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Science News for November 27, 2002


University of Toronto study reveals climate change in western Canada

A new study of snow accumulation on Mount Logan provides evidence that significant climate change has occurred in Western Canada, with both surface and atmospheric temperatures rising since the mid-19th century. The research warns of warmer winters and changes in weather patterns if current trends continue.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2002
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Good health’s in the mail: Mailed promotions cut doctor visits for some

A study found that mailed health promotions reduced outpatient visits by an average of 4.84 visits among arthritis patients, while increasing visits for high blood pressure patients. The interventions generated significant savings, supporting the potential cost-effectiveness of health mailings for managing chronic conditions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateNov 27, 2002

Qubits turn up trumps

Researchers have developed a silicon-chip qubit that can perform quantum computations without leaking information due to decoherence. This achievement is based on a blueprint from 1998 and could lead to the creation of large arrays of qubits for practical quantum processing.

SourceNew Scientist·DateNov 27, 2002

Artificial cell gets light-powered nanopump for calcium ions

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a light-powered molecular pump that shuttles calcium ions through a phospholipid membrane. The operation is controlled by an artificial reaction center molecule, which donates and reabsorbs electrons in response to light. This innovation could be used for various applications, incl...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2002

Infection by closely related HIV strains possible

Researchers discovered that an individual could become infected with two closely related strains of HIV, highlighting the challenges in creating a vaccine against this highly variable virus. The study found that a hypothetical vaccine against one strain may not protect against other closely related strains.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Multitasking genes manage related traits in plants

Research finds that genes manage related traits in plant parts, like flowers, to optimize reproduction and survival. A single genetic mechanism regulates the growth of flower parts in correlation, enabling precise construction and successful pollination.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2002

Mercury associated with risk of heart attack

Researchers found that mercury in fish counteracts the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, increasing the risk of heart attack. Consuming low-mercury fish like salmon can help reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2002

Preschool curriculum uses stories and art to build a love of books

A new preschool curriculum, SPARK, uses repetition and arts to engage slow learners, promoting a love of reading. The approach, which includes activities like art, music, and make-believe, provides open-ended exploration and addresses specific disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 27, 2002

Infection with second strain of HIV compromises treatment

Researchers found that patients infected with one strain of HIV can develop superinfection with another strain, compromising treatment. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of a second type of HIV in the patient's blood, indicating that superinfection is possible and poses unique challenges for vaccine development.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 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.

Project to increase women and minorities participation in NSF-funded programs

The University of Michigan is launching a program to increase diversity in STEM fields by recruiting graduate students for the NSF's Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) programs. With NSF support, Professor James Teeri will connect with professional society programs and educate potential students about IGERT.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 27, 2002

Two landmark fertility studies give hope to young male cancer patients

Researchers have successfully transplanted immature mouse and rabbit testicular tissue, resulting in live births and mature sperm production. This breakthrough technique offers new hope for pre-pubertal boys and babies affected by cancer treatment, potentially restoring fertility through autotransplantation.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateNov 27, 2002

New study pursues the impact of pregnancy on drug efficacy

Researchers investigate how pregnancy affects medication levels in the blood, suggesting that placenta's organic cation transporter plays a crucial role. The study aims to inform safe dosing practices for pregnant women taking common medications, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing risks.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 27, 2002

The arctic perennial sea ice could be gone by end of the century

The study found that Arctic temperatures are increasing at a rate of 1.2 degrees Celsius per decade, leading to the decline of perennial sea ice. If the perennial ice cover disappears, it could profoundly impact summer shipping lanes, plankton blooms, ocean circulation systems, and global climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 27, 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.

Myostatin-blockers improve muscle function in dystrophic mice

Researchers have found that blocking myostatin in mice with muscular dystrophy improves muscle function, providing a potential new treatment for the condition. However, further studies are needed to address concerns about the approach's limitations and potential side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2002