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Science News for May 18, 2004


Many physicians misperceive radiation risks to developing fetuses from X-rays and CT scans

A study of 273 family physicians and obstetricians found that many doctors overestimated the risk of major fetal malformations from X-rays and CT scans. Most diagnostic imaging exams result in less than 50 mGy of radiation exposure to the fetus, dispelling a misconception that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and terminations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 18, 2004

Researchers find a goldmine of seismic information

Small earthquakes with magnitudes zero to three are recorded in South African gold mines, providing a unique dataset for scientists. The researchers are using this data to investigate the properties of small earthquakes and bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real-world seismic activity.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 18, 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.

Research hones in on therapies and diagnosis of bowel diseases

Researchers have made significant progress in diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with new therapies like basiliximab and OPC-6535. These treatments show promise in improving clinical outcomes and reducing symptoms in patients with IBD.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 18, 2004

The $50 million solution

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $49.7 million in grants to support undergraduate science programs at 42 colleges across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The funding will enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateMay 18, 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.

NASA plans to put an Aura around the Earth

Aura will provide unprecedented information on the composition of the atmosphere and its impact on climate change and air quality. The satellite will help scientists understand how atmospheric composition affects and responds to changing climate conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2004

NASA's terra satellite tracks global pollution

Scientists from NASA's Terra satellite are tracking global air pollution trends, shedding light on how pollutants spread around the globe. The data reveals seasonal and annual variations in CO and aerosol levels, providing clues about Earth's changing climate.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2004

Celebrities are root cause of rush to dentist

Research from Newcastle University and Australia finds young adults worried about their teeth due to celebrity beauty standards. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, reveals younger generations are more likely to complain about dental problems than older adults.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateMay 18, 2004

New era of colon screening emerging

Colonoscopy emerges as a superior method for colon evaluation, surpassing alternative imaging tests in terms of accuracy and cost. New technologies like the ColonoSight device address patient discomfort and increase diagnostic efficiency.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 18, 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.

Study raises concerns about tablet splitting

A study on tablet splitting found that the practice can lead to significant weight variability and uneven drug content, potentially putting patients at risk of experiencing side effects. Researchers recommend taking the prescribed dose as intended to ensure consistent medication amounts.

SourceMcNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals·DateMay 18, 2004

Studies identify risk factors for colon cancer

Researchers found that a strong preference for female physicians delays colonoscopy procedures and increases costs. Additionally, a study revealed a significant association between diabetes mellitus and an increased risk of developing colon cancer. These findings highlight the need for interventions to address these barriers to care.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 18, 2004

Different methods of adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer have similar outcomes

A randomized clinical trial found that regional and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens had similar survival rates for colon cancer patients, with the combination regimen offering no added benefit. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed lower adverse reaction rates for regional therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (second issue)

A recent study suggests that surgery provides a favorable outcome for long-term multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The surgeons at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center have extensive experience in treating mycobacterial lung disease, making them uniquely qualified to assess individual patient risk/benefit balances.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 18, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fortification of food supply with folic acid

Fortifying food supply with folic acid can markedly lower the risk of neural tube defects in offspring, such as spina bifida. The long-term safety of folic acid has been debated, but fortification is considered a better way to reach most women worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 18, 2004

Recycled materials make 100-year 'long life' bridges possible

Researchers have developed a high-performance concrete bridge deck mixture that can extend the life of bridges to 100 years, reducing costs and environmental impact. The mixture uses recycled fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast furnace slag to improve durability and reduce corrosion.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 18, 2004

U of T study finds music teachers at risk of hearing loss

A University of Toronto study found that music teachers are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels. The research suggests that classrooms with reflective surfaces and ear protection measures can help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateMay 18, 2004

Mowing back antennas

The Navy is developing a new radio frequency concept, AMRF-C, to enable a limited number of transmit and receive antennas to handle multiple communications, radar, and electronic warfare functions. The goal is to reduce costs and improve performance by leveling so-called 'antenna forests'.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 18, 2004

Waste not, want not

A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Parents overestimate children's bike, car safety habits

A survey of fourth and fifth-grade pupils and their parents found significant discrepancies between reported and actual use of bike helmets and seatbelts. The study emphasizes the need for injury prevention programs targeting both parents and children to address these gaps and reduce child injuries.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInjury Control and Safety Promotion·DateMay 18, 2004

Other highlights in the May 19 JNCI

Researchers discovered feasible chemotherapy combinations that include trastuzumab for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, with higher overall response rates and lower cardiac dysfunction. Two phase II clinical trials showed promising results, paving the way for future randomized phase III trials.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 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.

Brain control

A new brain-based controller mimics the human olivo-cerebellar system to enable precise movement control. The system will be tested on a mobile autonomous research vehicle to replicate complex maneuvers and wing control of birds and insects.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 18, 2004

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 18, 2004

Protein may reduce susceptibility to autoimmune disease

A new protein form, liCTLA-4, found to inhibit T cell responses and reduce activation. Increased expression of liCTLA-4 in resistant mice strains suggests its role in preventing T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateMay 18, 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.

Direct mailing of blood test kits increases colorectal cancer screening

A randomized trial found that direct mailing of fecal occult blood tests increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 16.9% among those who received kits and 23.2% among those with reminders, compared to 1.5% for the control group.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

Stem cells toward sperm cells and back again

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that lost sperm-making stem cells in fruit flies can be replaced by reversing their specialized state. The team found that temperature changes can trigger a process called dedifferentiation, where more specialized cells retrace the path taken by stem cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2004

Drug combo effective in advanced breast cancer

Researchers found a synergistic effect between Herceptin and chemotherapy agents, increasing tumor shrinkage in 79% of patients. The combination also showed unusually long times to progression, providing hope for improved breast cancer treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

Urine protein test: A tipoff to kidney transplant rejection

Researchers identified 13 possible protein markers present in most urine samples from patients with organ rejection, but absent from those without. A urine test using a combination of biomarkers correctly identified 91% of samples, offering a risk-free and more accurate alternative to traditional kidney biopsy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMay 18, 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.

Breakthrough therapies treat Crohn's disease

Researchers have found that natalizumab and adalimumab can help maintain clinical response and remission in patients with Crohn's disease. A trial also investigated the use of helminth ova as a potential treatment, showing significant improvements in clinical response and remission.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 18, 2004

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

A computer model reveals that rainfall in New Mexico's mountains can recharge the Rio Grande River's water table after a 50-year lag. This finding has significant implications for sustainable aquifer management and river management planning.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMay 18, 2004

Stem cells more vulnerable to toxic chemotherapy when protective molecule is disabled

Researchers found that blocking a molecule that rid cells of potentially toxic molecules may make chemotherapy for leukemia more effective but also leaves healthy stem cells vulnerable. The study discovered that a protective molecule called BCRP helps protect hematopoietic stem cells from excess heme, which is toxic to cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2004
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.