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Science News for October 16, 2002


Supportive mothers ease harm of prenatal alcohol exposure

Research found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to insecurity in children, but a mother's emotional supportiveness can mitigate this effect. Children of moderate-heavy drinkers who had supportive mothers developed better coping skills than those without such support.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·DateOct 16, 2002

Steep increase in antidepressant use, study shows

A Canadian study found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions from 3.2 million to 14.5 million between 1981 and 2000, outpacing the country's population growth. The study suggests increased awareness and better understanding of depression may be contributing factors, but the underlying cause remains unclear.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Pharmacotherapy·DateOct 16, 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.

Use of vitamin A cream may prevent skin cancer

Researchers have found that topical retinoids, such as tazarotene, may be a safer alternative for preventing skin cancer in individuals at risk. The study used mice with basal cell nevus syndrome, a genetic disorder that predisposes them to developing large numbers of basal cell carcinomas.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 16, 2002

OSU genetics expert wins award for lifetime achievement

Dr. Albert de la Chapelle, an Ohio State University scientist, has spent 40 years studying the complex relationship between genetic mutation and disease. He has made groundbreaking discoveries on inherited diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma, as well as rare disorders like diastrophic dysplasia and Usher syndrome.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateOct 16, 2002

The Lancet Neurology November press release

The Lancet Neurology recently published a series of articles discussing the latest evidence on Alzheimer's disease, including preventative anti-inflammatory clinical trials and the role of secretases in producing amyloid-beta peptide. Researchers argue that these approaches hold promise for preventing or slowing the onset of the disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateOct 16, 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.

Victims of abusive relationships also survivors, book says

A study by Aysan Sev'er explores the experiences of 39 women who escaped abusive relationships, revealing key findings about resilience, support networks, and the importance of self-respect. The book provides a model for coping strategies that can help survivors rebuild their lives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateOct 16, 2002

19th-century machine models in online science library

The Cornell Reuleaux Collection, a repository of kinematic models developed by German engineer Franz Reuleaux, has been expanded into the Kinematic Models for Design Digital Library (K-MODDL). Users can interact with digital images and models to learn about machine design principles.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 16, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tired medical professionals working long hours may put patients at risk

Fatigued doctors and nurses can impair their judgment and reaction time, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Implementing changes such as shorter shifts and limiting high-intensity work during daylight hours could promote harmony with the body's natural sleep cycle and improve patient outcomes.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2002

Heart failure mortality substantial among elderly

A large study of older adults with heart failure found that those with diastolic heart failure had significantly higher mortality rates than those with systolic heart failure. Diastolic heart failure, which affects the heart's main chamber filling with blood, has a much higher prevalence among elderly patients and is responsible for mo...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 16, 2002

Melting crust makes rich mineral deposits: Geologist

A geologist's study suggests that melting ocean crust under volcanoes can create rich mineral deposits, such as gold and copper. The research provides new insights into the formation of these deposits, which could help identify regions with high potential for mining.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGeology·DateOct 16, 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.

Ion channels allow bacteria to resist stomach acid

Researchers discovered that ion channels in bacteria allow them to withstand stomach acid by enabling an electrical shunt. This finding suggests a similar mechanism exists in human cells, potentially related to maintaining acidic conditions within endosomes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2002

Geneticists tell ostrich farmers the secrets of sex

Researchers from Brazil have developed a genetic technique that can accurately sex ostrich chicks as young as five days old using feather samples. The new method involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and has been shown to agree with traditional surgical methods, opening up new possibilities for commercial ostrich breeders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateOct 16, 2002

Kids with Down syndrome learn language beyond adolescence

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that individuals with Down syndrome can continue to improve their language skills well into young adulthood. Language comprehension skills tend to plateau during late adolescence, while language expression skills continue to develop and even improve in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateOct 16, 2002

Stanford researchers test drug to fight depression faster in elderly

Researchers at Stanford University have tested the effectiveness of mirtazapine, a non-tricyclic antidepressant, against paroxetine in treating depression in elderly patients. Mirtazapine was found to be equally effective as paroxetine but with fewer side effects and improved onset of action.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 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.

Surfing a Black Hole

A star orbiting the massive Milky Way centre has been observed approaching the central black hole to within three times the distance between the Sun and Pluto. The new measurements provide conclusive evidence for the existence of a supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2002

Is the roller coaster G force threat all spin?

Researchers found that roller coaster G forces, twists, and speeds are not sufficient to injure the brain of healthy riders. They calculated peak head accelerations in three directions and found they were well within established safety margins.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateOct 16, 2002

JGI to decode DNA of destructive plant pathogen

Scientists are sequencing the genomes of two deadly Phytophthora microbe species to understand their genetic secrets. The goal is to develop effective treatments and diagnostic tools for sudden oak death syndrome and soybean root rot, causing billions of dollars in damage annually.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·DateOct 16, 2002

New compound holds promise for lupus and related diseases

Researchers have discovered a novel compound that kills bad immune cells while leaving healthy ones intact, offering hope for safer and more effective treatments for lupus. The compound, Bz-423, targets a protein in immune cells' mitochondria, showing promise in treating autoimmune diseases and potentially some types of cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 16, 2002
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.