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Science News Archive September 2002


Page 2 of 8

Antibiotic could offer promise for treatment of cystic fibrosis

A study found that azithromycin improved forced expiratory volume in one second's exhalation (FEV1) by around 5% in some children with cystic fibrosis. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant difference in quality-of-life assessments compared to placebo.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New clues to help diabetes and hypoglycemia

Researchers at the University of Melbourne discovered a key player in the brain's response to low glucose levels, shedding light on how diabetes and hypoglycemia are regulated. By studying Neuropeptide Y, scientists hope to develop new treatments for these conditions.

UK researchers develop novel treatment for fibroids

Researchers have developed a new treatment for fibroids using a combination of lasers and MRI, which has shown promising results in reducing fibroid volume and improving symptoms. The treatment has the potential to be an alternative to traditional surgery for selected patients, particularly those wishing to preserve their fertility.

Nighttime is the right time to prevent preterm labor with aspirin

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial found that taking aspirin at bedtime significantly reduced the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia in pregnant women with high blood pressure. The study also showed significant weight gains in babies born to mothers who took aspirin at night.

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.

University of California, Riverside study dates our ancestors

A UC Riverside study sheds light on the emergence of bilaterian animals, suggesting they did not appear until 555 million years ago. The research analyzed trace fossils from the Proterozoic-Cambrian transition, providing evidence for the gradual increase in diversity and complexity of these ancient structures.

Stanford researcher to find cure for widespread Celiac disease

Researchers at Stanford University Hospital have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can rapidly degrade toxic fragments of gluten, potentially providing an alternative to a strict gluten-free diet. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Celiac disease patients worldwide.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Michael B. Sporn, M.D., to receive inaugural cancer prevention award

Dr. Michael Sporn, a renowned cancer researcher, has made significant contributions to cancer prevention through his work on chemoprevention and the development of new strategies to reduce cancer incidence and death. He is recognized for his pioneering studies on the role of Vitamin A and retinoids in cancer prevention.

Climate model for Earth also describes changes on Mars

Researchers used a climate change model on Earth to analyze Mars' polar regions, finding a correlation between the layers of ice and dust and changes in climate. The study suggests that Mars' climate changes can be explained by orbital theory, similar to Earth.

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.

Right side of brain learns language skills after stroke

A new study demonstrates that learning and speech therapy can alter the way compensatory pathways in the brain work after a stroke. The research supports the hypothesis that brain pathways in the right hemisphere are directly involved in the recovery of language skills.

Washington university education department receives $10 million NSF grant

The Department of Education at Washington University in St. Louis has received a $10 million NSF grant to establish the Center for Integrating Science, Technology, and Learning (CISTL). CISTL will focus on supporting inquiry-based teaching and learning in K-12 science education through professional development and research 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.

New research adds to understanding of conscious awareness

Researchers studied brain activity in patients with epileptic seizures to understand how synchronized gamma waves contribute to conscious perception. The studies found that synchronized fast neural activity in the sensory area is necessary for perceiving simple stimuli.

Newly revealed viral structure suggests a continuum in the evolution of viruses

Researchers have discovered a new viral structure that suggests a continuum in the evolution of viruses, revealing similarities between PRD1 and human adenoviruses. The findings provide insights into the evolutionary path taken by families of viruses and may lead to the development of new therapies for certain infections.

$10 Million center for theoretical biological physics created at UCSD by NSF

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at UCSD combines theoreticians and experimentalists to advance research in understanding complex biological systems. The interdisciplinary approach will provide insights into fundamental laws governing biological systems, enabling predictions and breakthroughs in biology and physics.

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.

Rare disorder provides new insight into fighting infection

Researchers discovered a mutation in the caspase-8 gene in two siblings with an immune disorder, which led to impaired lymphocyte activation and severe immunodeficiency. The study found that functional caspase-8 restored immune cell function, suggesting its potential as a target for new therapies.

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.

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.

Psychological distress may predict hypertension

A study of 15 research studies found that high psychological distress was associated with an 8% increased risk of developing hypertension. The researchers suggest that the relationship between psychological factors and hypertension development is a significant concern for clinical health experts.

Rabies vaccinations could help save Ethiopian wolf

Ethiopian wolf populations are threatened by rabies, which spreads rapidly among packs. Vaccinating surrounding dogs is a costly and difficult option, but researchers found vaccinating wolves themselves could increase survival rates. Developing an oral rabies vaccine for wolves may be a more effective solution.

Snuff use may be ‘gateway’ to cigarette smoking

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that snuff use may be a gateway to cigarette smoking. Men who had quit using snuff were more likely to have switched to cigarettes than those who had never used snuff, indicating that snuff might impede smokers' efforts to quit.

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.

