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Science News for December 3, 2003


New fossils from Ethiopia open a window on Africa's 'missing years'

A new discovery of fossil mammals in Ethiopia's highlands sheds light on the evolution of African mammals during a long-standing gap in scientists' understanding. The findings, reported in Nature, show that mammals continued to evolve and produce new species on the isolated continent of Afro-Arabia.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2003

Surgery without radiation inadequate for DCIS, study reveals

A new study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute finds that surgery alone is not sufficient to treat DCIS, a common type of breast lesion. Recurrence rates were higher than expected, with 13 patients experiencing repeated DCIS lesions and four diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 3, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Childhood sleep-disordered breathing severity related to tonsil size, oropharyngeal volume

Research reveals that children with narrow retropalatal air spaces have more severe SDB due to significantly larger tonsil and soft palate CSAs. The study found a significant correlation between OAHI and oropharyngeal volume, indicating the importance of pharyngeal geometry and soft tissue anatomy in determining SDB severity.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 3, 2003

The dopamine receptor D1 gene and ADHD: A piece of the genetic puzzle?

A recent genetic study found a strong association between the dopamine receptor D1 gene and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study suggests that this gene variant may increase the risk of developing inattentive symptoms of ADHD. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, but the discovery provides new ins...

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 2003

Altered cyclin E protein leads to genetic instability in breast cancer

A study found that patients with high levels of low molecular weight cyclin E have aggressive, invasive breast cancer, and the protein may be a better predictor of patient outcome than current markers. This altered form of cyclin E can induce genetic instability, making tumors unresponsive to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 3, 2003

Students get insider's view of Earth

A University of Michigan professor is developing new computer animations to help students better understand the Earth's structure and internal processes. His approach complements existing techniques, allowing students to progress from simpler models to more complex representations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 3, 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.

Breast conserving therapy offers good outcome if criteria are met

A study of 362 patients has shown that breast conservation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to mastectomy for many patients. The key to success lies in careful patient selection and coordination among treatment specialists, with low rates of local-regional recurrence reported.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 3, 2003

Forensic radiology makes virtual autopsy a reality

The virtual autopsy combines CT and MR imaging to provide detailed information about trauma injuries and soft tissue. This technology can also be used in situations where traditional autopsy is not feasible due to religious or family objections.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 2003

Origin of multiple myeloma found in rare stem cell

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a rare stem cell in multiple myeloma that gives rise to malignant bone marrow plasma cells. Current treatments may not be effective against this errant stem cell, leading scientists to explore dual-therapy approaches to target both the visible and root causes of the disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBlood·DateDec 3, 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.

Estrogen promotes gender differences in brain's response to stress

Research suggests that high levels of estrogen can enhance the stress response, leading to greater stress-related cognitive impairments in females. This disparity is consistent with reports of higher prevalence of stress-related disorders in women, particularly during child-bearing years.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 2003

Whites, African-Americans better rate medical care experiences when seeing same-race physicians

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that patients who see the same race physician have longer visits and higher satisfaction ratings. The longer visit times may be due to patients speaking slower when they feel more comfortable with their physician's background, which can lead to better communication and patient experiences.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2003

Aging: The continuous process from birth to death

Aging impacts bone geometry, vertebral structural properties, and the mechanical effects of caloric restriction. It also alters cerebral artery tone, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and endothelial-dependent vasodilation, potentially leading to age-related changes in skeletal muscle blood flow.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 3, 2003

Mercury in ocean fish may come from natural sources, not pollution

A recent study found no change in methylmercury levels in yellowfin tuna over a 27-year period, suggesting that high mercury levels in these fish may not be caused by pollution. The research suggests that natural sources, such as hydrothermal vents and deep ocean sediments, could be responsible for the mercury accumulation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 3, 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.

Outpatient procedure shrinks benign breast lumps

A new procedure using cryotherapy has been shown to effectively reduce the size of benign breast lumps by an average of 73% without significant complications. Patients report satisfactory cosmetic results and a high level of patient acceptance for this non-invasive treatment.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 2003

New technology enhances lung cancer detection

The University Hospitals of Cleveland is using GE's RapidScreen Digital to improve lung cancer detection rates. The CAD system analyzes digital x-ray data and draws circles around suspicious regions, focusing radiologists on potential abnormalities.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateDec 3, 2003

