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Science News Archive February 2004


Page 8 of 11

MPRI opens its doors to cancer patients

Proton radiotherapy is being used to treat cancer patients at MPRI with minimal damage to healthy cells. The facility has received $10 million in funding and will be a centerpiece of the life sciences effort in Indiana.

Alcohol abuse history could pose problems for HIV patients

Researchers found that HIV-positive patients with a history of alcohol abuse showed statistically significant impairments in verbal IQ, verbal reasoning, and reaction time compared to those without a history of alcohol dependence. Even after stopping alcohol use, these patients remained at risk for cognitive impairment.

'Heavy metal' snow on blazing Venus is lead sulfide

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that heavy metal snow on Venus is actually made of lead sulfide, contradicting previous hypotheses. This discovery could allow for the dating of Venus using lead isotopes, providing a new frontier for space exploration.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research points in new direction for cancer clues

A team of scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that tumors can develop in normal epithelial cells due to changes in signals from nearby fibroblasts. The study, published in Science, shows that eliminating a specific cell signaling pathway in fibroblasts leads to precancerous lesions and invasive cancers in mice.

Chemistry puts new sparkle in diamonds

Companies like Gemesis and Apollo Diamond are creating lab-grown diamonds over a carat in size that match mined counterparts in terms of chemical and physical properties. Additionally, colored diamonds can be created by introducing controlled elemental impurities, such as nitrogen for yellow stones or boron for blue gems.

Comets spread Earth-life around galaxy, say scientists

Researchers from Cardiff University suggest that a large comet impact could throw material containing micro-organisms out of the planet's atmosphere, infecting hundreds of millions of nascent planetary systems. This viable bacterial outflow would survive heat and radiation, ultimately spreading Earth-life across the galaxy.

Hudson River Estuary enters middle age

The Hudson River Estuary has largely stopped filling in with new sediment, except for specific locations, according to researchers. The estuary's sedimentation rate is approximately 1mm per year, matching the rate of sea level rise.

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.

It's a stirring tale of bacteria

Researchers observed Bacillus subtilis bacteria moving through fluid in a coordinated pattern, creating swirls and jets that stir the fluid and may aid bacterial detection. The 'self-concentration' phenomenon has potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in mixing minute quantities of solutions.

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 give nod to kidney dialysis at home

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients on peritoneal dialysis rate their care as excellent, citing independence, access to staff, and quality of treatment. In contrast, hemodialysis patients report lower satisfaction rates, with many citing inadequate information and economic factors as barriers.

Two new sets of guidelines intended to improve patient safety

Two new sets of guidelines aim to enhance patient safety by establishing formalized plans for inter- and intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. The guidelines recommend regular evaluation and refinement using standard quality improvement processes to minimize risks and improve outcomes.

Safer visual and auditory cues for elderly drivers is research goal

Researchers aim to develop enhanced warning signals to aid elderly drivers in detecting critical information, as visual and auditory abilities decline with age. The study will examine the relationship between warning signal perceptions and driving skills in both young and elderly drivers.

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.

Dinosaur fossil record compiled, analyzed

Researchers analyzed over 250 dinosaur genera, finding the fossil record to be moderately complete, but highly congruent with existing family tree relationships. This study provides valuable insights for paleontologists studying dinosaur evolution.

Researchers pinpoint brain areas that process reality, illusion

The study found that the primary motor cortex represented actual movement while the ventral premotor cortex generated elliptical shapes. The research reveals how the mind creates order and adjusts on the fly to eliminate distortions, with implications for developing biomedical devices controlling artificial limbs.

Innovation attracts new research funding

The Roche Organ Transplantation Research Foundation has awarded 11 new grants totaling 2 million Swiss francs, focusing on the understanding of rejection responses and inflammation. The grants aim to improve long-term organ survival and help more people with solid organ transplants live longer and healthier lives.

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.

Early fevers associated with lower allergy risk later in childhood

A recent study found that children who experienced fewer fevers in their first year were less likely to develop allergies by age 6. Researchers discovered that fever-inducing infections involving the eyes, ears, nose, or throat appeared to be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies.

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.

Making of mouse marks move toward 'mitochondrial medicine'

Researchers have successfully created a new kind of mouse by replacing its genetic material with that from another species, paving the way for studies on mitochondrial medicine. The goal is to improve treatment options for people with currently untreatable diseases, such as infertility, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Race may be a factor in treatment of rectal cancer patients

A recent study found racial disparities in the delivery of care to black and white rectal cancer patients. Black patients were diagnosed at a younger age and had more advanced disease, leading to differences in treatment outcomes. The study suggests that improved access to state-of-the-art surgical care for minority patients with recta...

Death rates for certain complex surgeries lower at teaching hospitals

A study found that teaching hospitals have lower operative mortality rates for pancreatic, hepatic, and esophageal resections. Higher volume at teaching hospitals is a contributing factor to these differences in outcomes. The findings suggest that hospital structure and process variables play a role in variation in surgical outcomes.

