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Science News for September 15, 2003


National lab trains U. S. customs agents against WMD

Customs agents receive comprehensive training to identify and halt smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. The training covers materials, components, and dual-use items associated with WMD development and deployment.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 15, 2003

Ductile intermetallic compounds discovered

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have identified 12 fully ordered, completely stoichiometric intermetallic compounds with remarkable ductility. These materials exhibit higher ASTM fracture toughness values comparable to commercial aircraft aluminum alloys.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 15, 2003

Overlooking racism may lead to undiagnosed mental health disorders

A Vanderbilt University researcher suggests that ignoring racism in mental health diagnosis can mask severe psychological problems. Brown proposes five mental health issues linked to racism that are prevalent among blacks, including nihilistic tendencies and suppressed anger expression.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 15, 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.

Cranberry component linked to reduced stroke damage

Preliminary research suggests that cranberry extract can reduce the severity of stroke by 50% in brain cell death. Cranberries also have powerful antioxidant capabilities and unique bacteria-blocking properties, which may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.

SourcePublicis Dialog·DateSep 15, 2003

Consumer-driven health care research findings released

A two-year research project on Minneapolis-based Definity Health found that it attracted higher-income families and was popular among those aged 35-44. Consumer-driven plans also showed an increase in demand for prescription drugs over time.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·DateSep 15, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changing the face of biology

Two new centers will explore modular biology and biological circuits in human cells, aiming to unravel complex patterns of biological interactions. Researchers from diverse fields will work together to solve today's most challenging problems in biomedicine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·DateSep 15, 2003

Some forms of cancer behave in an unexpected way

Researchers discovered a group of breast cancer tumors unrelated to typical patterns, with no clear link between tumor size and axillary lymph node cancer. This finding has significant implications for early diagnosis and treatment of women carrying the BRCA1 gene mutation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCancer·DateSep 15, 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.

U of T scientists among world's top young innovators

Researchers Ted Sargent and Alex Vasilescu have been named to Technology Review's TR100 list for their groundbreaking work in nanotechnology, face recognition, and human motion analysis. Their innovative research has the potential to impact various industries, including security, biometrics, and filmmaking.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateSep 15, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, September 15, 2003

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that D-beta-hydroxybutyrate restores impaired brain function and protects against neurodegeneration in mice with Parkinson's disease. The study supports a critical role for mitochondrial defects in the progression of the disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 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.

HIV seen as less threatening in era of new treatments

A study suggests that new HIV treatments can lead to a decrease in people's concerns about the disease, resulting in increased transmission rates. Researchers believe that health professionals should address this issue by revamping prevention messages and programs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateSep 15, 2003

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet, September 16, 2003

A new set of guidelines aims to standardize reporting of medical guidelines, reducing misunderstandings among clinicians, patients, and reporters. Blood pressure pills have been found to lower hip fracture risk in older adults, but the protective effect disappears after four months without treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 15, 2003

T cell lifespan during HIV infection

A study challenges previous views on HIV-infected T cell lifespan, revealing that chronic immune activation drives high proliferation rates in memory T cells. HAART treatment improves long-lived T cell production, providing insight into the body's response to HIV infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2003

UGA researchers find caffeine reduces muscle pain during exercise

Caffeine was found to reduce thigh muscle pain in young adult men during cycling exercise, suggesting its potential as a pain relief aid for endurance activities. The study's results may help explain why prior reports showed that caffeine improves exercise performance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Pain·DateSep 15, 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.

BMPs and bone loss: Get it through your noggin

The overproduction of noggin during aging may result in impaired bone building and function, leading to net bone loss. Researchers suggest that recombinant BMP2 may prove useful in reversing age-related bone loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2003

Bacterial relationships revealed

A new approach to analyzing bacterial genomes has enabled the reconstruction of evolutionary events and the diversification of bacterial species over a billion years. This method uses gene indicators to chart the structure and substance of genomes, providing valuable insights into genomic evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 15, 2003

Study reveals why silicon crystals lose their 'edge'

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a series of phase transitions that cause silicon crystals to round their edges as they reach thermal equilibrium. This finding has implications for the manufacturing of tiny electronic components, such as wires and semiconductors, which could be designed with specific patterns.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSurface Science·DateSep 15, 2003

Synthesis of cage-like silica structure easier and cheaper

Scientists at Penn State University have created a novel method for synthesizing cage-like silica structures by combining different templates and heating them in a microwave oven. This innovative approach produces larger particles with improved stability and reduced synthesis time compared to previous methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateSep 15, 2003

A cheap and easy way to treat Parkinson disease

A cheap and easy way to treat Parkinson disease involves infusing the ketone body D-beta-HB, which restores mitochondrial respiration and protects against neurodegeneration. This novel therapy supports a critical role for mitochondrial defect in Parkinson disease and offers new hope for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 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.

Powerful new method helps reveal genetic basis of cancer

Researchers developed a powerful new method called ROMA to compare normal cell DNA with breast cancer DNA, revealing chromosomal amplifications and deletions involved in breast cancer. The study also found large copy number polymorphisms in healthy cells that may underlie human traits.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 15, 2003

Sick Kids researchers identify cancer stem cell for brain tumours

Brain tumours are difficult to cure despite advances in surgery and drug treatments. Researchers have identified a cancer stem cell that drives tumour growth, leading them to design therapies targeting these cells., The discovery sheds light on metastases and may lead to new targets for brain tumour therapy.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2003

Diabetes drug may be new tool in treating breast cancer

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a direct link between genes causing breast and other cancers, and those linked to diabetes. The study suggests that drugs blocking the effects of one gene may be useful in stopping the conversion of normal tissue to malignant tissue.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateSep 15, 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.

On the horizon of glucose monitoring: A review

Researchers review new glucose monitoring technologies, including non-invasive options that could lead to better compliance with testing recommendations. Continuous glucose monitoring systems also hold promise for early detection of hidden glucose trends.

SourcePenn State·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·DateSep 15, 2003

'Shifty-eyed' monkeys offer window into brain's social reflexes

Researchers discovered that monkeys reflexively shift their attention to the direction of another individual's gaze, mirroring human behavior. This finding holds promise for a new animal model of social attention, which could lead to better treatments for autism and improved teaching methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 15, 2003

Old drug works new tricks for iron overload heart disease

Researchers have discovered that oral medications commonly used to treat hypertension are also effective in preventing iron overload from causing permanent damage to the heart. The study suggests that these drugs may offer a new treatment option for patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and other genetic disorders

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 15, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Controlling the internal clock in darkness

Scientists have found that brain clock cells in fruit flies rely on intercellular communication to sustain their circadian rhythms, even in the absence of light. The study also shows that a protein called PDF plays a crucial role in coordinating this process.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 15, 2003

Report finds 'no convincing evidence' that psychological debriefing reduces incidence of PTSD

A new report examines the efficacy of psychological debriefing in reducing PTSD incidence and suggests it may hinder natural recovery. Controlled studies show little to no effect on PTSD onset, indicating that factors such as social network and stress processing methods are more directly correlated with PTSD manifestation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateSep 15, 2003