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Science News for September 16, 2003


Study shows dramatic increase in wrist fractures over 30-year span

A recent study found a dramatic increase in wrist fractures among children under 35 over three decades, with rising physical activity and declining milk consumption contributing to the trend. The research suggests that early-life dietary habits may impact bone development and increase fracture risk later in life.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2003

Was the Universe born in a Black Hole?

A new model suggests that the Big Bang could have been an explosion within a black hole, with the universe expanding into an infinite space. The theory, developed by UC Davis and University of Michigan mathematicians, satisfies Einstein's equations while allowing for expansion.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

Ocean plant life slows down and absorbs less carbon

Ocean phytoplankton's net primary productivity has declined by over 6% globally since the 1980s, mainly due to increased temperatures and decreased iron deposition. This decline affects the global carbon cycle, as phytoplankton absorbs half of the Earth's CO2 through photosynthesis.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 16, 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.

Homing in on dark energy

The study confirms the accelerating expansion of the universe due to dark energy, with data from 11 distant supernovae. It provides more precise measures of matter and dark energy composition in the universe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateSep 16, 2003

HIV researcher at Rush awarded grant from Doris Duke Foundation

A new study aims to determine which assay is most effective in providing accurate CD4 cell counts in HIV positive patients in rural countries. The research, led by a Rush University Medical Center scientist, tests three different assays to assess CD4 cell counts and could help improve treatment outcomes for millions worldwide.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateSep 16, 2003

Madagascar to triple areas under protection

The government aims to safeguard 10% of its territory by tripling protected areas, with a focus on preserving primary forests and promoting sustainable land use. Madagascar is home to unique and endemic species found nowhere else.

SourceConservation International·DateSep 16, 2003

University of Chicago scientist wins prestigious Balzan Prize

Wen-Hsiung Li has made seminal contributions to the field of evolutionary molecular genetics, developing widely used methods for inferring phylogenetic relationships and discovering important insights into genetic change rates. His work has improved our understanding of evolutionary lineages and genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateSep 16, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Technique reduces time spent on radiation doses

Researchers have developed a new technique using wavelet analysis to speed up radiation dose calculations, allowing for more accurate control over radiation doses and reduced damage to adjacent healthy tissues. This breakthrough uses wavelets to give good fast approximations to smooth data fields with 'rough' noise.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMedical Physics·DateSep 16, 2003

College students support smoking restrictions

Most college students surveyed favored policies ranging from banning smoking in all dormitories to prohibiting the sale or advertising of tobacco products on campus. Smokers also supported making all college buildings smoke-free and prohibiting tobacco company sponsorship of campus events.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTobacco Control·DateSep 16, 2003

New clinical research study evaluates novel cell therapy

The STEPS study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Spheramine, a cell therapy that produces levodopa to enhance dopamine production in the brain. The study aims to provide a new method for Parkinson's patients to achieve continuous control of motor function.

SourceRush University Medical Center·DateSep 16, 2003

UGA, MCG study impact of long-term use of schizophrenia drugs

A collaborative study between UGA and MCG investigated the cognitive effects of long-term use of newer schizophrenia drugs. The researchers found that while atypical antipsychotics cause fewer problems with movement disorders, their long-term impact on cognitive function is still unclear.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 16, 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.

Prescription drug utilization reviews are less than useful

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mandatory prescription drug utilization reviews have no detectable effect on prescribing errors or patient outcomes. The program's reliance on computer alerts and guidelines was deemed ineffective in changing physician behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2003

North American mammographers prone to more false positives, study finds

A recent study found that North American mammographers are more likely to interpret mammograms as abnormal, leading to higher rates of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The study analyzed data from 32 community-based screening programs in North America and compared outcomes with those in other countries.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 16, 2003

URI oceanographer receives NSF grant to study carbon flux in the ocean

Dr. S. Bradley Moran and his team will conduct field and modeling studies to assess and improve POC tracing methods, focusing on Th-234's variability in estimating export flux. The research aims to provide accurate information on mechanisms of estimating upper ocean POC export flux using thorium-234.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateSep 16, 2003

Longer commute for cancer treatment associated with better survival

Patients who traveled at least 15 miles for care had a one-third lower risk of dying during the trial and follow-up period compared to those living closer. The study found that patients with higher incomes, more education, and a supportive social network tended to fare better in terms of survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 16, 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.

