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Science News Archive 2003


Page 59 of 108

Millions of Americans suffer from major depression

A recent study by Harvard Medical School found that millions of Americans suffer from major depressive episodes (MDE), with the majority being severe cases. The researchers measured the severity and duration of depression in over 9,000 Americans and found that only one in five received adequate treatment for their condition.

Other highlights of the June 18 JNCI

Research suggests that frequent consumption of miso soup and high intake of isoflavones may lower breast cancer risk. Vitamin D analog paricalcitol also demonstrates antitumor activity against myeloid leukemia, myeloma, and colon cancer cells.

Medication may slow progression of Alzheimer disease

Researchers discovered that patients who received Exelon before withdrawing from a study showed significantly less cognitive decline than placebo-treated patients. The findings suggest a possible effect in delaying the biological progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hebrew University researcher studies 'reorganization' of brain in blind people

A study by Hebrew University researcher Dr. Ehud Zohary found that blind people's brains reorganize to process touch and memory, leading to superior verbal memory skills. The research opens a window into understanding cortical plasticity in brain systems, potentially leading to improved treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

Mayo Clinic finds key digestive role for 'silent killer'

Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease

Research highlights similar risk factors for women and men, yet varying impacts on heart health. Experts discuss the role of estrogen in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Millennium baby findings

The Millennium Cohort Study, funded by ESRC, follows the lives of nearly 19,000 babies born between 2000 and 2002. The study provides valuable insights into birth, baby, and parenthood topics, such as parents' ages and children's development.

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.

Simulated global environmental changes impact plant diversity

The Carnegie Institution's study found that elevated CO2 and nitrogen pollution reduced wildflower diversity, while increased water levels increased overall plant diversity. The four treatment combinations resulted in a decrease in wildflower species but an increase in grasses.

Blame, not just poor economy, needed to impact voting

A study by Kevin Arceneaux found that people facing economic adversity are more likely to vote when they blame the government for economic outcomes. The opposition party must convince voters that the current administration is at fault during times of economic hardship.

JCI table of contents, 16 June 2003

Sandra McLachlan and her team reveal that cleavage of the TSHR A subunit can induce or amplify the immune response to the TSHR, resulting in autoantibodies that stimulate thyroid hormones. This finding increases understanding of why autoantibodies arise specifically to the TSHR, leading to Graves hyperthyroidism.

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.

Some 400 'fragile regions' of genome more vulnerable to evolutionary breaks

Scientists have identified 400 'fragile regions' in the human genome that are more susceptible to genetic rearrangements, which could lead to a better understanding of cancer and other diseases. The study's findings contradict previous theories on genomic breakage, suggesting that these regions are like fault lines in the genome.

Birds do it. Bugs do it. But why don't we?

Research by University of Michigan biologist Jianzhi Zhang found that humans lost pheromone signals after a gene duplication event around 23 million years ago. This duplication allowed for the development of color vision, making pheromones unnecessary as a channel for sexual signaling.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, June 17, 2003

A new study suggests that pneumococcal vaccination can save medical costs for individuals aged 50 to 64, particularly those at high risk of pneumococcal disease. The cost-effectiveness of vaccination is comparable to other preventive services in this age group.

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.

Transplantation tolerance: Of mice and men

A recent study by Christian Larsen and colleagues reveals that a specific threshold of memory cells is necessary to promote rejection, while CD8+ central memory cells mediate rejection. The authors suggest testing for potential cellular sensitization against donors prior to tolerance protocols to increase human transplantation success.

Some gun dealers willing to make illegal sales

A recent study by researchers at the University of California - Los Angeles found that many gun dealers are willing to sell firearms to individuals prohibited from buying them, despite federal laws. The survey revealed that 87.5% of dealers would make a sale if the firearm was identified as being for someone else.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Mothers know best about child’s smoke exposure

A study found that 85% of children in low-income families had daily exposure to secondhand smoke, with mothers reporting the highest levels. Cotinine levels in children's urine only confirmed exposure for about 90% of cases, highlighting potential limitations of testing.

Richland, Wash., chemist receives award for materials research

Matson's work on ultra-barrier coatings has the potential to replace glass in electronic displays, enabling flexible and cheaper alternatives for cell phones, TVs, laptops, and digital watches. The American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Awards recognize his contributions to commercial success and improved quality of life.

Neandertal facial length issue settled

Researchers found Neandertals did not have long faces, but rather average or slightly reduced facial projection compared to earlier human ancestors. Modern humans' faces are significantly shorter due to evolutionary changes.

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.

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

Taste testing may help identify alcoholism risk

A study found that individuals with a positive paternal history of alcoholism prefer less salty and sour solutions, indicating unique taste characteristics that may contribute to protection against alcoholism. Researchers suggest that altered taste sensitivity may also play a role in the development of alcoholism risk.

At last: Just three cell types detect light in the eye

A team of international researchers led by Johns Hopkins scientists has discovered that the eye's ability to detect light is carried out by just three cell types: rods, cones, and melanopsin-producing cells. This finding resolves years of controversy and sheds new light on the eye's non-visual functions.

