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Science News for December 15, 2003


Discovery of brain disorder gene paves way for genetic test

Researchers have discovered a new gene, malcavernin, associated with the brain disorder CCM, which can be used to diagnose and treat the condition. The discovery provides hope for early detection and monitoring of the disease in families at risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 15, 2003

Purdue biologists expose the inner workings of viral machine

Researchers have determined the 7.6-angstrom scale structure of a reovirus, visualizing its molecular composition and internal workings. The discovery may help understand how the virus manufactures genetic weapons to infect cells, potentially leading to new treatments and applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 15, 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.

Surgical technique may reduce pain after tonsillectomy

Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 15, 2003

Parents show increased concern about vaccine safety

A survey of 743 physicians found that parents' refusal of vaccines is becoming a growing concern, with many citing fears about short-term reactions and long-term complications. Pediatricians are more likely than family physicians to provide additional information and discuss concerns with parents.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 15, 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.

Gene differences may alter susceptibility to multiple sclerosis

A study found that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the CD24 gene is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that the protein encoded by this gene may be a valuable target for new drugs to treat the disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2003

Non-lethal methods can resolve conflicts between bears and humans

A study published in Conservation Biology found that non-lethal repellent methods, such as motion-activated devices with strobe lights and random noises, were effective in keeping predators away from deer carcasses. The methods outperformed traditional deterrents like electronic training collars.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 15, 2003

Risk factors determine need for colonoscopy

Researchers developed a risk index to identify people at higher risk of finding advanced precancerous growths in the upper colon. The study found that older age, being male, and having certain types and sizes of polyps in the lower colon were associated with an increased probability of finding these growths.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High school merit scholarship programs have potential flaws

A study by Penn State researchers found that high school merit scholarships can lead to a ceiling in student test scores, with limited improvement over time. The scholarships also disproportionately benefit students from more affluent schools, exacerbating existing racial achievement gaps.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 15, 2003

ACP and AAFP release joint clinical guidelines to manage common heart condition

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released joint clinical guidelines to manage atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The guidelines focus on controlling heart rate and stroke prevention with blood thinners, rather than restoring sinus rhythm.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet December 16, 2003

The American College of Physicians released guidelines for treating atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to stroke if uncontrolled. Researchers also reviewed 18 studies on melanoma and sunscreen use, finding no link between the two conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2003

New project will develop cancer maps for Pennsylvania

The Penn State project aims to create interactive maps of cancer rates in specific geographic areas, enabling better planning and evaluation of cancer interventions. Based on prostate and colorectal cancers, the model can be expanded to other states, utilizing available screenings and interventions to reduce cancer burden.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 15, 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.

Champagne and bubbles: Smaller is better

Researchers found that smaller bubbles in champagne release more flavor and aroma molecules, creating a better-tasting wine. The study suggests that dissolved salts, carbohydrates, and minerals play a major role in bubble formation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2003

Alefacept effective in treating patients with psoriasis

A phase 3 clinical trial found that alefacept reduced CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cell counts, leading to improved psoriasis symptoms. The treatment's benefits lasted longest in patients with the greatest reduction in T cell counts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateDec 15, 2003

Researchers identify key player in respiratory memory

The study found that intermittent periods of decreased oxygen increased concentrations of the BDNF protein in the phrenic nerve, leading to enhanced respiratory memory. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for sleep apnea, spinal cord injuries, and other breathing disorders

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 15, 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.

Brain tumor growth requires abnormal neighbors

Researchers developed a mouse model of neurofibromatosis 1 to study brain tumor growth, finding that tumors require permissive environments. Astrocytes with both copies of the Nf1 gene lacking in surrounding cells were found to develop into tumors, highlighting the importance of location in cancer development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 15, 2003

A first glance at global genetic networks

The study found functionally related genes were co-expressed across six distantly related organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and human. The researchers discovered conserved transcription modules that provide clues to the evolutionary building blocks generating diversity in cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 15, 2003

Nomadic outposts of transplanted stem cells tracked in Stanford study

Researchers tracked the movement of transplanted stem cells, revealing that they drift throughout the body and settle in specific locations. The study's findings could lead to improved techniques for transplanting bone-marrow stem cells and new therapies for cancer and immunodeficiencies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 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.

Shyness can be deadly

A study by UCLA researchers found that individuals with shy personalities tend to have higher viral loads and faster disease progression, even on antiretroviral therapy. This suggests that high-stress individuals may be more susceptible to HIV replication due to their heightened nervous system response.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2003

Stroke may increase risk of Alzheimer disease

Researchers found a significant association between stroke and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients. Patients with a history of stroke were 60% more likely to develop AD, with the risk highest among those with established vascular risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 15, 2003

Autophagy active in tumor suppression

A study found that heterozygous disruption of the beclin 1 autophagy gene promotes tumorigenesis. Autophagy has been shown to have a tumor suppressor role, and this study highlights its importance in cancer development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2003

Ohio State creates first gene chip for horse

Researchers at Ohio State University have created the first DNA gene chip for horses, containing over 3,200 expressed horse genes, allowing for rapid scanning of individual horse genes. This breakthrough could lead to better accuracy in studying human disease and developing new treatments.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 15, 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.

Columbia University presentations at AGU

Researchers at Columbia Climate School presented various studies, including predicting earthquakes to urban heat island effects. One study found that human activities may have significantly raised seismicity levels in stable continental regions during the last half-century. Another study examined the impact of climate change on air pol...

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateDec 15, 2003

JCI table of contents, December 15 2003

A study on beclin 1 autophagy gene reveals its role in tumor suppression. In another study, researchers found that obese fatty tissue is characterized by inflammation, which may contribute to insulin resistance. These findings suggest that autophagy and inflammation play crucial roles in cancer biology and obesity-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2003

Baclofen holds promise for cocaine treatment

A randomized, double-blind study found that baclofen significantly reduced cocaine use in recovering addicts when used with substance abuse counseling. The study monitored 70 outpatients for 16 weeks and showed a decrease in recent cocaine use compared to the placebo group.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2003
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Gene interactions control circadian clock in plants, study finds

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that the genes TOC1 and ZTL control a plant's circadian clock. The study revealed a strong physical interaction between these genes, with ZTL degrading TOC1 to regulate the clock's pace. This discovery sheds light on mechanisms controlling plant flowering time and may benefit agriculture.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2003

'Suicide proteins' contribute to sperm creation

Researchers found that multiple caspases and regulators are required for proper sperm formation in fruitflies, highlighting a non-apoptotic process. This discovery could provide insights into male infertility and suggest possible treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 15, 2003

A penny a month could bolster kids' immunization practices

A new study suggests that increasing funding for immunizations by just $1 per month could lead to improved practices in children's clinics. However, the cost of implementing recommended upgrades, such as auditing and feedback systems, may be prohibitively expensive for some clinics.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 15, 2003