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Science News Archive February 2003 - Page 7


Page 7 of 9

NHLBI study finds possible new indicator of heart disease risk

A recent NHLBI study found a link between low levels of endothelial progenitor cells and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that these cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged blood vessels, and their depletion may contribute to the progression of heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2003

Stress during pregnancy can affect fetal heart rate

A study found that stress can alter fetal heart rates in response to a woman's emotional state, potentially impacting long-term health and development. The research suggests that high anxiety levels may shape fetal heart rate patterns even before birth.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatics·DateFeb 12, 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.

Work stress can affect how lower-income families eat

A study by Cornell University found that work stress significantly impacts the food choices of low- and middle-income adults, particularly women with children. The research highlights the need for workplace solutions, such as healthy food options and self-care strategies, to address this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2003

College students at risk during alcohol-related blackouts

A survey of Duke University students reveals nearly one in 10 experienced a blackout while drinking, with risks linked to lower GPAs and problem drinking. The study highlights the need for early alcohol-awareness training to prevent hazardous choices during blackouts.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateFeb 12, 2003

Infants learn to fill in perceptual gaps by 4 months

At 2-6 months old, infants learn to connect visible bits and pieces of the world to form mental representations. By 4 months, they can accurately perceive occlusions in object trajectories, laying the foundation for lifelong visual perception.

SourceCornell University·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 12, 2003

Worm model could yield new Parkinson's drugs

A new screening method uses glowing worms to test neuroprotective compounds, which may lead to new Parkinson's disease treatments. Researchers can selectively kill dopamine neurons in living worms using neurotoxins, and the green glow dims when they die.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateFeb 12, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Stanford researchers study how gene level variations in blood affect immunity

Researchers found that healthy individuals vary in gene expression levels in circulating blood cells, with some genes used at varying levels depending on time of day and age. Despite these differences, the study revealed remarkable similarity in the genes used among the subjects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2003

Braille found to be essential, regardless of age of blindness

A new study confirms that Braille is crucial for visual cortex development in blind individuals, regardless of age of blindness. The research used fMRI to compare early and late blind subjects, finding similar activation patterns in the visual cortex.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 12, 2003

Polymers promote nerve regeneration

Researchers have developed microscale channels to guide neuron growth in damaged nerves, a breakthrough that shows promise for treating nerve injuries. The technique uses biodegradable polymer films with microscopic patterns to direct nerve cell growth, with initial results showing rats regaining use of their legs after injury.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateFeb 12, 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.

Researchers help trace origin of Madagascar’s mammals

A new study published in Nature reveals that all of Madagascar's living Carnivora descended from a single species that dispersed from Africa to the island. The findings refute two previously accepted models for mammal colonization and provide further evidence that lemurs also colonized the island in a single event.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2003

Structure of key breast cancer receptor determined

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have determined the 3D structure of the HER2 breast cancer receptor, shedding light on its interactions with the Herceptin antibody. The findings could lead to the design of more effective drugs for treating breast cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2003

AGU journals highlights - 11 February 2003

Scientists discovered a freshening trend in the Labrador Sea and found that mixing of warm and cool waters may prevent El Nino. Additionally, researchers speculated about the cause of high Arctic ozone loss and suggested Martian methane could be an indicator of subsurface life.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study shows narcissism plus social rejection equals aggression

A new study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin finds that children who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more aggressive after experiencing social rejection. The researchers suggest that reducing instances of social rejection and promoting positive self-images could help prevent violence in schools.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 11, 2003

NASA discusses future space mission

The University of Michigan College of Engineering will unveil the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS), a revolutionary instrument for NASA's MESSENGER Mission to Mercury. The FIPS project demonstrates how high-performance, low-weight instruments can be used to explore the solar system without risk to human life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan College of Engineering·DateFeb 11, 2003

NCAR observing system finds high-level moisture with global implications

Researchers have detected layers of high-level moisture and cirrus clouds using NCAR's instrument package, indicating a significant impact on long-term climate. These clouds, often missed by standard weather balloons and sensors, can warm the planet and trap radiation.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 11, 2003

Pacemaker therapy halves heart failure deaths

A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that pacemaker therapy reduced death from progressive heart failure by 51% and hospitalizations by 29%. The device range in cost $20,000 to $50,000 and improves quality of life for heart failure patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 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.

