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Science News for March 31, 2003


Biological and chemical agents in terrorism examined at AAN Annual Meeting

The AAN Annual Meeting explores the historical use of biological toxins in warfare and global terrorism, with a focus on developing bioterrorism response plans for local hospitals and clinics. Participants will learn emergency medical management and current research on neuroprotective agents against chemical warfare.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

Finding ways to best help older Americans

Researchers at the Roybal Centers for Applied Gerontology have been working on translating theory and basic research into practical outcomes for older adults. They emphasize the importance of field research, assessing Useful Field of Vision, and collaboration between researchers and clinicians to address the needs of underrepresented p...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMar 31, 2003

Emory study finds depression has negative impact on CABG outcome

A new Emory University study reveals that depression has a negative impact on CABG outcomes, with depressed patients experiencing less improvement in physical function. The research emphasizes the importance of treating symptoms of clinical depression aggressively in cardiovascular disease patients.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateMar 31, 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.

Vegetation essential to balancing climate models

Scientists at MIT found that vegetation growth and decay are crucial for accurate climate models. The Sahara desert's transformation from fertile to arid was only explained when including vegetation as a variable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 31, 2003

Ultra-simple desktop device slows light to a crawl at room temperature

A new technique uses a laser to create a gap in the absorption spectrum of a ruby, slowing down light to 5.3 million times its original speed. This simple design could lead to breakthroughs in telecommunications by easing congestion on fiber optic lines and simplifying signal merging.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 31, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ACP: People with diabetes need to know two numbers

The American College of Physicians recommends aiming for blood pressure levels less than 135/80 mm Hg in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors can be used as first-line agents to control blood pressure, but patients may need multiple medications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 31, 2003

New immune-boosting cancer treatment shows promise

A phase I clinical trial of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade therapy has shown promising results in boosting the immune system against cancer. The treatment enhanced the anti-tumor activity of certain vaccines and improved responses in patients with melanoma and ovarian cancer.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2003

West Nile Virus can cause polio-like symptoms

Researchers found West Nile virus can cause muscle weakness, acute paralysis, and impaired breathing, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Four Mississippi patients who died after developing West Nile virus were examined and showed signs of viral infection in spinal cord autopsies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

Training the ethical doctor

A cohort study found that medical students' ethical skills levelled out over time, suggesting an earlier maturation of ethical abilities than anticipated. Peter Singer suggests ways to strengthen the role of ethics in medical education.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 31, 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.

West Nile Virus cases analyzed for prevalence and symptoms

Researchers analyzed 28 West Nile Virus cases, revealing that over half presented with neurological symptoms mimicking other diseases like stroke or Parkinson's. The study aims to increase awareness among neurologists and patients of the varied presentations of West Nile virus.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

DAF most helpful for stutterers with atypical auditory anatomy

A study of 14 adults with persistent developmental stuttering found that DAF was more effective for those with atypical auditory anatomy. The research also identified two subgroups: one with rightward planum temporale asymmetry who showed improved fluency, and another with leftward planum temporale asymmetry who did not respond to DAF.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

Immunization may prove therapeutic for prion diseases

Researchers found that immunization can stimulate the immune system to combat prion disease, which affects humans and animals. The study suggests that vaccination could be an effective therapy for prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 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.

New Cincinnati Children’s study reveals heart abnormalities in obese children

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified heart abnormalities in obese children, revealing significant differences in the function of their hearts. The study used tissue Doppler imaging to assess diastolic function, finding that the hearts of obese children were stiffer and less able to fill with blood.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·DateMar 31, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 1, 2003

Research shows a decrease in antibiotic prescriptions in the US, but an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. This shift poses significant global public health concerns, particularly for treating infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 31, 2003

Parkinson's implant improves quality of life long term

A study involving 34 Parkinson's patients found that the implant improved their quality of life by an average of 22 percent, with significant improvements in mobility and motor functioning. Patients reported substantial improvements in daily activities such as dressing and preparing meals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

Effecting change in prescribing patterns

A randomized controlled trial found no change in prescribing patterns among primary care physicians despite enhanced information on benzodiazepine use. Inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing remains a significant concern due to its impact on elderly patients.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 31, 2003

Diabetic women gain significant health benefits from eating fish

Diabetic women who eat more fish have a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and mortality rates compared to those who rarely consume fish. The study found that higher fish consumption was associated with improved blood vessel functions, reduced blood clot formation, and decreased triglyceride levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 31, 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.

Vitamin C transforms mouse stem cells into heart muscle cells

Researchers have successfully transformed mouse stem cells into heart muscle cells using vitamin C, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for heart failure. The study found that the cells exhibited cardiac myosin and actin, and beat spontaneously, suggesting a potential path forward for clinical applications.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 31, 2003

NSAIDS may offer protection against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, data suggests that low-dose aspirin use does not provide a significant protective effect against developing Alzheimer's.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 31, 2003

CRESTOR gets more patients to LDL-C goal than current lipid-lowering therapy

A study published in MERCURY I showed that CRESTOR 10mg effectively lowered LDL-C levels and enabled over eight out of ten patients to achieve their LDL-C goals. The medication demonstrated superior efficacy compared to atorvastatin, making it a valuable treatment option for managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceShire Hall Communications·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 31, 2003

Cells use patch to heal tears, avoid destruction and disease

Researchers have found that red blood cells cannot repair tears in their surfaces due to the lack of internal membranes, confirming a decade-old hypothesis. In contrast, muscle cells can rapidly repair tears by sealing them with a large internal membrane.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2003

Component in plastic bottles found to cause abnormal pregnancies in mice

A study by Case Western Reserve University has found that Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic bottles can cause abnormal pregnancies in mice. The researchers discovered that even extremely low doses of BPA produced detectable effects, highlighting the potential risks to human reproduction.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 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.

Prions offer nanotech building tool

Researchers have successfully created electrical wire using prions as a template, which can be coated with gold and silver particles to conduct electricity. This bottom-up approach could revolutionize the manufacturing of nanoscale microcircuits and machines.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2003

Getting a handle on sensitive cycles

A recent study reveals that estrogen receptors are regularly stripped off DNA to make room for new receptors, enabling cells to continuously sense changes in estrogen levels. This mechanism is essential for the proper functioning of genes and may offer new avenues for therapies in estrogen-related diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 31, 2003

Fetal heart diagnosis doesn't always predict survival

Research from the University of Michigan found that even with prenatal diagnosis, infants with one or more risk factors have a significantly lower chance of survival. However, in utero diagnosis has led to more pregnant women receiving specialty care, resulting in a higher-risk group of patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMar 31, 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.

Immune response depends on key molecule: Research

Researchers have discovered that caspase-8 is essential for the activation of T-cells at the start of the immune response. The study found that inhibiting caspase-8 significantly decreases the immune response.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 31, 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.

Folic acid-iron supplements reduce risk of low birth weight

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that folic acid-iron supplementation reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16% and multiple micronutrient supplements by 14%. This research aims to improve maternal health and child survival in developing countries

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateMar 31, 2003

Drug reduces deaths and hospital stays in heart attack patients with heart failure

A new international study found that the life-saving effect of eplerenone began soon after patients started taking the drug following their heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in deaths and hospitalizations among heart attack patients with heart failure, especially when combined with other heart medications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 31, 2003