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Science News Archive March 2004


Page 13 of 14

'Care managers' help depressed elderly reduce suicidal thoughts

A study found that care managers can significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients with depression, reducing suicidal thoughts and improving treatment response rates. The intervention, which involved structured treatment guidelines and regular follow-up, led to faster resolution of suicidal thinking in patients who received it.

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.

Hydrogen Initiative report from American Physical Society panel released

The American Physical Society's Hydrogen Initiative report emphasizes the need for significant scientific breakthroughs to make the initiative successful. Current production methods are four times more expensive than gasoline, and no material exists to construct a hydrogen fuel tank that meets consumer benchmarks.

Linezolid is superior treatment for drug-resistant pneumonia

A recent study combines data from two studies comparing linezolid and vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Linezolid was found to be more effective in eradicating the infection, with a 15% higher cure rate compared to vancomycin.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crystal methamphetamine use increases HIV risk

The study highlights the dangers of crystal methamphetamine use on HIV risk, particularly among young men who have sex with men. Methamphetamine can suppress a part of the immune system important in fighting off HIV, increasing the risk of infection and contracting the disease.

Study examines whether giving good bacteria reduces infections

A new clinical study examines whether restoring good bacteria in intensive-care patients can help prevent infections. The study, led by Dr. Robert G. Martindale, aims to enroll 400 patients and assess the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing infections.

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.

Vaccinating children protects adults as well

A new study confirms that vaccinating children effectively reduces invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in both young and older children, as well as adults. The vaccine has been shown to significantly decrease IPD rates by 94% in children aged 2-23 months.

Researchers report bubble fusion results replicated

The study replicates and extends earlier results on bubble fusion, a method for achieving nuclear fusion without strong magnetic fields or lasers. The new data show significant neutron emission rates, consistent with theoretical predictions.

Gene therapy for a broken heart

Researchers developed gene therapy targeting phospholamban, a protein contributing to heart failure. Studies in rats showed improved heart function and reduced scar tissue formation after treatment.

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.

The hidden impact of SARS

The study highlights the need for greater support and educational intervention during infectious disease outbreaks. Front-line health care workers are at real danger of becoming infected, as seen in SARS cases where 20% of infected individuals were healthcare workers.

Orthokeratology contact lenses cause permanent vision loss in children

A study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that orthokeratology contact lenses may cause permanent vision loss in children if not worn properly. The study highlights the risks of corneal ulcers and infection associated with overnight OKL wear, which deprives the corneas of oxygen.

Chicken genome assembled

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have successfully assembled the chicken genome, providing a comprehensive resource for scientists worldwide. The draft assembly is based on seven-fold sequence coverage and has been deposited into public databases for free access.

Field tests advance seismic landmine-detection system

The new system uses high-frequency seismic waves to detect buried mines, distinguishing them from soil and ground clutter. Researchers have demonstrated its advantage in laboratory and limited field tests, with promising results at government testing facilities.

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 imaging technique developed to identify breast cancer

A new imaging technique uses MRI and spectroscopy to analyze choline levels in tumors, accurately identifying malignant carcinomas in 8 out of 8 cases. The study suggests MRSI may aid physicians in diagnosing breast cancer and could potentially replace biopsy in certain cases.

Teenagers with cancer are missing out on vital services

A UK MP emphasizes the need to increase teenage participation in cancer clinical trials to improve survival rates. Currently, many teenagers face lengthy travel distances for treatment at specialized units, often exceeding 200 miles from their homes.

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.

Keep prescribing information private

The Canadian Medical Association recommends a national review of pharmacy prescription records confidentiality, calling for Health Canada to establish standards. The pharmaceutical industry should not be responsible for managing the issue.

Homeless children have high rates of asthma

A study of 740 homeless children in NYC found that 26.9% had a prior diagnosis of asthma and 12.9% reported symptoms consistent with moderate or severe persistent asthma. The authors suggest that high levels of exposure to adverse psychological factors contribute to the severity and undertreatment of asthma in homeless children.

Memories light up the corners of our minds

Researchers at MIT discovered that memories with emotional arousal are remembered by the amygdala, whereas calm memories are processed by the prefrontal cortex. This finding has important implications for understanding how the brain makes memories and may lead to treatments for memory loss and learning impairments.

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.

U Iowa study identifies damaging mechanism in transplants and heart attacks

A University of Iowa study suggests that blocking the action of a certain protein involved in inflammation might be beneficial for organ transplantation, heart attacks, and possibly stroke. The study found that selective inhibition of this protein can prevent tissue damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Dads miss opportunity to learn about their kids

A study found that less than half of urban fathers regularly attend doctor's appointments with their young children. The research highlights the need for family-friendly employment policies to encourage father involvement in childcare.

Teens and young adults – the new frontier in cancer says US cancer specialist

Cancer specialist Professor Bleyer warns that teenagers and young adults are 'orphaned in the world of cancer care delivery,' citing a 25-year stagnation in survival rates compared to children and older adults. The main reasons include delayed diagnosis due to psychological factors, lack of routine medical care, and underinsured status.

