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Science News Archive April 2004 - Page 11


Page 11 of 12

Other highlights in the April 7 JNCI

Two new studies found no association between aspirin use and mortality from pancreatic cancer, while elevated insulin production was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Hyperinsulinemia, a condition associated with type 2 diabetes, also appears to be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 2004

Immediate mammogram reading may decrease stress associated with abnormal results

A study found that immediate mammogram reading can decrease stress and anxiety in women, especially those receiving false-positive results. Women who received rapid evaluation of their mammograms reported less anxiety than those who had to wait several days for results.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 6, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Web-based education limited by publishers' restrictions

A study found that only half of publishers agreed to grant permission for web-based courses to store electronic versions of articles without additional charges. Fewer than 60% granted permission to reproduce extracts at no fee, highlighting the need for more transparent and accessible publishing policies.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateApr 6, 2004
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.

Received truth turned on end in cancer research

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that the same genetic mechanism is responsible for developing both leukemia and solid tumors, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for treatment strategies, as it may lead to more effective medicines targeting specific fusion proteins.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 6, 2004

Partnership will boost maritime research

The partnership aims to improve human resource development and create an international network of social scientists working on maritime issues. Students from developing countries in Asia and Japan will be awarded scholarships to pursue Masters of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

SourceCardiff University·DateApr 6, 2004

SOS Rx: National medication safety group organized

SOS Rx aims to produce behavior changes in consumers through education efforts and institutional changes within the health care system through advocacy. The coalition is exploring ways to promote system-wide changes, including a clearinghouse of safe practices and personal medication records.

SourceNational Consumers League·DateApr 6, 2004

Stevens Technology Confidence Index again trends upward

The Global Technology Confidence Index (GTCI) has shown a dramatic increase in business confidence, particularly in North America, where executives plan to boost technology investments. The index, which measures confidence in technology management, has been rising steadily since its inception in 2003.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateApr 6, 2004

'Crystal engineering' helps scientists solve 3-D protein structures

Scientists use 'targeted mutagenesis' to make proteins more amenable to crystallization, shedding light on the plague and other diseases. The technique has already solved the structures of stubborn proteins like V antigen of Yersinia pestis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences·JournalStructure·DateApr 6, 2004
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.

Loggerhead sea turtles nesting earlier due to warmer ocean temperatures

A study led by University of Central Florida researchers found that loggerhead sea turtles are laying eggs 10 days earlier than in the past, with near-shore ocean temperatures increasing by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit between 1989 and 2003. This change raises concerns about the turtles' food supplies and hatchling survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 6, 2004

Warning to preserve 'unique' red squirrel from extinction

Cumbria's unique genetic 'unique' red squirrels are dwindling in number due to an American grey squirrel invasion. Conservationists argue that a captive breeding programme should be introduced as additional measure to ensure their survival.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConservation Genetics·DateApr 6, 2004
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.

Gene with key role in replicating pox viruses also halts inflammation

Researchers have discovered a gene that inhibits NF-kB, a cellular transcription factor involved in anti-viral immune responses and inflammation. The study found that this gene, K1L, prevents degradation of the cellular inhibitor of NF-kB, ultimately halting viral replication.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 6, 2004

Study identifies predictors of Alzheimer's disease longevity

Researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease survived about half as long as similar-aged individuals without the disease. Poor scores on memory tests predicted shorter survival times after diagnosis, while walking problems, congestive heart failure, and diabetes were also significant predictors of reduced life expectancy.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Genetic trick adapted from viruses makes gene therapy vectors more versatile

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a genetic trick adapted from viruses to create gene therapy vectors that can efficiently produce multiple proteins in specific amounts. This technique uses self-cleaving peptides to break down long protein complexes into smaller, functional proteins.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 5, 2004

HIV finds new way to play hide and seek

Researchers discover HIV mutations that prevent immune system from recognizing protein fragments, allowing virus to replicate and increase in number. This finding highlights the importance of considering nearby regions not recognized by the immune system when designing vaccines.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2004

