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Science News Archive May 2003


Page 9 of 11

Americans pay more for health care but receive less in return

A study found that US per capita health spending rose to $4,631 in 2000, significantly higher than other OECD nations. The researchers also discovered that the US spent 13% of its GDP on healthcare, with private financing accounting for a majority of public funds.

CT-guided interventional procedures

A study of 120 patients found that less than 3% required surgical treatment after CT-guided interventional procedures. The procedure was effective in reducing analgesic drug consumption and may be used as a complement to physical therapy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diabetes complications blur the vision of many latinos

A landmark study conducted by the University of Southern California found that nearly two-thirds of Latino participants with diabetes were not following American Diabetes Association guidelines for vision care, leading to higher rates of diabetic retinopathy, early macular degeneration, and glaucoma among this ethnic group.

Modified adenovirus offers new approach to treating aggressive brain tumors

A modified adenovirus, Delta-24-RGD, has shown improved infectivity and replication efficiency compared to the unmodified Delta-24. This leads to increased cytopathic effects and prolonged survival rates in mouse models of human glioma. The authors conclude that Delta-24-RGD may be an effective agent in treating gliomas.

Troubling news about sea otter deaths

A new UC Davis analysis reveals that adult sea otters in California are dying at an alarming rate due to diseases and parasites. The study found that nearly two-thirds of the otters died from disease, with parasitic infections being a major cause, including thorny-headed worms and protozoa.

Johns Hopkins researchers devise methods to evaluate disaster drills

Researchers created a set of tools to evaluate disaster drills in four parts: command and control, out-of-hospital care, in-hospital care, and system integration. The methods are designed to be practical for disaster planners worldwide, particularly in developing countries disproportionately affected by disasters.

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.

Brookhaven Lab and NREL win Technology Transfer Award

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and NREL developed a polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) coating system to address corrosion issues in geothermal power plants. The coating system has shown dramatic improvements in bonding, durability, and service lifetime compared to competitive coatings.

Insulin-degrading enzyme may affect risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a relationship between insulysin and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that even partial decreases in insulysin activity raised amyloid-beta peptide levels in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.

Arsenic in New England wells more widespread than thought

A USGS study reveals elevated arsenic concentrations in private wells are prevalent and pose a health threat to the public. The study focused on eastern New England, where high-growth suburban areas rely heavily on private wells, leading to increased risks.

Scientists to probe giant storm clusters across midwest

BAMEX will investigate how damaging winds unfold at night, when low-level air cools and stabilizes. The study aims to improve forecast warnings for high winds produced by bow echoes and heavy rains triggered by mesoscale convective systems.

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.

Whole body PET proves accurate in detecting breast cancer spread

A recent study shows that whole body PET scans are twice as sensitive as CT scans in detecting breast cancer spread, with a higher accuracy rate of 93% compared to 46%. This breakthrough technology also offers less radiation exposure to patients, making it a more efficient and safer option.

Study discovers key to baby-like skin

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center shows that leaving vernix on newborn skin can improve hydration, reduce scaly texture, and promote a faster decrease in pH. The researchers hope to develop a synthetic equivalent for use in various applications, including wound dressings and medication delivery systems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

Gene newly identified by Columbia researchers may improve hair removal

A newly discovered protein called desmoglein 4 (DSG4) holds cells together as they change into different types of hair follicle cells. The gene's absence leads to thin, sparse hair that breaks easily in people and mice, highlighting its potential role in treating excessive or absent hair growth.

MR should be considered for breast screening of high risk women

A study reviewed the records of 367 high-risk women who underwent MR imaging screening and found that 59 required biopsies, with 17 cases revealing new cancers not detected on mammograms or physical exams. The majority of detected cancers were ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), an early stage of breast cancer.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Government's marriage promotion policies likely to fall short

Research finds that promoting marriage may not be an effective solution for women who had children before marriage, as it fails to address the economic disadvantages they face. Women who had children before marriage are more likely to be poor and experience unstable relationships.

Patients not told about risks and benefits of radiology procedures

A recent study reveals that emergency room physicians often fail to inform patients about the risks and benefits of radiology procedures, including abdominal pelvic CT scans. The study found that only 22% of physicians accurately explained the radiation dose, while 74% underestimated it.

