Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 9, 2003


Depression during treatment may make it harder for women to quit smoking

Women who struggled with depression during smoking cessation treatment were more likely to relapse, drop out of treatment, and experience increased depressive symptoms. Research suggests that addressing depression through targeted treatment approaches can help improve smoking cessation outcomes for these women.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateApr 9, 2003

Eight-fold quantum states blossom in a high-temperature superconductor

Scientists have observed eight-fold configuration of quasiparticle interference in a high-Tc superconductor, predicting a peculiar electronic state known as the 'stripe phase.' This discovery calls into question the necessity of stripes for superconductivity in high-temperature materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2003
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Lead by example to get your kids to eat right, experts say

A new interactive CD-ROM guides parent educators on teaching adults and children about healthy eating habits, which are linked to reduced cancer risk. The program aims to increase fruit and veggie consumption among African-Americans, who face higher cancer risks.

SourceSaint Louis University·DateApr 9, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Physical activity in the elderly ruled in part by genetics

A new study investigates the likelihood that physical activity level regulation with aging is controlled, in part, by genetic factors. The research found significant differences between strains of female mice in physical activity measurements, suggesting a genetic influence on age-related changes in daily physical activity levels.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003

Environmental cues associated with heroin use may decrease immune function

Researchers found that exposure to environmental cues linked to heroin administration reduced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in rat spleen, lung, and liver tissues. This suggests that environmental cues associated with drug use may contribute to altered susceptibility to infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateApr 9, 2003
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.

Ultra-wideband explored for ultra-secure, wireless communication

Ultra-wideband technology offers advantages in communication due to its wide spectrum range. The technology allows for efficient transmission and reception of data without interference, enabling military communications to remain secure and domestic devices to achieve higher data rates.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateApr 9, 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.

UNC scientists find important new clue to puzzle of addictive behavior

Researchers found that dopamine levels increased significantly before laboratory rats chose to get more cocaine, paralleling human addictive behavior. The findings suggest that real-time increases in dopamine may control drug-taking behaviors and inform treatment for cocaine addiction.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2003

Uninsured cancer patients receive less care

Uninsured cancer patients receive far less health care, with higher out-of-pocket spending compared to privately insured patients. The study highlights disparities in healthcare coverage between Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations, with uninsured Hispanic patients facing significant barriers to care.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 9, 2003

New research establishes genetic associations in hepatitis C

A new study has established genetic associations in hepatitis C, finding correlations between the CD4 and IL-1B genes and disease activity. The research suggests a possible role of intrahepatic CD4 T cells in hepatic injury and immune response to HCV infection.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003

Atrial fibrillation is more common than suspected

Researchers discovered that one out of six patients with a history of atrial fibrillation had asymptomatic episodes, highlighting the need for regular blood thinning to prevent stroke. The study suggests doctors should assume the worst when treating patients at risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 9, 2003

Concurrent tobacco and marijuana use may hamper cigarette smoking cessation

Recent marijuana use was more predictive of continued tobacco smoking than marijuana use months prior. Participants who used daily marijuana were over three times more likely to still smoke tobacco. Approximately 66% of recent marijuana users tried to quit tobacco during the following 13 years.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 9, 2003
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.

Sequence matters when using novel agent

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that the novel proteasome inhibitor PS-341 works synergistically with certain chemotherapy agents but not others, suggesting a critical role of sequence in treatment efficacy. The findings have important implications for future clinical trials and potential cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 9, 2003

Researchers find possible link between pre-natal alcohol consumption and diabetes

Researchers found that prenatal ethanol exposure led to partial central diabetes insipidus in young adult rats, characterized by increased water consumption and reduced vasopressin release. This finding may provide insight into the pathogenesis of diabetes insipidus and offer potential treatment targets for this debilitating disorder.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003

Obesity prevention program aimed at second graders

A unique program, ENERGY, has been established to reduce childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among elementary school students. The program incorporates science education enrichment activities to promote healthy eating and active living.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003
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.

Uninsured patients pay more but get less in cancer treatment

A study of 1,383 cancer patients found that uninsured patients paid more for healthcare services but received significantly fewer treatments and services compared to insured patients. The disparity was attributed to various factors, including age at diagnosis and insurance coverage by race and ethnicity.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 9, 2003

New wildfire-detection research will pinpoint small fires from 10,000 feet

A new remote sensing system, the Wildfire Airborne Sensor Program (WASP), will be able to detect wildfires as small as 8-12 inches in diameter from 10,000 feet altitude. The system combines infrared and high-resolution visible cameras with GIS technology to provide accurate and reliable fire detection.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateApr 9, 2003
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.

DNA-based vaccine triples survival for dogs with melanoma

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have developed a DNA-based vaccine that triples the survival rate for dogs with advanced melanoma. The vaccine, tested in nine dogs with no side effects, shows promise for treating this aggressive cancer in humans.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 9, 2003

Oral contraceptives increase C-reactive protein, an infIammatory biomarker

A new study found that current low-dose oral contraceptives significantly increase plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease. CRP levels were two times higher among OC users than non-users, regardless of diet assignment or phase of the menstrual cycle.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003

Researchers determine fundamental mechanisms involved in immune response

The study reveals how B cell lymphocytes assemble genes to encode specific classes of antibodies, including IgA, IgE, and IgG. The findings also explain the role of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in initiating gene specialization, a process crucial for the immune response.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2003

Higher pain tolerance in males can't be bought

A study of 81 undergraduates found that males exhibit higher pain thresholds and tolerances than females. The researchers also discovered that psychological factors can influence the association between physiological responses and pain responses, and additional research is needed to replicate these findings.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateApr 9, 2003
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.

Study of twins reveals changes in attention and motor skills after heavy stimulant abuse

A study of 50 pairs of twins found that twins with a history of stimulant abuse performed significantly worse on tests of attention and motor skills compared to their non-drug using siblings. However, abusers showed improved performance on visual vigilance, suggesting long-term residual effects from stimulant abuse.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 9, 2003

B-vitamins prove effective in relieving chronic pain

Researchers found B-vitamins to be effective in treating various painful conditions, including neuropathic pain. The study suggests that B1, B6, and B12 inhibit chemical- and heat-induced pain and activate the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, which contributes to their analgesic effects.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 9, 2003