Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 10, 2002


Shadow proteins in thymus - Clues to how immune system works?

Researchers have found that thymic cells express hundreds of genes associated with distant organs, foreshadowing self-antigens for T cells. This discovery may lead to a new understanding of immune system mechanisms and the development of autoimmune diseases.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2002

An 'AAAAAAAAA' battery? UF researchers make progress on tiny cell

Researchers have made significant progress on a new approach to batteries inspired by nanotechnology, which could power miniature devices and enhance portable electronics. The nano-battery approach seeks to replace traditional batteries with particles measured in billionths of a meter, potentially enhancing power storage and production.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateOct 10, 2002

Bloodworm's way with copper likely provides paradigm for new materials

Researchers found that the bloodworm's jaw tip contains an ordered crystalline structure of copper-based biomineral atacamite. This discovery could lead to the development of new materials with properties such as hardness, lightness, and durability. The study also suggests a possible application in drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of California, Santa Barbara - Engineering·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2002
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Disruption caused by job loss may affect entire family

Researchers are studying 200 families in Baltimore to understand how children aged 9-14 are impacted when a parent loses their job. The study aims to identify coping mechanisms that can help prevent negative behavior and emotional problems, and will inform prevention programs to reduce stress.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 10, 2002

Understanding acetaminophen poisoning

A study reveals a new mechanism in acetaminophen toxicity and suggests blocking the CAR receptor as a potential approach to treating liver damage. Researchers found that CAR plays a critical role in mediating acetaminophen's toxic effects, and a drug called androstanol shows promise in reversing this effect.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2002

ICSU to establish 'Science for Sustainable Development' programme

The International Council for Science (ICSU) has established a new 'Science for Sustainable Development' programme to address economic, environmental and social issues. Regional offices will support knowledge exchange and facilitate the development of traditional knowledge in agriculture, biodiversity and traditional medicine.

SourceInternational Council for Science·DateOct 10, 2002

$12 Million SPORE grant spurs head and neck cancer research

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center receives $12 million SPORE grant to support head and neck cancer research, focusing on genetic susceptibility markers, angiogenic therapy, and other areas. The grant aims to accelerate progress in prevention, treatment, and early diagnosis of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateOct 10, 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.

Lauder supports James nutrition and breast cancer study

Dr. Paskett will lead a study comparing the effects of low-fat and low-sugar diets on breast cancer risk in pre-menopausal women. The study aims to explore potential biomarkers for nutrition's role in preventing breast cancer.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateOct 10, 2002

Antibiotics not always beneficial for childhood ear infections

A new study suggests that antibiotics are not always beneficial for childhood ear infections, with some cases clearing up on their own. The review also found that giving children a flu shot can reduce the likelihood of otitis by 30 percent during flu season.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2002

Cancer survival rates higher than previously assumed

Recent cancer patient data reveals higher-than-expected five-year to twenty-year relative survival rates across various types of cancer. Period analysis shows more optimistic estimates compared to traditional cohort-based methods.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2002
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.

Freedom in the conduct of science

The International Council for Science (ICSU) examines current threats to scientific freedom and proposes recommendations to address visa restrictions and promote international collaboration. ICSU emphasizes the need for scientists to recognize their responsibilities and provide adequate information for processing visa applications.

SourceInternational Council for Science·DateOct 10, 2002

Over-diagnosis of liver failure after paracetamol poisoning?

A retrospective analysis of 87 patients with moderate paracetamol poisoning found that acetylcysteine treatment can decrease prothrombin index values significantly. This decrease may be misinterpreted as a sign of liver failure, highlighting the need for cautious management decisions based on measurement of this value.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2002

Lancet readers to join WHO election debate

The WHO election process will be covered in a Special Report by The Lancet, providing information on the organisational structure and history of WHO. Readers can share their comments on international health through an email address on The Lancet's website.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2002
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.

UT Southwestern researcher, colleagues report drug therapy eases chronic depression

A study by UT Southwestern researcher Dr. John Rush and colleagues found that long-term treatment of chronic depression can result in sustained psychosocial benefits. The therapy showed significant improvement rates among patients taking Zoloft, with only 6% relapse rate compared to 23% for the placebo group.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2002

NIGMS center grants will spice up chemical libraries

The NIGMS initiative supports two Centers of Excellence in Chemical Methodologies and Library Development, focusing on high-throughput technologies to generate customized libraries. Researchers at Boston University and University of Pittsburgh will develop novel methods for synthesizing complex molecules and peptide mimetics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateOct 10, 2002

Further evidence linking suicide risk to family history (p 1126)

A study published in The Lancet found that individuals with a family history of completed suicide and mental illness are two and a half times more likely to commit suicide than those without such a history. A family history of psychiatric illness increased suicide risk by around 50% for those without a prior psychiatric history.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2002

Hormones modify the type of proteins produced

Researchers found that hormones bind to specific receptors in cells, recruiting co-activators to regulate gene expression and alter protein production. This process enables a vast range of protein diversity from relatively few genetic sources.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 10, 2002

Astronomers discover the wake of a planet around a nearby star

A team of astronomers has discovered a planet-shaped 'wake' around the nearby star Fomalhaut, suggesting the presence of an orbiting giant planet. The observation was made using the SCUBA camera, which operates in the submillimetre region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·DateOct 10, 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.

Sex and genetics: Why birds are unfaithful to their partners

An international team of scientists found that birds use alternative reproductive behaviors to avoid inbreeding depression when mates are genetically similar. Extra-pair paternity and quasi-parasitism occur at low frequencies, but more importantly, extra-pair parentage occurs when parents are more related to each other.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2002