducing death from heart disease, with a nearly 25% relative risk reduction.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 21, 2002

Phase transition in bilayers could affect their performance

Researchers found that phase transition in bilayers causes substantial tearing, resulting in foam-like defects that affect device performance and long-term storage. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of supported bilayer-based materials and applications such as biosensors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 21, 2002

Lifestyle risks for cardiovascular disease differ between men and women

A French study found that men have higher tHcy levels than women overall, while coffee consumption in women has a significant impact on tHcy concentrations. Conversely, caloric intake and physical activity levels in men play a crucial role in determining tHcy levels and CVD risk.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002
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.

To thin or not to thin

Forest thinning may improve plant diversity and support animal habitats if done correctly, according to USGS-funded research. The study found that selective thinning of dense young forests can promote the growth of hardwoods, large trees, and old-growth characteristics.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateNov 21, 2002

Warming study indicates water problems in the West

Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing water problems in the West, impacting hydroelectric power, salmon runs, and water supply deliveries. The region's water resources are already stretched to their limits, with little room for changes in current allocations.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateNov 21, 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.

Unearthing the San Andreas fault zone

Researchers have made key findings about the San Andreas fault system, predicting major earthquakes within 30 years for certain areas. The study, which analyzed paleoseismic data from 10 sites, suggests that at least 120 miles of the southernmost section of the fault may rupture in a large earthquake of magnitude 7.6 to 7.8.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateNov 21, 2002