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Science News for October 13, 2003


New Hampshire lung disease research center funded

A $12 million NIH grant will support interdisciplinary research on lung diseases in New Hampshire, including lung cancer and cystic fibrosis. The funding will also create infrastructure for state-of-the-art research and jobs in the local economy.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·DateOct 13, 2003

Heavy alcohol consumption linked to colorectal cancer

A study of nearly 2,000 patients found that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Patients with significant spirits intake may benefit from more intensive screening, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 13, 2003

Researchers discover genes that distinguish human, nonhuman primate brains

The study found 83 genes with higher levels of activity in humans, linked to increased brain activity, while human brains showed increased expression of genes protecting against damage. This discovery may explain why humans have a long lifespan but are vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2003
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.

Researchers discover new genetic link to common colon cancer

A new study identifies a specific DNA stretch on chromosome 9 that houses a susceptibility gene linked to increased colon cancer risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 53 families affected by colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps and found a common genetic link.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2003

Study finds few substance abuse treatment programs for elders

A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2003

Study overcomes stroke care's biggest travesty

A three-year community campaign aimed at the public and health professionals increased the use of tPA, a life-saving emergency drug for stroke patients. The study found that 69% of eligible patients received tPA, compared to 2.2% in non-intervention areas.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 13, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Public Library of Science launches PLoS Biology

PLoS Biology features peer-reviewed research articles on diverse topics, making outstanding science freely available worldwide. The journal's open-access model aims to increase interdisciplinary collaboration, speed scientific discovery, and potentially save lives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

MIT engineers report new approach to tissue engineering

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for creating tissues from human embryonic stem cells by seeding them onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds. The resulting tissues showed characteristics of developing human cartilage, liver, nerves, and blood vessels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2003

Diet may play role in IBS and dyspepsia

Studies link fructose intolerance to IBS symptoms; patients with diet modifications show improved symptoms. Fat consumption is also linked to gastrointestinal disorders, according to a new study.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 13, 2003

MicroRNA targets: How big is the iceberg?

Researchers have used a bioinformatics approach to identify additional microRNA targets in fruit fly Drosophila, increasing the number of known targets from three to over 60. The study provides an important step towards understanding how microRNAs affect protein composition in animal cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

Old mosquito theory holds no water

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that previous year's drought is the main driver of high mosquito populations in wetlands. This discovery has implications for predicting and controlling diseases like West Nile virus and malaria, which are spread by mosquitoes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 13, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Causal relationship suggested between reflux and sleep apnea

A recent study suggests a causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and sleep apnea, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The research used advanced monitoring technology to detect non-acid reflux events that may contribute to sleep apnea and arousals.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 13, 2003

Injection savings could mean better care in ICU

A new study found that administering antibiotics in a syringe pump, rather than by direct injection, can significantly reduce costs. The study also showed that the most expensive antibiotic to administer was Erythromycin, which requires slow infusion time.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateOct 13, 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.

Diagnosis: mismanagement

A new model developed by Michael Carter of the University of Toronto has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by $42 billion a year, while providing more services at the same cost. The model uses operations research techniques to optimize hospital operations and improve communication among departments.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateOct 13, 2003

Study finds hispanic heart patients have best survival rates

A recent study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that Hispanic heart patients had a significant survival advantage compared to their white and African-American counterparts. After adjusting for age and clinical data, Hispanic patients were only about 80% as likely to die as whites or blacks.

SourceUnited States Department of Veterans Affairs·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 13, 2003

Thoughts translate to actions

Miguel Nicolelis and colleagues present results from long-term studies in monkeys, showing that the same set of brain cells can control two distinct movements using a brain-machine interface. This finding has important practical implications for spinal-cord patients, offering flexibility in introducing electrodes or functional enhancem...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 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.

Study confirms benefits of hemispherectomy surgery

A recent study published in Neurology confirms that 86% of children who underwent hemispherectomy at Johns Hopkins Medicine are either seizure-free or have non-disabling seizures. The surgery improves quality of life and reduces medication dependence.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateOct 13, 2003

Critics are wrong: Suburban residents feel a strong sense of community

A recent study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that suburban residents felt a close sense of community with their neighbors. Despite criticisms that suburbs are cold and sterile, the study refuted these claims by showing that both traditional and suburban neighborhoods can foster strong community bonds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 13, 2003

For 'quantum confinement' size matters, but so does shape

The study finds that the shape of a semiconductor nanocrystal can significantly impact its electronic and optical properties. The researchers developed a novel synthesis method to create indium phosphide nanowires with controlled diameters, allowing them to investigate the effect of two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional confinement.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 13, 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.

Mild depression breeds prolonged inflammation in caregivers

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that even mild depression in caregivers can lead to increased inflammation, which is associated with various age-related illnesses. Chronic inflammation has been linked to declines in physical function and an increased risk of mortality.

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2003

Report cites risks associated with over-the-counter cosmetic contact lenses

The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that unregulated sale of decorative contact lenses poses a grave danger to the public. Six patients experienced vision-threatening problems after wearing lenses purchased from unlicensed vendors, including corneal scarring and bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalEye & Contact Lens Science & Clinical Practice·DateOct 13, 2003

Double trouble: big portions of calorie dense foods

Researchers discovered that portion size and calorie density both contribute to caloric intake, with combined effects leading to a 56% increase. By choosing water-rich foods or smaller portions, individuals can reduce their risk of overeating.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 13, 2003

Mathematical modeling predicts cellular communication

Researchers used mathematical modeling to study the Wnt pathway, a complex signaling system involved in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. The model revealed surprising differences in concentrations of key proteins, suggesting that breakdowns in cellular communication play a role in cancer development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 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.

New diode could enable faster, more efficient electronics

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new diode that can replace some circuits on a typical chip, simplifying design without compromising performance. The diode conducts 150,000 amps per square centimeter, ideal for low-power devices and medical applications

SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 13, 2003

Fashionable, nonprescription contact lenses may pose a danger to your eyesight

Nonprescription contact lenses can cause permanent damage, infection and scarring due to ill-fitting design and lack of monitoring by medical professionals. Cosmetic contact lenses sold over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEye & Contact Lens Science & Clinical Practice·DateOct 13, 2003

Monkeys consciously control a robot arm using only brain signals

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have enabled rhesus monkeys to control a robot arm using only brain signals and visual feedback. The technology could lead to neuroprosthetic limbs for paralyzed people, and improve rehabilitation of those with brain and spinal cord damage.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003
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.