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Science News for March 13, 2003


'Pro-life' policy threatens US HIV/AIDS initiative

The Bush administration is considering implementing a pro-life policy that would restrict foreign non-governmental organizations from receiving US funds if they provide abortions or lobby for abortion liberalization. This policy threatens the $15 billion HIV/AIDS fund, which relies on local clinics providing family-planning and materna...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 13, 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.

Home visits could benefit teenage mothers and their children

A postnatal home-visiting service for teenage mothers aged under 18 years was shown to reduce adverse health outcomes of their children, including infant deaths and foster care placements. Home visits also increased mothers' contraceptive use, but not breastfeeding or vaccination knowledge.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 13, 2003

Diagnosing dementia in the developing world

A new field-tested algorithm for dementia diagnosis can predict 94% of cases in less-developed countries. The algorithm is culturally and educationally sensitive, using measures translated into most languages used in the developing world.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 13, 2003

Patients prefer 'virtual' colonoscopy but dislike preparation

Despite preferring virtual colonoscopy due to its less invasive nature, patients generally dislike the bowel preparation required for both tests. The study found that most patients reported little pain or difficulty with either procedure, but many expressed discomfort with the advance bowel preparation.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 13, 2003

Novel molecule may contribute to intestinal health

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a novel molecule that plays a critical role in gut immunology and interacts with mucosal-associated invariant T cells. The findings suggest that this molecule may be involved in various diseases of the gut, particularly those related to intestinal microorganisms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 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.

Clouds mitigate effects of warming on arctic

Researchers found that Arctic clouds and climate conditions produce a cooling effect, possibly offsetting global warming's effects. Cloud forcing, which depends on interactions among climate factors, played a crucial role in this process.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2003

Global warming could trigger cascade of climatic changes

A new study found that global warming could lead to abrupt changes in climate and sea level, with potential societal disruptions. The researchers discovered an Antarctic melting event that raised sea levels by 70 feet in under 500 years, causing widespread warming in the Northern Hemisphere.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2003

Space infrared telescope arrives at Cape Canaveral

The SIRTF is designed to peer into deep regions of the universe not visible optically, providing clues to star and galaxy formation. With its infrared spectrograph, it will observe ultrafrigid stars and penetrate obscuring dust in the cosmos.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 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.

Potential blood test for colon cancer risk

A new study identifies a genetic marker in blood samples that may indicate an increased risk of colon cancer. The researchers found that individuals with a family history of colon cancer, polyps, or personal history of the disease were more likely to have this marker in their blood.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2003

Controlling 'badly' behaving neurons may ease Parkinson's disease

Researchers have discovered a way to control 'badly' behaving neurons in Parkinson's disease, potentially easing symptoms and progression. By blocking potassium channels or eliminating the subunit using gene therapy, high-frequency spiking can be stopped, preserving normal neuronal activity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 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.

Chimpanzees with little or no human contact found in remote African rainforest

A team of researchers found a unique population of chimpanzees in the Goualougo Triangle that have had minimal or no contact with humans. The primates displayed curious behavior when encountered, but showed no signs of fear or aggression, suggesting they had not formed negative associations with human presence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 13, 2003

'Sleep debts' accrue when nightly sleep totals six hours or fewer

Research at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that sleeping six hours or fewer per night leads to significant cognitive performance deficits. Even if individuals don't feel overtly sleepy, chronic sleep restriction can impair neurobiological functioning and increase the risk of accidents.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMar 13, 2003

Cancer scientists to be honored by AACR during the organization’s annual meeting in Toronto

This year's AACR honorees have made significant advances in understanding and treating cancer. The winners include Mario R. Capecchi, Ronald A. DePinho, Carlos L. Arteaga, Malcom F. Stevens, Martin J. Blaser, David S. Alberts, Graham A. Colditz, Janet D. Rowley, who will receive awards for their outstanding research in various areas of...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 13, 2003

Crystals on a ball

Researchers have discovered that spherical crystals develop unique 'scar' defects to compensate for the curved surface, allowing them to pack in place. The findings, supported by experiments with water droplets and tiny beads, provide insights into how such structures form and persist in nature.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 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.