Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2003 - Page 8


Page 8 of 10

Study says mothers' moves from welfare to work may not hurt children

A new study finds that children in low-income families are not harmed when their mothers leave welfare and enter the workforce. The research also suggests that mothers' entry into the labor force is related to improvements in adolescents' mental health, while exits from employment are linked to increased behavior problems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2003

Researchers identify new gene mutation in glaucoma

Researchers discovered a new gene mutation that affects L-DOPA production, potentially leading to new treatments for glaucoma. The study found that administering L-DOPA prevented severe abnormalities in mice with a genetic defect similar to primary congenital glaucoma.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2003

Australian overturns 15 years of nano-science doctrine

A groundbreaking study by University of Melbourne researcher Dr. John Sader challenges the widespread use of V-shaped cantilevers in atomic force microscopy. His research reveals that these microcantlevers actually degrade instrument performance and cause difficulties in calibration, contrary to accepted practice.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 6, 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.

Hope for innovative cervical-screening programmes in less-developed countries

A single-visit approach combining visual inspection with acetic acid wash (VIA) followed by cryotherapy shows promising results in rural Thailand, with 94% of women testing negative for VIA at one year's follow-up. The program is safe, acceptable, and feasible, achieving moderate population coverage with high satisfaction rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 6, 2003
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Common industrial chemical now linked to male infertility

A recent study by Queen's University researchers has found a link between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and male infertility. TCE, used in various industrial applications, is metabolized in the human reproductive tract and can adversely affect sperm development.

SourceQueen's University·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·DateMar 6, 2003

UCSD biologists discover key to blocking inflammation

Scientists at UCSD discovered a protein, HIF-1, that enables white blood cells to function in low-oxygen environments, leading to inflammation. Inhibiting this protein blocks inflammatory responses in mice, offering new hope for treating arthritis and potentially improving cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateMar 6, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Receptor could be target for cancer therapy

Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that blocking the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP2 may restore the immune system's ability to kill tumors. In mouse models, tumors grew smaller and mice survived longer when the EP2 receptor was absent.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 5, 2003

Cocaine use may alter brain cells, play role in depression

Researchers found cocaine users had lower dopamine and VMAT2 levels in their brains compared to non-users. Additionally, depressed cocaine users had lower VMAT2 levels than those without depression.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 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.

Target for new lung cancer therapy found in embryonic cell pathway

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a primitive cellular pathway, Sonic Hedgehog, that stays active in some lung cancers. The pathway's activation leads to excessive cell growth and cancer. Researchers are testing drugs on mice and plan to explore human clinical trials in the future.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2003

Women who abuse drugs are at high risk for serious injury or trauma

A study of chronic drug users in Miami-Dade County found that 67% of women reported having a serious injury or traumatic event sometime in their life. The prevalence of such events was higher among women who abused drugs than those who did not, although treatment rates were similar.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalMedical Care·DateMar 5, 2003

UC Riverside biochemists develop technology to increase Vitamin C in plants

Researchers increase vitamin C content in plants by introducing a gene that boosts the enzyme responsible for recycling vitamin C. The technology could provide an important means of increasing vitamin C levels in crops, improving nutrition and public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 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.

Alaska oil and gas exploration good and bad for area life

The study found that roads, damage to tundra, and animal population decline are significant concerns. The report concludes that a balance must be reached between economic development and environmental protection in the North Slope region.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2003

Thalassemia program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia awarded federal grant

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been awarded a federal grant to monitor the nation's blood supply for new infectious agents, particularly relevant for thalassemia patients who require frequent blood transfusions. The program will also expand its efforts to identify new patients with thalassemia and provide comprehensive ser...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateMar 5, 2003

Rationale for public support of scientific research shifts

The US government has struggled to allocate resources effectively, with basic science being funded without practical ends. New criteria aim to prioritize fields based on their contributions to related areas, with peer review and economic evaluations playing a crucial role in the process.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateMar 5, 2003

Major study shows aspirin can cut polyp return in GI cancer patients

A major study shows that taking 325 milligrams of aspirin daily can reduce the risk of developing polyps in the colon by 35%, a significant step towards preventing colorectal cancer. The study involved over 100 medical centers and clinics across the US, with patients who had previously suffered from colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

In Health Affairs interview, Breaux outlines plan to cover uninsured

Breaux proposes extending coverage to all Americans through a basic health insurance plan with premium subsidies for low-income families. He also hopes the Senate will debate competitive Medicare modernization proposals, citing increased chances of passage due to Sen. Bill Frist's elevation to majority leader.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 5, 2003

Study links ecstasy use with changes in cardiovascular function

Researchers found that MDMA use can alter cardiovascular function and produce toxic inflammation in the heart. Chronic MDMA binge pattern was shown to change heart rate and blood pressure responses, similar to a vasovagal reflex, increasing risk of cardiovascular damage.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMar 5, 2003

Daily aspirin lowers colorectal cancer risk

A daily aspirin regimen was found to significantly reduce the occurrence of pre-cancerous polyps in patients with a history of colorectal cancer, lowering their risk by about one-third. Aspirin's protective effect also prevented the development of new adenomas and reduced the number of existing polyps.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 2003

An aspirin a day may keep colon cancer away, Dartmouth researchers find

A randomized, double-blind study of over 1100 patients found that low-dose aspirin reduced the incidence of polyps by 19% and advanced lesions by more than 40%. Regular aspirin tablets also showed significant reductions in adenoma occurrence.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 2003

Changes in the Earth's rotation are in the wind

Changes in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns cause forces that act on the solid Earth, leading to slight slowdowns in Earth's rotation during El Niño years. This effect is tied to the law of conservation of angular momentum, which connects the Earth's rotation rate with its overall mass.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 5, 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.

