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Science News for February 20, 2003


Surprising results for Ugandan HIV intervention trial

The study found increased condom use in intervention groups but no impact on HIV incidence, highlighting the need for more effective STI and behavioral interventions to control HIV in Uganda. The researchers emphasize the importance of rigorous evaluation and development of promising interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Fly mutation suggests link to human brain disease

A research team found a fly mutation that causes early cell death and neural degeneration in the brain, similar to human neurodegenerative diseases. The mutation is associated with protein aggregates found in human Alzheimer's patients.

SourceBrown University·DateFeb 20, 2003

Johns Hopkins uses IBM technology in heart disease research

Researchers at Johns Hopkins' Center for Cardiovascular Bioinformatics and Modeling are using IBM technology to simulate complex heart cell models and analyze thousands of genes. This knowledge could lead to new drug targets and better predictions about the effects of drugs on animals and humans.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Researcher explores tumors' survival strategy

A researcher is studying how tumors pirate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, to survive. Dr. Motamed focuses on protein SPARC, which regulates growth factors and has multiple roles in cancer and new blood vessel formation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateFeb 20, 2003

Rutgers' Tanzanian fossil reshuffles the deck on early human ancestry

A newly discovered fossil from Tanzania provides a key anatomical link between two other known specimens, H. rudolfensis and the original H. habilis type specimen. The discovery reshuffles our understanding of early human ancestry, suggesting that all three specimens are likely members of the same species - Homo habilis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2003

Women catching up to men in lung cancer deaths: Gender equality?

According to a study by Fred Pampel, measures of gender equality do not explain the gap between men's and women's lung-cancer death rates. The gap is best explained historically, with women's smoking following men's on the upswing after a typical lag of around three decades.

SourcePopulation Reference Bureau·JournalDemography·DateFeb 20, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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More frequent rest breaks could reduce industrial accidents

A study published in The Lancet found that accident risk is doubled during the last half hour of a two-hour work period, suggesting that shorter breaks can help mitigate this risk. More frequent short breaks may improve work performance and reduce fatigue, making them a potential strategy to prevent industrial accidents.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Can't stand the pain? Your genes may be to blame

Researchers found that individuals with two copies of the met form of the COMT gene had a more pronounced response to pain, while those with two copies of the val form reported less pain and fewer negative emotions. The study used PET brain imaging and controlled jaw pain to investigate the role of genetic variation in pain tolerance.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2003

Call for longer-term use of antidepressants

A meta-analysis of 31 trials involving over 4400 patients found that continuous antidepressant treatment for one to two years significantly reduced depressive relapse rates compared to placebo. The study suggests that many patients remain at risk of recurrence after initial treatment and may benefit from extended medication

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Work not a 'haven' from home

A Virginia Tech study found that women are increasingly finding their homes to be a haven of satisfaction, rather than their workplaces. This challenges the long-held assumption that women seek work as an escape from family obligations.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 20, 2003

Call for longer-term use of antidepressants

A study published in The Lancet found that treatment for one to two years with antidepressants substantially reduced the likelihood of relapse compared to discontinuing active treatment. The average rate of relapse on placebo was nearly double that of treatment, highlighting the benefits of long-term medication adherence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Execution: An unwanted side-effect

The Singleton case has raised concerns about forced medical treatment of the mentally ill and its impact on the death penalty. The US Supreme Court must rule against this practice to restore competence for execution as a medically and ethically untenable dilemma.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Alcohol researchers identify a genetic basis of pain response

Researchers found that specific genetic variants, such as the val158met polymorphism in the COMT gene, influence an individual's sensitivity to pain. This genetic variation affects brain regions involved in pain perception and emotional regulation, leading to increased pain ratings and a more negative internal state.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2003
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

First population study of GM mosquitoes highlights difficulties facing malaria control technique

A recent study by Imperial College London found that genetically modified mosquitoes (GM) lose their test marker gene rapidly when interbred with unmodified mosquitoes, posing challenges for malaria control. The researchers suggest using crossing regimes to minimize deleterious mutations and improve the competitiveness of GM mosquitoes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2003

New treatment option for heroin addiction

A new treatment option for heroin addiction has shown a promising 75% success rate in reducing opiate use, according to a recent study. The combination of buprenorphine and intensive psychosocial therapy was found to be effective in preventing relapse and reducing criminal activity among patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Backstage with a command performer

Researchers at Rockefeller University reveal a crucial link between the Ezh2 protein and chromatin modifications, enabling the development of a wide range of antibodies. The discovery provides new insights into B cell biology and the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 20, 2003

Scientists develop 'super peptide' that kills Candida albicans

Researchers at Zengen developed a 'super peptide' that kills Candida albicans with high candidacidal activity, outperforming existing antimicrobial peptides. The discovery may help understand the unique mechanism of action of a-MSH peptides and unlock new treatments for fungal infections.

SourceZengen·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2003
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Health crisis in Iraq

The Lancet reports a severe decline in Iraq's healthcare infrastructure, exacerbated by the Gulf War and 12 years of economic sanctions. The US military's preparation for chemical and biological warfare has also contributed to the humanitarian disaster.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Selegiline hydrochloride may help smokers quit

Researchers found that selegiline hydrochloride significantly increased smoking cessation rates among participants, with 45% quitting after 8 weeks of treatment. This suggests the MAO-B inhibitor may be an effective treatment for nicotine addiction.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateFeb 20, 2003