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Science News for November 12, 2003


Low infection rate in Arrow Lionheart* European trial

The study, which took place from October 1999 to December 2002, showed a lower sepsis and device infection rate compared to the REMATCH trial. Patients lived an average of nine months with the device, with three still living as of November 1, 2003.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 12, 2003

Family factors affect drug use by Mexican-American teens

Researchers found that Mexican-American high schoolers who experience emotional separation from their parents are more likely to engage in substance use, tobacco use, and deviant behaviors. Family conflict created by acculturation is also linked to marijuana use and deviant behavior among the teens.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateNov 12, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Natural selection in a nutshell

Researchers found that genes influence offspring growth, while quality of care from mothers is the primary factor. The study suggests that there are both "super moms" and "dud moms", with success determined by environmental conditions like food supply.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 12, 2003

Teaching hospital physicians report trouble obtaining specialty services for the uninsured

A recent survey of US academic health centers found that physicians struggle to access specialty care for uninsured patients, with significant problems reported at both public and private hospitals. The study highlights the limitations of the nation's safety net and suggests broadening reimbursement funds as a possible solution.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 12, 2003

Hearing aid research gets federal boost

Binghamton University has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to develop more effective hearing aids. The project aims to dramatically improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments, benefiting over 28 million Americans with hearing loss.

SourceBinghamton University·DateNov 12, 2003

NIA statement on IOM testosterone report

The NIA is concerned about the growing use of testosterone replacement therapy without sufficient scientific information. Short-term studies are recommended to determine potential risks and benefits for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Longer term trials will assess risks and benefits for these conditions, such as fr...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateNov 12, 2003
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.

With flu season coming, don't forget…exercise?

A new study shows that moderate exercise reduces susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection by enhancing immune function. Soluble oat fiber â-glucan also boosts immunity, and combining it with exercise may have additional benefits.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 12, 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.

New memory device could offer smaller, simpler way to archive data

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new memory device that stores digital information permanently in a plastic polymer coating. The device combines an inexpensive and easy-to-produce material with thin-film silicon electronics, enabling fast and efficient data storage.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

Genetics mutations resulting in delayed puberty are focus of MCG study

A study led by Dr. Lawrence C. Layman aims to identify genetic mutations contributing to delayed puberty, which may lead to better infertility treatment and birth control options. By analyzing the function of hundreds of genes, researchers hope to uncover potential treatments for this condition, which affects about 1% of the population.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 12, 2003

Heart failure consumes significant health care resources

Elderly Americans with heart failure consume significantly more healthcare resources than those without the condition, with average four-year costs of $27,822. Diastolic heart failure is estimated to be more prevalent in the elderly population and may require further study due to limited clinical trials.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateNov 12, 2003

Tissue-engineered valves give diseased hearts new life

Tissue-engineered pulmonary valves, engineered from patients' own cells, showed excellent performance in first 23 patients with up to three years of follow-up. The valves eliminated post-operative fever and shortened recovery time compared to traditional donor valves.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 12, 2003

Salk news: Diabetes first steps

Scientists discovered a chemical relay that controls whether the body burns sugars or fats for energy. The discovery may help design better treatments for insulin resistance and ultimately prevent adult-onset diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 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.

Dying nerves cause even more harm after spinal cord injury

After a spinal cord injury, the body's natural response can lead to larger, more debilitating lesions in the spinal cord. Researchers found that glutamate and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) over-stimulation cause secondary damage to white matter tissue and destroy oligodendrocytes, which protect axons.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 12, 2003

Heart attacks rose at Brooklyn hospital after terrorist attack

A study found that the terrorist attack led to an increase in heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias, with patients experiencing psychological stress showing higher rates of these events. The findings suggest that drugs like beta blockers may help reduce the risk for people with heart disease and risk factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 12, 2003

Caregivers for patients with dementia need more support before patient dies, less after

A new study suggests that caregivers of patients with end-of-life dementia experience high levels of depressive symptoms while caring for their loved ones, but exhibit clinically lower depression after the patient's death. The research also found that caregivers report feeling relieved when their loved one passes away.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2003
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.

Cardiac MRI detects thinned heart muscle previously deemed unsalvageable

A study at Duke University Medical Center found cardiac MRI can detect viable but damaged heart muscle, allowing for targeted treatment and improved outcomes. Researchers used cardiac MRI to visualize the beating heart, identifying areas of thinned muscle that could be saved with revascularization therapy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateNov 12, 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.

Visualizing Alzheimer's disease

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery by visualizing damaged nerve connections in living mice and tracking them over time. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of the underlying processes involved in Alzheimer's disease and potentially unlock new treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateNov 12, 2003

Observing a burst with sunglasses

A team of astronomers studied the polarisation properties of GRB 030329's afterglow over 38 days, detecting significant variability in strength and orientation. The data reveal a unique diagnostic tool for gamma-ray burst studies, challenging existing theories.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

News tips for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003

Cardiac researchers report improved blood flow to ischemic heart muscle using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a potential new treatment for intractable ischemia. Meanwhile, ICD patients may be safer with vigorous exercise, while daytime sleepiness significantly affects the quality of life of angina patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 12, 2003

Research sheds new light on evolution

Researchers at Michigan State University found that initial changes in genetic makeup can lead to significant adaptations in plants and other organisms. The study used the monkeyflower plant, altering its genome to attract new pollinators, such as hummingbirds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 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.

Procedure cures atrial fibrillation

Researchers from Michigan Medicine report dramatic success in treating atrial fibrillation patients using radiofrequency catheter ablation, achieving high cure rates and low complication rates. The technique involves delivering intense radiofrequency waves to specific areas of disorganized electrical activity, resulting in a significan...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 12, 2003

Bullied children at risk of depression, antisocial behavior

Children who experience bullying are at increased risk of developing depression and antisocial behavior. Research suggests that some children learn to cope with repeated victimization, while others do not. The study found that boys who experienced growing harassment were more likely to demonstrate antisocial and depressive behaviors.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateNov 12, 2003

Hello, will you be my friend?

The nTag device uses infrared links and RFID chips to connect people with common interests, alerting them to potential matches. Despite some initial issues, most delegates were impressed with the service, exchanging over 3,600 business cards during the event.

SourceNew Scientist·DateNov 12, 2003