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Science News Archive February 2004 - Page 10


Page 10 of 11

More sex partners means more trouble for teenage girls

A study of 3,288 teenage girls found that those with multiple sexual partners were more likely to have unprotected sex and experience negative health consequences. Girls tend to limit their partners as they progress through high school, but education before ninth grade may help reduce these risks.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateFeb 4, 2004

MIT student dances with robots

Graduate student Sommer Gentry investigates haptic communication in swing dancing and its potential applications in robotic surgery, human-robot collaboration, and urban warfare. Her research has shown that pure haptic communication is sufficient for humans and robots to move in coordination.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 4, 2004

Houston scientist named as rising star in chemistry

Rising star in chemistry, Jianpeng Ma, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the structure-function relationship of biological molecules. His innovative approach uses computer simulation to explore this connection, paving the way for furthering our fundamental understanding of chemistry.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 4, 2004
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.

Scientists develop plant that produces potential anti-carcinogen

Purdue University researchers have engineered plants to produce a non-toxic form of selenium called methylselenocysteine, which has shown promise in reducing cancer risk in animal models. The plants can also accumulate high levels of selenium, potentially providing a natural source for nutritional supplements and environmental cleanup.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateFeb 3, 2004

Twenty-five per cent of teenage girls face depression

A recent study found that 25% of teenage girls experience major depression, highlighting the need for earlier identification and treatment. Decreases in social support and increases in smoking were linked to increased depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateFeb 3, 2004

Clouds shield pollutants going out to sea

Scientists found a significant link between clouds and pollution transport in the Asian-Pacific region. Clouds mask pollutants from spacecraft sensors, leading to underestimated pollution levels.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 3, 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.

Inflammation marker predicts colon cancer

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with higher CRP levels were more likely to develop colorectal cancers over an 11-year period. Median CRP levels were higher among those who developed colon cancer, and inflammation was linked to increased risk without being mediated by diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Other highlights in the February 4 issue of JNCI

Researchers discuss the need for additional research and standardization in partial-breast irradiation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A new study also finds that preoperative chemoradiation may benefit some patients with rectal cancer, while a diet high in glycemic load is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 3, 2004

Vitamins do little to prevent recurrent stroke

A recent study found that high-dose vitamin therapy had no effect on preventing recurrent strokes and heart attacks. The VISP study involved 3,680 adults who received either a low or high dose of folic acid, B6, and B12 vitamins.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2004

Distance to hospital affects heart attack survival

A new study by Cornell University's Liam O'Neill found that distance from a hospital significantly impacts access to medical facilities and outcome for heart attack victims. The study estimates that patients living far from hospitals face a higher risk of death from heart attacks, with approximately 60% expiring before reaching the hos...

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Care Management Science·DateFeb 3, 2004
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.

Few disabled kids with psychosocial problems receive mental healthcare

A recent study found that disabled children with psychosocial problems are less likely to receive mental healthcare, particularly younger and black children. In contrast, joint care coordination between a health professional and family member improved access to outpatient services.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateFeb 3, 2004

Astronomers unravel a mystery of the Dark Ages

Astronomers have discovered a possible link between a comet impact in the 6th century and the 'Dark Ages.' The comet's debris caused a prolonged cold period, similar to a nuclear winter, resulting in crop failures and widespread starvation. A small comet size was needed to cause such dramatic effects.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateFeb 3, 2004

New 'bumpy' jelly found in deep sea

Researchers have discovered a new deep-sea jelly, Stellamedusa ventana, which uses its bell and oral arms to capture prey. The jelly's unique feeding strategy is unlike other species, as it prefers larger prey, with some individuals capturing creatures up to 5 cm across.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateFeb 3, 2004

Scientists find ozone-destroying molecule

Researchers detected ClOOCl in the polar stratosphere, triggering ozone destruction through three-step process. The discovery was made during a joint US-European science mission using NASA's ER-2 aircraft.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateFeb 3, 2004
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The long view: Understanding why cancer strikes late

A new theory by Steven Frank proposes that cancer progression speeds up with age, leading to increased incidence in older adults. As people age, fewer stages remain before cancer develops, resulting in higher cancer rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 2, 2004

