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Science News for July 8, 2003


Patients' depression better predictor of poor quality of life

A study by Mary A. Whooley and colleagues found that depressive symptoms are a better predictor of poor quality of life in patients with coronary disease than previously thought. The researchers measured depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and found that these patients were more likely to report lower healt...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateJul 8, 2003

New colon cancer gene discovered

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new colon cancer gene, SLC5A8, which is silenced through aberrant methylation. The discovery offers potential for a new diagnostic test for early colon cancer detection.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2003

Nanotech strategy could create new organs

A new nanotech strategy creates a precise architectural framework for liver or kidney cells to sustain viability for at least one week. Experiments show 96% of kidney cells and 95% of liver cells survived with the device, paving the way for whole, functional organs

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Test opens prenatal genetic diagnosis to all

The new test uses PAP smears to isolate and genetically identify foetal cells, allowing for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and single gene disorders. This reduces the risk of miscarriage associated with invasive tests and increases accessibility to prenatal testing for all pregnant women.

SourceInternational Congress of Genetics·DateJul 8, 2003

Severe childhood asthma: What are we missing?

Children with severe asthma defy conventional understanding of inflammation-driven disease, showing little to no evidence of ongoing inflammation and permanent changes in lung tissue despite long-term therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and even death.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateJul 8, 2003

Abnormal plant shows scientists path to plant, animal development

Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 8, 2003

Breast fluid a better option for detecting cancer

Researchers at PNNL and UCLA have discovered six times more proteins in NAF than previously identified, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for breast cancer. The study aims to develop a more accurate, non-invasive method for early diagnosis.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJul 8, 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.

Blacks more likely to be shot than whites even when holding harmless objects

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that black college students were more likely to be 'shot' by police officers in a virtual reality simulation, even when holding harmless objects. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to measure unconscious racial biases and stress levels.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 8, 2003

The mouth linked to bed-wetting, ear infections and tension headaches

Research confirms a direct link between small jaws, breathing difficulties, and increased risk of bed-wetting and ear infections in children. Orthodontic treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating these issues, offering an alternative to traditional medication or ear tubes.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·DateJul 8, 2003
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New technique for sorting sperm could improve fertility treatment

Researchers at U-M developed a new method for separating viable sperm using microfluidics, which increased motile sperm to 98% and improved sperm structure and form. The technique has the potential to benefit men with low sperm numbers and infertility problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateJul 8, 2003

Researchers envision intelligent implants

A team of experts envisions an intelligent implant that can detect debilitating bacterial infections early, identify the bacteria responsible, and provide targeted therapy. The project aims to develop a prototype within seven years, with technology advancements expected to overcome technical hurdles.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2003

Scientists uncover amyloid-like proteins in bacteria

Researchers identified a previously unknown protein family, chaplins A-H, essential for S. coelicolor's aerial hyphae formation. Exogenous application of chaplin proteins restores aerial growth in streptomycetes lacking specific genes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 8, 2003

UCI study finds dark matter is for superWIMPs

Physicists at the University of California, Irvine have discovered superweakly interacting massive particles (superWIMPs) that may constitute up to one-quarter of the universe's mass. These new particles are predicted to be stable and could provide an alternative explanation for dark matter.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 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.

Pre-diabetic adults at increased risk of colon cancer

Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2003

Bowel cancer screening trial finds 300 have early-stage disease

A bowel cancer screening trial tested faecal occult blood testing in the UK population and found detection rates lower in the West Midlands than Scotland. The study identified the need to target specific groups and recommends a national strategy targeting colorectal cancer, including awareness-raising measures.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateJul 8, 2003

OneWorld Health begins final testing of drug to cure deadly kala azar in India

The Institute for OneWorld Health is conducting a Phase III clinical trial to develop paromomycin as an affordable and cost-effective cure for visceral leishmaniasis. The trial, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to provide an effective treatment for a disease that affects 1.5 million people worldwide.

SourceInstitute for OneWorld Health·DateJul 8, 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.