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Science News for March 18, 2003


In vitro fertilization may be linked to bladder defects

A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that IVF births are associated with a higher incidence of exstrophy-epispadias complex, a rare birth defect affecting the bladder, pelvic bones, and genitals. Researchers estimate the risk is up to 7.3 times more common in IVF children compared to the general population.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMar 18, 2003

Pennsylvania corporation receives recognition for fostering student achievement

The PPG Industries Foundation has initiated the American Chemical Society/PPG Scholarships Plus Program, funding 60 students and hiring two ACS/PPG Scholars. The program provides financial scholarships, mentorship, and summer research opportunities to academically accomplished African American, Hispanic, and Native American students.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 18, 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.

Other highlights of the March 19 JNCI

Research on STI571 and paclitaxel shows potential in controlling prostate cancer metastasis to bone. Lung cancer risk varies widely among smokers, with accurate prediction models helping individuals decide on screening. Non-BRCA mutations may be linked to high breast cancer risk in younger women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 18, 2003

Common mutations prevalent in low-grade ovarian cancers

Researchers found that 68% of invasive low-grade ovarian tumors and 61% of precancerous lesions carried one of the three common mutations in BRAF or KRAS. Blocking KRAS-BRAF signaling may provide more effective therapy for these cancers, which generally do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 18, 2003

First sightings of individual proteins as they fold

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how proteins fold by capturing single proteins in action. The study reveals that protein molecules vary in the routes they take to form the same folded shape and create numerous intermediate shapes along the way.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2003
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Two major food allergy firsts in North America

A new study reveals that peanut allergies are on the rise in Quebec, affecting approximately 1.5% of Montreal schoolchildren, compared to previous estimates of 0.5%. The Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires has also launched a certification program for allergen-free food products.

SourceMcGill University·DateMar 18, 2003

Scientists find new way to grow human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a new method for growing human embryonic stem cells using human marrow stromal cells, eliminating the need for mouse cells as feeders. This breakthrough could potentially lead to significant advancements in treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 18, 2003
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How humans lost their scents

A study found that 54% of human olfactory receptor genes are impaired, compared to 28-36% in other primates. The decline of the sense of smell likely occurred within an 'evolutionary moment' 3-5 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2003
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

$2.48 million to advance research on multiple sclerosis

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has awarded $2.48 million to advance research on multiple sclerosis through five collaborative centers. These centers are focused on genetic underpinnings of MS, tissue repair and diagnostic technology, including the use of haplotype mapping and diffusion tensor MR imaging.

SourceNational Multiple Sclerosis Society·DateMar 18, 2003

Alcohol dependence linked to chemical deficit

A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a protein in the brain, CREB, controls drinking behavior in laboratory animals. Low levels of active CREB or neuropeptide Y correlated with symptoms of anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateMar 18, 2003

University of Pittsburgh neurologist says migraine headaches are under-diagnosed

According to Dr. Robert Kaniecki, a University of Pittsburgh neurologist, migraine headaches are often underdiagnosed, with over 50% of patients being mislabeled as having 'sinus headache' or 'tension headache'. This can lead to excessive prescriptions for antibiotics and decongestants, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMar 18, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study questions short follow-up intervals for 'probably benign' mammographic findings

A new study examines the incidence of breast cancer among postmenopausal women with 'probably benign' mammographic findings. The research suggests that short-interval follow-up may not be necessary, and a 1-year follow-up may be as effective as a 6-month follow-up in identifying early-stage breast cancers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 18, 2003

Women smile more than men, except when they are in similar roles

A study by Yale researchers found that women do smile more than men, but the difference is modest and influenced by factors such as culture, ethnicity, age, and social role. When men and women think no one is looking, they smile similarly, and the sex differences disappear when they are in the same position of power or occupation.

SourceYale University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateMar 18, 2003

Study finds risk for lung cancer varies among smokers

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed a mathematical model predicting lung cancer risk based on age, sex, and smoking history. The tool helps balance the risks and benefits of screening for high-risk individuals.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 18, 2003