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Science News Archive June 2003


Page 1 of 10

Full fat milk and butter may help prevent asthma

Research found that daily consumption of full cream milk and butter was associated with lower rates of asthma and wheeze in pre-school children. Antioxidants and other micronutrients in these products may play a role in this beneficial effect.

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.

Computer vision study links how brain recognizes faces, moods

A computer vision study reveals that the brain processes facial recognition and emotional expression in linked neural pathways. The researchers developed a model that explains how humans recognize familiar faces and emotions, which can be applied to create more accurate face-recognition systems.

Mechanism found that weakens caregivers' immune status

A new study led by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser and Ronald Glaser found that caregivers of chronically ill patients experience prolonged immune disregulation, increasing their risk for age-related diseases. The research suggests that chronic stress and caregiving duties can have lasting effects on the immune system.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find potential stem cells in amniotic fluid – a new source?

Researchers have identified a subgroup of cells in amniotic fluid that express the protein Oct-4, a key marker for human pluripotent stem cells. These cells have shown potential to differentiate into nerve cells and could potentially replace embryonic stem cells, reducing the need for human embryos.

Postmortem guidelines are frequently not followed

A study at Royal Hallamshire Hospital found that most death certificates were completed by junior medical staff, with only a third issued by senior members. Necropsy rates have declined since 1993, raising concerns about the impact of recent 'organ retention scandal'.

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.

For healthy diet, learning level counts more than earning level

A recent study found that individuals with higher education levels have better diet quality compared to those with lower education levels. The gap in diet between higher and lower educated groups may explain the disparity in health between socioeconomic groups in the US. Despite overall improvements in dietary habits, there are still s...

Women's sexual behaviors may be closer to men's than previously thought

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some reported gender differences in sexual behavior might be due to women being less than honest when surveyed. Women's answers were closer to men's in certain areas of sexual behavior when they thought lies could be detected, while men's answers didn't change as much.

Cross talk between bacteria, host leads to E. coli infection

Researchers discovered that friendly bacteria and human hormones send cellular signals alerting E. coli to its location, leading to colonization and toxin release. Beta blockers may be developed to block this signaling system, preventing the bacteria from reaching the intestine.

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.

Getting closer

Researchers at USC successfully simulated the somatic hypermutation process in vitro, closely mirroring its natural occurrence. This breakthrough enables the development of an in vitro system that can mimic the body's immune response.

Researchers find a new way to potentially thwart anthrax

NYU researchers identify a gene, luxS, necessary for robust growth of the bacterium in test tubes. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing antagonists or inhibitors to control anthrax, a highly lethal bacterial infection.

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.

Crawler reconnaissance

The Surf Zone Crawler, a fully autonomous amphibious vehicle, can follow search instruction plans, classify and map underwater mines in turbulent ocean surf zones. It has been used to search under the World Trade Center after 9/11, Afghan caves, and underwater wreckage off Normandy's beaches, with plans to deploy it in Iraq.

Strategies to boost women’s multivitamin use fall short

A study by Kaiser Permanente found that targeted interventions to increase multivitamin use among women of childbearing age had no significant long-term impact. Despite efforts to educate healthcare providers and pharmacists, the success of these interventions was hampered by inadequate implementation and lack of behavioral change.

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.

School lunch options crowd out fruits and vegetables

A recent study found that schools' a la carte options are displacing fruits and vegetables in the diets of middle schoolers. The researchers discovered that nearly four out of every five snacks sold through these programs were high-fat, while only low-cost and healthy items should be added to menus.

Pretreatment increases liver transplant survival in rats

Researchers found that adding interleukin-6 to the preservative solution before transplantation significantly increased post-transplant survival of rats receiving organs with fatty degeneration. The treatment reduced cell death and improved liver function in steatotic livers, suggesting a promising strategy for addressing organ shortages.

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.

Unemployment, access to guns among factors that turn domestic violence deadly

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that a combination of factors, including unemployment, access to firearms, highly controlling behavior, and separation, increases the likelihood of female murder by their partner. Researchers identified key risk factors that can help identify women at high risk of homicide.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, July 1, 2003

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against use of beta-carotene supplements for cancer or cardiovascular disease prevention due to lack of benefit and potential harm. Lawsuits involving human subjects research are increasing, leading to more careful research and increased costs, according to experts.

Gene may inhibit smokers from quitting

A specific gene variation, CYP2A6del, may inhibit smokers from quitting and protect against pulmonary emphysema. The study found that this allele was more common in heavy smokers who consumed fewer cigarettes and had a lower risk of developing lung disease.

Men, mammals, and machines

A team of Marine Corps reconnaissance swimmers, Navy SEALS, Explosive Ordnance divers, dolphins, and REMUS worked together to clear mines from Iraq's port. REMUS successfully located potential targets, allowing the dolphins to inspect and report back on its findings.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

ESHRE continues ban on human reproductive cloning

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has reaffirmed its ban on human reproductive cloning due to significant practical and ethical risks. The organization believes that the generation of clones could infringe upon human dignity, increase genetic determinism, and restrict autonomy.

