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Science News for August 19, 2003


Deadly 'Drug Corner' moves to your computer

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 53% of computer searches for 'no prescription codeine' lead to illegal opiate sales sites. The sites often require minimal information and can be accessed from outside the US, posing a significant risk to public health.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 19, 2003

Bechtel Foundation donates $300,000 for Atomic Testing Museum

The Bechtel Foundation has donated $300,000 to support the development of an atomic testing museum at the Desert Research Institute's Frank H. Rogers Building. The museum will feature exhibits on the Cold War role of the Nevada Test Site and traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution.

SourceDesert Research Institute·DateAug 19, 2003

Ketogenic diet raises cholesterol, lipid levels in children

A study published in JAMA found that children on the ketogenic diet for six months had significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but these levels often normalized after treatment cessation. The researchers suggest that the diet should remain a treatment option despite short-term lipids elevation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 19, 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.

Borneo elephants: A high priority for conservation

Research reveals Borneo's elephants are genetically distinct from other Asian elephants, suggesting they may have parted ways 300,000 years ago. This classification changes the focus of their conservation, as their habitats are increasingly disrupted by human expansion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 19, 2003

Physicians and patients rarely discuss costs

A study found that physicians often fail to discuss out-of-pocket costs with patients, leading to financial burden and skipped medication. Discussing costs can make a difference, enabling physicians to seek less expensive alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 19, 2003

Other highlights in the August 20 issue of JNCI

Researchers found that postmenopausal women with a higher body mass index have an increased risk of breast cancer due to elevated estrogen levels. In contrast, heavier men under age 60 or those with family history of prostate cancer may experience lower risks of developing the disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 19, 2003

New study rebuts claims about Icelandic genetic heterogeneity

Researchers from deCODE Genetics and the University of Oxford found that genetic drift, not admixture, has shaped Iceland's gene pool. The study suggests that small effective population size and relative isolation have contributed to Iceland's unique genetic characteristics.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAnnals of Human Genetics·DateAug 19, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Disease-causing genetic mutations in sperm increase with men's age

Researchers found that older men's sperm contain more disease-causing genetic mutations, which surprisingly increase the chances of fertilization. The mutations may confer a competitive advantage to the sperm, contributing to the increased incidence of rare genetic diseases in children born to older fathers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 19, 2003

Study examines limited-field radiation for early breast cancer

A study examined whether limited-field radiation therapy could be an effective alternative to whole-breast radiation therapy for patients at low risk of recurrence. The results showed no significant difference in local recurrence rates or overall survival between the two groups after five years of follow-up.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 19, 2003

Estrogen found as link between obesity and breast cancer in postmenopausal women

Research suggests that obesity increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women by raising serum estrogen levels. The study analyzed blood samples from over 1,600 women and found a significant link between obesity and increased estrogen levels, highlighting the importance of controlling this modifiable risk factor.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 19, 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.

St. Jude Medical announces publication of results of its ADOPT-A trial

The ADOPT-A trial demonstrates the effectiveness of the AF Suppression algorithm in reducing symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. The study found a significant 25% reduction in symptomatic AF episodes in patients using the algorithm compared to those with standard pacemaker indications.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 19, 2003

Obese individuals may be more susceptible to altitude sickness, researchers report

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that obesity is associated with acute mountain sickness in high-altitude destinations. Obese individuals are more susceptible to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of gradual ascent and medication for preventive measures.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2003

Telomere length may be associated with risk of smoking-related cancers

Researchers found that patients with smoking-related cancers had shorter telomeres than those without cancer, and that short telomeres were associated with a greater cancer risk. Smoking status significantly influenced the effect of short telomeres on cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 19, 2003

UCI researchers identify link between infant seizures

Researchers found prolonged fever-induced seizures increase brain's production of endocannabinoids, leading to long-term modifications in neural receptors linked to them. This can result in an increased susceptibility to seizures until adulthood.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateAug 19, 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.