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Science News for June 23, 2003


FDHT PET imaging of androgen receptors detects prostate cancer

The study showed that FDHT-PET detected osseous lesions in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, confirming its utility in evaluating prostate cancer patients. The test also revealed the presence of additional lymph node lesions not identified by CT scans, suggesting its potential to predict response to hormone therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

Molecular 'Piggyback Ride' carries Alzheimer's protein into brain

Researchers discover that Alzheimer's protein amyloid beta is transported into the brain by riding piggyback on a larger molecule called RAGE. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating the disease. By blocking RAGE, blood flow to the brain can be restored and amyloid plaques reduced.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 23, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

PET reveals increased dopamine levels in ADHD patients

A PET scan study found that only a combination of methylphenidate and a behavioral stimulus resulted in increased dopamine levels. The increases were associated with improved perception of the task as interesting and motivating.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

Effects of Alzheimer’s disease may be influenced by education

Research suggests that individuals with higher education levels exhibit less cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease due to increased brain adaptability and flexibility. The study, which analyzed autopsied brains of deceased participants, found a significant association between education and reduced AD pathology.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 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.

Living, and giving life, with HIV

New guidelines improve pregnancy, labour, and delivery care for HIV-positive women. These updated recommendations allow for longer, healthier pregnancies and increased chances of healthy, HIV-free offspring.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2003

Top international experts highlight new evidence on the future of work

Recent national surveys in the UK show that full-time employment remains dominant, while careers are not dead and job tenure has increased. The study also reveals that new technologies have not revolutionized the work experience of all employees, and labour markets have yet to experience any radical transformation.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 23, 2003

Crystal structures light the way to optical microchip

Researchers at the University of Toronto have devised a new architecture for manufacturing photonic band gap materials, increasing available bandwidth for optical microchips. The technique uses x-rays to create a precise template, allowing for high-quality silicon photonic band gap materials.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2003

microPET® focus improves on small animal imaging capabilities

The microPET Focus offers significant improvements in image resolution and system sensitivity compared to its predecessor. The new design features reduced detector crystal cross-sections and gap sizes, resulting in improved spatial resolution and increased sensitivity.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

Green, black tea extracts found to lower cholesterol

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 240 participants with high cholesterol. The study showed a 16% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after taking green and black tea extracts enriched with the antioxidant theaflavin for 12 weeks.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 23, 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.

Transplanted cardiac cells can be monitored with microPET imaging

Researchers used microPET and optical CCD imaging to track transplanted rat cardiac cells, detecting higher uptake in areas where cells were transplanted compared to background tissues. This study provides valuable insight into cell transplant biology, enabling real-time monitoring of engrafted cells.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

PET reveals the effect of smoking on peripheral organs

A study by Joanna Fowler and colleagues found significant reductions in MAO B activity in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen of smokers compared to non-smokers, with reductions ranging from 33 to 46%. The findings suggest that smoking impacts peripheral organs and highlight the need for further examination of these consequences.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

NIAID offers 'SARS chip' free to researchers

The NIAID is distributing the GeneChip SARS Array at no cost to qualified researchers worldwide, providing a powerful tool to better understand the SARS coronavirus and its spread. The array will help scientists achieve objectives such as constructing a family tree of SARS coronaviruses and tracing the virus's evolution.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 23, 2003

Researchers grow nanowires onto MEMS platform in room temperature chamber

A new technique allows for the growth of silicon nanowires and carbon nanotubes directly onto a microchip, eliminating cumbersome middle steps in sensor manufacturing. This method enables the production of ultra-sensitive biochemical sensors and early-stage disease detectors that can detect single viruses or toxic agents.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 23, 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.

Osteoarthritis patients can benefit from radiosynoviorthesis

A new study suggests radiosynoviorthesis is effective in treating osteoarthritis, providing significant pain relief to 2/3 of patients with proven synovitis. The procedure, which involves removing inflamed membrane using beta-emitting radionuclides, shows promise as a treatment option for OA.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

Heart failure patients have lower death rates under cardiologists’ care

A recent study found that heart failure patients cared for by cardiologists had significantly lower one-year death rates compared to those treated by other types of physicians. The study analyzed data from 38,702 Canadian patients and found that cardiologist-managed patients had a mortality rate of 28.5%, compared to 31.7% for general ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 23, 2003

Society of Nuclear Medicine announces Image of the Year

The Society of Nuclear Medicine has announced an image that represents a significant advance in achieving high throughput in PET scanning without sacrificing quality. The image showcases technology such as 3D-LSO PET/CT, which could decrease whole-body scan duration substantially, benefiting nuclear medicine professionals and patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 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.