U of MN study probes use of antiepileptic drugs in nursing homes

A new study by the University of Minnesota found that 8% of nursing home residents were already taking antiepileptic drugs on admission, while another 3% were prescribed them within three months. The study suggests that many primary care providers underestimate the use of these medications among elderly nursing home residents.

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.

March of Dimes awards $250,000 prize to pioneers in genetic research

Researchers Ronald M. Evans and Pierre Chambon received the prize for their discovery of nuclear hormone receptors and its impact on human physiology and disease prevention. The award highlights the significance of their work in developing new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.

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.

MR imaging proves useful in diagnosing some testicular problems

A study of 33 patients found MR imaging to be more effective than ultrasound in diagnosing large lesions and precisely localizing paratesticular lesions. The use of MR imaging as a follow-up to sonography can reduce costs and recovery time associated with unnecessary biopsies or surgical intervention.

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.

Older latinos grappling with high rates of vision loss

A comprehensive five-year study tracked causes of blindness and access to eye care among the US Latino population, finding high rates of vision-related problems. The study revealed that Latinos have nearly 18% vision impairment by age 85 and older, with diabetes and cataracts being leading causes.

Abramson fellow receives award from Society for Pediatric Research

Dr. Coughlin's research involves manipulating immune cells to recognize and kill tumors and viruses, holding promise for cancer treatment and vaccine delivery in children. She will present her work at the Society for Pediatric Research Annual Meeting and receive an award recognizing her leadership and contributions to pediatric research.

All foods can fit

Researchers found that mixed-diet eaters had higher intakes of essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. The study suggests that people don't have to feel guilty about eating favorite foods as long as they maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Army ants have defied evolution for 100 million years

A study by Sean Brady reveals that army ants originated from the same source on Gondwana 100 million years ago, instead of evolving independently on separate continents. The ants' unique characteristics, including nomadic behavior and reproductive adaptation, have remained unchanged over time.

Home environment can be hazardous to children’s health

Studies found that residential injuries accounted for nearly 15% of emergency department visits and 39% of unintentional injury visits between 1993 and 1999. Fatalities due to fires, submersions, or falls were common among young children, with African-American children facing disproportionately higher risks.

For early Lyme disease, 10 days of therapy are as good as 20

A randomized trial found that patients with early Lyme disease and no heart, joint or neurologic abnormalities can be effectively treated with 10 days of doxycycline therapy. The study showed that approximately two-thirds of patients responded to treatment within 20 days.

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.

Hyperglycemia may increase risk of eye disorder in premature infants

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has found a link between hyperglycemia and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. Infants with ROP had higher daily blood sugar levels compared to healthy peers, with increased risk almost doubling for each 10 mg/dl increase in average monthly glucose.

Exercise may contribute to improved breast cancer survival

A new study found that exercise training improves quality of life and increases survival rates among breast cancer survivors. Regular physical activity can help reduce the negative impact of treatment on cardiopulmonary function, leading to improved overall well-being.

Puerto Rican migrants to NYC engage in riskier drug use

Researchers found that Puerto Rican migrants injected drugs more often and visited shooting galleries, which have higher levels of needle sharing. However, users who remained in Puerto Rico showed similar risky behavior as migrant counterparts who returned to the island, suggesting migrants learned these behaviors in Puerto Rico.

New MR-guided breast biopsy method is feasible and effective

A new MR-guided breast biopsy method has been developed and tested on 35 patients, achieving high technical success rates. The method uses a stainless steel core biopsy needle with an MR-compatible coaxial device, allowing for accurate targeting of lesions and improved patient outcomes.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

When predators attack (each other)

Researchers tracking wolverines in Yellowstone's Greater Ecosystem discovered a rare killing of a wolverine by a black bear. The incident supports the species' fierce and fearless nature.

Team jams bacteria 'talk' to boost bio-product yields

Scientists at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have cracked the code on bacterial communication, boosting bio-product yields in fermentation vessels. By understanding how bacteria interact and respond to stress signals, researchers can improve production efficiency and increase product outputs.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, May 6, 2003

A study found that 10 days of doxycycline antibiotic therapy is as effective as a 20-day course for early Lyme disease. Additionally, researchers discovered that many people cannot accurately recall if they or family members had skin diseases contraindicating smallpox vaccination, potentially increasing the risk of widespread vaccination.

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.