Primate testes grafted into mice rapidly produce fertile sperm

Scientists have successfully grafted primate testes into mice, resulting in the rapid production of fertile sperm. This breakthrough could preserve genetic material from endangered nonhuman primates and offer reproductive options to men rendered infertile by cancer treatments.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateFeb 2, 2004

Bacterial DNA reduces inflammation in mice

Researchers have found that bacterial DNA from probiotics can reduce inflammation in mice with experimental colitis. The study discovered that purified probiotic DNA activates a specific element within the innate immune system, which helps to slow down inflammation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 2, 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.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet February 3, 2004

The decline in hormone therapy (HT) use was attributed to the release of data from two long-term studies showing that HT did not protect against heart disease and may even increase the risk. The study found that women who took HT had a higher risk for heart disease and breast cancer compared to those who did not take HT.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2004

Two-drug approach might shorten painful labor, reduce Caesarean sections

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that combining RU 486 with relaxin could hasten labor and promote healthy delivery in rats. The study suggests that this two-drug approach may also shorten painful labor and reduce Caesarean sections in humans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 2, 2004

Mad cow has confidence stirred, but not shaken

A recent survey found that most Americans remain confident in the safety of their beef supply following a confirmed case of mad cow disease in Washington State. The study suggests that consumer confidence has been boosted by government actions and trust in food regulators, but some have expressed concerns about the risk of transmission.

SourceRutgers University·DateFeb 2, 2004

Probiotics beneficial even when inactive, according to UCSD study

A UCSD study found that inactivated probiotics can effectively alleviate colitis in mice, suggesting a new approach to IBD treatment. The study also identified the innate immune system as a key player in the beneficial effects of probiotics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 2, 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.

U of MN research indicates why radiation therapy reduces bone cancer pain

Researchers created an experimental model that limited radiation to the site of cancer in mice, demonstrating a localized single radiation dose decreases painful behavior and increases limb use. Treated mice had significantly less bone destruction and tumor burden, leading to greater pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalRadiation Research·DateFeb 2, 2004

Researchers find weaknesses in Arkansas public health system

The study found that nonspecific clinical diagnosis, unreliable testing methods, and communication issues hindered effective diagnosis of pertussis during the outbreak. Despite these challenges, the epidemic was successfully managed without deaths reported.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2004

Adverse events among patients following discharge from hospital

A recent study found that 72% of adverse events (AEs) among patients after discharge are related to medications. Female sex, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and pneumonia were identified as independent predictors for AEs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 2, 2004

Risk of stillbirth on weekends

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that infants born over the weekend had a slightly elevated risk of stillbirth and neonatal death compared to those born on weekdays. The researchers suggested that selective timing of low-risk elective deliveries may explain this difference.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 2, 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.

Physicists use fractals to help Parkinson's sufferers

Researchers developed a system using a tri-axial accelerometer and fractal analysis to study Parkinson's patients' walking patterns. The study reveals the complexity of body motion in both healthy elderly subjects and Parkinson's disease patients, with the latter exhibiting higher fractal measures indicating more complex symptoms.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 2, 2004

MIT's Nanoruler could impact space physics, more

The Nanoruler can pattern gratings with lines and spaces separated by a few hundred nanometers across large surfaces. This precision enables the analysis of light and decoding cosmic bar codes for space telescopes like NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 2, 2004

Low testosterone levels associated with depression in older men

A study of 278 men aged 45+ without depression found that low testosterone levels were associated with a higher incidence of diagnosed depression. Men with hypogonadism were 4.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those with normal testosterone levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2004

Young men with conduct disorders are more likely to carry guns

A study of 177 young boys found that one in five carried a concealed gun between ages 12 and 17, with prevalence increasing with age. Conduct disorder was positively associated with gun carrying, even when controlling for other factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 2, 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.

'Rule-breaking' molecule could lead to non-metal magnets

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a radical hydrocarbon molecule with unique electron behavior, which could be used as building blocks for molecular magnets. The discovery has the potential to create non-metallic magnets that are lighter and cheaper than metal ones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 2, 2004

Keeping populations of cerulean warbler healthy

The cerulean warbler's population decline is attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation in both breeding and winter ranges. An international collaboration, the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, aims to develop a proactive conservation strategy through sound science and partnerships.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·DateFeb 2, 2004

Severe acute respiratory syndrome? Sometimes it's not severe

A study by Singapore investigators found that SARS infection occurred in healthcare workers with normal chest X-rays, even those not directly exposed to patients. The researchers detected SARS antibodies in 8 out of 112 exposed workers, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 2, 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.