New catalyst could help diesels meet NOx deadlines

Developed at Argonne National Laboratory, the new catalyst is one of a family of related catalysts that also shows promise for reducing NOx emissions. It converts NOx into nitrogen, making it a safer and more energy-efficient alternative to current standards.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateDec 3, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patients stop meds when benefit changes

A study by Harvard Medical School found that employees treated for chronic illnesses stop taking necessary medications when benefit changes occur, particularly with substantial co-payment increases. Employers who implemented larger co-payment hikes saw higher rates of medication non-adherence and changes in medication regimens.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 3, 2003

'Musical fruit' rich source of healthy antioxidants; black beans highest

A study by researchers at the University of Guelph found that black beans have the highest antioxidant activity among common varieties of dry beans. The levels of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant, were 10 times higher in black beans compared to oranges and similar to those found in grapes, apples, and cranberries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2003

Radiation treatment is an option for elderly prostate cancer patients

A study of 33 elderly men with advanced prostate cancer found that external beam radiation therapy was well-tolerated and effective in keeping the cancer at bay. The patients experienced no unusual interruptions in treatment due to illness from radiation, and many remained alive and disease-free for several years.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 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.

Can EPO prevent loss of brain function in schizophrenia?

A new study explores the potential of erythropoietin (EPO) as a neuroprotective agent for schizophrenia. EPO was found to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enhance cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia. The results suggest that EPO may be a promising compound for preventing loss of brain function in this disease.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 2003

Findings offer clue to how molecule can both stimulate, suppress cell growth

Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center identify the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway as key to understanding how TGF-b promotes cell growth, contrary to its usual inhibition effect. The findings suggest a potential target for therapeutic intervention to restore TGF-b's growth-suppressing activity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2003

Nicotine patch may alleviate 'senior moments'

A small sample of seniors showed significant improvement in decision times, attention focus, and self-reported memories after four weeks of nicotine treatment. The findings suggest that nicotine patches could alleviate 'senior moments' in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateDec 3, 2003

Utah's redrock may have changed global climate

Researchers found evidence suggesting that the Navajo Sandstone in Utah may have been a large hydrocarbon reservoir, releasing bleaching gas into the atmosphere. The study suggests that this release could have influenced Earth's ancient climate and had significant implications for global carbon fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeology·DateDec 3, 2003

Anorexia may cause emphysema, study suggests

Researchers used CT scans to analyze lung tissue in anorexic patients and found structural changes that differ from those in healthy individuals. The findings suggest early therapy is crucial for patients with anorexia to avoid permanent damage to the lungs.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 3, 2003
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Social behavior among monkeys may be more nature than nurture

A recent study by Dario Maestripieri found that young monkeys reared by a mother other than their own exhibit the aggressive or friendly behavior of their birth mothers, rather than foster mothers. This suggests that inherited behavioral predispositions may play a more important role in shaping social behavior in primates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateDec 3, 2003

Freezing technique kills majority of small malignant breast cancers

A new cryoablation technique has shown promising results in killing most small malignant breast cancers, with seven out of nine patients experiencing complete tumor necrosis. The technique also showed no cosmetic changes to the breast's appearance and may be a viable option for women with early-stage disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateDec 3, 2003

Univ. of Mich. researchers reduce interference from microwave ovens

A research team at the University of Michigan has discovered a way to disrupt the magnetic field of microwave ovens, reducing interference with nearby electrical devices. This breakthrough could have significant impacts on fields such as radar, deep-space exploration, and cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Michigan College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 3, 2003

New computerized tool predicts chance of breast cancer's spread

A new nomogram developed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center accurately predicts the likelihood of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. The model considers various pathological factors, including tumor size and type, estrogen-receptor status, and detection methods.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateDec 3, 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.

Nutrient-poor oceans generate their food 'hot spots'

Researchers found that nutrient-poor ocean areas have 'hot spots' of high chlorophyll concentrations, likely due to concentrated floating organic particles. This phenomenon improves our understanding of marine ecosystem processes and has significant applications for fishing and tuna stock management.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2003

Timing of IQ test can be a life or death matter

A recent study found that IQ tests taken at different times can result in vastly different diagnoses, with potential consequences for life or death sentences. The 'Flynn effect' causes IQ scores to rise over time, making it essential to reset the test every 15-20 years.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateDec 3, 2003

UCLA study sheds new light on island evolution

A recent UCLA study found that Caribbean island lizards share genetic material due to ocean currents, which carry them from one island to another. This challenges the long-held assumption that species on separate islands evolve independently.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2003