Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 22, 2003


Obesity linked to aggressive prostate cancer

Two studies found obesity increases risk of aggressive prostate cancer and cancer recurrence in African-American men. Obesity is associated with higher Gleason scores and elevated PSA levels, suggesting a link between excess body fat and tumor growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 22, 2003

Regenerative chemical turns muscle cells into stem cells

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discover a compound, reversine, that can convert muscle cells into precursor cells, which can be converted to other cell types. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize stem cell research and make it more practical for medical applications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2003

Palliative care for dying children

A population-based study found that infants would benefit most from in-hospital palliative care, while older children with long-term illnesses require community-based and at-home services. Effective end-of-life care for all children needs simultaneous delivery of different modes of care.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateDec 22, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Profiling the genes that make stem cells

A team of scientists has identified a cluster of 88 genes that may act as molecular markers for the developmental potential of different stem cell types and stages. These findings are consistent with previous research on cellular development and plasticity, and shed light on the molecular pathways guiding development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 22, 2003

Don't worry. You're not old – just ill

Gerbrand Izaks and Rudi Westendorp propose a model where diseases are caused by cumulative risk factors, making every age-related change a potential symptom of an illness. This framework encourages doctors to reassess older patients' body functions, comparing results to 'normal values' from healthy young adults.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateDec 22, 2003

NSF creates 13-member nanotechnology network

The new network will provide access to leading-edge fabrication and characterization tools, enable educational outreach to K-12 students, and examine the societal and ethical implications of nanotechnology. NSF funding is expected to be $70-million or higher for five years.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 22, 2003

Texas A&M scientists clone world's first deer

Researchers at Texas A&M University have successfully cloned a white-tailed deer named Dewey, believed to be the first of its kind. The breakthrough achieved through fibroblast cell isolation, culture, freezing, and nuclear transfer may provide valuable tools for conserving endangered deer species.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 22, 2003

Structure of a Nobel-prize winning molecule: Aquaporin

Researchers solved the structure of aquaporin Z, a water channel found in Escherichia coli that conducts only water at high rates. The protein's unique architecture and strategically positioned amino acid residues restrict the flow of larger molecules, allowing it to maintain osmotic equilibrium.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 22, 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.

United States, Russia, China link up first global-ring network

The new Little GLORIAD network increases bandwidth between the US and China to 155 Mbps and enhances research capabilities for scientists worldwide. The network enables joint responses to natural disasters, nuclear materials safeguards, and human genome studies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateDec 22, 2003

Black soot and snow: A warmer combination

New research from NASA scientists suggests emissions of black soot alter the way sunlight reflects off snow, contributing to climate change. The study found that soot in areas with snow and ice may play a significant role in warming the world's climate, especially when it becomes more concentrated on melting surfaces.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Candy canes, sugarplums or licorice for Christmas? Only one might stop cancer

A study led by Rutgers University professor Mohamed Rafi founds a compound called ß-hydroxy-DHP (BHP) in licorice root supplements that can stop the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells. This could provide new hope for more effective therapies against these leading cancers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 22, 2003

Stem cells illuminate early stages of human development

A University of Wisconsin-Madison team has developed a stem cell model that mimics placenta formation during the earliest stages of human development, offering new insights into pregnancy and fetal health. The research could lead to better understanding of diseases like preeclampsia, which affects millions of women and infants worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 22, 2003

Invalid vaccine doses would cost millions to fix

A US CDC study found that 10% of vaccine doses administered to children in 2002 were invalid, resulting from premature vaccination. Invalid doses need to be repeated to ensure adequate protection against disease.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 22, 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.

Mars mission scientist will live a 25-hour day

Dr. Squyres and over 40 team members will undergo a sleep study to adapt to Mars' 24-hour day/night cycle during the two-rover mission. The team will work six-sol weeks with varying weekend lengths, aiming to mitigate 'Martian jet lag'.

SourceCornell University·DateDec 22, 2003

Study expands understanding of alcoholic memory disorder

A recent study using MRI has found significant volume loss in the hippocampus, a key role player in memory functions, among patients with Korsakoff's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that awareness of these clinical and radiological similarities can aid in early detection of each disorder.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 22, 2003

Tip sheet for the December 23, 2003 Neurology journal

Recent studies demonstrate the accuracy of epilepsy diagnosis by doctors (96%), shedding light on dementia risk factors among adults with Down syndrome. Additionally, gabapentin shows significant effectiveness in treating chronic daily headaches, according to a study by The Australian Gabapentin Chronic Daily Headache Group.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 22, 2003