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Science News for February 5, 2004


Angioplasty clears clogged brain arteries

A new study suggests that angioplasty can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with clogged brain arteries. The procedure, which uses a tiny balloon to open blocked vessels, has been shown to be more effective than medication alone in improving outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 5, 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.

Pesticide exposure among agricultural workers varies by job task

Researchers found that agricultural workers who thin orchards have detectable levels of pesticides in their house and vehicle dust, posing a risk to children. Children of thinners were more likely to have detectable pesticide metabolites in their urine, supporting the theory that workers track home pesticides on their clothing and shoes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 5, 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.

Substances found in blood may predict development of preeclampsia

Researchers found that elevated sFlt-1 levels and low PlGF levels can predict the development of preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia also have lower VEGF levels, which may contribute to the condition's health problems.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2004

Popular drug for chest pain may promote blood vessel damage

A new study found that nitroglycerin can cause long-term blood vessel damage in rats, leading to increased risk of heart disease and mortality. The drug's ability to dilate blood vessels was found to be short-lived, with mitochondria producing free radicals that can damage heart cells and blood vessel walls.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 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.

Cooling helmets may provide innovative stroke treatment

Researchers tested a cooling helmet on patients with severe ischemic stroke, finding that it preferentially cools the brain rapidly and profoundly. The study showed excellent functional recovery in younger patients but only 20% in elderly patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 5, 2004

Declining sharks

Pelagic shark assemblage declines drastically, with oceanic whitetip shark declining by over 99%, yet no conservation attention is given to these species.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2004

Warm water vibrates for longer

Researchers found that the lifetime of water's OH-stretch vibration increases with temperature, weakening hydrogen bonds and allowing molecules to vibrate longer. The study used ultrafast infrared lasers to measure the number of vibrating molecules, revealing a unique property of water.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers determine reason for deadly spread of 1918 influenza

The study found that subtle alterations in the influenza virus's infectivity led to its deadly spread. The researchers determined that a key contributor was the hemagglutinin protein, which allowed the virus to bind to human receptors in an antigenically favorable way.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2004

Natural killer cellers are made, not born

Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, need to be 'nurtured' before they can effectively destroy tumor and infected cells. This new understanding paves the way for potential changes in bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 5, 2004

Two centres for infectious diseases established

The Netherlands has established two new research centers, NIVAREC and PRIOR, to develop and produce flu vaccines and tackle poverty-related infectious diseases. The centers aim to strengthen cooperation between researchers from different institutes and foster knowledge infrastructure in developing countries.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004
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.

Etching of deep trenches in silicon explained

A new method for improving trench profiles in the Bosch process has been developed, allowing for maximum depth-width ratios of over 30. This is achieved through two techniques: adding a third plasma pulse to remove polymer layer and optimizing passivation pulses to prevent polymer deposition.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004

Corkscrew device retrieves clots, quickly reverses stroke damage

A new corkscrew-shaped retrieval system has been shown to restore blood flow and reverse paralysis in 61 of 114 patients with ischemic strokes. The device, MERCI Retrieval System, was able to dissolve clots and open blood vessels in patients who were not eligible for standard tPA therapy within three hours.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 5, 2004

Study demonstrates altered angiogenic proteins in preeclampsia patients

Researchers have identified elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia. This finding suggests that sFlt1 may serve as a biomarker for early detection and potentially inform treatment strategies through the administration of drug therapies that neutralize its effects.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·DateFeb 5, 2004

Yeast mutations offer window into human disease

Researchers mapped yeast genetic interaction networks, finding that genes interact in 'neighbourhoods' and predicting traits. The study provides new insights into how genes contribute to human disease.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2004
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Patients are less satisfied with better company doctor

A study of nearly 200 patients found that company doctor adherence to guideline standards reduced absenteeism but decreased patient satisfaction. Factors such as employee pessimism and anxiety disorders also predicted unfavourable outcomes.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004

Lots of low-fat food is better than small portions of high-fat food

Research by Martin Muurling found that mice on low-fat diets were more sensitive to insulin, suggesting a low-fat diet may be a more effective remedy for diabetes. The study also showed that consuming fish oil had no positive effects on reduced insulin sensitivity.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004

Grant expands Indiana University-Kenya AIDS program

The Indiana University-Kenya AIDS program has received an expanded grant, allowing for the treatment of up to 15,000 HIV-infected individuals in rural communities. The new funding will also establish two additional rural programs and support educational initiatives for medical students and providers.

SourceIndiana University·DateFeb 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.

European chemists unite

The European organization aims to create a virtual office to facilitate international collaboration and development of new research programs. Researchers will be able to work from various locations throughout Europe.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004

Blood transfusion poses CJD risk

A UK-based study found that individuals who received blood components from donors later diagnosed with vCJD were at increased risk. Researchers also discovered that the BSE agent can be transmitted through intravenous routes, highlighting concerns for possible transfusion cases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 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.

MIT team discovers memory mechanism

The study reveals a direct activational signal from the synapse to the protein synthesis machinery, enabling neurons to boost protein production rapidly during long-term memory formation and synaptic strengthening. This discovery has significant implications for understanding psychiatric and neurologic diseases, potentially leading to ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateFeb 5, 2004

Study provides answers for childbirth after C-section

A four-year study published by Ohio State University researchers found that attempting a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity and serious obstetric complications. Despite this, many women continue to opt for VBAC due to the relatively low level of risk involved.

SourceOhio State University·DateFeb 5, 2004

New MS research shows remarkable findings

A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2004
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.

Stroke news tips for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004

Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 5, 2004

Blood-diverting catheter holds promise for stroke treatment

Researchers developed a device called NeuroFlo that increases blood flow to the brain by diverting it from lower extremities. The study tested its safety and effectiveness on 17 patients with ischemic strokes, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for 10 out of 15 conscious patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 5, 2004