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Science News for August 12, 2003


Endostatin also effective on head and neck cancers

Researchers found endostatin treatment reduced invasive head and neck cancer cells by half and their migratory capabilities by one-quarter. The study suggests an implanted drug delivery system could provide sustained therapeutic drug levels directly to tumors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnticancer Research·DateAug 12, 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.

Finding dirty bombs and other radiation threats

NIST researchers are investigating detection devices to detect dirty bombs and radiation threats, ensuring accuracy in various conditions. The new standards will improve the calibration of detectors, reducing errors in measuring high, medium, or low energy radiation sources.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 12, 2003

Researcher invents new graphing method

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health developed the Diamond Graph method to correct long-standing errors of 3-D bar graphs. The new method represents all variables equally on a 2-D graph using expanding polygons within a diamond-shaped grid.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe American Statistician·DateAug 12, 2003

Chlamydia infection prevalent among female army recruits

A recent study found that nearly 10% of female Army recruits tested positive for chlamydia, with rates increasing over time, highlighting the need for regular screenings and treatments to prevent long-term health consequences like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateAug 12, 2003

Natural hormone could reverse heart damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that altering leptin's signaling pathway can minimize or even reverse left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition causing the heart to expand and stiffen. Leptin infusions led to weight loss and improved heart function in mice with obesity, while caloric restriction had no effect.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 12, 2003

Schizophrenia could cause patients to forget their medication

Research suggests that schizophrenia impairs habitual prospective memory, leading to high rates of non-adherence to medication. The study found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to forget to turn over a counter during an obstacle course test.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2003
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.

Penn study: Herb product used to lower cholesterol works no better than placebo

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School found that guggulipid, a traditional herbal remedy, has no impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The research suggests that dietary supplements need rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, with further studies planned to investigate its effects on triglycerides and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 12, 2003

Drug may eliminate transfusions in patients with blood disorder

Researchers found that administering hydroxyurea to patients with severe forms of beta-thalassemia boosted hemoglobin levels and enabled five patients to stop undergoing transfusions. The treatment also improved quality of life for the children, who reported feeling better and more active.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateAug 12, 2003

Single photon detector conquers the dark side

The NIST-developed device detects single photons with negligible dark counts using a tungsten film coupled to fiber optic communication line. It achieves a detection rate of 20,000 photons per second with an efficiency of 20%, aiming for over 80% improvement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 12, 2003

Study calls for major reforms in marketing of ephedra

A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateAug 12, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Global warming not man-made phenomenon

Researchers suggest celestial processes dominate climate change, with cosmic rays influencing low-level cloud formation and blocking sun warming. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are secondary to natural forces.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2003

Hypnosis doesn't improve pain relief strategies

Researchers found that hypnosis did not provide better pain relief compared to non-hypnotic treatments. The amount of pain relief experienced was largely due to participants' expectations from the therapy, according to the study's lead author.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 12, 2003

Scientists celebrate a sea turtle’s homecoming

Researchers tracked Miss Pearl's epic journey and welcomed her back to her nesting beach in Nicaragua after three years, gaining crucial insights into hawksbill sea turtle behavior and habitat protection. The satellite transmitter on Miss Pearl's back provided vital information on her location and diving patterns.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateAug 12, 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.

Endostatin promising treatments for AIDS-related cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University found that endostatin can stop Kaposi's sarcoma cells from growing new blood vessels and migrating through the body. The study suggests a controlled release of endostatin could be an effective treatment option for patients with KS.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cellular Biochemistry·DateAug 12, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Genetic risks for disease often missing from patient charts

A new study by Northwestern University researchers reveals that nearly 80% of patients have a moderate or high genetic risk for adult-onset conditions. Using family history questionnaires and three-generation pedigrees, the team identified twice as many individuals at increased risk than documented in patient charts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateAug 12, 2003

Study shows new drug reduces advanced Parkinson's disease symptoms

A new study finds that istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, improves motor function in Parkinson's disease patients with reduced dyskinesias. The medication reduces the time patients experience tremors, slowness, and stiffness by up to 1.7 hours per day

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNeurology·DateAug 12, 2003