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Science News for September 3, 2002


Information age will change doctors’ role in healing

As patients access health information online, doctors may take on advisory roles, helping patients make informed decisions. Despite internet accessibility, patients trust doctors more than online sources, ensuring the profession's continued relevance in society.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateSep 3, 2002

Sugar-based therapies could prevent damage from kidney failure

Researchers found that knocking out enzymes adds fucose to proteins, protecting the kidney from damage and inflammation. Developing drugs targeting these enzymes could lead to new therapies for conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 3, 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.

Concern about future health problems goes up in smoke

Smokers are less sensitive to future health consequences than nonsmokers, prioritizing immediate health gains over long-term risks. Smoking cessation therapies should focus on illustrating the immediate consequences of not smoking, such as contingency management therapy.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Identifying individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease

A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2002

Sensing tanks, as well as cancer

A newly developed 200-channel hyperspectral remote sensing capability has shown astounding results in improving breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The algorithm, invented by ONR scientists Dr. Harold Szu and James Buss, uses a brain-like approach to analyze thermal heat distribution and detect early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 3, 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.

Mass spectrometer weighs in as proteomics breakthrough

A new, high-throughput mass spectrometer has been developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, providing unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy. This system enables the thorough identification and characterization of proteins, which is crucial for understanding cellular function, disease progression, and treatment options.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 3, 2002

Tagging the great white shark...and a few of his friends

The TOPP program will track the movements of 15 species, including great white sharks and tuna fish, across immense Pacific Ocean areas. Scientists aim to understand migration patterns, diving behaviors, and ocean conditions affecting these marine animals.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Study finds additional evidence for contamination of herbal supplement for prostate cancer

A recent analysis of eight PC-SPES lots revealed widespread contamination with indomethacin and diethylstilbestrol, two potent synthetic compounds that undermine the supplement's anticancer potency. The study suggests that the contaminated batches had significantly reduced anticancer activity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 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.

Can an aspirin a day keep atherosclerosis at bay?

Researchers found that low-dose aspirin changes the composition of arterial plaques, reducing cholesterol-rich cells and increasing collagen and smooth muscle cells. This shift in plaque composition is associated with reduced inflammation and lower risk of rupture.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 3, 2002

For the first time, drug shows promise to help spit tobacco users quit

A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 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.

Brain chemicals can thwart desire to smoke cigarettes

Researchers found that a drug mimicking dopamine effects reduces desire to smoke, while a drug impeding dopamine's effects increases puffing frequency. The study suggests dopamine plays a crucial role in cigarette smoking addiction.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Dinosaur ancestor's vision possibly nocturnal

Researchers recreated a 240-million-year-old protein to study the vision of dinosaur ancestors, finding evidence that they may have had dim-light vision. The discovery offers insights into how biologically important molecules evolved over time and paves the way for further studies on ancient species.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 3, 2002

Leaner, meaner carriers

The Navy is exploring the use of HSLA-65 steel in its next-generation aircraft carriers to reduce weight and increase service life. Preliminary calculations suggest that this new steel can provide equal or greater service life than traditional high-strength steel, but be thinner and weigh less.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 3, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A genetic contribution to obsessive compulsive disorder

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a link between a genetic variant of the serotonin receptor gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with this variant may be more susceptible to developing OCD, potentially leading to earlier identification and treatment.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2002

Mayo Clinic develops blood vessel cells from adult progenitor cells

Researchers successfully converted circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells into functional smooth muscle cells, which could help address interventional cardiology problems. The study may pave the way for therapeutic angiogenesis by preventing or eliminating the adhesive properties that contribute to plaque formation.

SourceMayo Clinic·DateSep 3, 2002

Mapping genes for schizophrenia in the South Pacific

A genetic study in Palau reveals distinct genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia in each of five families. The findings reinforce the complexity of schizophrenia and demonstrate the value of large extended pedigrees for gene mapping.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2002
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.

Free software predicts how and when steel beams will buckle

A free computer program developed by Johns Hopkins researcher Benjamin W. Schafer allows designers to test stability and safety of thin-walled structures before construction. The CUFSM software provides critical predictions on buckling conditions, enabling the development of sturdiest and most cost-effective designs.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateSep 3, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September--first issue

A Swedish study of over 3,000 children found that living with a cat significantly reduced the risk of developing asthma. Conversely, continuing smokers showed substantially lower lung function levels, indicating severe to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 3, 2002

Study suggests a possible link between high-starch diet and pancreatic cancer

A study suggests that a high-starch diet may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer in overweight and sedentary women. Women with diets heavy in starchy foods were found to be more than two-and-a-half times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those with low glycemic loads.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2002
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Other highlights in the September 4 issue of JNCI

A study found no association between carbohydrate and sucrose intake and pancreatic cancer risk, but a diet high in glycemic load increased the risk among overweight women. Dairy product consumption was not associated with reduced breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women, but may be protective in premenopausal women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 3, 2002

Cigarette tax hike could save millions of lives

A recent study estimates that cigarette tax hikes could prevent between 5 million to 16 million tobacco-related deaths globally. The greatest savings would be in low- and middle-income countries, with the greatest impact on young smokers. Price increases are considered the most cost-effective anti-smoking intervention.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002

Peer pressure matters in young adults’ smoking decisions

A study of 278 male and 433 female smokers found that peer pressure, parental approval, and social bonds played a significant role in quitting smoking. Females were more likely to quit if their parents disapproved of their smoking and had non-smoking friends.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateSep 3, 2002