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Science News Archive September 2003


Page 1 of 10

MRI accurately depicts spread of cancer to bone

A study published in Radiology found that MRI can accurately detect bone invasion by soft-tissue sarcomas, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 93%, respectively. This accuracy enables radiologists to confidently evaluate MR results for bone involvement, previously reserved for soft tissue involvement.

Research offers insight on treatment for hereditary eye disease

Researchers have identified a molecular understanding of the abnormal proteins causing retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. They will now focus on designing effective drugs to delay disease progression by stabilizing the mutated rhodopsin protein.

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.

Contrast mammography reveals hard-to-find cancers

A new dual-energy, contrast-enhanced digital subtraction mammography technique has shown promising results in revealing hard-to-detect breast cancers. The study found that the technique was able to identify cancerous tumors in 13 out of 26 patients, with accuracy rates similar to those achieved by breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study shows link between antibiotics and allergies, asthma

A recent study by Henry Ford Health found a significant link between early antibiotic use in children and an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. The study followed 448 children from birth to seven years and found that those who received antibiotics in the first six months were more likely to develop these conditions.

NIAID funds construction of biosafety laboratories

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded grants to fund the construction of six biosafety laboratories, including three NBLs and three RBLs. The new labs will provide a safe environment for scientists to conduct critical research on infectious diseases and bioterrorism.

Tylenol awards $250,000 to outstanding healthcare students

The Tylenol Scholarship is one of the largest merit scholarship programs in the United States for all health-related studies. Since its inception in 1991, more than $6 million in scholarship grants have been awarded to over 5,000 students by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Abrupt wing stall

Researchers at the Office of Naval Research created a national study to understand and predict abrupt wing stall (AWS) in aircraft. They developed new tools and procedures to assess an aircraft's susceptibility to AWS, which can be used to screen new wing designs earlier in their development phase.

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.

Biological basis for creativity linked to mental illness

A study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that creative individuals have low levels of latent inhibition, a process that filters out irrelevant information. This allows them to remain open to new possibilities, potentially leading to original thinking and creative accomplishment.

Sept/Oct Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

This tip sheet explores the impact of continuity of care on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Research suggests that provider continuity is associated with lower total healthcare costs, but not necessarily improved quality of care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Chronic pain: treatment, rehabilitation, and quality of life

Researchers investigated chronic pain management through surveys, questionnaires, and studies. The results highlighted the importance of pain treatment outcomes, associations with health-risk behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorder relationships. Additionally, a new exercise program improved arm and hand recovery after stroke.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Isabel's secrets

The CBLAST project aims to provide more accurate predictions of hurricane intensity, landfall, and storm surge using new data-collection instruments and computer models. This research will help save lives and reduce economic losses for citizens and the Navy.

What lies beneath

Researchers investigate how La Jolla and Scripps Canyons near San Diego impact waves, currents, and beaches. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach with sensors, aircraft, and autonomous underwater vehicles to gather data on the dynamic nearshore environment.

Canopy raft, canopy crane, canopy bubble, Ikos tree house in Panama

The IBISCA project aims to understand the vertical stratification of insects throughout the dark understory and emergent canopy of Panama's tropical forest. Using advanced technologies, including a canopy crane, raft, bubble, and treehouse, researchers will collect samples and data on arthropods and other organisms.

Interdisciplinary coral bleaching research funded

Researchers will develop mathematical models to better understand coral bleaching and predict future changes. Localized warming of the world's oceans is causing thermal stress on coral reefs, leading to mass bleaching and ecosystem decline.

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.

Discovering what genes do the high-throughput way

Researchers developed a systematic approach to inhibit 1,000 Drosophila genes and observed changes in cell morphology. By clustering genes by their effects, they assigned functions to 50 previously uncharacterized genes, shedding light on cellular processes.

Other highlights in the October 1 issue of JNCI

A new study found that adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve survival rates for patients with surgically removed non-small-cell lung cancer. Additionally, a study on selenium supplementation revealed that it may increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and total nonmelanoma skin cancer in individuals at high risk.

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.

New research technique provides unique glimpse into Alzheimer's disease

Researchers used a new microdialysis technique to study amyloid-beta levels in interstitial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid of mice with Alzheimer's-like changes. They found that ABeta42 levels decrease in cerebrospinal fluid while AB40 increases, suggesting a shift in how the molecule is moved between compartments.

Obesity and blood pressure

Researchers found that high-fat diet causes downregulation of CYP4A and CYP2C23 enzymes in renal tubules, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and elevated blood pressure. This study highlights the importance of eicosanoid synthesis in regulating renal function and blood pressure.

Vascular disease and aging

A new study has identified specific molecules whose genetic regulation is altered during aging, contributing to vascular remodeling. The study found that inflammatory-associated adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 had significantly increased expression at older ages.

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.

Infants can use previous observations to interpret new ones

Researchers found that 12-month-old infants looked longer at the ball approaching a helpful square, indicating they differentiated between the movies. This suggests that infants have ideas about what type of action would be more likely for the ball given its previous interactions.

