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Science News Archive May 2003


Page 4 of 11

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...

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

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.

Real-time detection of pathogens in the environment: How close are we?

Researchers are developing faster methods to detect pathogens in the environment, such as DNA-based field assays and real-time PCR systems. However, challenges persist, including identifying the viability of pathogens and distinguishing between natural and genetically modified organisms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

Bacteria convert food processing waste to hydrogen

Researchers have developed a process to extract hydrogen and methane from wastewater using bacteria, reducing the need for aeration and lowering treatment costs. This innovative method produces biogas containing up to 60% hydrogen and can be converted into electricity with high efficiency.

New material improves treatment of urinary incontinence

Researchers have developed a new material made from micrometer-sized polymer beads that improves the treatment of urinary incontinence. The microspheres are well-tolerated by rats and anchor themselves to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of allergic responses or degradation over time.

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.

Birds and humans have similar 'shopping' habits

Researchers found that hummingbirds can be influenced by the range of options available, making instant decisions based on perceived energy. This technique has implications for animal decision-making, conservation projects, and marketing theorists.

Better end-of-life care in the ICU

A national survey of ICU directors found that over 85% identified at least one large barrier to end-of-life care, including unrealistic expectations and insufficient training in communication. The survey also revealed that widely endorsed strategies such as training and symptom management are not always available in institutions.

Camera pill reveals damage from anti-inflammatory drugs

A study using camera pills found that people taking NSAIDs regularly are at increased risk of small intestinal mucosal ulceration and bleeding. The study, which used capsule endoscopy to visualize the entire small intestine, detected erosions in 62% of NSAID users compared to 5% of non-users.

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.

Protein fragment found to help improve chemotherapy

USC researchers have identified a protein fragment, PEP, that can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs against tumors. By making tumor blood vessels more permeable, PEP allows for better drug uptake and increased chemotherapy efficacy.

Major government study: Surgery is a good option for selected emphysema patients

A major government study found that surgery provides significant improvements in pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life for selected emphysema patients. The study identified specific criteria, including CT scan patterns and exercise capacity, to determine which patients are best suited for surgical therapy.

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.

National emphysema results confirm Washington University findings

A national multicenter trial confirms that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) significantly improves the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with severe emphysema. The procedure, which involves removing diseased sections of lung tissue, allows patients to resume routine activities without breathing difficulties.

Tea fights bad breath

A laboratory study found that tea polyphenols inhibited the growth of oral bacteria, reducing volatile sulfur compounds. The study also showed that low concentrations of polyphenols hindered the enzyme catalyzing hydrogen sulfide formation, cutting its production by 30%.

Study suggests ways to improve ICU end-of-life conferences

The study found that physicians can improve ICU end-of-life conferences by providing emotional support, listening to family members' concerns, and allowing them more time to speak. This leads to increased family satisfaction and reduced conflict during the conference.

Quetiapine fumarate examined as monotherapy for acute mania

The study presents data on quetiapine fumarate's efficacy in managing symptoms of acute mania in patients with bipolar disorder. The medication achieved significant responses in 48.1% of patients, with a high completion rate compared to the placebo group.

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.

Patients with rectal cancer have better outcomes at busier hospitals

A study of 7,257 patients with rectal cancer found that those treated at high-volume hospitals had lower mortality rates and higher survival rates compared to those treated at low-volume hospitals. Patients at high-volume hospitals also experienced a lower risk of permanent colostomy.

Environmental exposures in infancy linked to early asthma

A new study by USC researchers found that exposure to cockroaches, weed killers, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants in the first year of life are linked to an increased risk of early asthma. Daycare attendance before 4 months also contributed to this risk.

Low-dose diuretics are the most effective way to treat hypertension

A new meta-analysis of 42 clinical trials involving over 190,000 patients found that low-dose diuretics significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Low-dose diuretics were found to be more effective than other medications in preventing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

National Jewish faculty to present research at American Thoracic Society

Researchers from National Jewish Health will present data on the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in difficult-to-control asthma patients. Additionally, they will discuss risk factors for 'hot tub lung' caused by nontubercular mycobacteria and a genetic mutation linked to mycobacterial infections.

