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Science News for February 24, 2003


NMR - The movie

A team led by Prof. Lucio Frydman has found a way to perform multidimensional NMR with a single scan, significantly speeding up molecular studies and enabling the observation of rapid changes in molecules like protein folding. The new method uses a 'slicing' approach, simultaneously performing measurements on multiple thin slices of a ...

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2003

Surveys find chronic conditions a widespread concern

A survey of physicians, adults, and health policymakers reveals widespread concern about chronic condition treatment. Over 90% agree that chronic conditions affect everyone, with most stating the current healthcare system is not meeting needs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The common cold coughs up $40 billion annual price tag

A new study by U-M researchers found that the common cold leads to significant economic impact, with Americans spending over $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and nearly $1.1 billion on antibiotic prescriptions for symptomatic relief. The total economic cost of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion annually.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2003

Scientists find 'stem cells' in human breast cancer

Researchers have identified stem cells in human breast cancer that can form new tumors and are resistant to treatment. The discovery may explain why current treatments for metastatic breast cancer often fail, and could lead to the development of new therapies targeted at these cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2003

Hormones, sand & terrorism

Researchers are studying the efficacy of bovine growth hormone in tilapia aquaculture and developing methods for its treatment. Additionally, computer models predict physical impacts of offshore dredging on coastal beaches, and a new publication from Delaware Sea Grant examines port security measures.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateFeb 24, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Keeping tabs on teens may curb alcohol use and risks

A study of 444 managed-care patients aged 12-17 found that adolescents with consistently monitored parents were less likely to engage in alcohol-risk behaviors. The researchers suggest that monitoring may help reduce risk when adolescents are initially exposed to alcohol, but may be insufficient for high-risk behaviors.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateFeb 24, 2003

Teasing apart the molecules of life

Researchers devise new method combining optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence to study DNA structural and mechanical changes. This technique allows scientists to study rare molecules essential for life and disease development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateFeb 24, 2003

Tiny computing machine fueled by DNA

A DNA-based computer, award-winning for smallest biological computing device, processes input molecules using spontaneous energy releases to carry out computations without external power. The device contains 15,000 trillion computers performing 330 trillion operations per second with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2003

Variety of casual acquaintances affects success and health

Research by Professor Erickson suggests that having a variety of casual acquaintances can improve job prospects and overall well-being. People with diverse social networks are more likely to feel in control and have access to valuable information, leading to improved health and happiness.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateFeb 24, 2003
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Repeal of estate tax to increase tax burden and widen wealth gap

The repeal of the estate tax may lead to increased wealth inequality, particularly among minority groups, with potential costs for most American families. The tax reduction is expected to decrease philanthropic giving by up to 12 percent annually due to lower inheritance donations not being taxed.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateFeb 24, 2003

Harder working transistors through automated FPGA compiling

Computer scientists Pedro Diniz and Joonseok Park are developing programming tools to automatically synthesize near-optimal chip architectures for flexible chips. Their techniques enable FPGAs to utilize available transistors more effectively for irregular applications, outperforming current processor architectures in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateFeb 24, 2003

Progesterone regulates male behavior toward infants

Researchers found that progesterone receptor knockout mice showed a complete lack of infanticide and exhibited active paternal care, frequently contacting and retrieving pups. In contrast, control mice committed 74% infanticide and displayed less paternal behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2003

Gene variant discovery could save blood in surgery

Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateFeb 24, 2003

Argonne researchers create powerful stem cells from blood

Argonne researchers have created powerful stem cells that can morph into various cell types, offering a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough allows for the production of pluripotent stem cells from adult blood cells, which can potentially treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 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.

Low dose warfarin prevents recurrence of blood clots-- NHLBI stops study

The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism trial found that low-dose warfarin prevents episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a significant reduction in risk. The study showed no major bleeding complications, making it an effective and safe treatment option.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2003

Evidence acquits Clovis people of ancient killings, archaeologists say

Researchers from the University of Washington and Southern Methodist University conclude that climate change, not humans, was responsible for the extinction of Pleistocene mammals in the New World. The study found no evidence linking Clovis people to the extinctions, contradicting previous 'overkill' hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of World Prehistory·DateFeb 24, 2003

Drug tested for HIV prevention in Baltimore

A 12-week study in Baltimore evaluated nevirapine for HIV prevention in adults at high risk, showing no serious side effects or new infections. The researchers discovered that the three lower doses of nevirapine provided sufficient blood levels to potentially prevent HIV infection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAIDS·DateFeb 24, 2003

Smoking, drinking at school may be contagious for teens

A study published in Child Development found that teenagers in high-use schools are three times as likely to follow their peers' smoking behaviors compared to those in low-use schools. The researchers suggest that school-based programs may be effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use among teens.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 24, 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.