Scientists estimate risk of raven predation on desert tortoises

Researchers found that common raven populations in the western Mojave Desert have exploded by 1,500 percent, posing a significant threat to young desert tortoises. The study used artificial baits to assess risk of predation and mapped areas with high predation risk, highlighting the importance of safe refuges for tortoises.

NIAID awards $81 million for HIV vaccine development

Four research organizations will receive funding to develop promising HIV vaccine candidates using DNA vaccines, virus vector vaccines, subunit vaccines, and virus-like particle vaccines. Researchers aim to induce strong cellular and antibody immune responses in animal models.

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.

Trojan Horse technique may slow growth of tumours

A new treatment approach uses a Trojan Horse technique to deliver a radioactive isotope into breast cancer cells, slowing tumour growth. The therapy combines EGF with Indium-111, exploiting the natural uptake of EGF by breast cancer cells.

University of Toronto professor turns hemp into auto parts

A University of Toronto professor has created a way to turn hemp into strong and lightweight biocomposites. These materials can be used in various applications such as automotive interior parts, structural buildings, sports equipment, and even medical devices like cardiac devices and blood bags.

NIAID reports 'tremendous progress' in biodefense research

The NIAID Biodefense Research Agenda has made significant strides in developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for bioterror agents. The Institute has expanded partnerships with industry and academia to accelerate research and development of countermeasures.

Study offers genetic clues to causes of mysterious skin disease

Researchers have identified over 2,700 genes with unusual activity in people with scleroderma, a mysterious skin disease. The study's findings suggest the disease is systemic, not confined to visible skin patches, and may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted treatment options.

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.

Marine Corps experience shown to enhance job prospects

A study by Penn State researchers found that employer understanding of the Marine Corps experience is crucial in seeing its value, with those who comprehend core values and life skills leading to higher salary offers. However, a majority of employers lack clear understanding, resulting in no difference being seen between hiring civilia...

Cleaner chemical processes is goal of new center

The Center for Environmental and Biological Chemistry (CEBC) will focus on developing greener chemical processes, including catalysts for cleaner solvents. Researchers will work with industry partners to create more efficient reactors and reduce waste, aiming to improve the quality of life through cleaner chemicals.

High blood pressure does not accelerate age-related cognitive decline

Researchers found that middle-aged individuals with high blood pressure perform slower in certain tasks compared to older adults with similar blood pressure levels. Age-related decline in cognitive performance was not accelerated by high blood pressure, but rather associated with overall difficulty of the task.

Metal stamping project aims at cutting manufacturing costs

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers have developed a new metal-stamping test station with an X-ray stress measurement system. This equipment enables detailed maps of stresses and strains as sheets of steel and other metals are punched, stretched or otherwise shaped.

PET scans used to determine progression of HIV infection

A study found that PET scans can detect activation of lymph nodes in HIV-infected individuals, suggesting potential targets for treatment. Researchers propose using PET scans to locate active nodes and target them with radiation or removal.

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.

Post-stroke treatment with antidepressants appears to reduce death rate

The study found that nearly 68% of patients who received antidepressant treatment were alive after nine years, compared to about 36% of those who received placebo. The researchers believe antidepressants may provide protective effects by improving recovery and reducing mortality in stroke patients.

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.

Researchers identify botox receptor

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison identify a receptor for botulinum neurotoxin B, allowing for improved medical uses and prevention against biological threats. The discovery enables the development of antidotes and protective agents to neutralize the toxin.

Popular Canadian writing born in US, says scholar

A study by Professor Nick Mount reveals how Canadian writers who emigrated to the US in the 19th century formed expatriate communities that helped promote and publish their work. These communities provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling many Canadians to achieve literary success and make a living from writing.

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.

Rating the performance of residential fuel cells

Researchers at NIST are studying how different factors affect fuel cell efficiency, including electrical and heating demands, temperatures, humidity, and power systems. The goal is to develop performance ratings that can help consumers understand the financial costs and benefits of fuel cells in various geographic and climate conditions.

Making tiny plastic particles to deliver lifesaving medicine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed tiny plastic particles that can release medicine over a prescribed period, without triggering an immune response. The particles are designed to dissolve slowly in the body and cross the mucus lining of air passages, reaching their target cells underneath.

Dual microscopes illuminate electronic switching speeds

Researchers developed a new method combining atomic force and scanning capacitance microscopes to measure semiconductor switching speeds, enabling quick scanning of wafers for defects. This technique has the potential to determine if missing atoms in semiconductors slow down electrical charge movement.

Faculty earns $330,000 for particle physics research

Florida Institute of Technology scientist receives three-year grant to study high-energy proton-proton collisions and fundamental questions of nature. The grant is part of the CMS experiment at CERN, a large international collaboration involving over 1,850 scientists from 34 countries.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Early Andean cultures part of intensive silver industry

Research reveals early Andean cultures were advanced technologically, polluting the atmosphere with heavy metals and facing climate change challenges. The study suggests that several thousand tons of silver were produced in pre-Incan times, but most likely recycled or exported.