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Science News for March 3, 2003


New system recovers and reuses electronic wastes

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have devised a 'reverse production' system to recover and reuse materials from e-wastes, reducing the need for raw materials and protecting groundwater. The system uses mathematical models and expertise in recycling and separation to make the process economically viable.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateMar 3, 2003

Testicular self-exams often not done, study shows

A study published in Pediatrics found that many male residents don't perform regular testicular self-exams and teach the technique to their patients. The most common reason cited was a lack of time, with only 29% of residents performing monthly self-exams.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 3, 2003

Study: Prenatal screening in Haiti region cut syphilis by 75 percent

A study conducted in the Artibonite region of Haiti shows that decentralizing prenatal syphilis screening from a regional hospital to community dispensaries has led to a significant reduction in congenital syphilis rates. By implementing on-site blood testing and treatment, the program has cut syphilis cases by 75%.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 3, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

$1.4 million NSF grant to study turbulent flows

A team of Cornell physicists and engineers are developing an instrument that can track hundreds of particles simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows. The technology has the potential to improve climate models and predict how pollutants disperse in air or water.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 3, 2003

Evolution boosted anti-cancer prowess of a primordial gene

The Arf gene's role in controlling cell growth and metabolism has been enhanced by its association with the tumor suppressor gene p53, leading to improved anti-cancer effects. By limiting ribosome production, Arf slows down cell growth, while p53 activates other genes to prevent cancer progression.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 3, 2003

The smallest sight: Researchers zoom in on the nanoscale

The team uses near-field Raman microscopy to illuminate nano-sized structures with light, allowing them to identify material composition and structure. This technique has the potential to revolutionize biology by enabling scientists to understand cell membrane function and develop designer medicines.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 3, 2003
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New findings could lead to higher resolution functional MRIs

Researchers at UC Berkeley used a custom-made sensor to study the link between nerve cell activation and oxygen levels in brain tissue. The study found that initial decreases in oxygen levels precede increased neural activity, promising advancements in brain imaging techniques.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2003

Breastfeeding rates unaffected by changes in hospital length of stay

A new study finds that breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates remained unchanged despite policy changes in hospital length of stay, including a single overnight stay program and a 48-hour coverage mandate. The study suggests that these changes did not harm breastfeeding practices and may even have improved them.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 3, 2003

Rice University tissue engineers set sights on meniscus

Researchers at Rice University are working on growing replacement cartilage for the meniscus, a kidney-shaped wedge of cartilage that cushions stress in the knee joint. By developing methods to simulate mechanical conditions and grow tissue in precise shapes, they aim to create more effective treatments for osteoarthritis.

SourceRice University·DateMar 3, 2003
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Family mealtime is more than just sitting at the table

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children and adolescents who eat family meals consume more nutrient-dense foods and have lower intakes of snack foods. Family meals also provide quality time for households, according to registered dietitian Susan Moores.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 3, 2003

On the nose

A new USC study suggests that humans lost the ability to detect pheromones due to a gene essential for vomeronasal organ function. The study found that mutations in this gene occurred around 40 million years ago, leading to the disappearance of the gene and subsequent loss of vomeronasal organ function in primates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2003

Do vaccines cause asthma, allergies or other chronic diseases?

Scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and chronic diseases such as asthma and food allergies. Reducing vaccination rates can lead to increased rates of preventable infectious diseases, according to the article co-authored by Dr. Paul Offit.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 3, 2003

Ramipril use in Canada

The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 3, 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.

Hair color business to dye for as sales picture keeps brightening

The hair dye market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the popularity of permanent dyes that can last up to six weeks. According to recent studies, 42% of American women and 25% of American men use hair dyes, with 37% of consumers using them in the previous year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 3, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, March 4, 2003

A daily multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of minor infections among healthy people over 45. Intentional weight loss was associated with a 24% lower death rate compared to unintentional weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2003

The timing of hormone replacement therapy could be key to success

Researchers believe initiating hormone replacement therapy in younger women without advanced vessel disease can prevent heart vessel disease. However, delaying HRT may lead to ineffective or potentially harmful effects on older women with more advanced vessel disease.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Menopausal Medicine·DateMar 3, 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.

Sobering data on student DWI habits

A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 15% of Ontario students with driver's licenses reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20% admitted to driving after using cannabis. These findings are particularly concerning given the high incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions among adolescents.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 3, 2003

No mention of trauma as cause of head injury is likely abuse

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that parents' reports of no history of trauma in children with neurological symptoms after head injuries were highly indicative of abuse. The research used medical test results and histories to assess the likelihood of abuse, finding that even low-impact traumas were predictive of abuse.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 3, 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.