U.S. push for diesel poses risk to public health, scientists say

Scientists say that replacing gasoline-fueled vehicles with cleaner diesel technology could lead to a significant increase in surface ozone levels, particularly in the Southeast. The study found that pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons also increased, highlighting the need for more effective pollution control measures.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Depression may be a risk factor for heart disease, death in older women

A study of 93,676 healthy older women found that depressive symptoms are significantly related to cardiovascular disease risk and increased mortality rates. Women with depression were more likely to develop hypertension, have a history of stroke or angina, die from cardiovascular disease, and experience all-cause mortality.

Survey shows impact of psoriasis is more than skin deep

A new survey reveals that people with psoriasis experience severe effects on self-confidence, work, and social life. The study found that three-quarters of those with severe psoriasis reported low self-confidence, while 48% of those with moderate psoriasis also suffered from it.

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.

Genes influence memory in families with Alzheimer's disease

A study of 1,036 individuals from 266 families discovered that genetics significantly impacts memory performance, accounting for up to 80% of the variation. The influence of genes on memory abilities was stronger than previously thought and appears to be relatively unaffected by the presence of Alzheimer's disease.

'Dry eye' in women may be linked to sex hormones

Women with premature ovarian failure experience higher rates of dry eye due to ocular surface damage, not reduced tear production. Sex hormones play a multifaceted role in maintaining healthy moisture on the eye's surface.

Clozapine effective for controlling dyskinesias in people with severe Parkinson's

A clinical trial found that low-dose clozapine can reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in people with severe Parkinson's disease by around 50 percent. The study suggests that clozapine may mitigate the transmission of toxically high levels of levodopa, thereby reducing its potency and lessening the severity and duration of LIDs.

Combining surgery with novel treatment may improve survival rates

Researchers found that a combination of surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) can increase survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The procedure, which delivers heated chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, has shown promise in improving quality of life and extending survival.

Breast cancer vaccine study

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a telomerase peptide-based vaccine against breast cancer. The study aims to stimulate an immune response that can target and kill cancer cells, with the goal of improving patient health.

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.

Study examines inappropriate medication prescribing for elderly patients

A study examined trends in potentially inappropriate drug prescribing at ambulatory care visits among older adults from 1995 to 2000. The research found that pain relievers and central nervous system drugs made up most of the inappropriate prescriptions, with rates higher for patients with multiple prescriptions and women.

Stroke news tips for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004

A study of 524 patients found Mexican-Americans are more likely to have a family history of stroke. Researchers believe this population is ideal for studying family stroke risks due to significant associations between ethnicity and stroke factors.

A little stress may go a long way toward boosting skin's immunity

Research at Ohio State University found that acute stress can significantly boost the immune system's response, with stressed animals showing a two-to-four times higher reaction to chemical or protein antigens. This effect was observed even after several weeks to months of re-exposure without further restraint.

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.

Sleep shortage takes toll on middle schoolers

A recent study found that middle school students who slept fewer hours experienced lower self-esteem, higher levels of depression, and poorer grades. The research, published in Child Development, suggests that a good night's sleep is crucial for adolescents' health and academic success.

Stroke news tips for Friday, Feb. 6, 2004

Researchers present findings on various stroke treatments, including the effectiveness of IV magnesium in reducing death and improving functional outcome. Additionally, studies show promise for statins, oxygen therapy, and clot-busting therapies in improving neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke.

Reverse-direction movement of a molecular motor

Scientists successfully reverse the direction of a molecular motor by rotating its lever arm, achieving a previously unknown movement. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for protein design and engineering to create novel properties with well-defined functions.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Lucky number? Seven factors may increase clot buster use for stroke

A study of 34 academic medical institutions found that seven criteria, including written procedures and emergency staff training, significantly increased the use of tPA for stroke patients. Hospitals that met all seven criteria saw a 4.7 times greater chance of treating ischemic strokes with tPA.

Manual techniques may ease tough deliveries without need for episiotomy

Researchers found that manual techniques can reduce permanent brachial plexus damage in babies by up to 50% compared to episiotomies. This approach also minimizes severe perineal injuries in mothers. The study suggests a safer and more effective alternative for managing severe shoulder dystocia during childbirth.

Metabolic syndrome may be an important link to stroke

A new study suggests that treating metabolic syndrome's risk-factor components might reduce stroke risk before Type 2 diabetes develops. Men with metabolic syndrome have a 78% greater stroke risk, while women have more than double the risk compared to those without the condition.

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.

World famous rock paintings three-times older than previously thought

Archaeologists at Newcastle University and Australian National University estimate rock paintings in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg are up to 3,000 years old. This new study uses accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating to contribute significantly to understanding San hunter-gatherer society.

Kidney injury's harmful effects on bones blocked in mice

Scientists give mice with damaged kidneys injections of BMP-7 to prevent adynamic bone disorder, a condition causing weakening and distortion of bones. The treatment is shown to be effective in normalizing bone cell counts and structures.

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.