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Science News for October 22, 2003


November's Ophthalmology journal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published several new studies on various eye conditions, including amblyopia, glaucoma, and corneal surgery. Researchers have explored the effectiveness of patching regimens for treating severe amblyopia in children and found promising results.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 22, 2003

UBC researcher discovers 'control room' that regulates immune responses

Wilfred Jefferies and his team have discovered a cellular pathway that triggers immune responses and identified a specialized organelle within dendritic cells controlling immune system activation. The findings hold enormous implications for patients, enabling targeted treatment adjustments to regulate immune responses.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 22, 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.

U-M scientists find genetic 'fountain of youth' for adult stem cells

Researchers found that Bmi-1 is essential for self-renewal in two types of adult stem cells: neural stem cells from the central nervous system and hematopoietic stem cells. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of cancer development, as Bmi-1's overexpression can promote uncontrolled growth.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003

Study finds way to dramatically increase hematopoietic stem cells

A new study found that treating hematopoietic stem cells with parathyroid hormone increases their numbers and improves bone marrow transplantation outcomes. The research team discovered a cellular-signaling pathway called Notch that is involved in the process, which they believe can be exploited to enhance stem cell populations.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003

Teens want relationship help along with sex health info

A study analyzing over 1,200 questions from teenagers reveals that most queries focus on bodily symptoms, relationships, and pregnancy, while few address contraception and sexually transmitted infections. The researchers emphasize the importance of integrating mind and body discussions to meet teens' comprehensive needs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateOct 22, 2003

Retroviral protein triggers proliferation of immune cells

The study reveals that retroviral protein p12 stimulates the growth and proliferation of immune cells known as T lymphocytes by producing interleukin 2 (IL-2). This finding supports the view that HTLV-1 virus replicates mainly by causing infected cells to divide and proliferate.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 22, 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.

Inequality rules today's public schools

Researchers at the University of Washington found that existing school systems perpetuate inequality through hidden special treatment and segregation. The study suggests expanding overcrowded schools could alleviate abuses, contradicting warnings about school choice programs increasing racial segregation and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateOct 22, 2003

New study identifies gene signaling puberty

A recent study has identified GPR54 as a key player in triggering brain release of GnRH at puberty. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for individuals with delayed or incomplete puberty due to genetic mutations.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2003

Shape of beverage glass influences how much people pour and drink

A study by Brian Wansink found that the shape of a beverage glass can alter how much people pour and drink, with taller glasses leading to overconsumption. In three experiments involving teenagers, adults, and bartenders, Wansink discovered that participants consistently underestimated the volume of liquids in shorter, wider glasses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 22, 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.

Are walruses right-handed?

Researchers observed walruses using four different foraging techniques: beating their right flipper, left flipper, water-jet from their mouth, and rooting through sediment with their muzzle. They found that 66% of the time they used their right flipper, and this preference was consistent in skeletons analyzed.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateOct 22, 2003

Study finds VA maintained quality despite shift to outpatient care

Researchers studied 342,300 chronically ill veterans to track health care and survival between 1994-1998. Patient survival rates remained largely unchanged, while hospital stays fell by 50% and outpatient care increased moderately.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research collaboration identifies gene essential to puberty

Researchers from MGH and Paradigm Therapeutics have identified the GPR54 gene as a key trigger of the hormonal cascade required for mammalian reproduction. The discovery could lead to new treatments for infertility and abnormal puberty, among other applications.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2003

Common drug, given promptly, reduces incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, small study finds

A new study suggests that propranolol can reduce the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma victims if administered promptly. The medication, commonly used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure, was found to decrease PTSD symptoms by half compared to those who did not receive it.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2003

Multiphoton microscope observes cell membrane action

Researchers use multiphoton microscopy to watch cell membranes reshaping themselves into two-dimensional liquid phases, or 'rafts', and find that thermal energies influence membrane geometries. The study provides new insights into the functions of cell membranes and their importance to human health.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003

Dads and cads: U-M study tests female preferences for partners

A University of Michigan study found that women prefer men who are dominant and promiscuous (cads) for short-term relationships, but kind and monogamous (dads) for long-term ones. The 'sexy son hypothesis' suggests that this preference may be evolutionary in nature.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHuman Nature·DateOct 22, 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.

Evidence that neurons prune only 'twigs' to rewire themselves

Researchers studied neurons in the olfactory bulb and found that they only undergo subtle changes in response to environmental stimuli. These findings challenge previous theories of brain rewiring and may offer insights into disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2003

Stowers Institute researchers identify stem cell niche

Researchers at the Stowers Institute have identified a key component of the hematopoietic stem cell niche, which supports their self-renewal and production of blood cells. The study found that interrupting a specific signaling pathway can increase the size of the niche and the number of stem cells produced.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003

Kolodzy leads group in National Science Foundation grant

The project aims to develop new solutions to major wireless communications problems using advanced devices and software. Professor Dirk Grunwald of the University of Colorado at Boulder leads the networking component, focusing on building a new kind of wireless network that leverages radio-level decisions for efficient communication.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 22, 2003

Bone cells help call the shots for the blood's stem cells within

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a key role for bone-forming osteoblasts in controlling the expansion of blood-forming stem cells. The discovery could lead to new treatments for bone marrow-transplant patients, who often face challenges due to limited stem cell availability.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003

New genomic data helps resolve biology's tree of life

A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has made a breakthrough in resolving the evolutionary tree using new genomic-scale data. By analyzing eight yeast species, they found that combining more than 100 genes provides an unprecedented level of resolution, overcoming previous limitations.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2003
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.

Saliva spits out information on chemical exposure

Researchers have developed a technology that can detect chemical contaminants in saliva, enabling rapid diagnosis of pesticide exposure and potential nerve gas poisoning. The innovation could be used to monitor farm workers and diagnose accidents or terrorist attacks.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 22, 2003

Heart risks more likely if hostility increases with age

Research suggests that men and women who experience an increase in hostile feelings from late teens to late 40s may double their risk of obesity, depression and poor social support. The study also found that hostility levels in college can predict unhealthy behaviors up to 30 years later.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 22, 2003