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Science News Archive November 2002


Page 4 of 8

Study: Heart-assist device yields excellent survival

A six-year study of 100 heart failure patients who received the HeartMate device at Michigan Medicine found excellent one-year survival rates and improved hospital stays. Eighty-two percent of patients were able to go home, and problems with the device have decreased as doctors gain experience.

Heart gone haywire blamed in some sudden infant deaths

A study by the American Heart Association suggests that long Q-T syndrome, a heart condition, may be responsible for some sudden infant deaths. Researchers analyzed DNA from frozen heart tissue of unexplained infant deaths and found genetic anomalies in 32% of cases.

Other highlights in the November 20 issue of JNCI

Two new studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identified key risk factors for classical Kaposi's sarcoma and found that smoking may decrease the risk of this disease. Meanwhile, research on leptin suggests it controls breast cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, a potential screening tool for ovarian canc...

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.

JCI Table of Contents, November 18, 2002

Researchers discover two compounds that inhibit parathyroid hormone-related protein production in human breast cancer cells, reducing metastatic bone breakdown and calcium levels. The findings suggest a novel therapeutic approach to treating bone metastasis and hypercalcemia in breast cancer patients.

Influences of sex on gene expression discussed at annual conference

The annual conference discussed sex differences in development, immune system responses, and hormone effects on disease progression. Key findings included the role of microchimerism, fetal cells in maternal circulation, and steroid hormones in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and breast cancer.

Chest compression device outperforms manual CPR

A new chest compression device has been shown to restore blood flow four times better than manual compressions, potentially saving more lives. Researchers tested the device on 20 pigs in cardiac arrest and found it restored vital organs with improved oxygenation.

Non-invasive imaging technique detects plaques beginning to form in vessels

A non-invasive imaging technique has been developed to detect plaques beginning to form in blood vessels, according to researchers from WashU Medicine. The technique uses nanoparticles to target growing capillaries and visualize plaque development, with potential applications for early cancer detection as well.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Imatinib shows early promise against Ewing’s sarcoma

Researchers found imatinib inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation in mice with human Ewing's sarcoma tumors, offering a potential new therapy for the disease. Higher concentrations of imatinib were needed to kill Ewing's sarcoma cells than other tumor cells.

Social Science techniques are important to anti-terrorism programs

The American Psychological Association and FBI report highlights the importance of social science techniques in combating terrorism. Three key strategies emerge: information exchange using data mining and decision tree techniques, relationship-building with key communities, and effective interrogation/interviews.

Nisqually earthquake damaged 300,000 Puget Sound households

The study found that household damages were not always proportional to levels of ground motion, with average damages being almost identical in high and medium ground motion zones. The majority of damage ($913 million) occurred in the medium ground motion zone, which is where nearly 60% of Puget Sound households are located.

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.

Scholars discuss scientific research in education

The American Educational Research Association published a report on scientific research in education, highlighting the importance of rigorous research methods. Scholars represented in the discussion emphasize the need for evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes.

Diverse family forms across Europe

The study reveals significant variations in family forms across Europe, with Italy having the largest households and Sweden's smallest. British men are more likely to be in partnerships than Italian men by their mid-twenties.

Blood proteins tied to inflammation

Researchers found that high levels of C-reactive protein and low albumin are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. The study, which followed over 1,000 patients for four months, found that these proteins can identify patients at high risk before heart events occur.

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.

Remote data processing makes tele-immersion system first 'network computer'

The tele-immersion system has been upgraded to process data in real-time, thanks to the use of a far-off supercomputing center. This allows participants to feel as if they're in each other's presence, regardless of distance. The new setup uses a large bank of digital cameras and polarized glasses to create a realistic experience.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Depletion of body chemical can cause memory, mood changes

A study by Wim J. Riedel and colleagues found that tryptophan depletion can impair learning and memory, cause depressed mood, and induce mood depression in individuals with a family history of depression. The effects typically last for 24 hours.

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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet Nov. 19, 2002

A new study supports routine mammography screening for women over 75, while a separate study finds that postmenopausal hormone use and heavy drinking increase breast cancer risk. The guidelines also recommend against combined estrogen and progestin therapy for preventing cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.

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.

Parents' smoke injures children's blood vessels

Children exposed to second-hand smoke show higher levels of a compound indicating oxidative stress and impaired blood vessel function. The study suggests that even low levels of parental smoking increase the risk of vascular damage in young children.

Bone marrow cell transplant treats clogged leg arteries

Researchers found that bone marrow cell transplantation significantly increased new capillary formation and improved blood flow in patients with PAD. The study's findings suggest that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of PAD, including pain, fatigue, and ischemic ulcers, by promoting angiogenesis.

