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Science News for March 16, 2004


Dioxin-receptor network identified

A team of researchers used yeast to elucidate the steps involved in the pathway that regulates vertebrate cell response to dioxin, identifying 54 genes with a significant influence on AHR response. The study reveals five discrete biochemical steps in the signaling pathway and identifies one previously undescribed nuclear step.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2004

Life expectancy of diabetics 12 years less than others

A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes reduces life expectancy by 12 years, with men living 64.7 years and women 70.7 years compared to the general population. Eradicating diabetes would increase life expectancy by 2.8 years for men and 2.6 years for women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 16, 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.

Treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ varies widely in United States

The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 2004

Optical glucose sensor holds promise for diabetics and intensive care patients

A team of researchers developed an optical glucose sensor that functions as a continuous glucose monitor capable of operating under physiological conditions. The sensor shows outstanding glucose response over the full range of glucose levels, which could reduce pain, costs, and deaths in ICU patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2004

Other highlights of the March 17 issue of JNCI

A new study found that infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral epithelial cells may be an independent risk factor for head and neck cancer. High-risk HPV types detected in oral exfoliated cells were predictive of high-risk HPV types in tumor tissue.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 16, 2004

Refuting Neandertal ancestry

A team of scientists has analyzed the largest sample of Neandertal and early human remains, concluding that Neandertals could not have made a significant genetic contribution to early modern humans. The study's findings challenge the theory of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthalensis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2004
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fish oil supplements may contain flame retardants

A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2004

Tumor suppressor genes predict bladder cancer future

A study found that mutated tumor suppressor genes, particularly p53 and p21, play a significant role in bladder cancer development. Eighty bladder cancer patients were evaluated, and the researchers discovered that these genes are altered in 83 percent of patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 16, 2004

Banned chemical travels across three oceans

Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, a banned chemical, was detected in the atmosphere of Sable Island off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The study reveals that the chemical traveled from China and India to the Arctic Ocean before reaching Atlantic Canada.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 16, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Male-targeting' bacterium's genome is deciphered

Scientists have deciphered the genome of Wolbachia pientis wMel, a model bacterium that infects fruit flies. The study reveals the bacterium has accumulated more repetitive DNA than any other intracellular bacteria, with potential applications in developing new treatments for diseases such as dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2004

JCO to offer free online access to archived content

The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) will provide free online access to its archived research, including articles published from January 1999 to the present. This move aims to improve cancer care worldwide by increasing access to essential information.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 16, 2004

How amphetamine affects the dopamine transporter

Researchers have discovered a chemical modification of the dopamine transporter that enables amphetamine-induced dopamine release. This finding may lead to the development of treatments for drug addiction by targeting this molecular mechanism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2004

Challenging shrubland fire management

A study examining coastal and southern California shrublands found that fire hazard risk was relatively constant at 2.7% annually, contradicting the assumption that older vegetation fuels cause larger fires. Regional differences may contribute to these findings.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 16, 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.

'Male-killer' bacterium's genome is deciphered

Researchers have sequenced the complete genome of Wolbachia pipientis, a parasitic bacterium that targets male hosts, providing new insights into its biology and evolution. The discovery has potential applications in controlling insect pests and human/animal filariasis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2004

Transdermal patch as effective as intravenous pump for post-op pain control

A study published in JAMA found that a transdermal patch delivering fentanyl is equivalent to an intravenous pump for postoperative pain control. The patch, called PCTS, eliminated the need for needles and mobility restrictions. Patient assessments showed high rates of good or excellent pain control with both methods.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 16, 2004

MEP calls for European strategy in the fight against breast cancer

The European Parliament and Commission are urging a unified EU approach to combat breast cancer, citing the potential for 90% of patients to be cured with early diagnosis. Breast cancer centers must meet specific requirements, including 150 operations per year and multidisciplinary case conferences.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateMar 16, 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.

Young scientists awarded for achievements in cancer research

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded twenty undergraduate students with the AACR-Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Awards. The award recipients will receive financial support to attend two consecutive Annual Meetings and participate in educational programs, such as a special high school student program.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateMar 16, 2004

'Shocking' research points to ways to protect technology

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified patterns in electromagnetic fields caused by lightning strikes on tall structures, such as the CN Tower. This study provides crucial insights for designing protective measures, including enclosures for sensitive equipment and special diodes to prevent over-voltage.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Electrostatics·DateMar 16, 2004