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Science News Archive January 2003 - Page 7


Page 7 of 8

Benefits of treating behavioral, functional problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease

A meta-analysis of 29 trials found that cholinesterase inhibitors improved behavioral and functional status in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests potential benefits for improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burdens, but long-term research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJan 7, 2003
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Patient compliance influences pediatric transplant recommendations

A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that 94% of compliant pediatric patients were recommended for transplant, compared to 62% of non-compliant patients. The researchers also discovered that children from more educated parents were more likely to be referred for transplantation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 7, 2003

New role for tamoxifen as fertility drug for breast cancer patients?

Researchers found that tamoxifen stimulation increased mature eggs and embryos compared to natural cycle IVF, with one patient already giving birth to twins. A larger study is planned to include low amounts of FSH for additional benefits.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJan 7, 2003

Study points to methods for safe drug dispensing via computer

The BCMA system was found to have five unanticipated negative side effects, including automatic removal of medications from patient lists and decreased coordination between doctors and nurses. The study highlights the need for flexible redesign and modification of the system to address these challenges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 7, 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.

Wireless network boosts supernova search to stellar first year

The Nearby Supernova Factory has achieved its best rookie year due to the high-speed link provided by the High Performance Wireless Research and Education Network (HPWREN). This allows for rapid image processing and analysis, leading to a higher number of discovered supernovae. The project's success demonstrates the benefits of partner...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateJan 7, 2003

Astronomers poised to apply novel way to look for comets beyond Neptune

The TAOS Project will search for comets by monitoring the brief eclipses of background stars as these objects pass between the telescopes and their light source. This innovative method allows scientists to detect small, faint objects that are too far away to be seen in reflected sunlight.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateJan 7, 2003

Computer program reveals optimum microstructure for new materials

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a mathematical system to design composite materials that perform two functions simultaneously. The approach uses computer calculations to find the optimal structure, which can help optimize properties such as heat and electricity conductivity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 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.

Lowering beta-amyloid levels in blood to treatment Alzheimer's

A study found that injecting beta-amyloid binding agents into the bloodstream reduced brain plaques and amyloid protein levels in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest this approach as an initial step towards developing targeted drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2003

Conflict with ex-wife limits involvement of fathers with children, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that lower levels of involvement between non-custodial fathers and their children are related to ongoing conflict with the children's mothers. The study suggests that conflict with a child's mother directly affects the father's involvement and satisfaction in his role as a father.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateJan 7, 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.

Hunt for life on Mars dealt another blow

Geologist Dr Nick Hoffman claims that recent gully development on Mars was caused by frozen carbon dioxide, contradicting the majority scientific opinion that it was carved by liquid water. This raises concerns about the possibility of life existing on Mars.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAstrobiology·DateJan 6, 2003

HRT reduces diabetes rates in some women

Researchers found that hormone therapy (HRT) significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease and impaired fasting glucose. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests HRT may have metabolic benefits that outweigh the risks for certain high-risk groups.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2003

19.2 million U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease

Researchers estimate 8 million people in the US have less than half of normal kidney function, a treatable condition. Chronic kidney disease is strongly associated with older age and non-Hispanic whites, raising concerns about minority populations' higher risk of kidney failure

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJan 6, 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.

Parents' views on toy guns vary by gender and race

A survey of over 900 parents found that allowing children to play with toy guns is more common among males, Caucasians, older children, and mothers. Parents' attitudes on toy gun play were influenced by the child's age, parent's gender, and family's racial background.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 6, 2003

Study: old age won’t boost health-care costs as much as some have predicted

A new study suggests that living longer will not lead to significantly increased healthcare costs, especially after age 85. The research found that average monthly health-care expenditures decrease for those who survive into their mid-80s or beyond. In contrast, the last two years of life often see steeper rises in health-related costs...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJan 6, 2003

Victims of partner violence visit doctor more often

A study found that women experiencing domestic violence have significantly more doctor visits and higher annual healthcare costs compared to non-victims. Domestic violence victims averaged over 17 doctor visits per year, with 27% having more than 20 visits.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 6, 2003

Distant ring of stars found around the Milky Way

A previously unseen band of stars beyond the edge of the Milky Way galaxy has been discovered, approximately 120,000 light years in diameter. The discovery supports the theory that at least part of our galaxy was formed by many smaller or dwarf galaxies mixing together.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJan 6, 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.

