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Science News for February 26, 2003


Student knowledge of evolution deficient

A considerable proportion of college graduates are unfamiliar with evolutionary principles, a study suggests. Researchers found that students with extensive science courses still exhibit similar deficits in understanding evolution.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 26, 2003

Study shows declines in payment for emergency care

Researchers found payment rates for emergency department charges decreased from 60% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The privately insured group experienced the largest decline, with payments dropping from 75% to 63% of charges.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 26, 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.

Metal ions may play big role in how we sense smells

Scientists propose a new mechanism for passing information through cell membranes via a shuttlecock motion involving metalloproteins. This theory explains why dietary zinc deficiencies lead to a loss of smell and has significant implications for understanding the sense of smell.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2003

Oxycodone rarely the sole cause of drug abuse deaths, new study finds

A landmark analysis found that oxycodone was involved in only a small percentage of drug abuse deaths, with multiple drugs present in most cases. The study suggests that abusing opioids with other substances increases risk and calls for enhanced classification methods.

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalJournal of Analytical Toxicology·DateFeb 26, 2003

High risk trachoma patients less likely to pay for treatment

Researchers found that high-risk trachoma patients are unwilling to pay for future antibiotics, even if they can use household items as payment. This could limit the government's ability to control the disease and its progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 26, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enzyme controls 'good cholesterol'

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2003

Fetal death, miscarriage linked to genetic mutation

Research reveals that genetic mutations can lead to structural changes in the placenta, causing fetal death or miscarriage. The study found that embryos with normal placentas but defective Rb genes can still be carried to term, suggesting a critical role of the Rb gene in placental development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2003

Physicist designs perfect automotive engine

Marlan Scully's new engine design uses a quantum heat bath to produce power, driving a piston with less wasted energy than in the Carnot model. The engine employs lasers, mirrors, and quantum coherence to capture energy from exhaust gases, improving efficiency.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2003

Survey shows benefits of prescription drug advertising, few adverse effects

The survey found that 35% of respondents discussed a health concern with their doctor after seeing an advertised drug. Patients who received a new diagnosis were more likely to have high-priority conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Additionally, physicians suggested lifestyle changes and quit-smoking advice in over half of visits.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 26, 2003
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

U. of Colorado researchers conduct most sensitive search for new forces

String theory predicts the existence of moduli forces with strengths comparable to gravity, which could be detected on length scales of one-tenth of a millimeter. Researchers used an experiment to search for these forces and found that they are unlikely to exist at distances smaller than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2003

Michigan researchers achieve quantum entanglement of three electrons

Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully achieved quantum entanglement of three electrons using ultrafast laser pulses and coherent techniques. This breakthrough could lead to the development of quantum gates necessary for storing and processing information in practical quantum computers, offering significantly enhan...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 26, 2003
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads may lead to new diagnoses, other physician recommendations

A national survey found that 25% of patients with DTCA-prompted discussions received a new diagnosis, including high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. Specialist referrals were made for 33%, and lab tests or lifestyle changes recommended for 45%. Patients reported improvement in symptoms regardless of medication features.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 26, 2003

Environmental influences play significant role on experiments

A recent study by Dr. Douglas Wahlsten found that environmental influences significantly impact experiment outcomes in mice, including motor coordination and psychological learning tasks. The study suggests that even small factors like odors and experimenter conduct can have a profound effect on behavior.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2003

Rainforests at risk: Where there’s smoke, there’s even more fire

Intentional deforestation in rainforests has gained attention, but unintentional out-of-control fires devour millions of acres of forests, threatening ecosystems. Fire behavior in rainforests differs from temperate forests, with slow-spreading fires having devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for March (first issue)

Two new studies highlight the severity of sepsis in young US children, with infants and low-birth-weight babies at highest risk. In contrast, imported malaria cases in European countries pose a growing health threat, while disruptions to ICU patients' sleep patterns remain poorly understood.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2003
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