Skin regeneration not isolated to epidermal stem cells

Researchers found that transit-amplifying cells and early differentiating cells can form a fully stratified epidermis under the right conditions. Laminin-10/11 exposure enhances their regenerative capacity, opening new possibilities for cellular therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2004

Scientists identify a human antibody that blocks SARS virus infection

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a human monoclonal antibody that blocks SARS virus infection by neutralizing its entry into cultured cells. The antibody, isolated from a collection of 27 billion antibodies, shows promise in animal tests and could be developed for clinical trials to prevent and treat the disease.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2004

JCI table of contents, February 2, 2004

A novel assay reveals that T cells in patients with type 1 diabetes produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, driving an autoaggressive immune response. In contrast, healthy individuals' T cells produce regulatory cytokines, maintaining tolerance. The findings offer new approaches to immune modulation and tolerance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2004

Cancer vaccine using low affinity epitopes proves successful in mice

Researchers have successfully developed a cancer vaccine using low-affinity epitopes that shows high vaccination efficiency in antitumor immunotherapy. The study, published in JCI Journals, offers promising results for the treatment of various types of cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 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.

New report shows stomach cancer rates declining fast in Europe

A recent report shows a significant decline in stomach cancer rates across Europe, with falls seen in younger and middle-aged populations. The downward trend is attributed to improved diet, better food preservation, reduced Helicobacter pylori infection, and lower smoking rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateFeb 2, 2004

Understanding the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a novel assay to examine T cell responses to autoantigens in islet cells, revealing distinct pathways of T cell differentiation and maturation in normal individuals versus patients with T1DM. These findings suggest proinflammatory polarization in diabetes but regulatory phenotypes in health.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2004

New evidence suggests that monkey thought extinct still exists

Recent discoveries, including a photo and skin samples, have reignited hopes of finding the Miss Waldron's red colobus monkey in its remote southeastern corner of Ivory Coast. The discovery has sparked concerns about potential extinctions of other high-canopy forest-dwelling animals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateFeb 2, 2004

Cohabiting couples not likely to marry, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University found that only about 40% of cohabiting couples eventually get married. The research also discovered that men with high economic prospects and similar couples were not more likely to tie the knot than others. In fact, consensus regarding marriage plans was a key predictor of whether cohabiting co...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 2, 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.

Intervention program helps reduce television viewing in preschool children

An intervention program, lasting 7 sessions, helped reduce preschool children's TV/video watching from 11.9 to 8.8 hours/week, decreasing 33% to 18% of children watching more than 2 hours/day. The study suggests that a preschool-based intervention can lead to reductions in young children's TV viewing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2004

Public awareness programs can reduce the duration of untreated psychosis

A study in four Scandinavian health care sectors found that public awareness programs significantly reduced the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) for first-episode patients. The programs included educational campaigns and a telephone hotline number, resulting in median DUP of 5 weeks compared to 16 weeks.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2004

Microbial biofilm yields community genomes, metabolic clues

A team of researchers found nearly complete genomes of two organisms in a microbial community from a hot, acidic solution, revealing clues about metabolic activity and speciation. The study sheds light on how bacteria function collectively in acid-adapted environments.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2004

Optic nerve disease may cause sleep disorders

Children with optic nerve disease are up to 20 times more likely to experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to disruptions in their body's internal clock. Researchers found that the loss of a specific type of cell in the retina, which helps regulate light exposure, is directly linked to sleep disturbances.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Pacifying bacteria prevents lethal post-op infections

Researchers have developed a protective coating that prevents deadly post-operative infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a virulent pathogen that kills 100% of untreated mice. The coating, which works by pleasing the bacteria and preventing them from invading the host's bloodstream, has shown promising results in animal studies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 1, 2004

New risk factors for retinal disorder identified

A case-control study found associations between CSCR and various systemic conditions, including alcohol, tobacco, and antibiotic use. Eye doctors are advised to discuss these risk factors with patients and take steps to eradicate them.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 1, 2004