Caregiving raises risk of heart disease in women

A long-term study of 54,412 women found that those who cared for loved ones for nine hours or more per week had a higher risk of coronary heart disease. The researchers suggest that mental distress, financial burdens, and limited social support may contribute to this increased risk.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2003

Genetic 'signature' linked to severe lupus symptoms

Researchers have discovered a genetic signature, known as the IFN expression signature, associated with severe lupus symptoms. This signature is linked to interferon activity and has implications for developing new therapies to block IFN pathways in patients with severe lupus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2003

School of Public Health awarded $30 million to develop and introduce pneumococcal vaccine

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $30 million to develop and introduce a pneumococcal vaccine for children in the world's poorest countries. The Pneumococcal Accelerated Development and Introduction Plan (ADIP) team will work with international partners to address research, supply, and financing issue...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateFeb 11, 2003
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Fertility study shows increased estrogen shortens window of implantation in mice

A recent study by Vanderbilt researchers found that high levels of estrogen can alter the expression of genes related to implantation in mice, leading to a reduced window of receptivity for embryo implantation. This could be contributing to high implantation failure rates in women undergoing IVF.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

The war against anti-aging medicine

The biogerontological community is at war with anti-aging medicine, threatening the status and funding of their own research. Binstock argues that this campaign may inadvertently undermine their own legitimacy and research support by blurring public understanding of the difference between their work and pseudoscientific products.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 10, 2003

Study shows how eye cells die when exposed to lead

Researchers found that low-level lead exposure during development in mice injures and kills rod-shaped photoreceptor cells, a crucial component of human vision. The study suggests possible treatments using an anti-death protein called Bcl-xL to prevent cell death in eye disorders.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 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.

Jefferson scientists find calcium is key to slowing colorectal cancer growth

Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found that a bacterial toxin opens a cellular door, allowing calcium to flow into tumor cells, which slows cell division and may lead to new methods of treating colorectal cancer. The discovery could also enable the use of the toxin as an intravenous infusion to treat metastatic tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

Shedding some light on teeth whiteners

The main cause of tooth discoloration lies at the surface of enamel, where red wine, coffee and tea stain teeth. Hydrogen peroxide-based whitening agents target deeper discoloration by forming radical intermediates that break down into water and oxygen.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 10, 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.

Mayo Clinic study shows loss of mental, functional abilities

Researchers discovered that many nonagenarians (people 90-99 years old) are free of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with some performing in the superior range on cognitive tests. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also exists in this age group, but features similar characteristics to those seen in younger individuals.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 10, 2003

New Northwestern center targets brain disorders

The Falk Center will utilize state-of-the-art gene chip technology to identify genes responsible for neurological disorders. Two therapeutic developments are approaching the product stage, including a gene-based therapy for malignant brain tumors and a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 10, 2003

Univ of MD study on prevalence of celiac disease

Researchers found that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is triggered by the protein gluten and can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, used a multi-center approach to screen over 13,000 people across 32 states.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2003

Family history doesn’t predict colon cancer genes, behavior

Researchers found that people with a family history of colon cancer were more likely to have high-risk diets, including cooked red meat and low folate levels. Modification of these factors could provide broad benefits for individuals with a family history, regardless of their genes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Fasting forestalls Huntington's disease in mice

Researchers found that intermittent fasting reduced degeneration of nerve cells and improved glucose regulation in mice with mutant huntingtin. This suggests that fasting may forestall the development of Huntington's disease in humans.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

Calient Networks chosen as core platform for Optiputer

OptIPuter program to deploy DiamondWave all-optical switches, enabling fast and cost-effective network with high-speed data transmission. The platform will support scalable and flexible network infrastructure with minimal signal power loss and latency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 10, 2003
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Actonel significantly reduced osteoporotic fractures

Actonel significantly reduced fracture risk in high-risk postmenopausal women, with a 62% reduction seen at one year. The medication was found to be effective in reducing spinal fractures in patients over 70 years old and those with low hip BMD.

