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Science News for September 17, 2002


Interpretation key to early music, scholar says

Researchers have filled in gaps in the 250 surviving troubadour melodies with various interpretations. Professor John Haines says different influences, such as Arabic-style melodies and waltz-like rhythms, have shaped these songs over time.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateSep 17, 2002

Radiologists’ interpretation of mammograms varies widely

A study of community radiologists' mammogram interpretations found wide variation in how often masses, calcifications, and suspicious lesions are detected. False-positive readings increased with patient demographics, training level, and time since graduating from medical school.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 17, 2002
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Almonds: Cholesterol lowering, heart-healthy snack

A clinical trial found that consuming almonds daily significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects. The study also showed that eating more almonds increased the reduction of 'bad' cholesterol even further, without resulting in weight gain.

SourcePorter Novelli·DateSep 17, 2002

Other highlights in the September 18 issue of JNCI

Research highlights increased cervical cancer risk in smokers, while ovarian tumors with BRCA2 mutations also commonly have BRCA1 mutations. A potential therapeutic approach for eliminating malignant urothelial cells is also explored through CD40 ligation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 17, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September (second issue)

A study of 24,690 British children found a dose-related association between maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Another study on Alaskan sled dogs suggests that 'ski asthma' may be a model for exercise-induced airway injury in humans.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 17, 2002

Public strong on opinions – weaker on knowledge

A study by Cardiff University found that the British public is strong on opinions about scientific issues like climate change and biotechnology but weak on actual knowledge. The survey revealed that people's trust in sources like scientists and media outlets is low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.

SourceCardiff University·DateSep 17, 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.

Penn study may explain cliche of 'hot-headed' men

A new study by Penn scientists has found that women's brains have a larger volume of orbital frontal cortex, a region involved in modulating aggression, compared to men. This difference may contribute to the perception of women being less aggressive than men.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2002

New technique for DNA nanostructures

Researchers create DNA nanostructures up to 1,000 times smaller than commercial microarrays using the nanografting technique. This breakthrough enables the study of thousands of genes in a cell simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 17, 2002

Researchers create rare, large symmetrical crystals

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute created large symmetrical crystals with five-fold crystallographic symmetry using boron carbide. These crystals are rare in nature due to the strain caused by their growth, but may have potential as a hard material for engineering applications.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateSep 17, 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.

Young children’s optimism places new skills within reach

Young children believe negative traits can be changed, which may help them stay motivated to learn new skills. However, as they grow older, this level of optimism fades and they become more pessimistic about their ability to change.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 2002

Caesarean rates unaffected by level of nursing care

A study published in JAMA found that continuous care from nurses did not significantly reduce caesarean delivery rates. However, the majority of women preferred this type of care, highlighting the need for widespread changes to hospital practices and caregivers' attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA·DateSep 17, 2002

Young black children’s development affected by messages on race

A study found that African American parents of young children prioritize racial pride and self-esteem over promoting mistrust or bias. Home environments rich in Afrocentric culture positively impact cognitive development. Racial socialization is a key component of parenting, influencing child outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 2002

Researcher hopes to bridge gap in stroke prevention

A researcher has reviewed over 350 clinical studies to find evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention, highlighting the underutilization of anti-coagulation therapy in high-risk patients. The study aims to make this evidence accessible to clinicians to improve healthcare outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA·DateSep 17, 2002
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.

100th Extra-solar planet gives clues to origins of planets

The discovery of a companion planet to Tau1 Gruis star with a relatively long-period orbit and mass similar to Jupiter sheds new light on the formation of giant planets. Researchers found that most giant planets likely form at Jupiter-like distances from their host stars.

SourceScience and Technology Facilities Council·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 17, 2002

Affluent youth prone to high distress, substance abuse

Researchers found an unusually high incidence of depressive symptoms among affluent girls compared to national averages. Substance use was also common among both boys and girls, with a connection between distress levels and substance use identified.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 2002

Scientist develops method for sound navigation

A Toronto-based researcher has developed a system that uses acoustic signals to locate and orient devices, mimicking the navigation abilities of blind people. The technology could lead to improved communication devices such as cell phones or hand-held computers within five to ten years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateSep 17, 2002

Ad repetition may confuse consumers: study

A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that ad repetition can be confusing for consumers. Students who were mentally engaged with ads performed better at matching product names and slogans than those who were not, suggesting a positive effect of mental engagement on memory.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateSep 17, 2002

Yeast research targets drug resistance battle

Researchers studied Candida albicans in the presence of fluconazole and found changes in hundreds of genes. The altered genes displayed three distinct patterns that can be targeted with companion drugs, delaying or preventing drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strong ethnic identity affects well being for some individuals

A study by Tiffany Yip and Andrew J. Fuligni found that adolescents' sense of ethnicity increased with participation in ethnic activities, such as speaking Chinese or eating Chinese food. The researchers also discovered a stronger connection between feeling Chinese and positive feelings in boys compared to girls.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 2002

Engineers model blood flow

Researchers developed a computer model of blood flow in the aorta, identifying areas prone to disturbed flows that could lead to atherosclerosis. The model uses CAT scan images and predicts where oscillating flows may cause damage, allowing doctors to assess heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·DateSep 17, 2002

Vitamin E fails to join heart-health regimen

A study found that vitamin E supplements did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in healthy individuals, despite reducing oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. The research suggests that antioxidant therapy may be beneficial for specific groups, such as younger individuals or those with high-risk profiles.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateSep 17, 2002

Single moms in poor, rural areas aren’t ruled by setting

A study found that black single mothers in rural Georgia who had high self-esteem and optimism implemented good parenting practices, such as open discussions and supervision. These factors were linked to their children developing good self-regulation, which predicted performing well in school and handling social situations well.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 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.

Youth who experience discrimination carry higher stress burden

A recent study found that youth who experience discrimination report a higher stress burden, particularly black students who face more frequent experiences with prejudice. The research also highlights the importance of strong racial identity in enhancing self-esteem for black youth.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 17, 2002

Breast cancer gene may be associated with additional cancers

Research studies found small but statistically significant increases in cancer risks among BRCA1 mutation carriers, including colon, liver, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. Additionally, male BRCA1 mutation carriers had a slightly elevated risk of prostate cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 17, 2002