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Science News for August 17, 2004


Snake venom reveals clues about heart drug

Researchers studied snake venom and found it blocks integrin receptors like human drugs, but leaves some activated. This may explain why some oral medications increase patient deaths – they don't bind to receptors inside platelets.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateAug 17, 2004
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.

NIAID taps Chiron to develop vaccine against H9N2 avian influenza

The NIAID Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Program supports the development and production of a candidate vaccine against H9N2 avian influenza. The vaccine will be produced by Chiron Corporation in Italy, with different dosages containing an adjuvant to boost its protective effect.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 17, 2004

Teens with depression show most improvement when medication and therapy combined

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that teens with depression experience significant improvement when treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavior therapy. The treatment resulted in a 71% improvement rate, compared to 60% for those taking Prozac alone or 43% for those receiving only therapy.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study narrows search for genes placing men at increased risk for prostate cancer

A large family-based study identified specific genes associated with increased prostate cancer susceptibility, highlighting the potential for early detection and targeted surveillance. The study's findings also revealed that prostate cancers in genetically predisposed individuals tend to be more aggressive and fatal.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 17, 2004

New model can aid in understanding immune system diseases

The study provides new insights into Epstein-Barr virus and its role in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that the virus causes abnormal survival and activation of B cells, leading to excess auto-antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalImmunity·DateAug 17, 2004

New mechanism for display of foreign proteins to immune system

A research team has identified a new pathway for the display of foreign proteins to the immune system, distinct from the conventional TAP-dependent pathway. This alternative pathway requires cysteine proteases and contributes to immunity against viruses and transplanted tissues.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 17, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Family structure impacts teens' academic success

Adolescents living with both biological or adoptive parents tend to have higher grades and greater college expectations. In contrast, adolescents from single-mother families often experience lower academic achievement due to economic deprivation. Single mothers face significant challenges in planning for their children's future education.

SourceRice University·DateAug 17, 2004

Parents' anti-asthma efforts may miss the mark

A new study found that only half of parents' anti-asthma efforts are likely to work, while the other half may be unproven or potentially harmful. The study highlights a need for better education and support for parents, as well as healthcare providers, to effectively manage childhood asthma.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 17, 2004

University spin-out companies perform poorly in bid to create wealth

Researchers found that UK universities' focus on creating businesses rather than generating wealth is a significant issue. The success rate of university spin-out companies (USOs) is currently much lower than expected, with only a few spin-outs being sold or floated on the stock market.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateAug 17, 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.

TRMM sees rain from hurricanes fall around the world

The TRMM satellite has provided new insights into rainfall patterns in tropical cyclones, revealing that heaviest rains fall within 50km of a storm's center. This study improves forecast accuracy and can help with the development of better weather forecasts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateAug 17, 2004

Personality tests could predict doctors' burnout

A twelve-year longitudinal study found that personality and learning style are key predictors of doctors' burnout and stress. Doctors with high neuroticism and lower conscientiousness tend to experience more burnout.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateAug 17, 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.

Other highlights in the August 18 JNCI

A new study has identified five chromosomal regions that are likely to harbor prostate cancer susceptibility genes. The study found evidence of a gene on the long arm of chromosome 17 and four other regions that might hold susceptibility genes. Additionally, researchers have discovered that men who carry a specific mutation in the MIC-...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 17, 2004

Stress tests may miss latent heart disease

Researchers found that many patients with normal stress test results have extensive atherosclerosis, as revealed by coronary calcium scanning. Patients with scores above 100 are at increased risk for cardiac events, while those above 400 are at the highest risk.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 17, 2004
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.

Pollination find could lead to cordgrass control

A recent study found that wind pollination works more efficiently in solid meadow plants than when they are spread apart. This could explain why Spartina covers only 60 acres of Willapa Bay despite being present for a century. Inefficient wind pollination may also speed the extinction of rare plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2004

Study justifies longer rehab for elderly hip fracture patients

Researchers found that extended outpatient rehabilitation therapy significantly improves functional abilities, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life in elderly hip fracture patients. In contrast to standard home-based therapy, supervised rehabilitation with resistance training led to greater improvements.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2004

Scientists closer to finding genes that affect prostate cancer risk

Researchers have identified strong evidence for a prostate cancer gene on chromosome 17, which is also known to harbor the breast cancer gene BRCA1. A separate study found that a variant of the MIC-1 gene, involved in inflammation, is associated with a decreased risk for prostate cancer.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 17, 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.