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Science News for October 2, 2002


Increased CO2 levels are mixed blessing for agriculture

A meta-analysis by Ohio State University researchers found that higher CO2 levels increase crop yields, but decrease the nutritional value of crops. While plants grown in high-CO2 conditions produce more seeds and individual seed weight, they contain less nitrogen.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 2, 2002

Fred Hutchinson Research Center awarded $7 million grant

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has awarded a $7 million grant to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers to develop new, more tolerable and effective therapies for blood cancers. The project aims to harness the immune system to selectively target cancer cells using immune cells or antibodies armed with toxic agents.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateOct 2, 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.

The Lancet Oncology press release

The Lancet Oncology editorial discusses the EPA's 10-year report on diesel exhaust fumes' toxic effects, emphasizing public health implications. The article also reviews mathematical models identifying breast cancer risk factors and explores chemoprevention strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 2, 2002

Doppler-guided fluid administration during surgery improves outcome

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that using Doppler technology to guide fluid administration during major surgery improves outcomes. Patients who received Doppler-guided care experienced shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to those who received conventional care.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAnesthesiology·DateOct 2, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Purdue creates self-generating nanotubes with 'dial-up' properties

The Fenniri team has discovered a new class of nanotubes formed from synthetic organic molecules, enabling complete control over their formation and properties. These nanotubes can be customized to possess different physical and chemical properties, making them suitable for various industrial applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 2, 2002

Gene's role in malaria drug resistance proved

Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation that confers chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites, allowing scientists to develop targeted treatments, and also increasing susceptibility to artemisinin and quinine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002

Database lets researchers worldwide access genome of malarial parasite

A new web-based database provides researchers with access to the Plasmodium genome, enabling them to examine chromosome organization, scan for genes and predict protein structures. The database aims to speed up research and discovery in malaria combat, leveraging global collaboration among diverse scientists.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2002

Key sensory proteins unveiled in mosquito genome found by Illinois entomologist

Researchers have identified 276 G protein-coupled receptors in the Anopheles mosquito genome, including 155 external chemosensory receptors that allow female mosquitoes to detect humans and other mammals by taste or smell. The discovery provides a new approach to studying mosquitoes and reducing the spread of malaria and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Blocking enzyme found to ease anxiety without causing sedation

Researchers discovered a blocking enzyme that reduces anxiety without sedation, improving cognitive abilities and alertness. The study suggests a new route for treating anxiety without the side effects of existing anti-anxiety drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 2002

Scientists decipher genetic code of malaria parasite

The Institute for Genomic Research has published a paper analyzing the genome of Plasmodium falciparum, a malaria parasite. The analysis identified about 200 genes producing proteins involved in immune evasion and revealed metabolic pathways, including enzymes that could be targeted by chemotherapy.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2002

Mosquito genome sequence--Published in the journal Science

The newly-sequenced Anopheles gambiae genome holds promise for developing new insecticides, transmission-blocking vaccines, and mosquito repellants. Researchers identified genes involved in the mosquito's ability to host the malaria parasite and located targets for new insecticides.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002

New discovery in malaria

Researchers have found genes in Anopheles mosquitoes that enable them to resist infection by the deadly malaria parasite. The discovery could lead to new strategies to prevent malaria transmission by spreading the parasite-blocking genes among mosquito populations.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002

JCI table of contents: October 1, 2002

Scientists study emesis in genetically engineered mice lacking specific PDE4 subtypes and infer that inhibition of PDE4D mediates nausea. The discovery could lead to the development of selective PDE4 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory effects, reducing side effects in humans.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 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.

Study reveals clues to brain development

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that visual stimulation causes neurons to sprout new branches, a process that requires increased activity of certain proteins and decreased activity of others. The study provides insights into how visual stimulation guides the development of normal brain architecture.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2002

Not all mammals vomit -- or how to study emesis in mice

Studying genetically engineered mice that lack specific PDE4 subtypes, researchers found that inhibition of PDE4D mediates much of the emetic response. The study aims to develop subtype-specific inhibitors effective in airways without affecting other tissues.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 2002

Relaxed mice may provide clues for treating anxiety

Mice lacking a specific gene have reduced anxious behavior and increased sensitivity to brain's own endogenous neurosteroids. The findings suggest PKCe as a possible target for developing novel therapeutics for anxiety treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 2002

UCSD study shows smokers' quitlines work

A new UCSD study found that counseling services provided through state-funded quitlines significantly increase abstinence rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The research suggests that these programs can help a higher number of long-term quitters compared to those who do not use such services.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 2, 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.

Researchers find evidence that Antarctic ice stream has reversed its flow

A team of scientists has discovered that an Antarctic ice stream has reversed its flow over the past 250 years, a phenomenon that may be linked to long-term climate change. The study reveals that changes in the ice sheet's configuration have led to a shift in the flow direction, potentially impacting global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2002

Deciphering the genetic basis of the mosquito’s senses

A team of researchers from Vanderbilt University identified 276 genes in the Anopheles gambiae genome that code for G-protein-coupled receptors essential to the mosquito's senses. The study found 79 genes involved in its sense of smell and 72 in its taste, shedding light on the insect's strong preference for human hosts.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2002

Researchers find promising new target for anxiety-reducing drugs

Scientists have identified a potential new target in the brain for anxiety-reducing medications, which may provide less disruptive alternatives to existing sedatives. By inhibiting a specific enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-epsilon), researchers hope to develop new treatments that can modulate GABA function without addictive side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 2, 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.

'Prehabilitation' prevents functional decline of at-risk frail elders living at home

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a prehabilitation program improved balance, muscle strength, and mobility in physically frail elderly individuals. The program, which included physical therapy and resistance band exercises, significantly reduced disability scores compared to a health education group.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 2, 2002

Visual inspection: A low-tech tool for reducing cervical cancer rates

A new computer model suggests that regular visual inspections every five years can save lives and reduce costs compared to DNA testing or traditional Pap smears. In Thailand, where cervical cancer is a major public health concern, this low-tech screening strategy could be an effective and affordable solution.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 2, 2002

Nanocylinders open way to polymer electronics

Researchers have successfully synthesized clusters of fluorine-containing dendritic polymers that organize into tiny supramolecular cylinders. These nanocylinders display promising optoelectronic properties and can be used as donor- or acceptor groups, enabling the creation of novel electronic devices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2002

Research reveals mechanism that influences cancer cells to die

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that cancer cells containing high levels of Myc protein cannot activate p21 gene production, leading to cell death. The study's findings suggest a potential strategy to increase chemotherapy effectiveness by favoring apoptosis over citostasis.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 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.

Robots powered by the ocean itself

Two robotic gliders, Slocum Glider and Seaglider, will be tested operationally off Southern California this winter. The gliders harness changes in buoyancy or temperature layers to collect data on ocean currents, salinity, and biological sounds.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateOct 2, 2002