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Science News for February 18, 2003


Radiologist training may affect accuracy of mammogram interpretation

A study found that recent radiologists interpreted screening mammograms more accurately than those with less training, while facilities with higher diagnostic volume showed improved accuracy. The researchers suggest additional studies to clarify the complex relationship between radiologist experience and mammogram interpretation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 18, 2003

Cyclis Pharmaceuticals reports studies defining new mechanism for potential cancer therapies

Researchers at Cyclis Pharmaceuticals have discovered a new mechanism for treating cancer, involving the activation of the E2F1 protein with small molecule drugs. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show that this approach can selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

SourceFeinstein Kean Healthcare·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 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.

Other highlights of the February 19 JNCI

Researchers found that patients with xeroderma pigmentosum had lower DNA repair capacity than control subjects, increasing their risk for melanoma. A natural compound called deguelin may have potential as both a chemopreventive agent and a therapeutic agent against lung cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 18, 2003

Bone marrow helps bones to repair themselves

Researchers used titanium mesh and bone marrow cells to promote new bone growth in rats, achieving better results with fibronectin-coated mesh and a flow perfusion system. The study presents an alternative method for treating bone defects and highlights the potential for improving cell growth and bone mineralization.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

Gender stereotypes strong in teenagers' stories: study

A study by Professor Shelley Peterson found that teenagers' writing is closely linked to gender stereotypes, with students tending to write socially acceptable themes. The research revealed that students were reluctant to explore non-traditional topics, instead favoring traditional gender roles and styles.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGender and Education·DateFeb 18, 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.

Laser technique able to detect developing cavities

A new laser-based technique can detect developing cavities in teeth, revealing defects at very early stages of development. This photo-thermal method avoids the need for heavy lead aprons to protect patients from hazardous X-rays, making it a promising tool for preventive treatment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 18, 2003

GPS pioneer Bradford Parkinson awarded Draper Prize in engineering

Bradford Parkinson, a pioneer of GPS technology, has been awarded the 2003 Charles Stark Draper Prize for his significant contributions to the development of the original GPS system architecture. He is also recognized for his work on improving GPS accuracy and its applications in various fields.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 18, 2003

Cancer vaccine one step closer

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in developing a cancer vaccine by attaching tumor material to antibodies, inducing an immune response against cancer in animal experiments. The vaccine's effectiveness may also be applied to other diseases such as arthritis and whooping cough.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

New age for Mungo Man, new human history

A University of Melbourne-led team has reached a broad agreement on the ages of Lake Mungo remains, painting a new picture of human and climatic history in Australia. The research boosts the age of Mungo Lady's cremation by 10,000 years, placing both at 40,000 years old.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

First draft of 'periodic table' of protein structures helps visualize nature's universe of proteins

Scientists have created a 3D map of the protein universe, organizing over 500 common motifs and revealing clusters that resemble cigars. This map helps visualize the relationships among all proteins in nature, shedding light on evolutionary changes and potential applications in biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2003

Larger nuts end up further from tree

Biologist Patrick Jansen found that acouchy rodents, large guinea-pig-like animals, disperse larger nuts further away from trees. This leads to more successful germination and increase in nut-producing trees over time. Protecting animals in managed forests is crucial for tree regeneration.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

Case for massive black hole strengthened

Astronomers have strengthened the case for a massive black hole at the galactic center with observations of a newly discovered star. The star's high velocity and proximity to the black hole confirm its presence, ruling out alternative explanations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateFeb 18, 2003

Tamoxifen reduces the risk of benign breast disease

Tamoxifen treatment reduced the risk of benign breast disease and biopsies in high-risk women. Women treated with tamoxifen had a 28% lower incidence of benign diseases than those on placebo.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 18, 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.

Combination therapy for obsessions more effective than drugs alone

A recent study found that combining behavioral therapy with medication is more effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than using medication alone. The treatment combination resulted in significant improvements in social functioning and quality of life, even when initiated after 3-9 months of medication treatment.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

Village depopulatiom in southwest reflects successful agriculture

Prehispanic farmers in the southwest US employed ingenious strategies to overcome challenges like limited moisture and short growing seasons, including moving run-off water and using gravel mulch. They were able to extend frost-free periods and grow crops like cotton in marginal areas.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 18, 2003

Researcher identifies North American hotspots for fish conservation

Gerald R. Smith pinpointed three North American regions at greatest risk for freshwater fish diversity: southern Appalachian, Klamath River Basin, and Caribbean coastal drainages of eastern Mexico. Habitat destruction due to water diversion, agriculture, and mining threatens these areas' unique species.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateFeb 18, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cinema shapes and predicts history, researcher says

Comparative literature expert Eric Cazdyn examines the relationship between Japanese film history and societal shifts. His research reveals how changes in film techniques reflect broader cultural transformations, including increased citizen participation and experimentation during times of economic turmoil.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateFeb 18, 2003

Future health of Earth's atmosphere, how to make it snow

Climate experts Tom Wigley and Charles Knight will discuss the future of the Earth's atmosphere and the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change. They will also explore the science behind artificial snow formation, including nucleation and ice nuclei.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

Web knowledge empowers patients, researcher says

A study published in the Journal of Medical Systems found that internet use empowers patients and improves the physician-patient relationship. Patients who access health information online can arrive with background knowledge and ask informed questions, saving time for doctors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Medical Systems·DateFeb 18, 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.

Corals defy species classification

New research on corals from the Madracis genus reveals significant genetic variation among species, challenging traditional classifications. The study found two distinct species, while four others exhibited considerable overlap in genetic material, making identification difficult.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 18, 2003

Word scans indicate new ways of searching the Web

A computer scientist has developed a method to find dominant topics in discussions by scanning large collections of documents for rapid word bursts. This technique could have applications in searching the Web, studying trends in society, and even screening e-mail chatter.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 18, 2003