Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 3, 2004


Radiologists provide safe delivery method for gene therapy

Researchers at UCLA successfully deliver gene therapy agents directly into tumor cells with minimal complications, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects of existing treatments. The study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of CT-guided injection for gene therapy delivery.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 3, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, May 4, 2004

The US task force recommends targeted screening of healthy women over 70 with mammography and Pap tests, as there is limited evidence to support universal screening for lung cancer. Meanwhile, a study reveals that managing drug care for older adults requires improvement, with failures in educating patients on medication use and underus...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 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.

Prevalence of HIV among childbearing women has declined in New York

Between 1988 and 2000, New York State's HIV prevalence among childbearing women decreased steadily, with a 49% decrease in NYC and a 24% decline statewide. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and targeted efforts aimed at minority populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Staying close to mother helps baby dolphins swim

A study published in Journal of Biology reveals that young dolphins adopt an ideal position to get a 'free ride' in their mother's slipstream, reducing energy required for swimming. This drafting phenomenon helps the calf stay with its mother, but can be disrupted by fishing vessels, potentially impacting dolphin populations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateMay 3, 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.

First target for childhood malaria vaccine

Researchers have identified a new protein target for a universal childhood malaria vaccine, which causes infected red blood cells to stick inside blood vessels. This protein is expressed on the surface of red blood cells during severe childhood malaria but not during adult infections, making it an ideal candidate for vaccination.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 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.

NIST quantum keys system sets speed record for 'unbreakable' encryption

The NIST quantum key distribution system generates a verifiably secret key at a rate of 1 million bits per second, about 100 times faster than previously reported systems. The system uses time-stamping and high-speed observations to identify photons from the sender among multiple photons from other sources.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateMay 3, 2004

Spanking a risk factor for behavior problems among white children

A study of over 1,900 mothers and their infants found that frequent spanking was a risk factor for behavior problems in white, non-Hispanic children. The researchers suggest that the broader family context surrounding spanking may influence its effects on children.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 3, 2004
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.

New research outlines public health consequences

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that exposure to WTC dust increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Pregnant women who were near the disaster site experienced a two-fold increase in small for gestational age infants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 3, 2004

Electromagnetic breast imaging tested as alternative to mammography

Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have developed a new breast imaging technique using electrical impedance, microwave imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy. The method can identify specific breast characteristics that differ in normal and diseased tissue, potentially leading to early detection of breast cancer.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 3, 2004

Molecular mechanism found that may improve ability of stem cells to fight disease

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that enhances the ability of stem cells to fight disease. By blocking the function of p18, a molecule critical for cell cycle control, scientists found improved long-term engraftment of stem cells in bone marrow tissue.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

Bupropion, counseling may help youth with ADHD stop smoking

A study found that bupropion significantly reduced daily cigarette smoke among adolescents with ADHD, leading to lower carbon monoxide levels. No change was noted in ADHD symptom scores.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004

Stress linked to increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders

A study found that lifetime exposure to adversity is associated with an increased risk of developing depressive or anxiety disorders in young adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,803 interviews and found that the level of adversity was a significant predictor of these disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 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.

Flagellation in Crohn disease

Researchers have identified a key antigen underlying Crohn disease, bacterial flagellin, which triggers an immune response. Studies found high reactivity against specific flagellins in CD patients, but not in controls or ulcerative colitis patients, providing new leads for causal antigens.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Painstaking work targeting TRPV1

Scientists successfully deleted primary afferent neurons expressing vanilloid receptor 1, leading to potential breakthroughs in pain management. The study aims to provide new avenues for treating chronic pain by targeting the TRPV1 receptor.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

NASA satellites and balloons spot airborne pollution 'train'

Scientists use NASA satellites and balloon-borne sensors to track the movement of a pollution train traveling from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic. The study reveals that Asian pollution can flow southward, get caught up in clouds, and reach as far as Brazil.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 3, 2004

Wavefront LASIK demonstrated superior to conventional LASIK

Wavefront-guided LASIK yields sharper and higher quality vision, as well as improved night driving abilities compared to conventional LASIK. With wavefront-guided LASIK, patients achieve 97% of 20/20 vision and 85% with 20/16 vision, significantly outperforming conventional LASIK.

SourceAmerican Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery·DateMay 3, 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.

Animal studies show promise treating severe chronic pain

Researchers developed a new technique to selectively delete C-fiber neurons, which transmit chronic pain signals, using the drug resiniferatoxin. In animal studies, this approach reduced pain and improved behavior without side effects.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Chemical brain scans may help reassure brain tumor patients

Researchers have developed a technique called 2D CSI MRS that uses chemical signatures to distinguish between tumor recurrence, normal tissue, and treatment-related changes in the brain. This method has shown significant differences in chemical ratios for recurrent tumors versus treatment-altered tissue.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateMay 3, 2004

Caffeine consumption associated with increases in blood pressure in adolescents

A study found that caffeine consumption is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescents, particularly those who consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day. The researchers suggest that high caffeine intakes may be a marker for unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices that increase the risk of hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 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.

