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Science News for November 4, 2002


Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, November 5, 2002

A study of 75 patients found that postponing care for those with non-serious illnesses had comparable health outcomes to immediate care. Additionally, a new combination therapy for arthritis patients showed promise in reducing joint symptoms and improving function.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2002

Researchers close in on natural solution to PCB contamination

A research team from Purdue University and the University of British Columbia has identified a bottleneck in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent and hazardous industrial chemical. By breeding bacteria to overcome this hurdle, the team hopes to develop an environmentally friendly solution for cleansing the ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 4, 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.

Researchers identify decision-making area of the brain

A small region in the frontal lobe is selectively activated when an individual intends to make a particular action. This finding helps explain why individuals with frontal lobe damage often have problems making decisions and act impulsively.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 4, 2002

Bread crust and stuffing rich in healthy antioxidants

A study by American Chemical Society researchers identified a novel type of antioxidant called pronyl-lysine in bread crust, which is eight times more abundant than in the crumb. This compound is likely to be more effective when bread is broken down into smaller pieces and baked, such as in stuffing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 4, 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.

A genetic basis for aggression and anger

Researchers have identified a genetic basis for aggression and anger, with the vasopressin 1b receptor playing a key role. The study found that mice without this receptor exhibit reduced aggression and impaired social recognition, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating aggressive behavior.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2002

A newly identified learning and memory area in the human brain

Researchers have discovered a new structure in the human brain linked to learning and memory, called the marginal division (MrD). This pan-shaped structure, composed of spindle-shaped neurons, plays a key role in linking other memory-related structures.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2002

Brain differences in sheep linked to sexual partner preference

Research on domestic rams reveals marked brain differences among those preferring same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The preoptic hypothalamus shows distinct variations in neurons involved in sexual behavior, shedding light on the biological basis of mate choice.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateNov 4, 2002

Guidelines issued for metabolic complications related to HIV & antiretrovirals

The new guidelines identify five major areas of concern: insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, lactic acid disorders, bone disease, and abnormal body fat distribution. These metabolic complications may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and potentially fatal lactic acidosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateNov 4, 2002

Favorable outcomes linked to treatment compliance

A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 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.

Scientists say NOW is the time to stop smoking

Effective strategies for quitting smoking exist, and clinicians can use evidence-based approaches to promote treatment of nicotine dependence, including patient assurance, low-tar cigarettes, FDA-approved medications, and awareness about adolescent nicotine use.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 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.

Potential new treatment for Gaucher disease developed by scientists at Scripps Research Institute

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new treatment for Gaucher disease by using small molecules to partially correct the genetic defect that underlies most cases of the disease. The therapy targets the most common mutation and could be more convenient and less costly than current enzyme replacement therapy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2002

Ceramic hip implants provide alternative for younger patients

Researchers have found that ceramic-to-ceramic hip implants are more durable than metal-on-polyethylene replacements, with a 4,000-fold increase in durability. A large-scale clinical trial showed no postoperative bearing fractures or particles flaking off, indicating potential benefits for younger patients.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateNov 4, 2002

Firefly light illuminates course of herpes infection in mice

Researchers have developed a new technology using firefly light to monitor herpes infections in mice, allowing for repeated tracking over time without sacrificing animals. This non-invasive method enables the investigation of viral populations and immune system influences.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 4, 2002

Stomach-dwelling H. pylori bacterium reveals its age

A new study published in PNAS found that the stomach-dwelling H. pylori bacterium has been present in humans for at least 11,000 years, with genetic variations consistent with Asian migration to the New World. The research provides strong evidence supporting the theory that migrating Asians introduced the bacteria to South America.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computers prove to greatly reduce prescription errors

A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that computer prescriptions significantly reduced errors in the prescribing process. The system improved legibility and accuracy, resulting in a 0.8% error rate compared to 2.3%, saving time for pharmacists and improving patient safety.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 4, 2002

The eyes have it: Study shows infants more tuned into wider world than previously believed

A study by University of Washington psychologists reveals infants' ability to gaze follow is crucial for learning language and understanding emotions, with open eyes leading to longer attention and more vocalization. By 14 months, infants become sensitive to potential obstacles and can initiate pointing and babbling towards objects.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 4, 2002

New technique lets doctors examine milk ducts for breast problems

A new technique called ductoscopy allows surgeons to directly visualize and remove abnormal tissue in the milk ducts, sparing normal breast tissue. This procedure has shown a high success rate in identifying and treating breast cancer, particularly in women with pathologic nipple discharge.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalSurgery·DateNov 4, 2002

Engineers create simple method for analyzing car designs

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simple alternative to complex mathematical models for analyzing car designs. The new technique can pinpoint design flaws more accurately and diagnose problems within days, compared to months, by using vibration measurements.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 4, 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.

What does one inherit: depression or temperament?

Researchers found that depression is influenced by additive genetic effects on temperament dimensions, which interact with individual environmental experiences. People predisposed to harm avoidance or high reward dependence are more likely to develop depression.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2002

Boom time for share buybacks

Research by Young and Oswald finds that share prices rise by 2 percent on average when companies announce a buyback, indicating that UK investors view buybacks as value-creating transactions. However, the motives behind these actions are complex and may include maximizing executive compensation rather than creating shareholder value.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 4, 2002

Residential addiction treatment demonstrates economic benefits

Researchers found that the average economic cost of residential treatment was $4,912, while the average benefit was $21,329. This suggests a net benefit of $16,418, supporting the economic value of residential addiction treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 4, 2002