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Science News for January 13, 2003


Communication technique may improve health outcomes

Researchers found that using interactive techniques, such as checking patient recall and comprehension, can improve diabetes control without requiring longer visits. This technique is underused by physicians but holds great potential for improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2003

MIT sugars research affecting bypass patients, drug industry

A team led by Professor Ram Sasisekharan at MIT has created designer drugs for preventing blood clots that can cause strokes and heart disease during surgery. The new formulations are more potent and effective than conventional forms of the drug, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 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 U.S. application of new simulation standard

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully applied the new simulation standard IEEE 1516, enhancing collaboration and accuracy in simulations. The tool integration allowed for a more detailed cardiovascular system model, enabling analysis of cardiac arrhythmias and performance measures.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJan 13, 2003

Plasma probe scientists ready for Rosetta blast-off

The Rosetta Plasma Consortium will monitor Comet Wirtanen over a long period, studying the structure of its 'bubble' of plasma and comparing it to its nucleus size. The instruments, built by researchers from various countries, are designed to detect and measure the properties of diffuse plasma in space.

SourceImperial College London·DateJan 13, 2003

Novel treatment may improve survival rates in patients with abdominal cancer

A novel treatment approach combining surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) has shown significant promise in improving survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The study found that selected patients may benefit from improved quality of life and extended survival.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJan 13, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sleep apnea treatment also effective for gastroesophageal reflux

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduced nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment resulted in a 48% overall decrease in nGER symptoms, with 74.5% of patients showing improvement.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2003

Bupropion may help schizophrenic patients quit smoking

Researchers found that bupropion significantly reduced negative symptoms of schizophrenia, improving motivation and social relationships, while also aiding in nicotine addiction treatment for schizophrenic patients. The study showed better smoking cessation outcomes with newer atypical antipsychotic medications.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJan 13, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January (second issue)

Researchers found that adult CF patients can achieve educational and work accomplishments despite the progressive nature of the disease. Pulmonary function and exercise capacity testing are limited in predicting their ability to work or attend school.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 13, 2003

Chemical industry outlook somewhat brighter for 2003

The American Chemistry Council predicts a second-half recovery for the chemical industry globally, with 3.5% growth in physical chemical volume expected this year. Basic chemical shipments are expected to grow 3.8%, with the fertilizer industry leading the way with a 5.0% increase.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 13, 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.

UCSF study of ancient fly gene offers insights into male fertility

A study by UCSF researchers reveals that the human gene BOULE regulates meiosis in sperm development, a key step in creating sperm and eggs. The finding has significant implications for understanding infertility and developing new treatments, including drugs to assist immature sperm cells or block sperm maturation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 13, 2003

Teen drug use associated with psychiatric disorders later in life

A 22-year study tracked the health histories of 736 youths from childhood into early adulthood, finding that moderate to heavy tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of depression and psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. The study suggests a complex relationship between drug abu...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJan 13, 2003

Expanding the genetic code: the world’s first truly unnatural organism

Researchers successfully expanded the genetic code of E. coli bacteria, creating a self-sufficient organism that can produce new amino acids on its own. The breakthrough could lead to enhanced function in organisms and provide answers to questions about why life settled on 20 natural amino acids.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 13, 2003

Lack of awareness and control of risk factors still contributing to preventable...

Despite being enrolled in a clinical trial comparing anti-clotting agents, African American stroke patients show poor rates of awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These findings are concerning, as heart disease and stroke can be prevented with vigilant risk factor management.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 13, 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.

Boyfriend pressure makes black teen girls more likely to want pregnancy

Researchers surveyed 462 black teen girls between 14-18 years old and found that those who wanted to become pregnant were more likely to have an older partner and report low self-esteem. The study suggests targeting adolescent boys for early pregnancy prevention programs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJan 13, 2003

New Parkinson’s drug found effective

Researchers have found a new Parkinson's drug to be effective in improving symptoms, with participants receiving 1mg of Rasagiline showing significant improvements compared to those on 2mg. The study calls for further research to evaluate the long-term effects of Rasagiline on the progression of the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJan 13, 2003

Study finds cocaine use in rats affects adolescents differently than adults

A study found that cocaine use in rats has distinct effects on adolescents versus adults. Adolescent rats showed stable activity levels during treatment, whereas adults developed increased sensitivity to the drug's effects. Additionally, adult rats had altered neurochemical adaptations, including increased dopamine transporter density.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJan 13, 2003