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Science News for September 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.

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

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

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.

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