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Science News for October 21, 2002


Researchers determine how 'hospital staph' resists antibiotics

Resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, also known as hospital staph, have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Researchers have identified key differences in the structure of penicillin-binding protein 2A (PBP2a), which enables it to resist beta-lactam antibiotics.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 21, 2002

Dietary intake of vitamin E may reduce risk of Parkinson's disease

A large cohort study found that high dietary vitamin E intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, the use of vitamin E or C supplements and multivitamins showed no protective effect on Parkinson's risk. The results suggest that other lifestyle factors may also play a role in reduci...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 21, 2002

Visualising potential outcome of cancer treatment

Researchers used Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWMRI) to visualize and measure water characteristics in mouse tumors before and after chemotherapy. They found a significant correlation between water diffusion properties prior to treatment and subsequent tumor growth rate.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2002
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.

GERD and other GI disorders may disrupt sleep

Two studies found significant relationships between GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Researchers measured sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index exam and objective measures like polysomnography.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 21, 2002

Can Alzheimer's disease be slowed by shunting cerebrospinal fluid?

A recent study suggests that shunting cerebrospinal fluid may help slow cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In a small, controlled trial, patients with Alzheimer's and normal pressure hydrocephalus experienced relative stability compared to those without shunts.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 21, 2002

Community anti-drug campaigns found ineffective

A study of 12 Fighting Back communities found no reduction in drug and alcohol use rates despite coordinated strategies, whereas implementing strategies aimed at adults increased rates.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 21, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCSD cancer researchers develop new anti-leukemia strategy

Researchers induce leukemia cells to change behavior and stimulate immune system, killing significant numbers of leukemia cells in a 3-step process. The approach has shown strong killing effect against AML cell lines but not other types of cancer, with potential for safe transfer back into patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateOct 21, 2002

Smoking found to be an important risk factor for colorectal polyps

Researchers found that smoking is an important risk factor for developing colorectal polyps, with smokers being more likely to have larger polyps and a greater potential for malignancy. The study suggests that physicians should consider performing screening colonoscopy in current smokers before age 50.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 21, 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.

Tokamak fusion test reactor removal successfully completed

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been safely dismantled and removed, marking a significant milestone in the history of fusion research. The successful decommissioning demonstrates the promise of fusion as an environmentally attractive energy source, with minimal production of waste.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateOct 21, 2002

Hope for patients with advanced bowel cancer

Early results of North American trials of oxaliplatin show a 70% delay in tumour progression and significant improvement in symptoms for patients with advanced bowel cancer. The US FDA has approved the drug for use in these patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2002

Stronger 'buckle up' laws linked to increased seat belt use

A study by University College London found that countries with stronger 'buckle up' laws experienced significant increases in seat belt use, up to 64% more respondents reporting use in 2000. Positive attitudes toward safety equipment played a key role in this shift.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 21, 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.

New screening method may speed hunt for disease-causing genes

Researchers have developed a new genetic screening method that narrows the pool of candidate genes from thousands to fewer than 100, potentially saving time and money. The technique uses a combination of quantitative trait locus mapping and microarray technology to identify genes with differential expression, which are more likely to b...

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2002

New screening technique may speed hunt for genes

Scientists have developed a new genetic screening technique that narrows the pool of candidate genes from thousands to fewer than 100, potentially speeding up the search for genes responsible for inherited traits. The method combines two established techniques and has been tested on fruit flies, with promising results.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2002

Screening the general population for colorectal cancer

Screening for colorectal cancer is vital for early detection, with a significant reduction in mortality rates associated with early detection. Current techniques like colonoscopy are effective but expensive, prompting the need for alternative methods.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 21, 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.

Family focus is hallmark of new South African grant

The new CIPRA grant will address HIV/AIDS as a family issue, not just an individual problem. The research aims to develop practical techniques tailored to the needs of South African families, with a focus on prevention, treatment, and social support services for those living with HIV/AIDS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 21, 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.

NSF grant for study of student underperformance

Williams College researcher Dr. Fein has received a $240,455 NSF grant to investigate the links between social context, physiological arousal, and cognitive appraisals in relation to student underperformance. The research team will include experts from education, neuroscience, health, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.

SourceWilliams College·DateOct 21, 2002

Stigma of breast cancer in developing countries costs lives

A study by Dr Zeba Aziz found that socio-economic status significantly impacts breast cancer treatment and survival rates in developing countries. Women from lower socio-economic backgrounds often delay seeking medical help, resulting in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, leading to poor survival rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateOct 21, 2002
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.

Costs for surgical treatment of GERD not offset by savings on medications

A recent study by the American College of Gastroenterology found that surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) does not eliminate the need for acid-reducing therapy. Despite lower medication costs in surgically managed patients, overall medical costs were higher due to surgery costs.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 21, 2002

Energy density labels do not encourage overeating

A study published in the journal Appetite found that energy density labels do not lead to increased food intake among normal-weight women. The research suggests that people take the same portion sizes regardless of calorie content, making it easier for manufacturers and restaurants to create healthier products.

SourcePenn State·JournalAppetite·DateOct 21, 2002