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Science News for August 1, 2003


Immune response to Alzheimer disease–related protein changes as we age

A study reveals that elderly humans and patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit increased T cell reactivity towards Abeta, a protein linked to the aging process. This selective increase in Abeta-reactivity has implications for developing Abeta vaccines and may be connected to disease susceptibility and progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2003

New gene found for children's lethal kidney disease

Researchers identified a new gene, inversin, associated with nephronophthisis type 2, a deadly kidney disease in children. The discovery may lead to treatments and connections between the childhood disease and adult polycystic kidney disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 1, 2003
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.

Mutation may help cause acute myeloid leukemia

Research suggests that a mutation in a tyrosine kinase receptor gene, when combined with aml1-eto gene mutation, can cause acute myeloid leukemia in mice. This discovery raises the possibility of new treatments targeting these genes to control the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2003

'Pachinko chances'

A new theory suggests that human metabolism operates like a pinball machine, influencing drug toxicity and disease development. The researchers used metabonomics to study global human metabolism and its interactions with drugs, environment, and gut microflora.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateAug 1, 2003

Study: Search for life could include planets, stars unlike ours

A new study finds that NASA's Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) can detect habitable planets near significantly more massive stars than the sun. The satellite will use interferometry to measure the position of stars and detect tiny wobbles caused by orbiting planets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 1, 2003

Stress leads kids to unhealthy diets

A recent study of 4,320 schoolchildren found that stress leads to unhealthy dietary habits, including a preference for fatty foods and snacks, while ignoring recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. This could have long-term consequences, such as increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 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.

Protect and serve

A lawyer warns US physicians that treating detainees labeled as 'unlawful combatants' may go against their ethical code. The 1949 Third Geneva Convention entitles these prisoners to basic human rights, but the US government's label is unrecognized in International Humanitarian Law.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·DateAug 1, 2003

A new twist on DNA

Researchers measured DNA's torsional stiffness, finding it 40% more resistant than previously reported. This breakthrough enables understanding of energy costs and mechanical behavior in biological processes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2003

Stem cell death gives clue to brain cell survival

Scientists have identified a signal that triggers half of the stem cells in the developing brain to commit suicide at a certain point in development. This finding may one day help victims of devastating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke by understanding cell death and potential recovery mechanisms.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 1, 2003

Sexually active young women often underestimate STD risk

A new study found that sexually active young women perceive themselves at low risk for contracting STDs, despite having similar risk profiles as women in higher-risk groups. The researchers highlight the need for healthcare clinicians to address these misconceptions and promote safer sex practices.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2003
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Common nutrients fed to pregnant mice altered their offspring's coat color

A study by Duke University Medical Center scientists shows that feeding pregnant mice common nutritional supplements can change the coat color of their offspring and reduce disease susceptibility. The extra nutrients altered gene expression without changing the genes themselves, using a process called DNA methylation.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 1, 2003

Docs see missed opportunities for adult, kid vaccinations

The revised standards recommend systems to remind physicians and patients of immunization due dates, regular monitoring of immunization rates, and financial aid for those who cannot afford vaccination costs. These strategies aim to improve childhood and adult immunization coverage.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 1, 2003

JCI table of contents, 1 August 2003

Researchers found that 8 out of 20 commonly used NSAIDs can selectively lower Abeta42 levels in mice, with flurbiprofen showing the most promise. Additionally, studies revealed increased T cell reactivity to Abeta protein in older humans and patients with Alzheimer's disease, which could inform the design of future vaccines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jaws of clamworm are hardened by zinc say UCSB scientists

Researchers found that the polychaete worm's jaws are hardened by zinc due to its high concentration towards the tip. The study reveals a new paradigm in nature and sparks ideas for materials science, potentially leading to lighter tires and protective coatings.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2003

mAgic VLIW presented at Stanford conference

The MagiC VLIW processor is a revolutionary component that enables environment intelligence, allowing for flexible systems to interact with the surrounding environment. It has been successfully integrated into various applications, including audio conferencing and ecographic ultrasound scanners.

SourceNational Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)·DateAug 1, 2003

Antidepressant drugs may protect brain from damage due to depression

Researchers found that antidepressant treatment appears to preserve hippocampal volumes in depressed patients, compared to those who have not taken medication. The study suggests that using antidepressants whenever symptoms occur may help prevent long-term brain damage.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2003
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.

Vitamin C may protect against ulcer-causing bacteria, study finds

A large study of nearly 7,000 American adults found that higher vitamin C levels were associated with a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection. The researchers suggest that adequate vitamin C intake may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2003

Study of leishmania parasite may lead to vaccine, new treatments

Researchers engineered a strain of leishmania parasites without lipophosphoglycan, which increased their vulnerability to immune defenses. The findings could help develop new treatments for the deadly disease, affecting 12 million people worldwide.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2003

$13 million grant puts new herpes-based AIDS vaccine on fast track

Researchers have developed a new herpes-based AIDS vaccine that could help the immune system produce more infection-fighting antibodies and killer T-cells, potentially making it more effective. The vaccine uses an amplicon to deliver DNA from the AIDS virus, which is then amplified and used to trigger an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateAug 1, 2003

Mirrors can make women feel worse about working out

A study found that exercising in front of a mirror reduces women's energy, relaxation, and positivity. This effect persists even among those with good body image, suggesting mirrors may hinder physical activity motivation. The findings have implications for exercise promotion guidelines and the use of mirrors in workout centers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 2003
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.