Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 19, 2003


Brain's response to addictive drugs, stress

Researchers have found that addictive drugs, such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamines, increase the sensitivity of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Stress triggers a similar response, which may lead to addiction. The study's findings could help develop new treatments for addiction.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2003

Bt toxins found to kill parasitic roundworms

Researchers have discovered that Bt toxins can kill a range of parasitic nematode species, including those affecting humans, animals, and crops. The findings suggest the potential for developing an inexpensive and environmentally safe means of controlling parasitic roundworms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2003

Parkinson's drug linked to heart disease risk factor

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that Parkinson's patients treated with levodopa have higher levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. The study suggests that monitoring homocysteine levels may be necessary for patients at risk of heart disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 19, 2003

Discovery may lead to first medical treatment for Celiac disease

Researchers at Zengen discovered that synthetic alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH) has an anti-inflammatory effect in celiac mucosa, which may control the inflammatory response and limit epithelial damage. This finding could lead to a medical treatment for Celiac disease, currently managed only with a strict gluten-free diet.

SourceZengen·JournalNeuroImmunoModulation·DateFeb 19, 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.

Electronic circuit rides a chemical film

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for growing conducting polymers, called Surface Polymerization by Ion-Assisted Deposition. This method allows for the creation of large areas of films with controlled chemistry and shape on a nanometer scale.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 19, 2003

Preventive Medicine 2003 selected oral, poster abstracts

Researchers found the prevalence of overweight among Los Angeles County school children to be 20.6 percent, with higher rates among boys and Latinos. An email-based program for nutrition intervention was also shown to be effective in changing dietary behavior, with over 50% of participants reporting success.

SourceAmerican College of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

Short and long gamma-ray bursts different to the core

Researchers found a correlation between fluence and duration for both short and long bursts, but the degree of this relationship is statistically different at a 4.5 sigma significance level. This suggests that short bursts may originate from fundamentally different physical processes than long bursts.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 19, 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.

Major study good news for survivors of critical illness

A major study found that patients who survive acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) show significant improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life over time. Despite persistent muscle wasting and weakness, survivors achieve 66% of healthy patient exercise capacity at one year and return to work in most cases.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

HIV drugs not causing rise in vascular disease

A recent study analyzed data from the Veterans Affairs HIV patient population between 1993 and 2001 and found a sharp decline in overall death rates among patients. Despite concerns about vascular disease as a side effect of HAART, the study suggests that these drugs may not increase the risk of this condition.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

Berkeley scientists create first 3-D map of protein universe

Researchers created a 3D map of protein structures, grouping them into four distinct classes based on their folds. The map reveals the evolutionary history of proteins and holds promise for understanding cellular functions and designing more effective pharmaceutical drugs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 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.

Consent form language too complex for many

A recent study found that medical consent forms are typically written at a 10th-grade reading level, despite an estimated one in two American adults struggling with eighth-grade level literacy. To improve readability, researchers suggest using simpler language and alternative methods like multimedia presentations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

Preventive Medicine 2003 plenary session summaries

The session addresses heart disease in postmenopausal women, including sub-clinical atherosclerosis predictors and prevention measures. It also explores sarcopenia and frailty in older women, discussing muscle mass loss and body composition changes that contribute to disability.

SourceAmerican College of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

Shark fin trade greater than previously thought, study finds

A recent study reveals significant discrepancies in shark fin trade reports, with estimates suggesting under-reporting of 24-49% compared to Hong Kong's quantities. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and analysis in key seafood trading centers like Hong Kong.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateFeb 19, 2003

Benefits of living with father depend on dad’s antisocial behavior

A new study by King's College, London, found that children living with their biological fathers who have low levels of antisocial behavior may experience more behavioral problems. In contrast, highly antisocial fathers can contribute to the development of conduct problems when they live with their children.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 19, 2003
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.