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Science News for May 21, 2003


Kids' backpacks may not cause back pain after all

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found no correlation between backpack use and back pain in children. The research suggests that activity level and weight may play a greater role in causing back pain, rather than backpack use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMay 21, 2003

Lithium shows promise against Alzheimer’s in mouse model

Researchers found that lithium significantly reduces production of beta amyloid, a key component of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that combination therapy with lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have an enhanced effect in reducing amyloid peptide accumulation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2003

From small change comes big rewards

Rotarians have awarded Penn a $250,000 grant for Alzheimer's research using funds from their Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust. This grant builds on the work of Domenico Praticó, who has identified isoprostanes as a promising new avenue for treating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2003

Water treatment reduces risk of Legionnaires'

A Pinellas County, Florida study found that switching from chlorine to monochloramine significantly reduced legionellae bacteria in drinking water supplies, preventing outbreaks of the disease. Monochloramine may be a first community-based intervention strategy for controlling Legionnaires' disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 21, 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.

Few microbiological differences in households using antibacterials

A study of 38 households found no significant difference in bacterial numbers with or without antibacterial products, but high bacteria counts were detected on kitchen sponges and sink drains. The researchers suggest that prolonged antibacterial use may promote antibiotic resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateMay 21, 2003

Graduation may be hazardous to your health

Half of high school graduates who don't attend college full-time become uninsured for some time after graduation, with many unable to access health care due to cost concerns. Young adults face significant barriers to obtaining insurance coverage through various means.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·DateMay 21, 2003

Physicists measure individual electrons in real time

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to probe dynamic interactions between smallest atomic particles, enabling studies of individual electron dynamics and quantum phenomena. The breakthrough is crucial for developing quantum computers, which could solve complex calculations in seconds.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Atkins’ dieters lose more and improve lipids over conventional dieters

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that Atkins' dieters lost twice as much weight during the first six months compared to those on a conventional low-fat diet. Over time, both groups regained weight, but Atkins' dieters showed greater improvements in blood lipids, including increased HDL chol...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2003

Environment loses to economic development in local policy-making

A study found that economic growth often takes precedence over environmental concerns in local policy-making. However, there are examples of cities like Manchester where sustainability has become an integral part of urban development. Local authorities still play a crucial role in driving environmental and economic policies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMay 21, 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.

Mouse study suggests mammoth evolutionary change

Researchers discovered rapid evolution in the white-footed mouse population, with significant changes in gene sequence frequencies over three 50-year intervals. The findings suggest that humans may be a cause of this rapid evolution, and challenge current phylogenetic and phylogeographic methodology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2003

UF researchers developing more accurate method to predict rip currents

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new index that can accurately predict days with high risk of rip currents, allowing for timely lifeguard deployments and potential beach closures. The model was tested in Volusia County, where lifeguards reported an average of 686 rip-current rescues annually.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateMay 21, 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.

Model helps scientists home in on tropical climate controls

A new computer model has identified a significant link between high-latitude climate phenomena and tropical regions, warming ocean temperatures by up to 1 degree Celsius. The discovery reveals a hidden climate mechanism that significantly influences global and regional climate change.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 21, 2003

Atkins diet shows surprising results, researcher says

Researchers found that participants on the Atkins diet lost an average of 14.7 pounds compared to 5.8 pounds in the conventional diet group after one year. Additionally, Atkins participants had greater increases in HDL cholesterol and reductions in triglycerides.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2003

Gene may produce drought-resistant plants

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a gene that controls the production of plants' outermost protective coating. By manipulating this gene, they may be able to create crops with increased drought resistance. The study found that altering the gene's expression can result in thicker or more rigid cuticles, reducing water los...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 21, 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.

Red tape squeezes access to mental health care

A study found that primary care physicians face challenges in providing high-quality mental health services due to the number of managed care contacts and referral process complexities. To improve access, managed care organizations should develop uniform procedures for obtaining mental health services.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2003

New treatment choice for people with manic depression

Quetiapine has been shown to be statistically more effective at treating manic symptoms of bipolar disorder than placebo. The results of the clinical trials indicate rapid symptom improvement from day four and a favorable side effect profile, making it an exciting development in psychiatry.

SourceShire Health International·DateMay 21, 2003

A new antibiotic appears effective against multidrug-resistant TB

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found that the new antibiotic linezolid is effective against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), a disease that affects millions worldwide. The drug was administered to five patients who had run out of other treatment options, and all showed significant improvement.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2003
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Low-carbohydrate diet outperforms low-fat diet in VA study

In a six-month clinical trial, participants on a low-carbohydrate diet lost an average of 13 pounds and reduced triglyceride levels by 20%, compared to 4 pounds and 4% for the low-fat group. Insulin sensitivity improved in non-diabetic participants and blood sugar levels decreased in diabetic patients on the low-carbohydrate diet.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 21, 2003