Trauma and post-traumatic stress highly prevalent among delinquents

A study by Northwestern University found that over 90% of delinquent youth had experienced at least one traumatic event, with boys reporting higher rates than girls. The researchers recommend improving mental health services for high-risk youth and detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in juvenile detainees.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2004

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Study finds lesbian and bisexual girls are at heightened risk for tobacco use

A study by Children's Hospital Boston found that lesbian and bisexual teenage girls are at a heightened risk for tobacco use, likely due to antigay stigma and harassment. The study suggests that these girls may be more susceptible to nicotine addiction and require targeted prevention efforts.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

Use of guns by teens for threats more likely than for self-defense

A study of 5,800 California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense instances, with most threats coming from other teenagers. The research suggests that gun use for self-defense often involves hostile interactions between teens with weapons.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

First flavors form a lasting impression

A study found that infants fed protein hydrolysate formula for seven months developed a taste preference for the formula, while those fed standard milk-based formula rejected it. Early flavor exposure influences long-term food choices.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

UT Southwestern researchers reveal mechanisms of smooth-muscle contraction

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a second chemical pathway that enhances smooth-muscle cell contraction when the primary pathway is limited. This finding has implications for treating conditions such as hypertension and other smooth muscle-related disorders.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateApr 5, 2004

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

Internet2 may change the way scientists conduct research

Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalEos·DateApr 5, 2004

Comprehensive study: We know little about environmental effects on kids

A new study, led by experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center, explores the effects of environmental agents and toxins on children's health. The report highlights the significant knowledge gap in understanding how environmental factors affect children compared to adults.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

Atherosclerosis linked to depression in older persons

Research links severe atherosclerosis to increased prevalence of depressive disorders in older adults. Patients with coronary and aortic calcifications are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2004

Newer drugs more effective at curing strep throat than penicillin

A new study finds that cephalosporin drugs are more effective in treating strep throat than penicillin, with a superior bacterial cure rate. First-generation cephalosporin drugs offer the same narrow-spectrum effect as penicillin at comparable costs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers caution against linking strep, neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers caution against linking strep bacteria to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and tics in children. Neurologist Roger Kurlan and Edward L. Kaplan argue that the criteria for establishing a connection between strep and behavioral disorders are too vague, citing a lack of evidence from large, carefully controlled studies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

Online IV nutrition calculator reduces medical errors, saves time

The TPN Calculator significantly reduced medical errors and saved time for healthcare providers. With the online calculator, errors decreased by nearly 90%, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to patient care. The system's development preserved the existing ordering process while improving efficiency and reducing calculation errors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 5, 2004

UCSD study cites lack of vigorous exercise as primary factor in adolescent obesity

A UCSD study found that adolescents who engaged in less vigorous physical activity were more likely to be overweight or at risk for obesity. The researchers also discovered that fiber intake was closely linked to weight, with normal-weight teens consuming more fibrous foods like whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Three new South American fish identified

Researchers have identified three new Geophagus fish species in South America, shedding light on the region's biodiversity and ecosystem importance. The discoveries add to ongoing efforts to catalog the approximately 4,475 freshwater fish species found in the region.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalZootaxa·DateApr 5, 2004
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.

New calculator provides more accurate estimates of colon cancer survival

A new calculator tool, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, helps physicians estimate colon cancer patient prognosis and aid in treatment decisions. The calculator considers four factors: lymph node status, tumor depth, grade, and age to provide more accurate five-year survival estimates with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 5, 2004

USC awarded $3.5 million to study DNA enzyme

The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 5, 2004

Novel MRI technique provides clear images of blood flow

A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 4, 2004
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.

Why passive smoking hinders healing

Research finds that passive smoking hinders healing by changing the arrangement of fibroblast cells' cytoskeleton, making them less mobile and more prone to abnormal scarring. This can lead to slower wound closure rates in smokers compared to non-smokers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cell Biology·DateApr 4, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Building a scale sensitive enough to weigh a virus

Researchers use nanoelectromechanical systems to detect masses as small as 6 attograms, a third of the mass of a typical virus. The technology has potential for detecting and identifying microorganisms and biological molecules.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 2, 2004