Men’s health more vulnerable to stressful life events

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that men are more susceptible to negative health effects from stressful life events. The study, conducted among 2,991 full-time municipal employees, discovered a strong link between major life events and increased psychological problems and impaired health.

Sea snake homing instinct could nix translocation

A recent study found that sea snakes exhibit strong homing instincts, returning to their native islands within a month after translocation. This suggests that populations may be more vulnerable to local threats and extinctions than previously thought.

Ethnic, gender differences in blood pressure also seen in youth

Research found that adolescent blood pressure increases differ by ethnicity and sex. Black participants showed greater blood pressure responses to stress compared to white subjects. Males also exhibited higher blood pressure levels during relaxation, similar to findings in adults.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Remembering stressful events may lead to later heart disease

Researchers found that recalling stressful events can lead to delayed blood pressure recovery and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Chronic stress is also associated with an elevated risk of later heart disease, likely due to prolonged strain on the cardiovascular system.

Fragmentation may be linked to local amphibian extinctions

A study by Rothermel and Semlitsch found that juvenile amphibians preferentially use corridors of natural vegetation to move through fragmented forests. The researchers also discovered that these animals lose more water in open fields, making forest habitats a safer choice for survival.

Plastic shows promise for spintronics, magnetic computer memory

Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a new material that can store and transfer data through the spin of electrons, enabling faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This breakthrough could lead to instant-on computers, reduced weight, and lower manufacturing costs.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

No extra disease seen in chemical-exposed Gulf War veterans

A study of Gulf War veterans found no significant difference in health indicators between those exposed to low levels of chemical warfare agents and those not exposed. Veterans deployed to the region were more likely to experience psychological and physical ailments, but these effects were not unique to those with exposure.

Breeding programs should incorporate mate choice

Incorporating mate choice into breeding programs can increase the survival of young whitefish and other species by selecting for genetically superior males. However, this approach may also reduce genetic variation, requiring a balance between the two goals.

Exhaustion's effect on blood increases heart attack risk

Research found that vital exhaustion, a state of excessive fatigue and hopelessness, is associated with higher blood levels of fibrinogen, which can lead to excessive blood clotting. Decreased early morning fibrinolysis was also linked to vital exhaustion, increasing heart attack risk.

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.

Repressing anxiety may protect against stress disorders

A study of over 100 patients hospitalized for a heart attack found that repressive coping style can promote adjustment to traumatic stress in the short and long term. The repressive participants had lower rates of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to highly anxious participants.

Fairness of sibling treatment key to its impact, study shows

A study published in Family Psychology found that children who perceive fair parental treatment are less prone to depression, anxiety, and lower self-worth. Parents should consider their children's views on preferential treatment to promote better outcomes.

Patients often miss out on nutrition counseling, at cost to health

A recent study found that only a quarter of patients receive nutrition counseling during doctor visits, falling short of national nutritional objectives. Physicians can be trained to offer tailored nutrition messages, but more in-depth counseling is needed for optimal patient outcomes.

Web therapy may help tinnitus sufferers cope with problem

A new study suggests that web therapy can effectively reduce tinnitus-related symptoms in patients, particularly those experiencing mild to moderate distress. The treatment involves cognitive behavioral exercises, relaxation, breathing, and sleep management training via the Internet.

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.

Depression increases risk for some heart transplant patients

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that heart transplant patients with depression are at a higher risk of mortality compared to those without depression. The study found significant correlations between depression and poor post-operative survival in ischemic disease patients.

Still mulling over last night's argument? It could affect your heart

A recent study by UC Irvine researchers suggests that dwelling on emotionally charged events, such as arguments, can lead to higher blood pressure and increased risk of later health problems. The study found that ruminating over past stresses can cause longer recovery times in the body than non-emotional yet stressful events like running.

Climate change: 50 years past and possible futures

The GISS 'SI2000' climate model demonstrates that global temperature change is mainly a response to human-made forcings, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The study projects possible futures under two contrasting scenarios, with minimal warming if air pollution decreases and CO2 emissions are stabilized.

Identification of the first gene in posttraumatic stress disorder

Researchers found a common mutation in the DAT gene to be associated with trauma survivors who developed chronic PTSD, suggesting a genetic contribution to the disorder's development. The study implies that genetically determined variation in dopaminergic neurotransmission may play a role in shaping the pathological response to trauma.

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.

DNA separation by entropic force offers better resolution

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a DNA separation method using entropic force, which offers better resolution than traditional methods. The new technique uses a nanofabricated device to separate DNA strands of different lengths, with the potential to improve genetic analysis and gene expression studies.

Celebrex may be safe for preterm labor, preliminary study finds

A recent clinical trial testing celecoxib in pregnant women found that it appears to be a safer alternative for preventing preterm delivery, with fewer side effects compared to indomethacin. The study also suggests that celecoxib is just as effective in delaying delivery and may offer a new option for women at risk of preterm labor.