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Science News for June 13, 2003


Pregnant women in developing countries more prone to abuse

A study found that an estimated 18-67% of women in developing countries report being physically abused during pregnancy. Low socioeconomic status and lack of education are common risk factors for domestic violence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateJun 13, 2003

A rare find

Scott Oliver has been awarded a $500,000 NSF career grant to develop a new class of cationic microporous inorganic materials with unprecedented potential applications. These materials can trap anionic pollutants and are stable under high temperatures or acidic/basic conditions.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 13, 2003

Remote sub can patrol Shores. Sound Fishy? It is, but not like you think.

Researchers have developed an AI system that can recognize various marine species, including fish and potential threats. The system, called Fetch2, has successfully identified two species - jacks and sharks - using side scan sonar data and neural networks, paving the way for autonomous surveillance of coastlines and harbors.

SourceCollege of William and Mary·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 13, 2003

Studies could lead to next-generation cancer drugs

Susan Bane's research focuses on understanding how anticancer drugs like Taxol interact with tubulin at the molecular level. The study of these interactions could pave the way for the development of more effective next-generation cancer drugs, potentially with improved administration and reduced resistance.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 13, 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.

A new view of the crayfish brain

Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have developed a new MRI technique using manganese-enhanced imaging to study the neural circuitry of aggression in crayfish. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze entire patterns of brain activation, providing insights into complex social behaviors.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateJun 13, 2003

Physicians not 'easy marks' for drug sales reps, argues O.R. study

A study by Columbia University and the University of Washington found that pharmaceutical sales reps have modest to very small influence on prescribing behavior. In contrast, distributing drug samples plays a more positive role in contrasting medications and helping manufacturers maintain market share.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateJun 13, 2003

Using frequency waves to measure moisture in soil

Researchers have developed a numerical model for simulating the waveform in soil, improving field measurements of water content. The new method uses Time Domain Reflectometry and takes into account various factors such as soil types, bulk density, and probe parameters.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 13, 2003
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.