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Science News Archive October 2002


Page 8 of 10

Eczema patients lack natural antibiotic in skin

Researchers found that eczema patients have impaired immune response, preventing adequate antimicrobial peptide production in their skin. This deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to skin infections, such as staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex.

Better metal forming: Magnetic pulses 'bump' metal into shape

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a new method for shaping metal using magnetism, eliminating the need for industrial lubricants. The 'bump forming' technique increases the depth of metal parts by up to 47% while reducing production costs and environmental impact.

U-M Bioterrorism Preparedness Initiative gets $1 million from CDC

The U-M Bioterrorism Preparedness Initiative has received a $1 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop web-based training for over 9,000 public health workers in Michigan. The initiative aims to improve the state's public health system's ability to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

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.

Researchers elucidate machinery of major anti-cancer target

A team of researchers from Duke University has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the mechanism of FTase, a key player in cancer development. The study revealed that FTase doesn't release its product until another substrate molecule arrives, suggesting a new role for the enzyme beyond molecular seamstressing.

Airport noise impairs long-term memory and reading

A study of German children found that exposure to airport noise was linked to reading deficits and impaired long-term memory. However, the effects were reversible once the local airport closed, suggesting that a quieter environment can mitigate the negative impacts of noise on children's cognitive abilities.

UW-Madison leads $26 million study on aging

The six-year project MIDUS II aims to understand the complex relationships between psychosocial factors and physical health in people aged 35-85. Researchers will collect data through interviews and questionnaires to identify genetic differences influencing health and well-being.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Survey: Medicare gets higher marks from enrollees than private insurance

A survey of 3,457 Americans found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries experience better satisfaction with their coverage, including improved access to care and reduced out-of-pocket costs. In contrast, privately insured individuals reported more problems with accessing necessary services and paying medical bills.

New avenue of HIV damage found

Researchers have found a new avenue of HIV damage that affects the structure of CD4 T cells, making it impossible for them to function normally. This discovery may lead to improved disease staging and therapy, as therapies targeting inflammation and scar tissue accumulation could enhance current antiviral treatment.

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.

European trial finds old lung cancer treatment may still be best

A new phase III multi-national European trial involving 618 patients with advanced non small-cell lung cancer found that cisplatin and paclitaxel improved survival rates compared to carboplatin and paclitaxel. The study suggests that cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the preferred standard treatment for lung cancer in Europe.

Purdue corrals new Trojan horse to replace wayward genes in mice

A team led by Purdue University's David Sanders has developed a promising system to deliver genes to diseased liver and brain cells using a modified Ross River Virus (RRV) as a Trojan horse. This approach avoids the harmful side effects associated with other retroviruses, bringing gene therapy closer to treating human diseases.

Brain anticipates events to learn routines

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine trained macaque monkeys to recognize changes in a display screen, rewarding them with juice for correct responses. The study found that neurons in the visual cortex increased activity when an event was likely to occur, allowing primates to develop expectations and prepare accordingly.

RRF recycles form, not exact function

The ribosome recycling factor plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by disassembling the ribosomal complex after protein completion. Researchers believe RRF could be targeted for new antibiotic development to combat bacterial resistance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NHLBI funds new heart-health education projects in high-risk communities

The NHLBI has funded new heart health education projects in high-risk communities across the US, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths. The projects will employ creative approaches to engage communities, including training peer health educators and conducting awareness-raising town-hall meetings.

DNA unzipping found to take at least two proteins, not one alone

New research has solved a long-standing mystery about DNA unzipping, revealing that it requires at least two proteins working together. The study found that if one protein falls away, the process stops and DNA reverts to its zipped state unless another protein joins in.

A red flag for lethal prostate cancer

Researchers found that EZH2 expression was significantly higher in metastatic prostate cancer tissue compared to localized prostate cancer. A future test for high levels of EZH2 protein could serve as a red flag for physicians to identify men with the most aggressive form of the disease.

Amanda Fisher receives EMBO Gold Medal

Amanda Fisher has been awarded the prestigious EMBO Gold Medal for her exceptional work in European molecular biology. The award recognizes her achievements as a role model for scientists in Europe.

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.

Men, women and the green eye’d monster

A study by Northeastern University's David DeSteno reveals that both men and women experience more distress from sexual than emotional infidelity. The findings challenge long-held evolutionary theories on jealousy.

Call me Ishmael

The Navy has built an Air-Sea Interaction Tower to measure atmospheric and ocean conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wave height. The tower will provide better weather forecasts, enabling the avoidance of storms and saving lives.

Visceral reality

The Navy is using immersive simulation training, known as 'visceral reality,' to challenge fresh recruits through realistic and intense scenarios. This new approach aims to better equip sailors to deal with combat situations, providing a more effective training evolution.

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.

Max Planck radioastronomers measure the sizes of distant minor planets

The Max Planck Institute for Radioastronomy has determined the sizes of four of the largest and most distant minor planets in our solar system. The diameters range between 700 and 1200 km, providing new insights into the Kuiper belt's structure and potential origin of planetary systems.

Women with advanced cervical cancer need varied therapy, study shows

Women with stage IIIb cervical cancer may benefit from different treatments depending on the spread of their disease, according to a new study. The research found that women whose cancer had not spread to lymph nodes had the highest survival rates, while those with upper chest lymph node involvement typically died within months.

