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Science News for June 12, 2003


SARS death rate lower in countries responding aggressively to initial outbreak

Researchers analyzed data from the World Health Organization and found that countries with quicker control measures had lower fatality rates and slower epidemics. The study suggests that better control measures, such as rapid hospitalization and isolation of cases, are more effective than differences in infectivity or virulence.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2003

'Obesity is a family illness': Research offers clues on how to stop the cycle

A study by Saint Louis University School of Public Health found that parents who received nutrition information ate more fruits and vegetables, consumed less fat, and had a greater impact on their children's health. The High 5, Low Fat Program aims to deliver consistent messages to young families, promoting healthy eating habits.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJun 12, 2003

Natural selection's fingerprint identified on fruit fly evolution

Researchers have identified a gene, Nup 96, that plays a crucial role in preventing the reproduction of hybrid fruit fly species, suggesting natural selection as the driving force behind their divergence. The study provides unprecedented insight into speciation and offers new avenues for understanding the evolution of genetic traits.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateJun 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.

NHGRI study may help scientists develop safer methods for gene therapy

Scientists have identified a preference for insertion at the beginning of genes and near actively expressed genes, which may explain why gene therapy patients developed leukemia. The discovery could lead to improved gene therapy techniques that insert genes in less risky areas.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003

IV infustions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells benefit rodents with ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Hematotherapy & Stem Cell Research·DateJun 12, 2003

Breakthrough 'interface tuning' is macro step for microelectronics

Researchers at NC State and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully tuned the atomic-level zone between substances, opening the way for smaller, faster and smarter computers. By manipulating the electronic dipole charge at the interface, they've found a way to overcome the limitations of Schottky barriers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blood test could detect heart attack early

A new blood test can detect heart attacks in just five minutes with a 99% accuracy rate, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The test identifies two proteins associated with the earliest stages of a heart attack, reducing unnecessary hospital stays.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJun 12, 2003

QuikClot (TM) will be made available to public

Developed by Z-Medica Corporation and funded by the Office of Naval Research, QuikClot has been proven effective in treating severe arterial hemorrhage with a high success rate. The product is set to be released for consumer use this summer and may also help individuals with specific bleeding disorders.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 12, 2003

Study suggests difference between female and male sexuality

A new Northwestern University study suggests a fundamental difference in men's and women's brains and arousal patterns. Women exhibit a bisexual arousal pattern, responding equally to both male and female erotica, unlike men who respond consistently with their sexual orientations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 12, 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.

A different antiviral for treating SARS

Researchers at Frankfurt University Medical School have assessed the antiviral potential of five drugs against the SARS coronavirus. Glycyrrhizin, an antiviral agent proven to treat HIV-1 and hepatitis C, is the most active compound in inhibiting replication, with increased nitric oxide synthesis contributing to its effectiveness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003

Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health, says Colorado University-led study

A recent study by Colorado University-led researchers highlights the growing health risks associated with changes in the global nitrogen cycle. The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased crop production in poor nations but poses significant environmental and health concerns for humans worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 12, 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.

Statins should be routine therapy for people with diabetes

A study led by Rory Collins found that statin therapy reduces the risk of primary outcomes for people with diabetes, including cardiac death, non-fatal heart attack, and stroke. The reduction in risk appeared to be greater among diabetic patients who did not have occlusive arterial disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003

Scientists close in on understanding learning and memory

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveal the crucial last step involved in long term depression, a process thought to underlie learning and memory. By blocking this step, they created a mouse with weakened connections that didn't affect behavior, paving the way for studying GluR2's role in motor skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 12, 2003

Smart bricks could monitor buildings, save lives

Researchers have developed a smart brick that can monitor a building's temperature, vibration, and movement, providing vital information for firefighters and rescue workers. The device uses sensor fusion, signal processing, and wireless communication to report conditions remotely, enabling improved safety and comfort.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 12, 2003

The Plasti-Bone

Acer's process creates a micro-porous calcium phosphate coated polymer 'bone' that allows natural bone growth, reducing recovery time to 18 months. The technology, funded by the Navy Small Business Technology Transition program, has shown success in animal testing and tissue cultures.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 12, 2003

Portable CT scanner joins hunt for alternative energy

Researchers have developed a portable CT scanner that enables real-time, on-site analysis of gas hydrates in core samples, revolutionizing the search for alternative energy sources. The innovative system uses a medical CT scanner and reduces its size to analyze hundreds of x-ray scans into one high-resolution image.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 12, 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.

Silent DNA architecture helps block cancer cell growth

Scientists discover that cellular senescence involves packaging of specific chromosomal regions into heterochromatin, which triggers a 'stop growing' response in cells. The study reveals genes are switched on in proliferating cells but silenced during senescence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 12, 2003

Team finds immediate predecessor of modern humans

The discovery of Homo sapiens idaltu fossilized skulls in Ethiopia confirms modern humans originated in Africa and predate Middle Eastern remains by 30,000 years. The ancient predecessor's diet included hippopotamus, with stone tool marks suggesting early mortuary practices and possible scavenging.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2003

CEnIT seed grant grows a helping hand

Researchers at Louisiana Tech University are developing handheld computers to gather real-time data on patients' psychological states. This innovative approach aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateJun 12, 2003

Study finds statins would cut heart attacks and strokes by a third in people with diabetes

A UK multi-centre randomised trial found that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or revascularisation operations by about a third in diabetic patients, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. This could prevent at least 10,000 heart attacks, strokes and revascularisation operations each year worldwide.

SourceClinical Trial Service Unit, Oxford University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 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.