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Science News for February 4, 2003


JCI Table of Contents, February 3, 2003

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that HIV protease inhibitors directly promote atherosclerosis in mice. In humans, researchers propose a mechanism by which these drugs might contribute to heart disease, suggesting ways to disrupt it.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2003

HAART and heart disease

Researchers found that HIV protease inhibitors directly promote atherosclerosis in mice by inducing changes in macrophages. A commentary article proposes a mechanism and suggests ways to disrupt this process. The study has significant implications for the long-term use of these drugs in managing chronic HIV infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2003

Vaccine shortage study exposes nation’s 'patchwork' system

A study found that many doctors' offices struggled to consistently obtain enough Prevnar vaccine, with over half reporting they had run out completely in the past year. The nation's 'patchwork' system of vaccination, driven by varying state practices and private insurance, contributed to these inconsistencies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 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.

Bone marrow cells take on new role in the brain, say Stanford researchers

Researchers have found that bone marrow cells from transplants can relocate to brain tissue, carrying Y chromosomes into Purkinje cells involved in balance and movement. This discovery suggests that these cells may act as a repair squad to treat damaged tissues throughout the body.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2003

Other highlights of the February 5 JNCI

Researchers found that selenium supplements reduced DNA damage in elderly male dogs' prostates, potentially benefiting aging prostate health. A separate study suggests a new retinoid treatment may prevent lung cancer in former smokers by restoring RAR-ß expression and reducing squamous metaplasia.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 4, 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.

Computer scientist locates more than 1,000 novel genes in mouse and human

A team of researchers led by Michael R. Brent developed a new computer program to predict genes by analyzing patterns of evolutionary conservation. They identified 1,019 predicted novel mouse genes with high accuracy, including those involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and neural development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2003

Patients benefit when doctor uses computer, not paper, to write prescriptions

A recent Ohio State University study found that computerizing physician orders reduced medication turn-around times by 64 percent, X-ray procedures by 43 percent, and lab tests by 25 percent. This led to improved work flow, efficiency, and accuracy in patient care.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 4, 2003

Sex, flounder and donuts

Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully produced all-female cultured stocks of Southern flounder using controlled-breeding methods and warm water temperature manipulation. This method has significant economic potential, as female flounder can grow up to two times larger than males within two years.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateFeb 4, 2003

BRCA2 mutations may be associated with some hereditary pancreatic cancers

Researchers identified BRCA2 germline mutations in 19% of families with familial pancreatic cancer. The presence of specific frameshift mutations was found in 12% of the families studied. These findings suggest an important role for BRCA2 mutations in a subpopulation of families with familial pancreatic cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 4, 2003
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Artemis: a little bit is not enough

Individuals with reduced functional Artemis protein are prone to mild immunodeficiency and increased risk of developing lymphomas. This finding suggests that mutations in Artemis or other DNA repair genes may be responsible for immune deficiency and/or lymphoma cases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2003

Chemical cousin of vitamin A restores gene function in former smokers

Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, 9-cis retinoic acid, increased RAR-_ gene expression and reduced precancerous lesions in former smokers. While promising, the treatment also showed side effects, and further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 4, 2003

American Civil War newspapers subject of new scholarship

The new Civil War Newspapers website will feature scanned documents of selected newspapers from both North and South, providing detailed indexes and a comprehensive master index. This project aims to provide a valuable resource for historians, allowing them to access a vast amount of information on various topics related to the era.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 4, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Undersea diving found safe for older divers

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that older divers remain healthy enough to dive safely as long as they do not have any underlying lung or heart conditions. The study used hyperbaric chambers to measure the effects of carbon dioxide retention on older and younger divers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 4, 2003

Stanford researcher studies newly discovered 'good' cholesterol gene

Researchers have identified a new gene, endothelial lipase (LIPG), that regulates HDL cholesterol levels and impacts the risk of developing heart disease. By altering LIPG expression in genetic models, scientists found an inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and EL expression.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 4, 2003

UT Southwestern researchers developing new procedures to make bone-marrow transplants safer

Researchers at UT Southwestern are developing a new procedure to eliminate graft-versus-host disease in bone-marrow transplants while retaining anti-leukemic activity. The approach uses immunotoxins to selectively target and eliminate harmful immune cells, with promising results in clinical trials.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 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.

Depression related to poor health after bypass surgery

Researchers found depression before surgery significantly increased hospitalization for cardiac reasons six months post-operative, with patients experiencing prolonged surgical pain and failure to return to normal activities. Depression also persisted post-surgery, often unrecognized and untreated.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2003

Women soldiers viewed as 'problematic', new report reveals

A new report by Newcastle University and Sunderland University found that many male soldiers and officers still struggle with adjusting to the presence of women in the organization. Women are often portrayed as a disruption or sexualized in media images, influencing Army perceptions and policies.

SourceNewcastle University·DateFeb 4, 2003

Psychotherapy for HIV-related pain may have limited appeal

A study of 61 patients with HIV-related peripheral neuropathy found that psychotherapy reduced pain intensity and improved daily life functions. However, high dropout rates and short attendance periods made it challenging to assess the treatment's effectiveness.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateFeb 4, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows faceguards, safety balls cut number of Little League injuries

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that faceguards reduced facial injuries by 35% and safety balls cut ball-related injuries by 29%. The research analyzed over 6.7 million player-seasons of Little League participation, making it the largest and most comprehensive study of its kind.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 2003