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Science News for December 9, 2003


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Incidence of pertussis among infants appears to be increasing

The incidence of pertussis among infants increased significantly between 1980 and 1999, with a 49% rise in reported cases. The majority of these cases occurred among infants under four months old, suggesting the need for improved vaccination strategies to control the spread of the disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2003

Scientists announce long-sought mouse model of human pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a mouse model that mimics human pancreatic cancer, enabling the discovery of biomarkers for early detection and potential therapeutic targets. The model replicates the disease's progression and is poised to facilitate rapid testing of novel treatments.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 9, 2003

Low-dose interferon fails to improve survival in high-risk melanoma patients

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that low-dose interferon therapy did not extend overall or recurrence-free survival in high-risk melanoma patients. The trial involved 674 patients and found that both groups experienced similar rates of disease recurrence and mortality.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 9, 2003

Common airborne substance makes asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites: study

A new study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that exposure to ozone and endotoxin can make asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites, worsening their symptoms. The research involved 14 participants with mild asthma who inhaled low levels of endotoxin, followed by an allergen challenge test.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 9, 2003

'Sunshine vitamin' shines in colon study

The study found that men who consumed high amounts of vitamin D, cereal fiber, and took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were less likely to have serious colon polyps or tumors. Smoking was significantly associated with a higher risk of having a tumor or benign polyps.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 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.

Microscopes provide new view for tissue engineering

Tissue engineers can now monitor the growth and differentiation of cells in three-dimensional scaffolds with unprecedented depth. This breakthrough provides a crucial capability for the emerging field of tissue engineering, which aims to regenerate form and function in damaged or diseased tissues and organs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 9, 2003

Hear here: University of Toronto robot navigates using its own voice

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a system that allows robots to navigate using their own unique sounds, generated by pre-recorded phrases played through elevated speakers. The system uses an array of stationary microphones to locate the robot on a virtual map and guide it around obstacles.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInformation Fusion·DateDec 9, 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.

Ebola virus-like particles prevent lethal Ebola virus infection

Researchers at USAMRIID have developed Ebola virus-like particles (VLPs) that induce both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in mice, providing 100% protection against lethal challenge. The VLPs, resembling infectious viral particles without genetic material, offer a promising vaccine platform for Ebola and other viruses.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2003

Standard helps control quality of joint replacements

A new reference material from NIST helps researchers and implant manufacturers optimize processing parameters for crosslinking, reducing brittleness and improving wear resistance in orthopedic hip implants. The material provides precise dimensions and swelling information from round-robin tests.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateDec 9, 2003

History of frog deformities suggests emerging disease

Research reveals a significant rise in frog deformities over the past three decades, with a notable correlation to trematode parasites. Historically documented cases suggest an ongoing issue, while recent findings indicate increased occurrences and severity across more than 50 hotspots in North America.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalConservation Biology·DateDec 9, 2003

American Society of Hematology honors prominent researchers with major awards

The American Society of Hematology has awarded Gary Gilliland and Janet Rowley for their significant contributions to hematology research. Dr. Gilliland's work on the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia and discovery of a cause for hypereosinophilic syndrome have provided new ways to understand cancer, while Dr. Rowley's discoveries of ...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·DateDec 9, 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.

Bullying in schools pervasive, UCLA study finds

A recent UCLA study found that bullying is a widespread issue in schools, with up to 18% of students experiencing it. The study reveals that bullies are often popular and respected, while victims suffer from depression, social anxiety, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 9, 2003

Online support for people with depression

A cross-sectional survey of over 2000 users of Internet depression communities found that major depression was most common in the UK and Sweden, with significant numbers not receiving treatment. The study also showed that online communities can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to seeking professional help.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2003

Atlantic Canadians tops in art of networking: Survey

A recent survey by Erickson found that Atlantic Canadians are best connected, with an average of 11 out of 15 occupational categories. Volunteering is key to broadening one's social network, according to Professor Bonnie Erickson.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateDec 9, 2003

American black cherry tree overruns Europe by playing dirty

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests that European soil microbes help the invasive American black cherry tree grow, while inhibiting native species. The research found that in Dutch greenhouses, sterilized soil led to poor growth of native cherry trees, but non-sterilized soil allowed the invasive species to thrive.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 9, 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.

Tests measure compatibility of DVD disks and drives

A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology has found that DVD compatibility is only 85 percent, resulting in potential issues such as DVDs not working or freezing. The test involved 14 models of DVD-ROM drives and over 50 different brands and types of recordable DVD discs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateDec 9, 2003

Future medical leaders have shorter futures, study says

A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that doctors with leadership roles tend to have a shorter lifespan. The study compared the life expectancies of 1,521 doctors who graduated from U of T over the past century. On average, these leaders lived 50 years after graduation, whereas their peers lived for 52 years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 9, 2003

Researchers manipulate tiny, floating droplets on a chip

The discovery allows researchers to move droplets across a chip's surface without touching solid walls, enabling experiments with mixed droplets and materials synthesis. This technology has wide-ranging implications for microscale transport, mixing, and chemical analysis.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2003

Johns Hopkins technology will guide hybrid undersea robot

A new self-powered undersea robot will descend 11,000 meters using navigation and control systems developed by Johns Hopkins researchers. The project aims to extend oceanographic research at extreme depths with a highly precise underwater vehicle.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateDec 9, 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.

On the tip

USC neuroscientist Emily Liman founds that calcium acts as a bridge for taste cells to send signals to the brain about what's been tasted. The study reveals new details on how the sense of taste works and could lead to the development of better artificial sweeteners or additives.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2003

Rice engineers make first pure nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created continuous fibers of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes using a new processing method involving superacids. This breakthrough enables the industrial production of pure carbon nanotube threads, cables, and sheets, with potential applications in materials science and aerospace.

SourceRice University·JournalMacromolecules·DateDec 9, 2003

Testing rescue robots at arenas around the globe

Researchers conduct simulations of collapsed buildings using arena environments, focusing on advanced algorithms, sensors, and mechanisms for improved robot performance. The competition aims to increase the relevance of events for real emergencies by incorporating new limitations and sensor identifications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateDec 9, 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.

Gleevec shows promise in treating another form of leukemia

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that pairing Gleevec with high-dose chemotherapy produces a synergistic effect in patients with Philadelphia-positive ALL, resulting in complete remissions that have lasted up to 29 months. The two-year disease-free survival rate is 85 percent, offering a promisi...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 9, 2003

Study examines risk factors associated with colorectal cancer

Researchers found positive associations between history of first-degree relative, current smoking, and moderate to heavy alcohol use with increased risk of advanced neoplasia. Conversely, higher cereal fiber intake, vitamin D levels, and daily NSAID use were linked to lower risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2003

New dynamic PET technique offers greater comfort for cancer patients

A new dynamic PET technique has been developed to provide more accurate diagnoses and improve patient comfort during PET scans. By combining a short initial scan with a longer static scan, doctors can gather valuable data about cancer tumors and treatment response.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 9, 2003

Down that long dusty trail

A team of scientists discovered a microbe that can survive at -20°C, which could provide clues about how life might thrive beneath the Martian polar ice caps. Researchers propose that similar habitats may exist on Mars and should be explored.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAstrobiology·DateDec 9, 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.

Atkins diet may reduce seizures in children with epilepsy

A limited study of six patients found that the Atkins diet helped two children and one young adult remain seizure-free for up to 20 months. The researchers suggest that the diet may be a trial run for individuals considering the ketogenic diet, but its use should be cautious due to the small study size.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateDec 9, 2003

Complementary medicine use high for prostate cancer

A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalUrology·DateDec 9, 2003
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.