Success and single embryo transfer in IVF

The study found that single embryo transfer (SET) does not reduce the chances of having a baby, with similar cumulative live birth rates to dual transfers when previously frozen embryos are included. SET also carried fewer risks to mothers and fetuses, with only three sets of twins out of 107 women.

Scientists find what type of genes affect longevity

Researchers discovered that a single life-extending mutation affects multiple genes, including those controlling cellular stress response and metabolic processes. The study reveals the intricate connections between genetic pathways and their impact on lifespan.

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.

Knowing risk factors can help identify elderly alcoholics for treatment

The study found significant disparities in self-reported versus diagnosed alcoholism rates among elderly individuals, with certain groups, such as those in poor health or aged 75+, being more likely to be under-diagnosed. The researchers identified key risk factors that can inform targeted screenings and interventions.

Clear limits to a baby's view of the world

Researchers investigated how babies up to six months old perceive moving objects behind screens, finding that they initially don't see continuity until four months old. This suggests that babies develop their perceptual abilities with age rather than being born with them.

Student-built pill dispenser gives patient more independence

A team of Johns Hopkins students designed and built a computer-guided pill dispensing machine for a quadriplegic man, allowing him to take medication independently. The device, which uses a mouth stick and slam switch, enables the user to select medication and dispense it through a tube into their mouth.

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.

Moderate malnutrition kills millions of children needlessly

A Cornell University expert argues that 8 million childhood deaths worldwide are preventable due to malnutrition. Malnutrition interacts with diseases like measles and pneumonia, increasing the risk of death by up to 12 times. The solution lies in making healthcare more equitable and accessible, despite funding issues.

US-EC Biotech Task Force keys on research, collaboration

The US-EC Biotech Task Force is exploring the potential of transkingdom biology to bring together life forms from diverse kingdoms. This new field has opened up a broader relevance due to commonalities in molecular machinery, enabling researchers to share findings and perspectives.

Resistance voices from WW2 throw new light on 21st Century terrorism

Researchers analyzed interviews with WW2 Polish Resistance veterans to identify key motivations behind recruitment, including patriotism, xenophobia, and moral constraint. The study found that these emotions were rooted in a migrants' moral system and family life, rather than solely driven by ideology.

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.

Stanford researcher links life-saving benefits to traffic

A recent study by Stanford researchers found that receiving traffic tickets reduces drivers' risk of dying in crashes by 35 percent. The study analyzed public records of Ontario drivers involved in fatal crashes between 1988 and 1998, revealing a significant protective effect of traffic enforcement.

Male sex hormones cooperate with breast cancer gene to suppress tumors

Researchers found that the normal form of the BRCA-2 gene enhances androgen receptors' activity to suppress tumors. The mutant form of BRCA-2 fails to enhance activity, allowing cancer cells to proliferate. The study provides new insights into male breast cancer and its connection to the BRCA-2 gene.

DDT in mother's blood predicts delays in daughters' pregnanies

Researchers found a clear association between increased DDT concentrations in maternal blood and decreased chance of pregnancy in daughters. The opposite effect of DDE concentrations was unexpected, but may explain the lack of large changes in human reproductive performance after DDT introduction.

New study demonstrates bone protein can reverse kidney failure

A new study reveals that bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) can reverse chronic kidney injury by reducing scar tissue and repairing damaged areas. This breakthrough could lead to a cost-effective treatment alternative for patients currently undergoing dialysis, significantly improving their quality of life.

Regional not racial difference in use of pain medications in children

A recent study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found no significant racial differences in the administration of pain medications to children, but did reveal regional variations. Children in the South and West received narcotics more frequently than those in other parts of the country.

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.

Researchers engineer low-cost hydrogen catalyst

Researchers have discovered a nickel-tin catalyst that can replace precious metal platinum in producing hydrogen fuel from plants. The new catalyst, combined with a hydrogen purification innovation, offers opportunities for transitioning to a world economy based on renewable resources.

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.

Study traces global spread of virulent dengue virus to US doorstep

A new study reveals the global spread of a virulent dengue virus strain responsible for severe disease outbreaks in Latin America and Africa. The research uses viral genetics to demonstrate the virus's movement from Asia and Africa to the Americas, shedding light on its emergence and transmission.

Structure of HIV-neutralizing antibody solved

Scientists have determined the structure of the 2G12 antibody, which neutralizes HIV by binding to sugars on its surface. The antibody's unique structure could provide a template for designing an antigen that triggers the body to produce it, potentially leading to an HIV vaccine.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Injuries cost China over $12 billion a year

According to a study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, China loses an estimated 12 million productive working years annually due to injuries. The economic burden is substantial, with motor vehicle crashes, suicide, and falls accounting for the majority of productivity lost.