Longer commute for cancer treatment associated with better survival

Patients who traveled farther for cancer treatment had improved overall and progression-free survival rates, suggesting that access to information and resources plays a crucial role in cancer outcomes. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering travel distance as a potential factor in phase II clinical trial results.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 16, 2003

Other highlights in the September 17 issue of JNCI

A new study found that a rapid increase in the incidence of esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas is linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, and gastroesophageal reflux. High serum levels of vitamin E are associated with reduced risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 16, 2003

Tip percentage declines with larger bills

Researchers found that servers at two restaurants and cab drivers received lower tip percentages for larger bills, but levels off above $100. The magnitude effect shows that relative value is affected by absolute amount, contradicting standard microeconomic theory.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 16, 2003

Religion helps shape wealth of Americans, study finds

A study by Ohio State University's Lisa Keister found that people who regularly attend religious services tend to be more wealthy than those who don't. The effect of religion is robust even after considering other factors such as inheritances and education, suggesting that faith influences spending and saving strategies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 16, 2003
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

High blood pressure, fatty deposits are 'bit players' in bulging arteries

Researchers found that age, gender, and body size are better predictors of aortic aneurysm than previously thought. Atherosclerosis and related risk factors only accounted for 3% of cases, suggesting genetic diseases like Marfan syndrome may play a more significant role.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2003

Study assessing once daily Abacavir (ABC) in a once daily ART regimen

A multicenter study of 770 individuals found that a once-daily Abacavir regimen achieved similar virologic responses as the traditional twice-daily dosing regimen, with 66% achieving undetectable HIV-1 RNA levels. The regimen was also found to have a similar safety profile, with minimal hypersensitivity reactions reported.

SourcePublic Communications Inc.·DateSep 16, 2003

Ceramics reinforced with nanotubes

The new material has up to five times the fracture toughness of conventional alumina, making it more forgiving under dynamic loads. It also exhibits high electrical conductivity ten trillion times greater than pure alumina, with interesting thermal properties that make it suitable for thermal barrier coatings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 16, 2003

Interim analysis comparing TDF to EFV in combination with 3TC + ABC

An interim analysis of a study comparing TDF to EFV in combination with 3TC + ABC found that the TDF arm had a higher rate of virologic non-response. The study included 194 patients and showed that VL <400 copies/mL was achieved in 49% of TDF subjects, compared to 90% of EFV subjects.

SourcePublic Communications Inc.·DateSep 16, 2003

Many children in Medicaid managed care do not receive same quality of care

A study by The Commonwealth Fund found that children in Medicaid managed care receive significantly lower rates for clinical quality indicators, including childhood immunizations and well-child visits. High-performing plans with both commercial and Medicaid enrollees were able to achieve high HEDIS performance measures.

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 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.

Mayo Clinic study finds increase in forearm fractures among adolescents

A recent Mayo Clinic study has found a significant increase in forearm fractures among adolescents, with the rate rising by 42% over two decades. The study, which analyzed data from 1969-1971 and 1999-2001, found that girls between 8 and 11 and boys between 11 and 14 had higher fracture rates than all other age groups studied.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2003

Engineers head into path of Hurricane Isabel

Clemson researchers are using innovative 'wind towers' to gather high-resolution wind speed data near the ground, crucial for developing hurricane-resistant homes. The device's output will be used to refine building codes and potentially reduce construction costs.

SourceClemson University·DateSep 16, 2003

Major new center at UIC to study racial/ethnic disparities in health

The UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities will explore how individual and socio-ecological factors affect prognosis and outcome for breast cancer victims. The study aims to design better interventions to lower the incidence of death in minorities due to late-stage diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateSep 16, 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.