Elevated CRP may indicate stroke-causing plaque

A high C-reactive protein (CRP) level is an independent risk factor for stroke, with higher levels more closely related to stroke in people with thicker artery walls. Elevated CRP may denote plaque instability, increasing the likelihood of a blood clot forming and causing a stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 23, 2003

Researchers discover birds protect trees in neotropics by eating insects

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that birds play a crucial role in protecting Neotropical forests by consuming leaf-eating insects. By eating caterpillars on leaves, birds drastically reduce damage to foliage, with average damage levels increasing by 86% where they could not reach.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2003

PET provides insight into schizophrenic brain function

A study using PET scans found that schizophrenics have elevated dopamine receptor levels in both basal forebrain and SN/VTA areas of the brain. Differences were observed in cortical dopamine levels, supporting the hypothesis of dysregulated neurotransmission leading to abnormal regulation of neurons.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003

The high cost of diabetes

A study found that people with diabetes in Saskatchewan accounted for $134.3 million in health care expenditures, with major comorbidities contributing to 36.4% of these costs. Targeted strategies to prevent diabetes could produce substantial savings and improved health outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Rare stroke risk related to air travel

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with patent foramen ovale, a common heart condition, are at increased risk of stroke after air travel. Researchers analyzed data from over 155 million passengers and found that six percent of those who developed pulmonary embolism had strokes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2003

Harry Potter and the Ecuadorian flowers

A new species of the gentian family, Macrocarpaea apparata, has been discovered in Ecuador. The plant was found to have yellowish-white bell-shaped flowers that emerge only as darkness falls, mirroring the magical concept of apparition.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHarvard Papers in Botany·DateJun 23, 2003

Researchers detect receptor for day/night cycles

Scientists have discovered a layer of cells in the inner retina containing melanopsin, which enables certain animals to synchronize their biological rhythms with day/night cycles. Melanopsin-free mice were unable to react normally to light stimuli and synchronize their rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 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.

Molecular fingerprint predicts HIV-associated dementia

Researchers have identified a molecular fingerprint unique to individuals with HIV-associated dementia (HAD), suggesting the potential development of a simple blood test for its diagnosis. The study used proteomics to analyze protein patterns in patients and found correlations between certain proteins and HAD.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2003

Project examines early Buddhist teachings

A three-year project studies the Dhyanna of Entering into Non-Conceptuality, an 8th-century scripture considered authentic Buddha's teaching. The research aims to show similarities between Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism and how they have been interpreted differently throughout the ages.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJun 23, 2003

PET-CT more accurate than PET in staging lung cancer patients

A study found that PET-CT scans were more accurate than PET scans alone in staging non-small cell lung cancer patients. The combined imaging technique correctly identified lung cancer with chest wall and vascular spread, downgrading tumor severity in 13.3% of cases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 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.

Cities vital for new businesses, says management professor

A study by William Strange and Stuart Rosenthal found that start-up companies are strongly attracted to cities with similar companies nearby, diverse businesses, and outsourcing services. Cities play a vital role in providing new business growth and innovation for countries like Canada.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateJun 23, 2003

Scientists identify genetic link between cancer and aging

Researchers found that MYC binds to the WRN gene promoter, activating WRN expression and promoting cellular senescence in tumor cells. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment by inhibiting WRN in MYC-induced tumor cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 23, 2003

Connecticut chemist receives award for cleaner air technology

Dr. Pfefferle, known as the 'father of catalytic combustion,' has developed a process to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from gas turbines. His inventions include the Microlith(r) catalytic reactor and RCL™ catalytic combustor, enhancing combustion efficiency and air quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJun 23, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Medical publishing turns on the afterburners

The medical publishing industry has seen a significant acceleration in its pace of production, driven by technological advancements and innovative strategies. This shift is expected to have a positive impact on the quality and timeliness of medical research and knowledge dissemination.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2003

Study finds direction of enzymes affects DNA repair

A new study found that repair enzymes can 'distinguish' between various positions on the DNA strand, varying in effectiveness depending on their orientation relative to the nucleosome. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in preventing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2003

Brain imaging confirms that people feel pain differently

Researchers used MRI to assess brain function while participants experienced heat stimuli. People who reported higher pain levels showed increased activation in key brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This confirms the importance of self-reports in guiding pain treatment.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 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.

Reducing the risk of frost damage to short-season crops

Scientists investigated how day length affects soybean flowering, finding early flowering is more active and controlled by small developing leaves or buds. The study's results could help develop cultivars adapted to short growing seasons for northern Canadian soybean producers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 23, 2003

News tips for the June 24 issue of Neurology

Researchers discuss new findings on HIV-associated dementia and its potential association with the presence of MDM. Additionally, studies suggest that treating post-Lyme disease with antibiotics does not provide benefits, while a possible link is found between insulin and Alzheimer's disease risk factors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2003

123 Altropane® SPECT shows potential as diagnostic tool for ADHD

A recent study suggests that I-123 Altropane SPECT imaging can detect dopamine deficiency in patients with drug-naïve ADHD. The study's results indicate a higher binding ratio of the radiopharmaceutical to dopamine transporters in ADHD patients, supporting the idea of a potential diagnostic tool.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 23, 2003
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.