Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 3, 2003


Hitchhiking bacteria could compromise the detection of life on Mars

Scientists have found that bacterial endospores can survive in a simulated Martian environment, raising concerns about future space missions. The discovery highlights the potential for Earth-borne endospores to hitch a ride to Mars and compromise efforts to detect life on the planet.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateApr 3, 2003

Possible link between oral contraceptive use and risk of cervical cancer

Researchers found that women who used oral contraceptives for over 5 years were at a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The study analyzed data from 28 studies and found that the relative risk of cervical cancer increased with increasing duration of use, with risks doubling after 10 years.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2003
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.

Study indicates hospice model inadequate for frail elderly with progressive decline

A study of 917 patients found that functional decline was steady and not marked by a sharp point in time, challenging the Medicare hospice model. The researchers suggest that alternative care systems are needed to provide adequate support for frail elderly individuals with progressive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 3, 2003

Think small when powering today's electronic soldier

The PNNL-developed microscale fuel processor, the smallest integrated catalytic fuel reformer in the world, provides a low-watt power source for hand-held devices. This compact system enables soldiers to operate essential electronic equipment without added weight or bulk.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateApr 3, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gay, lesbian elders' health threatened by discrimination

A study found that older gay men and lesbians experience profound marginalization in social and political life, delaying medical attention and increasing health risks. Developing resilience has helped them cope, but also creates anxiety and fear when facing institutional reliance.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 3, 2003

Columbia publishes natural hazards & mitigation framework for Caracas

The report recommends building disaster resilience into utility infrastructure, strengthening emergency response systems, and establishing constitutional legitimacy for disaster management. The authors aim to reduce the vulnerability of Caracas to natural hazards through innovative interdisciplinary approaches.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEos·DateApr 3, 2003
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.

Elderly likely to decline after hospitalization

Researchers found that elderly patients often experience a loss of function after hospitalization, with over 50% of those 85 and older experiencing functional decline. This decline can lead to institutionalization, increased burden on caregivers, and higher healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 3, 2003

Promise of more accurate test for tuberculosis

A new rapid blood test, ELISPOT, developed by Ajit Lalvani and colleagues at the University of Oxford is more effective than the century-old skin-prick test for diagnosing TB infection. The test enables early detection of people infected with TB, preventing them from developing active tuberculosis.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2003
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.

NASA ties El Nino induced drought to record air pollution

A NASA study found that El Nino events, such as the 1997-1998 event, lead to unusually high biomass burning globally, producing more pollution than fossil fuel combustion. The study assessed smoke pollution from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America during these droughts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 3, 2003

Tumour bank will save lives

The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has launched the National Cancer Tissue Resource to address the fragmented approach to collecting and using tumour samples for research. Key areas of study requiring large-scale sample collection include predicting outcomes, identifying inherited markers, genetic susceptibility to cancer.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·DateApr 3, 2003

Getting under the skin of body piercing

A review by Aglaja Stirn discusses the history, procedures, and complications of body piercing. She aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with the practice and create understanding of its motivations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 3, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Biotech regulations impede crop domestication

A policy report by Oregon State University professor Steven Strauss argues that government regulations on genetic engineering are stifling research and favoring large corporations. The report suggests reducing regulations for

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2003