Purdue researchers discover basis for biological clock

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a single protein that sets the length of periods of activity and inactivity within cells, known as the biological clock. The discovery has significant implications for medicine, including minimizing jet lag and determining optimal cancer treatment timing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiochemistry·DateJan 6, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, January 7, 2003

A study of over 3,357 people found that excess weight can cut years off a person's life, with smokers losing up to seven years. Meanwhile, hormone therapy was shown to lower the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women by 35%.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2003
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Child hospitalizations good time to get parents to stop smoking

A new study found that parents of children hospitalized with respiratory illness were receptive to a hospital-based smoking cessation program, with 80% completing counseling sessions and 56% using nicotine replacement therapy. After two months, half reported making an attempt to quit and 20% achieved sustained tobacco abstinence.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 6, 2003

Viagra risks cut down by one as study finds blood flow in eyes unaffected by sex drive drug

A recent study conducted by Dr. Tim McCulley at Stanford University found that high doses of Viagra preserved the thickness of the eye's choroids layer, supplying blood to the eyeball, with minimal change in blood vessels or flow. However, some individuals with underlying vascular diseases may experience changes in vision due to small ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalOphthalmologica·DateJan 4, 2003

Pasta provides glimpse of earthquake fault friction forces

Researchers created a unique model to study earthquake fault friction forces using angel hair pasta, glass beads, and sand. They found that initial conditions and particle dimensionality have a significant impact on friction, with smooth particles producing different results than irregular ones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 3, 2003

Potential new treatment for people with manic depression

Quetiapine has delivered strong and positive results in treating acute mania associated with bipolar disorder, confirming its potential as an ideal first-line therapy. The medication also showed improved quality of life by minimizing side effects, making it a valuable treatment option for patients.

SourceShire Health International·DateJan 3, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Survey of Chesapeake Bay watershed residents may save the bay

A telephone survey of 1,988 Chesapeake Bay watershed residents found concern about pollution and importance of restoration, yet a lack of individual stewardship activity. To encourage action, agencies must inform citizens about their role in pollution and how their actions can improve water quality.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 3, 2003

New research supports efficacy of zincum gluconicum nasal gel

A randomized, double-blind study found a significant reduction in symptom severity and duration when treating with zincum gluconicum nasal gel, even at 48 hours after illness onset. The treatment significantly shortened the median duration of cold symptoms by 4 days compared to placebo.

SourceJitsu Public Relations·DateJan 3, 2003

Amazon wildfires contribute to carbon problem

Amazon wildfires contribute significantly to atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing tree-life viability to less than half of unburned areas. Dr Barlow's research found that fires damage large, thicker-barked trees, leading to increased emissions and further loss of vegetation.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 2, 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.

Task force issues new diet counseling recommendations

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive diet counseling for at-risk adult patients to reduce fat and increase fruits and vegetables. Effective counseling involves multiple sessions and interactive materials, with studies showing significant changes in eating habits and some health benefits.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 2, 2003

What are 3-D spider webs for?

Researchers found that three-dimensional spider webs reduce predation by mud-dauber wasps, allowing spiders to thrive in safer environments. This escape from predation is accompanied by a significant increase in spider species diversity and abundance.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 2, 2003

Pitt research shows early lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency

A new study by Dr. Needleman found that convicted juveniles had significantly higher levels of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls. The researchers suggest that childhood lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency, leading to increased aggression and antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateJan 2, 2003

Nicotine - Worse than we thought?

Research reveals nicotine activates Akt survival pathway, undermining programmed cell death in lung cancer cells. This finding may lead to re-evaluation of quitting-aids' benefits.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 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.

