Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 17, 2003


University of Rhode Island launches Teacher Research and Mentoring Armada

The University of Rhode Island's Teacher Research and Mentoring Armada program recruits master teachers for summer research experiences, mentoring, and standards-based curricula implementation. The program also enables researchers to incorporate teachers into their projects, disseminating results to the broader educational community.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateJun 17, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New way to make realistic shadows for computer images, animation

Engineers at Ohio State University have developed a new software algorithm that models translucent objects and fluids to create soft, realistic shadows. The algorithm, called splatting, uses volume elements and 2D footprints to generate accurate shadows with minimal data storage requirements.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJun 17, 2003

The area where carcinogens settle may be a key factor in developing lung cancer

A new study suggests that the area where carcinogens settle may play a key role in developing lung cancer. The research found that cells located at carinal ridges can receive massive doses of toxic particulate matter, potentially leading to impaired mucociliary clearance and increased risk of neoplastic lesions.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 17, 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.

Treatment for depression in heart attack patients fails to improve survival

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that treating depression and social isolation in heart attack patients does not improve survival rates, but significantly improves quality of life. The ENRICHD trial followed 2,481 heart attack patients with depression or low social support for 29 months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2003

UK research, accessible for free, for everyone

The UK has signed a landmark deal to make scientific research freely available online. BioMed Central's membership agreement commences on July 1st, waiving article-processing charges for all UK higher education staff. This move aims to increase the proportion of open-access articles published worldwide.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·DateJun 17, 2003

The mechanical switch in the ear

Sensory hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals through transduction channels. A new report identifies NompC as a vertebrate homologue of a previously known channel, required for mechanosensation in zebrafish and possibly other animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2003

Restoring protein expression may slow the spread of prostate cancer

Researchers found that increasing RKIP expression in metastatic prostate cancer cells decreased their invasiveness and reduced lung metastases in mice. The study suggests that RKIP may be a suppressor of prostate cancer metastasis, offering new targets for cancer control.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 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.

Muscle protein has role in nerve disorders

Researchers found that a muscle protein called dystroglycan plays a crucial role in forming normal myelin sheaths, which allow nerves to transmit signals efficiently. The study suggests that disruption of this protein may contribute to various neuropathic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuron·DateJun 17, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for June 2003 (second issue)

Researchers found that a humanized anti-human interleuken antibody reduced eosinophils in severe asthma patients, improving pulmonary function. In another study, poor oral hygiene was linked to an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, with Gram-negative bacteria being the main culprits.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 17, 2003

In vitro study suggests acrylamide causes DNA damage

A study found that acrylamide triggers mutagenesis by damaging DNA in mammalian cells. Low concentrations of acrylamide increased mutations in a transgene, similar to those caused by the known carcinogen BPDE.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2003

Pakistani injection drug users twice as likely to donate blood

A study found that Pakistani injection drug users are twice as likely to donate blood, putting the general population at risk of spreading blood-borne diseases. The researchers advocate for increased screening and interventions to prevent the spread of infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateJun 17, 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.

Is there an unexpected price for late night high tech excitement?

A study examined the effects of bright display screens on melatonin levels, core temperature, heart rate, and sleepiness during VDT tasks at night. The results showed that salivary melatonin concentration increased in all conditions, with lower levels during exciting-BD tasks compared to exciting-DD tasks.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 17, 2003

'Man's best friend' may be even better

Researchers have developed a canine model of nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis that closely resembles human conditions. The study found that histamine-induced nasal congestion in dogs was alleviated by α-adrenergic agonists, paving the way for testing new treatments.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 17, 2003

Scientists find protein that controls prostate cancer's spread

A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that protein RKIP governs prostate cancer cells' ability to enter nearby blood vessels, a crucial step in metastasis. Tumors with normal RKIP levels appear unable to invade blood vessels, while those without RKIP are more likely to spread.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2003

Injection prevents blinding blood vessel growth in mice

Researchers developed VEGF-TRAP, an injection that prevents new blood vessel growth in the eyes of mice. The treatment halted existing vessel leakage and showed long-lasting effects without complications. It may offer a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateJun 17, 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.

Study supports lengthening prostate cancer screening interval

A study suggests that extending screening intervals could reduce lead-time bias and overdetection rates associated with prostate cancer screenings. The research estimates a potential 60-90% increase in prostate cancer incidence, highlighting the need to weigh benefits against risks.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2003

Stanford research finds better results in newer antipsychotic meds

A recent study by Stanford researchers found that four of the 10 studied atypicals were more effective than conventional medications in treating psychotic symptoms. The effectiveness of new antipsychotics varies from drug to drug, but they generally carry a smaller risk of severe side effects compared to older medications.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2003

Eye movement studies to help diagnose mental illness

Researchers use eye movement tests to investigate brain abnormalities causing mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The study aims to develop a noninvasive tool for diagnosing brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJun 17, 2003

Millions of Americans suffer from major depression

A recent study by Harvard Medical School found that millions of Americans suffer from major depressive episodes (MDE), with the majority being severe cases. The researchers measured the severity and duration of depression in over 9,000 Americans and found that only one in five received adequate treatment for their condition.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 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.

Other highlights of the June 18 JNCI

Research suggests that frequent consumption of miso soup and high intake of isoflavones may lower breast cancer risk. Vitamin D analog paricalcitol also demonstrates antitumor activity against myeloid leukemia, myeloma, and colon cancer cells.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 17, 2003

Medication may slow progression of Alzheimer disease

Researchers discovered that patients who received Exelon before withdrawing from a study showed significantly less cognitive decline than placebo-treated patients. The findings suggest a possible effect in delaying the biological progression of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJun 17, 2003

Hebrew University researcher studies 'reorganization' of brain in blind people

A study by Hebrew University researcher Dr. Ehud Zohary found that blind people's brains reorganize to process touch and memory, leading to superior verbal memory skills. The research opens a window into understanding cortical plasticity in brain systems, potentially leading to improved treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 17, 2003