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Science News for September 25, 2003


A low-sodium diet does not raise blood cholesterol levels

A new study examined lipid data from the DASH-Sodium Trial and found no notable increases in blood lipid levels among participants on low, intermediate, or high sodium intake levels. The findings are significant for public health recommendations to reduce sodium intake and lower high blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 25, 2003

UVa scientists detail salmonella protein

Researchers at UVa and Rockefeller University found that SipA, a Salmonella protein, tethers to actin, allowing bacteria to infect cells. The study's findings may lead to the development of new treatments against severe infections.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Soldier or worker – what do the genes say?

Scientists identified 25 genes expressed differently in soldier and worker termites, with workers having higher levels of cellulose-degrading genes. Soldiers had higher levels of muscle- and cytoskeleton-related genes, suggesting their large mouthparts may be linked to these genes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 25, 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.

2003 HBP news tips

Studies found that people with high-normal blood pressure already have signs of target organ damage and are at increased risk for cardiovascular death. Potassium intake was also shown to reduce the size of a stroke in an animal study.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 25, 2003

Fibroblasts hold clues to fat, scars and inflammation

Scientists found certain fibroblasts can transform into myofibroblasts, leading to fibrosis, and lipofibroblasts, developing into fat cells that cause thyroid eye disease. This research may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases like fibrosis and fatty tissue buildup.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 25, 2003

Are hepatitis A vaccine boosters unnecessary?

Hepatitis A vaccine boosters are unnecessary for healthy individuals, according to a meeting of experts; protective antibody amounts persist beyond 10 years after primary vaccination. Further investigations are needed for special patient groups.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 25, 2003

Innovative shuttle bus debuts in Washington, D.C.

The new yellow bus features alternative fuel, a low floor, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing easy accessibility for passengers. The bus is designed to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and protect national parks' pristine environment.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateSep 25, 2003

Better outcome for ICU patients after removal of bacteria from digestive tract

A randomized trial found that surgical decontamination (SDD) significantly reduces mortality in ICU patients by lowering antibiotic-resistant bacteria infections. SDD is recommended for patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and meticillin-resistant S aureus prevalence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 25, 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.

Salk news: A new view on brain function

Researchers Terrence Sejnowski and Simon Laughlin argue that the human brain operates as a highly efficient hybrid device capable of making sophisticated computations. The brain's long-distance communication systems have been optimized for energy efficiency through millions of years of evolution.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

New method could aid in prostate and breast cancer diagnosis

Researchers have created a new method that could detect diseases at earlier stages than possible now, using protein targets like PSA. The method is a million times more sensitive than conventional methods and has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnostics and treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Northern climate, ecosystems driven by cycles of changing sunlight

Researchers found cycles lasting 200, 435, 590 and 950 years that reflect changes in solar intensity and sea ice extent. The patterns match cyclic changes in solar irradiance and North Atlantic sea ice, suggesting a link between solar variations and climate.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Post-Sept. 11 study results published by U. of Colorado Center

A new book published by the University of Colorado Center explores post-disaster research and findings from 22 studies on emergency response, corporate interactions, volunteer behavior, and risk communication. The studies aim to improve public policy and disaster response in the face of terrorist attacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateSep 25, 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.

EUROCARE 3 - new European cancer survival figures

The report analyzed data from 22 countries and 42 types of cancer, showing average five-year survival rates ranging from 94% for lip cancer to less than 4% for pancreatic cancer. Regional variations were found, with some Eastern European countries having lower survival rates and western Europe performing better.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 25, 2003

Heading into difficulty?

Recent soccer heading practices have been found to lead to weaker neurocognitive performance, including decline in cognitive function, verbal learning difficulties, and reduced attention span. Research suggests that even short-term heading may pose a risk factor for long-term brain damage.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Neuropsychology·DateSep 25, 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.

Better outcome for ICU patients after removal of bacteria from digestive tract

A randomized trial found that selective use of antibiotic decontamination (SDD) significantly reduced ICU deaths by 15% and overall hospital deaths by 24%, as well as infection rates with antibiotic-resistant bacteria by 16%. The study advocates for the use of SDD in patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low prevalence of ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 25, 2003

NIH awards $51 million to fight autoimmune diseases

The NIH has awarded $51 million to fund the Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence program, which aims to develop new immune-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. This expansion will enhance interactions between scientists and clinicians to accelerate translation of research findings into medical applications.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 25, 2003

Salmonella uses molecular staples to change structure of infected cells

Researchers discovered how Salmonella injects proteins into host cells that staple actin molecules together, changing the cell's structure to facilitate bacterial invasion. This complex protein secretion system allows Salmonella to manipulate host cells in unique ways, enabling it to evade immune responses.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Deep brain stimulation offers benefits against Parkinson's

A long-term follow-up study found that deep brain stimulation on the subthalamic nucleus improved motor scores by an average of 48% and reduced medication requirements. Younger patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease experienced sustained improvement in motor function for up to two years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 25, 2003

Nordic collaboration gives new insights into adjuvant chemotherapy

A large-scale clinical study by Nordic collaboration has provided new insights into the effects of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. The analysis demonstrated that among 2,223 patients, those given chemotherapy as part of routine care had a five-year survival rate of 56%, compared to 49% for those treated by surgery alone.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 25, 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.

Danger on chromosome 15

Researchers have discovered four new genes in the most unstable part of chromosome 15 that contribute to Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes and hereditary spastic paraplegia. These findings can expand genetic diagnosis of these diseases, including prenatal genetic counseling.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 25, 2003

MIT: Atomic insight may lead to cleaner cars

The MIT team has developed a promising catalytic converter that controls emissions and can withstand excess oxygen. By understanding the atomic-level reaction process of sulfur trioxide formation, they aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 25, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers solve the mystery of a key structure in immune system cells

Researchers identified a bull's eye-shaped structure between white blood cells that enhances sensitivity to antigens but cuts off signaling beyond a threshold, preventing T-cell death. This adaptive control device enables the immune system to respond to signs of infection over a wide range of magnitudes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Software tackles protein pathways

Researchers have developed a new software tool called PathBLAST that can represent and compare protein interaction networks from different organisms. The tool uses algorithms to translate the information into a linear code, allowing for rapid comparisons of interaction networks.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 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.

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.

Dog genome published by researchers at TIGR and TCAG

Researchers at TIGR and TCAG published the first partial shotgun-genome sequence of the dog genome, revealing similarities with human and mouse genomes. The study identified 974,400 SNPs in dogs and found that the canine lineage diverged from the common ancestor of humans, mice, and other species.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2003

Academic clinical research is under threat from the EU

The EU's new clinical trial directive may hinder international collaborations, leading to delays in cancer treatment development. This could result in patients being deprived of life-saving treatments, as the effectiveness of new drugs would be determined solely by pharmaceutical industry-sponsored research.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 25, 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.

Data on global vaccination coverage paints overoptimistic picture

A study by the World Health Organization found that officially reported global vaccination coverage rates are higher than actual rates, highlighting issues with data quality. The investigation compared national data with a 'gold standard' household survey method in 45 countries between 1990 and 2000.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 25, 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.