Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 8, 2003


Gene mutation leads to super-virulent strain of TB

Researchers found that a gene mutation led to a more deadly strain of tuberculosis, which spread rapidly in mice and caused increased bacterial load in organs. The mutated bacteria were able to evade the host's immune system, leading to severe infection and death.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2003

NCAR model shows decrease in global dust by 2100

A new study using NCAR's global Climate System Model predicts a significant decrease in global dust levels by 2100. The reduction is expected to lower temperatures and reduce carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through marine organisms.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 8, 2003

Early treatment can prevent severe vision loss in premature infants

Researchers found that early treatment reduced the likelihood of poor vision from 19.5% to 14.5% and structural damage from 15.6% to 9.1% in high-risk premature infants. The study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, identified risk factors for ROP and showed that prompt treatment can prevent severe vision loss.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Duct Busters' team travels to perform newborn heart surgery at regional hospitals

The Duct Busters team repairs patent ductus arteriosus in premature newborns with high-quality surgical care, eliminating transport risks and allowing families to stay in familiar environments. The study found no significant differences in anesthesia-related complications or surgical outcomes between on-site and off-site procedures.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 8, 2003

Study reveals complex changes in West Antarctic Ice Streams

Scientists studying the West Antarctic Ice Sheet have found that all its ice streams have changed substantially over the last five years, with varying effects on thickness and flow rates. The changes suggest a complex picture of the WAIS's behavior, raising more questions than answers about its future impact on global sea levels.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 8, 2003

Last catastrophic landslide protects Kilauea from next

A recent catastrophic landslide on Kilauea has created a debris buffer that stabilizes the Hilina slump, reducing the likelihood of future collapse. The buffer was formed when a detached piece of the mountain slid away and settled beneath the ocean, creating a broad, bench-like structure.

SourceRice University·DateDec 8, 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.

Major Greenland glacier, once stable, now shrinking dramatically

The Jakobshavn Glacier, one of Greenland's major drainage outlets, has been found to be accelerating and retreating rapidly. Glacial scientists have discovered that the glacier is now flowing at speeds of up to 9 kilometers per year, with ice thinning rates reaching an alarming 12 meters per year.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 8, 2003

Higher dose of Gleevec leads to increased remission in CML patients

A higher dose of Gleevec was found to lead to increased remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 28% of patients achieving complete molecular response after 18 months. The treatment showed improved results over time, with a significant reduction in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 8, 2003

Beers criteria for medications to avoid in the elderly updated

A national expert panel updated widely used criteria for potentially harmful medications in older adults. The 1997 Beers Criteria has identified 48 medications to avoid, including estrogen and Benadryl, due to increased risk of adverse drug events such as depression and bleeding.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 8, 2003
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Dietary fats may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration

A large study found that consuming higher amounts of dietary fats, particularly vegetable and animal fats, was associated with an increased risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration. In contrast, fish and nut consumption reduced the risk of AMD progression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2003

Genetics and family environment influence likelihood of developing alcoholic disorders

The study found that children of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence than those with non-alcoholic fathers. A low-risk environment can moderate the impact of high genetic risk regarding offspring for the development of alcohol-use disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateDec 8, 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.

Novel gene therapy delivery uses stem cells that target, attack tumors

A novel gene therapy delivery system using stem cells has been developed to target and attack tumors, regardless of their location in the body. The system, which uses human mesenchymal progenitor cells, has shown promising results in tests with mice with various types of cancer, including ovarian, brain, breast, melanoma, and leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 8, 2003

How lice and bird feathers stick together

Researchers found that small lice stick to small birds and big lice prefer big birds due to the optimal hiding space between individual 'barbs' in their feathers. The study suggests that size matters for parasites, with larger hosts supporting larger louse species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2003

Atmospheric compound is double-edged sword in climate change

Researchers at Ohio State University found that sulfuric acid combines with methanol to form methyl sulfate, which can contribute to cloud formation and trapping of heat. This interaction may have a significant impact on global climate change, but the conditions required for its formation are still not fully understood.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 8, 2003

Researchers publish Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map

A new map of the Arctic Tundra Biome has been published, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's vegetation and associated characteristics. The Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map (CAVM) offers critical data for conservation and climate change efforts, including information on land-use change and plant biomass.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateDec 8, 2003
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Distress-prone people more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease

A study of older Catholic nuns found that those prone to negative emotions like depression and anxiety were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that psychological distress may be a risk factor for the disease, rather than an early sign.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 8, 2003

How harmful are additives and preservatives in childhood vaccines?

A review of scientific data found that gelatin proteins and egg proteins can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions in children with allergies. However, the quantities of other substances in vaccines are too small to demonstrate any documented reactions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 8, 2003

Foundation for adult body weight may be laid during adolescence

A long-term study found that BMI tracking from adolescence to adulthood is significant and strongly related to adult weight gain. Lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and parental education also play a crucial role in determining an individual's adult BMI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 8, 2003

USP's hospital medication error report supports key patient safety goals

The USP MEDMARX report supports JCAHO's National Patient Safety Goals by highlighting the need to prevent patient misidentification, miscommunication, and errors with high-risk medications. The report found that 4.7% of records involved wrong-patient errors, while communication issues were the third leading cause of errors.

SourceUS Pharmacopeia·DateDec 8, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Safe, friendly neighborhoods may encourage exercise

Researchers found that individuals with favorable views of their community were more likely to meet weekly physical activity recommendations. Younger participants, especially those living within $10,000-$20,000 and above $35,000 annually, exhibited higher exercise adherence rates.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateDec 8, 2003

Plant immune system's 'take two aspirin' gene, offers hope for disease control

Scientists at Cornell University discovered a key player in plant immunity, the salicylic acid-binding protein 2 (SABP2) gene, which enables plants to fight off diseases by inducing programmed cell death. This finding offers new strategies for boosting natural defenses and reducing pesticide use.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2003
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Recycling of material may extend ring lifetimes

New calculations suggest that recycling of material through small moons can lengthen the lifetime of rings and moons. This process, known as cosmic recycling, allows for the re-accretion of fragments into new moons, extending the persistence of ring systems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 8, 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.

Early treatment of blinding eye disease in infants can prevent severe vision loss

Researchers found that early treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in high-risk infants can prevent severe vision loss. The ETROP study demonstrated that premature infants who receive therapy in the early stage of the disease retain better vision than those who wait until their condition is more advanced.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 8, 2003

High level of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause food poisoning

Researchers in Switzerland discovered a high level of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter bacteria, which causes 5-14% of diarrheal illnesses globally. The study found that 59% of isolated strains were sensitive to all tested antibiotics, while some were resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing concerns for public health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 8, 2003

Tiny 'nanofingers' to support sensors, other applications

Engineers at Ohio State University have created microscopic finger-like structures that can detect chemicals in the air and may be used for cleaning toxic chemicals, gathering solar energy, or forming fog-free surfaces. The new process involves baking ceramic material with hydrogen gas to create a platform for devices.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 8, 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.