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Science News for August 28, 2003


Poll: NY residents split on biotechnology in food and agriculture

A recent poll found that New Yorkers are divided on the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture, with 39% opposed to its use. The study also revealed demographic differences among those who support or oppose biotechnology, with opponents being more likely to be female, liberal, and younger.

SourceCornell University·DateAug 28, 2003

Study shows no deaths from living liver donors in Japan

A study of 1841 living liver donors in Japan found no perioperative mortality, but serious complications were reported. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing donor safety in organ transplantation to minimize morbidity and mortality.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2003
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

What's really happening to family and other intimate relationships?

A review of sociological research on family relationships highlights two dominant accounts: one emphasizing family breakdown and moral decline, while the other focuses on transformation and democratization. Despite this, a third perspective argues that there has been little substantial change in personal ties and obligations.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 28, 2003

Subversive strep bug strategy revealed

Researchers at the NIH/NIAID have discovered that streptococcal infections trigger altered gene expression in neutrophil white blood cells, exposing potential targets for new treatments. The findings provide insight into how these common bacteria evade immune defenses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2003

UNC study: Trails, places to excercise, streetlights can boost activity levels

The UNC study found that residents with access to trails, sidewalks, and well-lit streets were more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels. Notably, blacks, American Indians, and those with lower education and income levels reported less favorable neighborhood environments and reduced access to exercise spaces.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 28, 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.

Key brain link in associative learning directly observed

Researchers have directly observed the brain mechanisms involved in predictive associations, a key process in associative learning. The study found that changes in neural activity in the amygdala support changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, highlighting the importance of this brain system.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 28, 2003

Sage improves memory, study shows

A study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour found that sage oil improved word recall test performance in healthy young adults. Sage is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

SourceNewcastle University·DateAug 28, 2003

Study seeks genetic keys to exercise success

A new study is investigating the role of genetics in exercise response, seeking to identify genes that influence body composition and fitness. The project aims to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, which could lead to improved weight loss and reduced obesity-related risks.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 28, 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.

Dartmouth bioengineers develop humanized yeast

Researchers at Dartmouth College and GlycoFi have developed a technology to produce human-like glycoprotein structures in yeast, offering improved quality and quantity of pharmaceutical proteins. This breakthrough has the potential to increase patient access to life-saving drug therapies by overcoming production capacity bottlenecks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2003

New fitness system turns couch potatoes into armchair troopers

The Exten Fitness System uses motorized chairs to provide a safe all-body workout for those unfit or overweight, helping counter the UK's 'couch potato' culture. The system offers 23 exercises in 30 minutes, promoting increased muscle tone and mobility, improved circulation and coordination.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateAug 28, 2003
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

More sprawl means more weight and less walking

Researchers analyzed health data from over 200,000 people, finding that compact counties were associated with increased leisure time walking and lower weights. The study suggests that urban design can impact physical activity levels and overall health.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 28, 2003

New studies demonstrate importance of offering range of treatment options to elderly cancer patients

Two new studies found that elderly lung cancer patients benefit equally from aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, contradicting common assumptions. Fit elderly patients should be fully briefed on treatment options, including potential risks and benefits. The studies suggest presenting the full range of treatment options to ...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 28, 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.

Wrist bands can ease cancer nausea, especially for patients who expect them to work

Researchers found that wrist bands with acupressure or stimulation applied to an acupuncture point on the wrist reduced nausea in breast cancer patients by 15% compared to no band. Patients who expected the bands to ease their nausea experienced even greater relief, reporting a 25% decrease in nausea severity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateAug 28, 2003

Study provides new insights into emerging theory of gene regulation

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have provided new insights into the emerging theory of gene regulation, showing how two enzymes work together to activate specific genes by loosening chromatin. This study supports the 'histone code' theory, suggesting complex modifications to histones control gene activity.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 28, 2003

Body scanners for lab animals

Researchers at UC Davis have developed an advanced PET scanner, MicroPET II, that can resolve a volume of one cubic millimeter, significantly improving detection of small cancer cells in experimental animals. The non-invasive imaging technology allows researchers to gain more information and use fewer animals in studies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateAug 28, 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.

U.S. pedestrians, cyclists at greater danger than European counterparts

A recent study reveals that pedestrians and cyclists in the US are more likely to be killed by cars compared to their European counterparts. The researchers attribute this to a range of public policies that make walking and cycling inconvenient, unpleasant, and unsafe.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 28, 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.

Nanomedicine: Grounds for optimism and a call for papers

The Lancet calls for increased investment in nanomedicine research, citing its potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment. The field's benefits include novel means of imaging and delivery systems for drugs and gene therapies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 28, 2003