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Science News for June 30, 2003


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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalVision Research·DateJun 30, 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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

Spanish fertility experts bring hope of avoiding serious complication of assisted reproduction

Spanish fertility experts have found a protein called Vascular Endothelial cadherin linked to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The study suggests that modulating the way ovaries are stimulated can reduce the risk of severe OHSS. Researchers propose a novel approach, 'coasting', which enables treatment cycles to continue with less risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2003

Method used by enzymes in development of colon cancer described by UCSD researchers

UCSD researchers define multiple steps initiated by COX-2 enzymes, including cyclic adenosine monophosphate and Inhibitors of Apoptosis, leading to suppressed cell killing and uncontrolled growth. The study also explains how aspirin and NSAIDs can reduce colon cancer incidence by inhibiting COX-2.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 30, 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.

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'.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateJun 30, 2003

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...

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateJun 30, 2003
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.

Study shows long-term stress appears to damage caregivers’ immune systems

A study found that long-term caregivers experienced a rapid increase in proinflammatory cytokine levels, which continued even after the care recipient died. The research suggests that chronic stress can prematurely age the immune response and contribute to various age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2003

Non-drug treatment for hypertension found effective in hard-to-control refractory hypertensives

A new study published in American Journal of Hypertension found that the Resperate device significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with hard-to-control refractory hypertension. The 8-week study demonstrated that daily self-treatment with the device reduced blood pressure, even in those taking multiple antihypertensive medications.

SourceInterCure·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateJun 30, 2003
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.

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 30, 2003

First study of children born after in vitro maturation indicates the technique is safe

A study of children born after in vitro maturation indicates the technique is safe. The children, aged two to four years old, achieved higher than average scores in developmental tests. They were found to be healthy with no notable exceptions, supporting the safety and effectiveness of IVM for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003

Stanford study homes in on bureaucratic research costs in economic analysis

A Stanford study found that nearly 18 months and 17% of the total research budget were spent on IRB activities, with no impact on human subject protection. The researchers hope to lead further examination of IRB procedures and weigh the cost and benefits of multi-center review for minimal-risk studies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Hurricane Floyd boosted long-term use of N.C. emergency rooms, outpatient services

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that Hurricane Floyd caused substantial changes in healthcare patterns that lasted for over a year. The storm led to increased use of emergency rooms and outpatient services, particularly among Medicaid recipients, with estimated costs of $13.3 million.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 30, 2003
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 30, 2003

Mouse model of schizophrenia could speed identification of new antipsychotic drugs

Researchers have identified a genetic variant in the calcineurin pathway that may be linked to schizophrenia. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited severe behavioral abnormalities similar to those seen in humans with the disorder, including hyperactivity and social withdrawal.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2003

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 30, 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.

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.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 30, 2003