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.

March 2, 2004, Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The US Preventive Services Task Force finds insufficient evidence to show that routine screenings for physical abuse and intimate partner violence lead to decreased disability or premature death. Clinicians should remain vigilant and look for signs of abuse or neglect, despite the lack of proof that interventions work.

PNNL recognized for commercializing technologies

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been awarded three Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards for its innovative technologies. The Electrodynamic Ion Funnel significantly improves the sensitivity of mass spectrometers, enabling the detection of new proteins and biomarkers for cancer early detection. Additionally, alp...

Rensselaer awarded $2.7 million NIH grant to improve drug development process

Researchers at Rensselaer aim to develop a key set of tools to synthesize and screen promising compounds rapidly, identifying those most suitable for further development as potential new drugs. The proposed techniques could speed up the drug development process, reducing costs from $1.7 billion to an unknown amount.

Information paradox solved? If so, black holes are 'fuzzballs'

Physicists at Ohio State University propose a solution to the long-standing information paradox by suggesting that black holes are made up of giant tangles of strings that preserve the information of particles that enter them. This theory resolves the paradox and provides new insights into the nature of black holes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Elective cesarean sections

The Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the trend of elective cesarean sections, highlighting concerns about comparing vaginal birth to planned cesarean delivery. Hannah argues that only a comparison of planned vaginal and planned cesarean births can determine which carries greater risk to mother and baby.

Minors able to buy nicotine replacement therapy products

A study found that minors can purchase nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products in 81% of attempts, with most sellers not asking for proof of age. The FDA-approved labeling has little effect on actual sales practice, highlighting the need for improved access to NRT for teens.

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.

JCI table of contents, March 1 2004

Researchers develop vaccine that prevents tumor growth in mice, while also reversing cardiac dysfunction through gene therapy. These breakthroughs demonstrate the potential of combinatorial approaches to vaccination and gene therapy for treating neoplastic lesions and heart disease.

Screening removes West Nile from bood supply

In 2003, US blood banks screened nearly 6 million donations for West Nile virus, identifying over 1,000 infected units and removing them from the supply. The screenings reduced the risk of transmission associated with blood transfusions, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive measures in preventing disease spread.

Physics tip sheet #40 - March 1, 2004

Researchers have made significant discoveries in controlling friction at the nanometer scale, developing more resilient network architectures, and precisely manipulating millions of atoms. These advancements hold promise for improving nanoengineering applications and enhancing our understanding of fundamental mechanisms.

Blacks at greater risk for developing cataracts

A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that blacks are 1.8 times more likely to develop cataracts than whites, with a three-fold risk of cortical cataract development in black populations. The increased risk is attributed to high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and abdominal obesity in black populations.

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.

Desert science center aims to bridge rift between Jordan and Israel

The Bridging the Rift Center will study the unique ecology of the Dead Sea region, transforming a remote desert into a thriving science and technology village. The center will symbolically straddle the border, bringing together scientists from Jordan, Israel, and international partners.

Fast food chains like to be close to the competition

A study by Professor Michael Waterson found that fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King locate closely together in shopping districts due to competition. The larger the population area, the sooner a McDonald's outlet opens, but this effect diminishes as population increases.

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.

New Web site for biogeoscience community announced

The new website will collect and organize resources such as funding opportunities, research programs, and conferences, facilitating the growth of the biogeoscience field. It will also feature a discussion forum and image gallery, supporting scientists in defining the field and addressing its future.

Viral immunosuppression: Not just a game of hide and go seek

Researchers have identified a dual strategy used by viruses to subvert the immune system, involving the targeting of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of dendritic cell maturation. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of viral immunosuppression, enabling better understanding of immune evasion tactics.

Researchers to design intervention for work-related injury

Researchers are developing an intervention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a rat model. They will examine the effects of ergonomic and pharmaceutical interventions to stop the condition from becoming chronic. The five-year study aims to refine treatment and save people from further pain and disability.

Cancer rates in teens and early 20s rising

Researchers found a significant increase in cancer cases among teenagers and young adults, with certain cancers dominating at different ages. The study suggests that environmental risk factors and genetic susceptibility may play a role in the increasing incidence of adolescent and young adult cancer.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New technique dates Saharan groundwater as million years old

Researchers use ATTA, a highly sensitive method, to measure krypton-81 in groundwater, estimating ages of 200,000 to 1,000,000 years. The study reveals ancient water transported by air masses from the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting climate conditions different from today.

Vaccine nips breast cancer in the bud

A new vaccine has been shown to halt HER-2/neu preneoplastic breast cancer lesions through both morphologic and gene expression data. The findings suggest a potential breakthrough in the treatment of this type of cancer, according to a recent study published in JCI Journals.

Wavefront-guided LASIK improves contrast sensitivity

The study found that 88% of patients treated with wavefront-guided LASIK showed improved contrast sensitivity, compared to 40% for standard LASIK. This technology reduces higher-order distortions, leading to sharper vision with greater contrast sensitivity.