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Science News for February 10, 2003


Fertility study shows increased estrogen shortens window of implantation in mice

A recent study by Vanderbilt researchers found that high levels of estrogen can alter the expression of genes related to implantation in mice, leading to a reduced window of receptivity for embryo implantation. This could be contributing to high implantation failure rates in women undergoing IVF.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

The war against anti-aging medicine

The biogerontological community is at war with anti-aging medicine, threatening the status and funding of their own research. Binstock argues that this campaign may inadvertently undermine their own legitimacy and research support by blurring public understanding of the difference between their work and pseudoscientific products.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 10, 2003

Study shows how eye cells die when exposed to lead

Researchers found that low-level lead exposure during development in mice injures and kills rod-shaped photoreceptor cells, a crucial component of human vision. The study suggests possible treatments using an anti-death protein called Bcl-xL to prevent cell death in eye disorders.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Jefferson scientists find calcium is key to slowing colorectal cancer growth

Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found that a bacterial toxin opens a cellular door, allowing calcium to flow into tumor cells, which slows cell division and may lead to new methods of treating colorectal cancer. The discovery could also enable the use of the toxin as an intravenous infusion to treat metastatic tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

Shedding some light on teeth whiteners

The main cause of tooth discoloration lies at the surface of enamel, where red wine, coffee and tea stain teeth. Hydrogen peroxide-based whitening agents target deeper discoloration by forming radical intermediates that break down into water and oxygen.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 10, 2003

Mayo Clinic study shows loss of mental, functional abilities

Researchers discovered that many nonagenarians (people 90-99 years old) are free of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with some performing in the superior range on cognitive tests. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also exists in this age group, but features similar characteristics to those seen in younger individuals.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 10, 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.

New Northwestern center targets brain disorders

The Falk Center will utilize state-of-the-art gene chip technology to identify genes responsible for neurological disorders. Two therapeutic developments are approaching the product stage, including a gene-based therapy for malignant brain tumors and a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 10, 2003

Univ of MD study on prevalence of celiac disease

Researchers found that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is triggered by the protein gluten and can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, used a multi-center approach to screen over 13,000 people across 32 states.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2003

Family history doesn’t predict colon cancer genes, behavior

Researchers found that people with a family history of colon cancer were more likely to have high-risk diets, including cooked red meat and low folate levels. Modification of these factors could provide broad benefits for individuals with a family history, regardless of their genes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2003

Fasting forestalls Huntington's disease in mice

Researchers found that intermittent fasting reduced degeneration of nerve cells and improved glucose regulation in mice with mutant huntingtin. This suggests that fasting may forestall the development of Huntington's disease in humans.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Calient Networks chosen as core platform for Optiputer

OptIPuter program to deploy DiamondWave all-optical switches, enabling fast and cost-effective network with high-speed data transmission. The platform will support scalable and flexible network infrastructure with minimal signal power loss and latency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 10, 2003

Actonel significantly reduced osteoporotic fractures

Actonel significantly reduced fracture risk in high-risk postmenopausal women, with a 62% reduction seen at one year. The medication was found to be effective in reducing spinal fractures in patients over 70 years old and those with low hip BMD.

SourceHill and Knowlton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 10, 2003

Ancient climate may augur future effects of global warming

A Purdue research report suggests that ancient lake sediments and computer simulations indicate El Niño might react differently to global warming than current theory claims. The tropical Pacific Ocean maintains its ability to remove heat periodically, even when the climate warms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 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.