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.

One-third of young adults who outgrow asthma may relapse by age 26

A study found that one-third of young adults who outgrow asthma may experience a relapse by age 26. Those highly allergic or with bronchial hyper-responsiveness are at greatest risk. The study followed 1,037 New Zealanders to age 26, with detailed respiratory histories every two years.

Other highlights of the May 21 JNCI

Researchers have discovered a second mechanism by which LPA promotes ovarian tumor growth through increased cyclin D1 protein levels. Additionally, the identification of PEP, a peptide fragment with vasopermeability activity, may help reduce toxicity in cancer immunotherapy. A new study also suggests that p16 inhibitors play a role in ...

NASA finds soot has impact on global climate

New NASA research reveals that soot particles in the atmosphere absorb twice as much sunlight as previously estimated, contributing significantly to global warming. The study's findings are based on analysis of global atmospheric measurements and computer models.

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.

$2.96 million for nuclear research center at Rutgers

The new center will conduct basic nuclear science research and partner with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to acquire specific data for the DOE's scientific and engineering effort to maintain the nation's nuclear weapons. The partnership aims to engage faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students in nuclear science research.

Six-year study shows lung reduction surgery works for some, not all

A six-year study found that lung volume reduction surgery improves quality of life and survival rates for patients with upper lobe emphysema who are unable to exercise. The procedure did not show overall survival benefits, but identifying non-beneficial candidates is crucial.

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.

Laser measurements reveal biological basis of distance perception

Studies using laser measurements reveal the natural basis for human tendencies in judging distances, including a preference for distances of 6-12 feet and equidistance between objects. The findings support the theory that the visual system has evolved to make statistical guesses about distances based on past experience.

Benefits of lung surgery reported for emphysema patients

The study found that lung surgery improves survival rates and function for some patients with severe emphysema, particularly those with concentrated disease in the upper lobes. However, patients with more diffuse disease and greater exercise capacity are at higher risk of complications.

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.

Public duped by media over MMR

A recent survey found that the public was misled by the media's coverage of the MMR controversy, with 53% assuming there was equal evidence for both sides. The study also revealed that journalists struggled to balance competing views on issues like climate change and genetics.

Partners seek city's footprint

A partnership between Cardiff University and the city council aims to determine the Welsh capital's ecological footprint, providing valuable data for planners to link economic growth and environmental protection. The study will help reduce the city's footprint in areas such as transport, energy, waste, and resource use.

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.

Virus researchers close in on the secret life of DNA

Virus researchers discovered a critical role of Z-DNA in pox virus lethality, leading to potential development of anti-viral compounds effective against smallpox. The findings may also shed light on the regulation of transcription and cellular responses to viral infections.

Vera Kettnaker receives NSF CAREER Award

Vera Kettnaker's proposed system analyzes an elderly person's movement patterns to detect potential problems and summon help automatically. The system would be integrated with ceiling-mounted cameras and data-processing equipment to provide a safe and private living environment for seniors.

Scientists predict swift end to vCJD epidemic

New predictions suggest vCJD epidemic will decline with a comparable worst-case scenario of 540 UK cases between now and 2080. The researchers estimated the incubation time of vCJD to be 12.6 years, similar to Kuru, and calculated that only 40 future cases are expected within the next five years.

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.

Age may play role in recovery following sports-related concussions

A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study found that high school athletes recover from concussion slower than age-matched college athletes. High school athletes showed significant memory impairment at day 7 post-injury, while college athletes displayed commensurate performance with control subjects by day 3.

New herpes treatment from common herb

Researchers discovered a lignin-carbohydrate compound from Prunella vulgaris with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. The compound showed significant reduction in skin lesions and increase in survival rate in guinea pigs and mice, respectively.