'Glowing' technique could detect river pollution

Researchers from Newcastle University successfully classified 70% of River Ouseburn water samples by measuring natural fluorescence, which could aid in detecting organic pollutants. The 'glowing' technique uses spectrophotometry to fingerprint dissolved organic matter in rivers.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Brain shrinkage in ADHD not caused by medications

A recent study using MRI scans found that children with ADHD showed smaller brain volumes in all regions compared to their peers. The researchers suggest that the disorder may be caused by genetic factors rather than medication use.

OSU cancer researchers win $9.5 to study immunity

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have been awarded a $9.5 million grant to study the innate immune system and develop new cancer therapies. The project will explore how targeted therapies can be more potent in the presence of certain agents, and will involve multiple clinical trials and laboratory projects.

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.

OSU studies breast cancer risk and beef consumption

Researchers investigate potential link between low-level exposure to zeranol and breast cancer risk. The study explores the biological effects of zeranol, a synthetic non-steroidal agent used in cattle feed, on human breast tissue.

Medications aren't affecting brain size in children with ADHD

A new study confirms that children with ADHD have smaller brains than those without the disorder, but found that stimulant medications do not affect brain size. The research, led by Dr. F. Xavier Castellanos, also showed that brain development in children with ADHD is normal and healthy.

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.

Sydney Brenner, Molecular Sciences Institute founder, awarded the Nobel Prize

Sydney Brenner's groundbreaking research on Caenorhabditis elegans revealed genes controlling human processes, while his contributions to molecular biology and systems biology paved the way for major discoveries. His work at the Molecular Sciences Institute continues to advance our understanding of biological systems.

'Fly me to the moon’ for clean, reliable electricity

A lunar solar power system, proposed by Criswell, could supply up to 20 terawatts of electricity to Earth, enough for a population of 10 billion. The system would harness just one percent of the moon's solar power and beam it back to receivers on Earth via microwave beams.

Airport noise impairs long-term memory and reading

A study published in Psychological Science found that German children exposed to airport noise showed significant declines in reading and memory abilities. However, these effects were reversible once the local airport closed, indicating that exposure to chronic noise can have serious health and learning impacts on children.

Genome of potential bioremediation agent sequenced

The genome sequence of Shewanella oneidensis reveals its ability to remove toxic metals like chromium and uranium from the environment. Scientists have discovered a new bacterial phage that may enable genetic manipulation of Shewanella for specific bioremediation projects.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New breast cancer gene discovered

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new breast cancer gene called DBC2, which is associated with sporadic breast cancer. The study shows that the Dbc2 protein kills cancer cells or stops them from growing, making it a promising target for treatment.

Texas spaceports, Mars colonies on drawing board at UH

The University of Houston is developing blueprints for Texas spaceports and a Mars colony, aiming to provide a less expensive alternative to government-run facilities. The program will consider factors such as propulsion systems, habitat design, and radiation protection, with the goal of creating a sustainable human presence on Mars.

Former Washington Post reporter wins top chemistry reporting award

Peter Rensberger has been recognized with the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. The award aims to promote outstanding reporting that fosters a public understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields.

Opioid medications a good bet for shingles-related pain

A study published in Neurology found that opioid medications effectively relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain without significant side effects, with 54% of patients preferring opiates over antidepressants. The research suggests opioids are a good alternative for patients not responding to other types of pain medications.

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.

Privatisation, Chinese-style

Research by Dr Jackie Sheehan and colleagues found that anxiety over labour unrest is holding back SOEs from completing layoffs, with workers instead being moved into new sub-companies or retrained. Despite reduced government interference, significant state controls remain in place.

One in every three primates now threatened with extinction

According to a recent report from Conservation International, 25 primates are now threatened with extinction, with Asia accounting for almost 45% of the world's most endangered primates. Habitat loss and hunting are major factors in the decline of these species, and urgent conservation action is required to prevent extinctions.

Opioids, narcotic analgesics effective in treating post-herpetic neuralgia

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and National Institutes of Health found opioids to be highly effective in reducing pain in PHN patients, while causing no appreciable cognitive decline. The study's results provide convincing evidence for the use of opioids as an alternative treatment option for neuropathic pain.

Foot pressure device may stamp out muscle loss

Researchers developed a mechanical system that stimulates muscle activity in the legs by mimicking natural sensory input, which could aid astronauts and bed-ridden patients. The technology uses plungers to push against the bottom of the foot in specific patterns, generating enhanced neuromuscular activity.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Technology could use moon dust to capture sun power

Researchers at the University of Houston are developing methods to manufacture huge solar cell arrays on the moon using materials from lunar soil. The goal is to generate enough electricity to supply a lunar base or colonies, as well as beam electricity back to Earth for use in local grids.

From moon rocks to space food: UH research spans 40 years

The University of Houston has a rich history of space research, with contributions to NASA's Exobiology Program and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. Researchers are planning to go back to the moon and Mars to develop space outposts.

Chemists create synthetic cytochromes

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created synthetic cytochromes by designing a small cyclic peptide that binds to iron millions of times more strongly than without it. This peptide's unique structure enables it to facilitate electron transport across cell membranes, potentially leading to effective antibiotics.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Data reanalysis shows cranial measurements are hereditable

A team of researchers reanalyzed the data from Boas' 1912 study on cranial measurements, finding that genetic factors dominate variation in head shape. The study's results contradict Boas' claims that environmental influences are the primary driver of cranial plasticity.

Combining two types of radiation therapy better for treating brain cancer

Researchers found that combining whole brain radiation with stereotactic radiosurgery improved survival rates by one to two months for patients with single brain metastases. Those with multiple metastases showed some improvement in survival, but not as much, and added medications may further enhance treatment outcomes.