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Science News Archive October 2003 - Page 9


Page 9 of 10
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Promising drug proves ineffective as treatment for hearing loss

A recent study published in JAMA found that the steroid Prednisone proved effective in stabilizing and improving hearing in patients with AIED (autoimmune ear disorder) but failed to maintain these gains over time. The study also tested Methotrexate, a promising anti-inflammatory drug, which showed no significant benefit in treating AIED.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateOct 7, 2003

Forgiveness linked to spinal cord injury rehab

A study found significant positive relationships between forgiveness of self, others, and various health outcomes among people with spinal cord injury. Forgiveness has a positive effect on health, but its impact varies by type, suggesting an impact on treatment protocols.

SourceJohn Templeton Foundation·DateOct 7, 2003

Rutgers targets Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan with $3.5 million from NIH

Rutgers University has secured $3.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The five-year program aims to discover new compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, while also conserving native biodiversity.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 7, 2003

How genes orchestrate facial expressions

The study found that specific Hox genes direct the formation of nerves controlling muscles for eye movements and facial expressions. Disabling these genes led to abnormalities in mouse embryos, including cross eyes and breathing difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 7, 2003

NASA research propels development of new glass

REAl Glass has unique qualities useful for creating materials for demanding optical applications. The glass is made from Rare Earth oxides, Aluminum oxide and small amounts of silicon dioxide. It can be used to create efficient power lasers and expand coverage to new wavelengths, making it a promising material for surgical lasers.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 7, 2003
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.

Forgiveness a factor in blood pressure

A new study finds that forgiveness is associated with lower resting diastolic blood pressure, especially among low-income black individuals. The research, conducted on a diverse sample of community residents, suggests that forgiving oneself and others may help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceJohn Templeton Foundation·DateOct 7, 2003

Brookhaven Lab develops 'ThraxVac' to clean up anthrax

ThraxVac uses alpha particles from polonium-210 to kill anthrax spores, making them vulnerable to heat and moisture. The technology has several advantages over current methods, including being lightweight and eliminating health and radiation hazards.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateOct 7, 2003

Imagining movement of affected limbs aids stroke rehabilitation

Researchers at Northwestern University found that imagining movement of affected limbs can improve stroke rehabilitation. The study used a motor imagery training program with patients experiencing hemiparesis, resulting in increased assessment scores and functionality.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 7, 2003

Antarctic penguins thrive in ocean 'oases'

The study found a strong association between Adelie Penguin populations and the productivity of plankton in coastal polynyas. These 'oases' provide ideal conditions for phytoplankton blooms, which feed krill that are then eaten by penguins.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 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.

ICESat's lasers measure ice, clouds and land elevations

ICESat is providing new insights into polar ice sheets and their mass-balance. The satellite detects features such as ice streams, cloud heights and aerosol distributions, enabling a better understanding of the Earth's climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One-third of women feel distant from partner post-miscarriage

A study found that 32% of women reported increased interpersonal distance and 39% experienced more distance in their sexual relationships one year post-miscarriage. Women who felt distant saw their miscarriage as a significant loss, leading to increased emotional disturbance and decreased love and communication with their partners.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 6, 2003

Commonly-held belief contributes to patients' rejection of recommended lung cancer surgery

A study found that nearly 40% of lung cancer patients believe exposure to air during surgery promotes cancer spread, leading some to reject recommended surgery. The study suggests that physicians need to address these misconceptions to improve healthcare outcomes in African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 6, 2003

Working out may keep breast cells working well

A USC study found that physical activity can reduce the risk of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) by up to 35%, particularly among women who exercise more than four hours a week. The exact mechanism is unclear, but hormones and immune-boosting effects are potential theories.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCancer·DateOct 6, 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.

Deadly decision: Where should baby sleep?

New research from Saint Louis University shows that babies under 8 months are at highest risk of death in adult beds due to lack of motor skills to escape safety threats. The study recommends cribs as the safest option for babies' sleep, and calls for a public awareness campaign to alert parents.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 6, 2003

UCI study uncovers unexpectedly high air pollutant levels in southwest states

A UCI study found unexpectedly high hydrocarbon levels in central and southwest US regions, including Oklahoma City, with pollution levels exceeding those in high-smog cities. The research suggests total hydrocarbon emissions are higher than previously estimated, contributing to the American air pollution problem.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2003

Minority children: over- or underrepresented in medical research?

A recent study reveals that African American and Hispanic children are disproportionately represented in clinical trials, with 26% of participants being African American. Despite lower representation among the overall U.S. population, these groups are overrepresented in potentially stigmatizing research studies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 6, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, October 7, 2003

The SARS epidemic taught four important lessons: the need for global cooperation, improved public health infrastructure, care for patients despite personal risk, and measures to minimize infectious risks to healthcare workers. The response to SARS demonstrates that a strong public health infrastructure can help contain outbreaks and pr...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 6, 2003
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.

SLU researchers first to decipher new protein structure

Researchers at SLU have successfully deciphered the molecular structure of recombination protein O (RecO), crucial for accurate genomic DNA replication. This breakthrough may aid pharmaceutical researchers in developing more effective drugs and basic scientists in understanding gene function.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalStructure·DateOct 5, 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.