Aspirin prevents polyps in colon cancer patients

A large randomized trial found that daily aspirin use reduced the incidence of adenomas and prolonged time to appearance in colon cancer patients, offering strong evidence for its protective properties.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 5, 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.

Stimulant treatment of children with ADHD reduces subsequent substance abuse

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that treating children with ADHD with stimulants significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder. The researchers analyzed data from six long-term studies and found a two-fold reduction in SUD risks among treated youths compared to untreated peers.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 5, 2003

California chemist wins national award for drug discoveries

Reider's innovative method of integrating drug discovery and development led to the rapid approval of life-saving treatments, including indinavir and Singulair. His approach prioritized getting effective drugs to patients faster, despite acknowledging the risks involved.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003

Boston chemist wins national award for protein research

Hancock's pioneering work on separating proteins using HPLC has significantly contributed to understanding complex disorders like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. His research utilizes mass spectrometry to analyze protein fragments and identify patterns in blood, paving the way for personalized medicine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 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.

Tamoxifen’s effectiveness depends on level of tumor protein

High levels of AIB1 expression in breast cancer tumors are associated with poorer tamoxifen treatment outcomes. Patients with both high AIB1 and HER-2 expression have significantly worse disease-free survival compared to other patient groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 4, 2003

An extra hour of sleep can make a big difference for kids

A study found that adding an extra hour of sleep to children's daily routine significantly improved their neurobehavioral functioning, including finger-tapping speed and reaction time. In contrast, reducing sleep by one hour had the opposite effect, with decreased night-wakings and increased percentage of sleep.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateMar 4, 2003

Hibernating black bears shed light on treatments for osteoporosis

A study of wild black bears found that they recover from bone loss caused by inactivity through a mechanism involving increased bone formation during remobilization. This suggests that hibernating bears may minimize bone loss and completely recover lost bone, providing potential insights for treating osteoporosis.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 4, 2003

JCI table of contents, March 3, 2003

Scientists have discovered a possible acceleration of type 1 diabetes in proinsulin 2-deficient non-obese diabetic mice, while promoting lymphangiogenesis as a potential treatment for lymphedema. Additionally, researchers found that CD44 is involved in the binding and uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting its role in tubercu...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Seattle chemist wins national award for discovering new materials

Dalton's research team has developed new theory about the chemical behavior of solids, leading to innovative materials with effortless conversion capabilities. These materials have applications in intelligent sensors, remote monitoring, and medical diagnosis, as well as routing information on mobile military platforms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003

Other highlights of the March 5 JNCI

A study found that higher plasma folate levels were associated with lower risk of breast cancer, while higher plasma vitamin B6 levels increased breast cancer risk. Plasma vitamin B12 levels inversely associated with breast cancer risk among premenopausal women. Cystic fibrosis patients may have an increased risk of digestive tract can...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 4, 2003

Current theory on cause of kidney stones refuted

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have localized the original mineral deposit site for most common stone formers and determined the composition of calcium phosphate crystals. This discovery refutes current theories on kidney stone formation, shedding new light on the disease's complex physiology.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 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.

Mathematical models reveal 'molten' and 'glassy' states of RNA

Researchers have developed the first mathematical theory for RNA's possible states, showing that high temperatures allow it to fold into many shapes, while low temperatures cause it to collapse. This discovery has implications for understanding protein folding and the role of RNA in early life.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 4, 2003
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A cancer diagnosis can spark a cascade of health-related lifestyle changes

The study found that 50% of patients started taking dietary supplements, 40% made dietary changes, and 20% began new physical activities. Lifestyle changes were common among cancer patients up to two years after diagnosis and were often associated with improved health and well-being.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 4, 2003

Ann Arbor chemist wins national award for drug discovery

Roth's discovery led to the development of Lipitor, which has logged more than 36-million patient years of experience and involved over 400 clinical trials. His innovative approach to statin structure resulted in a simpler molecule with equal efficacy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003

Pasadena chemist wins national award for 'molecular mousetrap'

Beauchamp's team has developed a method to trap only molecules with certain shapes, allowing for the analysis of specific proteins in complex mixtures. This breakthrough technique enables chemists to detect and analyze unique protein patterns, holding promise for applications such as detecting HIV infection.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 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.

Pennsylvania chemist wins national award for drug research

A Pennsylvania chemist has won a prestigious national award for his groundbreaking work on peptides, which have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological conditions. The researcher designed lactams, chemical bridges that stabilize peptides and make them less digestible to enzymes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003

Ann Arbor chemist wins national award for extracting sulfur from fuel

A University of Michigan professor has developed a new sorbent material that can selectively remove sulfur from gasoline and diesel fuel, a key step in reducing acid rain. The innovative technology could help industries meet upcoming federal standards by reducing reactor sizes and energy consumption.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003

Mutants from a lowly weed may solve maladies

Researchers are using Arabidopsis plant mutants to study salt stress in plants and potential connections to HIV research. Mutants with altered genes have been identified, offering insights into the mechanisms behind these complex conditions.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateMar 4, 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.

Allentown chemist wins national award for plastic polymer inventions

Robeson, a chemical engineer, has developed numerous polymers to solve problems, including an orthopedic splint compound that molds at body temperature and reduces scarring by 95 percent. His work also includes flame-retardant materials for televisions, aircraft interiors, and camera housings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2003