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.

Genetic clue links selenium to breast cancer prevention

A study by University of Illinois Chicago nutrition scientists reveals a potential genetic link between selenium and breast cancer prevention. The research identifies specific versions of a gene that may require more selenium in the diet for cancer-preventive benefits.

UCSD researchers identify gene involved in bipolar disorder

A mutation in the GRK3 gene, specifically in the promoter region, is linked to bipolar disorder in up to 10% of cases. The study suggests that this mutation causes individuals to become hypersensitive to dopamine, leading to mood extremes characteristic of the disease.

Imaging lithium with an electron microscope

For the first time, researchers have used a transmission electron microscope to image lithium atoms, capturing an arrangement of lithium ions among cobalt and oxygen atoms in the compound lithium cobalt oxide. The One Angstrom Microscope achieved a resolution as high as 0.78 angstrom.

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.

Nicotine-patch treatment works for smokers with long-term sobriety

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine replacement therapy works as well for smokers with long-term sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. In fact, most smokers with past alcoholism (85%) can quit smoking without difficulty and benefit from nicotine-patch treatment.

Enzyme may play unexpected role in asthma

Researchers identified nearly 300 asthma signature genes involved in pathogenesis, including arginase, which triggers asthmatic symptoms. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for individual patients.

Alcohol facilitates aggression among those who express anger outwardly

Researchers found that alcohol increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in individuals who tend to express their anger outwardly, such as through verbal or physical aggression. This association is significant and highlights the importance of understanding emotions and regulation in relation to drinking and aggressive behavior.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A rare find

Scott Oliver has been awarded a $500,000 NSF career grant to develop a new class of cationic microporous inorganic materials with unprecedented potential applications. These materials can trap anionic pollutants and are stable under high temperatures or acidic/basic conditions.

Remote sub can patrol Shores. Sound Fishy? It is, but not like you think.

Researchers have developed an AI system that can recognize various marine species, including fish and potential threats. The system, called Fetch2, has successfully identified two species - jacks and sharks - using side scan sonar data and neural networks, paving the way for autonomous surveillance of coastlines and harbors.

Studies could lead to next-generation cancer drugs

Susan Bane's research focuses on understanding how anticancer drugs like Taxol interact with tubulin at the molecular level. The study of these interactions could pave the way for the development of more effective next-generation cancer drugs, potentially with improved administration and reduced resistance.

A new view of the crayfish brain

Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have developed a new MRI technique using manganese-enhanced imaging to study the neural circuitry of aggression in crayfish. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze entire patterns of brain activation, providing insights into complex social behaviors.

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.

Physicians not 'easy marks' for drug sales reps, argues O.R. study

A study by Columbia University and the University of Washington found that pharmaceutical sales reps have modest to very small influence on prescribing behavior. In contrast, distributing drug samples plays a more positive role in contrasting medications and helping manufacturers maintain market share.

Using frequency waves to measure moisture in soil

Researchers have developed a numerical model for simulating the waveform in soil, improving field measurements of water content. The new method uses Time Domain Reflectometry and takes into account various factors such as soil types, bulk density, and probe parameters.

SARS death rate lower in countries responding aggressively to initial outbreak

Researchers analyzed data from the World Health Organization and found that countries with quicker control measures had lower fatality rates and slower epidemics. The study suggests that better control measures, such as rapid hospitalization and isolation of cases, are more effective than differences in infectivity or virulence.

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.

'Obesity is a family illness': Research offers clues on how to stop the cycle

A study by Saint Louis University School of Public Health found that parents who received nutrition information ate more fruits and vegetables, consumed less fat, and had a greater impact on their children's health. The High 5, Low Fat Program aims to deliver consistent messages to young families, promoting healthy eating habits.

Natural selection's fingerprint identified on fruit fly evolution

Researchers have identified a gene, Nup 96, that plays a crucial role in preventing the reproduction of hybrid fruit fly species, suggesting natural selection as the driving force behind their divergence. The study provides unprecedented insight into speciation and offers new avenues for understanding the evolution of genetic traits.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Breakthrough 'interface tuning' is macro step for microelectronics

Researchers at NC State and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully tuned the atomic-level zone between substances, opening the way for smaller, faster and smarter computers. By manipulating the electronic dipole charge at the interface, they've found a way to overcome the limitations of Schottky barriers.

Blood test could detect heart attack early

A new blood test can detect heart attacks in just five minutes with a 99% accuracy rate, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The test identifies two proteins associated with the earliest stages of a heart attack, reducing unnecessary hospital stays.

QuikClot (TM) will be made available to public

Developed by Z-Medica Corporation and funded by the Office of Naval Research, QuikClot has been proven effective in treating severe arterial hemorrhage with a high success rate. The product is set to be released for consumer use this summer and may also help individuals with specific bleeding disorders.

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.

Study suggests difference between female and male sexuality

A new Northwestern University study suggests a fundamental difference in men's and women's brains and arousal patterns. Women exhibit a bisexual arousal pattern, responding equally to both male and female erotica, unlike men who respond consistently with their sexual orientations.