JCI Table of Contents, January 2, 2003

Researchers found that nicotine stimulates lung epithelial cells to activate a molecular pathway promoting cell growth and survival. This activation undermines the body's natural defense mechanism against cancer. The study suggests reconsidering the risk-benefit ratio of nicotine-based quitting aids.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2003

Research finds life 1000 feet beneath ocean floor

Researchers found microorganisms thriving in deep-sea crust without consuming organic molecules, processing CO2 and inorganic compounds instead. The discovery challenges our understanding of the origins and diversity of life on Earth.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2003

'Dark energy' dominates the universe

Researchers conclude dark energy is the dominant form of energy in the universe, contradicting observations of distant supernovae. The accelerating expansion of the universe can be explained by the presence of negative pressure in a vacuum, supporting the existence of dark energy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2003

Providers need increased awareness of patients' 'self-treating' with supplements

A recent study found that over 75% of participants took supplements regularly, with women using more supplements overall and men with medical conditions taking more supplements. The study suggests that healthcare providers need to educate patients on safe supplement use to prevent potential harm.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 2, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Hospital discharge data can give clearer picture of gun injuries

The study analyzed 1997 patient discharge data from over 1,000 hospitals across 22 states and found that gunshots wounded more than 35,000 individuals, mostly males, resulting in $802 million in treatment costs and nearly 30% of the wounded being uninsured.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 2, 2003

Family history influences sexual behavior in black, Hispanic teens

A study of 178 black and Hispanic teens found that those with permissive parents, attending church, or from single-parent homes were more likely to engage in sexual intercourse. The researchers suggest empowering parents to monitor their adolescents' daily activities can help reduce risky sexual behavior among males.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJan 2, 2003

Surface treatments could make ready-to-eat products safer

A study found that acidified calcium sulfate is effective in killing Listeria on the surface of cooked products and preventing its regrowth. The treatment was shown to be safe and did not affect the taste or texture of the product, making it a potential solution for improving food safety.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateJan 2, 2003

World Health Organization anticancer initiatives - Where next?

The World Health Organization is strengthening its anticancer initiatives by tackling corporate influence and improving the handling of expert declarations. Several prominent scientists have raised concerns about inappropriate corporate influence on the International Agency for Research on Cancer, prompting changes to be made.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 2, 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.

Scholar develops new system for overlooked wares of ancient Greece

A new classification system for Mycenaean pottery is being developed to better understand the civilization's culture and influence. The system, which considers shapes, colors, decorations, and clay materials, challenges previous assumptions about Minoan influence on Mycenaean art.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 2, 2003

Angioplasty better than medical therapy after heart attack

A comprehensive analysis of 23 trials involving 7700 patients found primary angioplasty to be superior to thrombolytic therapy in reducing short-term death, non-fatal heart attacks, and strokes. The benefits were sustained over longer-term follow-up.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 2, 2003

Palm leaves act like flowers

Researchers discovered that palm leaves emit specific floral notes to attract pollinating weevils during the flowering season. This finding suggests a shift in flower-to-leaf function in plants, opening new questions about pollination system evolution.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 2, 2003

Hitchhiking rocks provide details of glacial melting in West Antarctic

Researchers discovered a steady decline in the West Antarctic ice sheet over the past few thousand years, raising concerns about its future behavior. The ice sheet contains enough water to raise global sea level by 5 meters, threatening coastal regions with disastrous consequences.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 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.

Occasional lack of health insurance results in less preventive care

A study of 7,300 people found that intermittent lack of insurance coverage resulted in lower use of clinical preventive services. This decrease was particularly pronounced for women who underwent fewer pap tests and mammograms, as well as men who received less prostate cancer screening.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 2, 2003

Patients complain more about paperwork than care

A recent study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that patients are more likely to complain about administrative issues related to their health plans, rather than problems with medical care. The study revealed that patients who complained were five times more likely to have their concerns successfully resolved.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateJan 2, 2003

Stem cells may offer hope for tissue regeneration after heart attack

Experimental evidence suggests that stem cell implantation can trigger angiogenesis in damaged heart tissue, leading to improved blood flow and potentially safe treatment outcomes. However, further controlled studies are needed to fully understand the role of cell transplantation in myocardial regeneration.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 2, 2003

Smokers, binge drinkers aren’t getting physicians’ advice

A recent study found that doctors rarely counsel smokers on quitting and advise only 23% of binge drinkers about their alcohol use. This can result in millions of smokers and binge drinkers not receiving health interventions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 2, 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.

Drug advertising in medical journals can be misleading

The study found that nearly half of promotional claims were not supported by corresponding references, with the most common error being recommending treatment to a different patient group than those assessed in the reference study. Doctors should be cautious when assessing advertisements claiming greater efficacy, safety, or convenience.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 2, 2003