Protein implicated in decline of aging hearts

Elevated G-alpha-i levels in aging hearts lead to decreased cardiac function, but beta-blockers show promise in reducing these levels and improving heart function. The study's findings suggest that targeting G-alpha-i could be an effective way to protect the heart from age-related decline.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology·DateOct 4, 2003

Driving performance declines with dementia and age

People with mild dementia decline faster than nondemented individuals in driving performance, but also some nondemented participants show decline. Longitudinal driving test every six months can identify those who become unsafe, increasing awareness about driving issues in demented persons and empowering families to intervene.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 3, 2003

American Thoracic Society journal news tips for October 2003 (first issue)

Researchers found that children with mild asthma already show pathologic features of adult disease, including basement membrane thickening and airway eosinophilia. New AAT deficiency guidelines also aim to improve diagnosis and management by identifying specific risk factors for this hereditary disorder.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 3, 2003

NIAID initiative addresses primary immune deficiency diseases

The NIAID initiative addresses primary immune deficiency diseases by focusing research priorities and uniting established researchers with new investigators. A cell line repository and Web-based patient registry will also be created to advance understanding of these lesser-known diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateOct 3, 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.

Clemson photonics research gets economic development nod from NSF

Clemson University's COMSET lab is focusing on developing new optical materials. The NSF grant will create an extended regional partnership to commercialize photonics research and attract high-paying industries to the region. This collaboration aims to build a knowledge-based South Carolina economy.

SourceClemson University·DateOct 3, 2003

Research breakthrough in understanding treatment resistant depression

A pioneering study using brain imaging has yielded new insights into treatment-resistant depression, revealing differences in brain activity between healthy individuals and those suffering from the condition. The research also highlights the potential for developing a new generation of antidepressants with unprecedented efficacy.

SourcePsychMed Group·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2003

Stevens ranks #1 in the nation for 'Most Connected Campus'

Stevens Institute of Technology has been ranked as the most connected campus in the nation, with a robust wired and wireless network. The university is expanding its network with its new Babbio Center for Technology Management, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for leading-edge education in business and technology management.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateOct 3, 2003
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.

PTH and Alendronate: combining treatments shows no bone density advantage

Two studies found that combining parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alendronate increases bone mineral density (BMD) at least as well as or better than single drug treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal effects of these drugs, particularly through sequential or cyclic therapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 3, 2003

Benchmark study of brain tumors points to resection over biopsy as one key to survival

A large-scale study of 560 patients with malignant gliomas suggests that surgical resection is a critical factor in improving survival rates and quality of life. The study found that younger, more active patients tend to benefit more from aggressive treatment, while age and overall health also play significant roles.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateOct 3, 2003

$9.4 million NSF grant backs UCSB-led effort in bio-image informatics

The project aims to create new information processing technologies for extracting detailed understanding of biological processes from images depicting biological molecules within cells or tissues. The researchers will establish a digital library for bio-molecular images, facilitating image bioinformatics and large-scale biology.

SourceUniversity of California, Santa Barbara - Engineering·DateOct 3, 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.

Damage to the frontal lobes can affect a person's ability to 'stay on the job'

A study published in BRAIN found that frontal lobe damage can lead to inconsistent performance, even on simple tasks, with effects varying across brain regions. The researchers identified specific areas of the frontal lobes responsible for increased variability, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalBrain·DateOct 3, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

It's the neighborhood that matters in ALS, according to medical researchers

Researchers discovered that neighboring non-neuronal cells can protect or rescue motor neurons from degeneration when they carry an ALS mutation. This finding suggests the potential of stem cell replacement therapy targeting non-neuronal cells to treat ALS. The study used mouse models with a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase (S...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Lasers create new possibilities for biological technology

Researchers at CU-Boulder created more efficient 'soft' x-ray light in the water-window region using a femtosecond laser, making it possible to build compact microscopes for biological imaging. This advance could visualize processes within living cells and understand how pharmaceuticals function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2003

Gastric bypass surgery resolves or improves diabetes in most patients, reports Pittsburgh study

The study found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improved diabetes outcomes in patients, with nearly all achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing their reliance on anti-diabetic medications. Patients with shorter disease durations and milder type 2 diabetes saw the greatest improvements in glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateOct 2, 2003

Thorough, searchable database of human proteins unveiled

A comprehensive human protein database has been launched, featuring 3,000 entries on protein roles in health and disease. The database includes protein interactions, disease genes, and other information, making it easier for researchers to connect observations and create new hypotheses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 2, 2003

TIGR posts sequence data for parasite that causes trichomoniasis

The Institute for Genomic Research has released sequence data for the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which causes trichomoniasis and is linked to increased HIV transmission. The larger-than-expected genome holds promise for finding new treatments and prevention strategies.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·DateOct 2, 2003
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.

Taking aim at bioterrorism: UH professor gets HHS funding to battle anthrax

The Blanke Lab will conduct fundamental research about anthrax and methods to neutralize its impact, with a goal of generating novel therapeutics and vaccines. This project is part of the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, bringing together leading researchers from various disciplines.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 2, 2003

Low and high birthweight increase risk of cerebral palsy

Research suggests that low and high birthweights are associated with a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Babies born with weights below the 10th percentile or above the 97th percentile had a four to six times increased risk, respectively.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 2, 2003

Tufts University wins $25-million NIH contract

Tufts University has been awarded a $25-million NIH contract to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts on developing ways to diagnose and treat botulism poisoning, one of the most dangerous bioterrorism threats facing the US. The research will focus on identifying human pathogens that can cause disease in food or water.

SourceTufts University·DateOct 2, 2003

Report shows high arsenic in some southeast NH private wells

A recent study by the USGS found that 20% of homes in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties have arsenic concentrations above 10 micrograms per liter. In some areas, the incidence is as high as 30%. The study highlights the importance of testing private wells for arsenic to protect public health.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateOct 2, 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.

In childhood leukemia study, aggressive chemotherapy cuts deaths by 37%

A study found that using aggressive chemotherapy with high doses of methotrexate, asparaginase, and doxorubicin improves survival rates for children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by 15 percentage points. The new approach also showed minimal long-term effects beyond those seen in lower-dose treatment regimens.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 2, 2003