SourceHill and Knowlton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 10, 2003

Ancient climate may augur future effects of global warming

A Purdue research report suggests that ancient lake sediments and computer simulations indicate El Niño might react differently to global warming than current theory claims. The tropical Pacific Ocean maintains its ability to remove heat periodically, even when the climate warms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 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.

New insights into how the nerve connection machinery remodels itself

The study reveals that protein components in the post-synaptic density (PSD) move together in response to neural activity, with a significant percentage undergoing up-and-down regulation. The findings also suggest a high rate of PSD remodeling, with neurons replacing its content multiple times a day.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 9, 2003

Targeted immunotherapy eradicates cancer in mice

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center successfully eradicated cancer in mice using targeted immunotherapy with engineered human T cells. The study, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates the first-in-vivo efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy with engineered human T cells in mice.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2003

Gene targeting technique extended to human embryonic stem cells

A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed methods for recombining DNA segments in human embryonic stem cells using homologous recombination. This technique allows for manipulating any part of the human genome to study gene function and mimic human diseases.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 9, 2003

Host gene that makes people vulnerable to leprosy discovered

A host gene variant on chromosome 6 has been identified as making people more vulnerable to leprosy. Researchers used genome scanning to analyze DNA samples from nearly 100 families and confirmed the findings in an additional 200 families.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2003
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Thousands of students to experience Public Science Day at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature

Public Science Day will feature lunch, presentations, gallery science shows, health fairs, lightning demonstrations, dissections, dinosaur digs, scavenger hunts, telescopes, science kits, activity booths, touch carts, and journaling. The event promotes scientific exploration by children in local museums and institutions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 7, 2003

Ground temperature aids in measuring water levels

A study published in Vadose Zone Journal reveals that temperature measurements can accurately determine the rate of water movement towards the groundwater table. This information can help optimize irrigation practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of ground-water resources in the region.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateFeb 7, 2003

Gene loss creates age- and gender-dependent cancer syndrome in mice

Researchers found that mice with a specific gene (Hic1) developed cancers at an older age, depending on their sex. Female mice developed lymphomas and sarcomas, while male mice developed epithelial cancers. The study provides evidence of epigenetic problems leading to cancer in mice.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 7, 2003

New drug targets cancer cells

A new phthalocyanine compound, Pc 4, targets cancerous cells preferentially, leaving healthy tissue alone. The treatment uses laser light to activate the drug, producing forms of oxygen that kill cancer cells and break down tumors.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateFeb 7, 2003
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Low amniotic fluid no risk to normal birth

A recent study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that babies born with low amniotic fluid at 37 weeks' gestation have normal birth weights and health, challenging conventional wisdom. The study of 262 women showed no significant differences in birth outcomes between those with low and normal amounts of amniotic fluid.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2003

Family history has limited predictive value for asthma risk

A family history of asthma is a consistent risk factor for childhood asthma, but only partially identifies children at increased risk. Despite this, knowledge of the risk can motivate parents and healthcare providers to take proactive steps in prevention.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2003

AstraZeneca seeks mania indication for Seroquel in Europe

AstraZeneca has submitted an application to the European Health Authorities for a new indication for Seroquel in treating manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The company's clinical trial programme showed strong and positive results, confirming Seroquel as an ideal first-line agent for this condition.

SourceShire Health International·DateFeb 7, 2003

UC Riverside scientists synthesize new porous materials

New porous materials show photoluminescence, ion exchange and gas sorption, having large surface area and uniform pore sizes. They have potential applications in electrochemical sensors, photocatalysts, solid electrolytes for batteries and gas separation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 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.