The hidden Irish in multi-ethnic Britain

A study reveals that second-generation Irish people in England and Scotland face difficulties in claiming their Irish heritage due to misperceptions about cultural background and assimilation into the English population. The research highlights the importance of acknowledging and celebrating Irish culture in these communities.

Chiaro Networks chosen by California Technology Institute

The OptIPuter project, led by Cal-(IT)2 researchers, partners with Chiaro to deploy Enstara routing platform for high-performance networking and data analysis. The platform's innovative technologies reduce infrastructure costs and enhance packet processing efficiency.

Nation's two largest medical specialty groups issue migraine treatment guidelines

The American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians have released new guidelines for treating migraines, recommending immediate treatment with NSAIDs or triptans, as well as managing nausea and vomiting symptoms. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of patient involvement in charting migraines and i...

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.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for November (second issue)

Researchers found that halting COPD treatment with inhaled corticosteroids increases exacerbation risk and worsens quality of life. Men are more prone to pharyngeal collapse due to longer airways, which may contribute to their higher obstructive sleep apnea risk. Additionally, patients with OSA showed reduced brain gray matter volume, ...

Metal baseball bats outperformed wooden bats in Brown study

Researchers found metal bats produced faster batted ball speeds due to faster swing speeds and elastic properties. The study's findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the potential health risks of metal bats and may influence future regulations.

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.

Muscle cell transplants repair damaged heart tissue

Researchers successfully transplanted myoblast cells into patients with scarred heart tissue, showing evidence of repair and regeneration. The procedure improved EF rates by 58% in just 12 weeks, offering a potential new hope for treating heart failure.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Death rates lower in hospitals that follow heart attack guidelines

A new study by the American Heart Association found that death rates are significantly lower in hospitals that follow established guidelines for treating heart attacks. The study examined adherence to clinical practice guidelines at 1,085 US hospitals and found that leading hospitals had a 50% higher rate of beta-blocker use and a 30% ...

Engineered blood vessels prove durable and clot resistant

Researchers developed a new tissue-engineering technique using fibroblast and endothelial cells to create functional blood vessels. The engineered vessels demonstrated durability and resistance to blood clots in laboratory tests and short-term animal experiments.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Marrow injection gets damaged hearts moving

Researchers successfully treated patients with scar tissue and impaired heart function after heart attacks by injecting their own bone marrow into the affected area. The treatment showed significant improvement in heart wall motion, persisting for at least 10 months in some patients.

Emergency angioplasty OK without surgical back-up

Researchers found that emergency PCI is both safe and effective at hospitals without on-site surgical ability. Delaying treatment doubles the risk of patient mortality. Hospitals with diagnostic heart catheterization laboratories can save lives by performing immediate balloon angioplasty for acute heart attack patients.

Laser analyses fuel flame

Researchers used laser light to measure HCO and CH2 concentrations in natural gas flames, detecting toxic gases NO and NO2 at low levels. The technique offers a precise method for analyzing combustion processes, with potential applications in industrial settings.

Photonics center receives $1.1 million DOE award

The Virginia Tech photonics center is developing single-crystal sapphire-based sensors for IGCC plants, which can operate reliably in high temperatures and corrosive environments. The project aims to improve the thermal efficiency of IGCC plants and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Agriculture presents common ground for rural, urban people

The report highlights agriculture's significant impact on urban daily life, from green industry to economic benefits and crime reduction. It proposes initiatives for collaboration between agricultural science, higher education, research, and government to remain relevant to society.

Assisted reproduction may be linked to birth defect syndrome

Researchers have found a possible association between IVF and an increased risk of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), a genetic disorder that can predispose children to cancer. BWS is characterized by excessive growth and occurs in about 1 in 15,000 births, with the incidence being significantly higher among IVF-conceived babies.

New dating technique with sand grains

Researchers from the University of Groningen have developed a method to measure damage in zircon and determine sand sediment ages. Zircon grains that have been exposed to sunlight for long periods produce more light when heated, allowing for accurate dating.

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.

Dutch research forms the basis of future European statute book

A new set of principles aims to simplify sales law for European consumers and retailers, reducing differences between countries. The Utrecht rule proposes that consumers can choose between repair and exchange, while other transactions follow the quickest and cheapest solution.

Tiny wafer developed by K-state professor

Researchers developed a tiny, portable neutron detector using a small wafer that can detect neutron signals from hidden nuclear weapons and materials. The device operates at minimal voltage and is cost-effective, making it a potential game-changer in detecting weapons of mass destruction.

Virus decimates algal blooms

Biologists have found that viruses can destroy entire algal blooms within days, particularly when nutrients are depleted. Free-living cells are highly susceptible to viruses, which break down the cell content and dissolve it in seawater.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.