Pap smears, mammography should be targeted at healthy elders, study says

A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Study finds combination therapy successful for treating depression

A NIH study found that combination therapy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy improved treatment adherence and reduced depression in injection drug users. The study showed nearly 40% of participants fully adherent to treatment were in remission, compared to 12% without treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Enzyme prevents lung damage in premature infants

Researchers found that an enzyme called superoxide dismutase helps prevent inflammation and promotes lung development in premature infants. This discovery could lead to improved treatments to alleviate chronic lung disease and preserve lung function.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateMay 3, 2004

Attracting an immune response to cancer

Researchers found that NKT cells are attracted to tumors producing the chemokine CCL2, leading to better patient outcomes. Neuroblastomas with abnormally high levels of the cancer-causing gene MYCN contained fewer NKT cells and produced less CCL2.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Co-occurring disorders increase risk of suicide attempt by adolescents

Adolescents with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of attempting suicide. The study found that males with hallucinogen or sedative-hypnotic use disorders were more likely to attempt suicide, while females with conduct disorders were at higher risk.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMay 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.

Examining motivational interviewing in drug abuse therapy

Research suggests that motivational interviewing may not be effective in reducing drug use behaviors, as individuals often resist weaker language during assessment feedback. Therapists should modify their techniques to avoid undermining existing motivation for behavior change.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateMay 3, 2004

Recognition of bacteria in the cytosol by the immune system

Researchers found that bacterial proteins are destroyed by the proteasome within the cytosol during infection, activating the immune system. Bacteria like Listeria avoid recognition by moving within the cytosol, preventing immune activation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

Study finds bupropion may be effective smoking cessation aid for women

A study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that bupropion was an effective treatment for women who smoked lightly. Women receiving bupropion were twice as likely to remain abstinent from smoking if they smoked fewer than 20 cigarettes per day, compared to those receiving behavioral counseling alone.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 3, 2004

Study finds HIV protein can drive immune cells away

A study found that HIV's gp120 protein can repel immune cells, dubbed fugetaxis, which could lead to a new therapeutic approach to block this activity. This mechanism may also apply to other viruses, such as pox and papilloma viruses.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 3, 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.

New research suggests therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases

A new study found that blocking the protein FcRn reduces autoantibody production and protects against arthritis in mice, offering a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. The research suggests that FcRn may be responsible for promoting autoimmunity in patients with conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Alternative/supplemental breast imaging methods tested

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed and tested three alternative breast imaging methods to learn about breast tissue structure and behavior. The non-invasive techniques include electrical impedance spectral imaging, microwave imaging spectroscopy, and near infrared spectral imaging.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalRadiology·DateMay 3, 2004

Unnatural light-dark cycles expose duelling circadian clocks

The study reveals two locomotor activity rhythms originating from separate areas within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), highlighting a network of multiple oscillators. This finding suggests that uncoupling of oscillators within the central pacemaker itself can cause symptoms like jet lag and rotating work schedules.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

March of Dimes awards $250,000 prize to pioneering scientist

Dr. Lyon's 1961 discovery of X-chromosome inactivation explained the inheritance pattern of X-linked disorders such as hemophilia and fragile X syndrome. The study of X-inactivation continues to excite researchers today, with a focus on understanding the process.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·DateMay 3, 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.

MRI 'highly useful' in the evaluation of patients with uterine fibroids

A study found MRI to be highly useful in the evaluation of patients with uterine fibroids. The imaging technique offers advantages over sonography, including a larger field of view and better contrast resolution. MRI can help identify subsets of patients who may not benefit from UAE treatment, allowing for more personalized care.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 3, 2004

4-MDCT 'excellent technique' for evaluating kidney donors

The study found that 4-MDCT results correlated accurately with surgical findings in 88 of the cases (93%), and specifically with renal vein anatomy in 91 of the 94 cases (96%). This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including speed, non-invasiveness, comfort for patients, and greater volume coverage.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 3, 2004

Could vitamins raise levels of bad cholesterol? Animal study suggests they might

A new animal study suggests that antioxidant vitamins may increase the secretion of VLDL in liver cells, leading to higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The study found that vitamins hampered a process in the liver that prevents the production of harmful lipoproteins.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 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.

Child safety restraint use increasing in auto trips

The study found that child safety restraint use rose from 49% in 1999 to 63% among children under 9 by the end of 2002. Optimal child restraint use increased for 3-year-olds, with a significant increase in optimal child restraint use rocketing to 93% in 2002.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 3, 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.

Whole-body CT screening for GI disease may not be effective

A recent study examining whole-body CT screenings for gastrointestinal (GI) disease found that only 9% of patients had abnormal findings, with most being benign or non-significant. The study's lead author warns that final results are still pending and more data is needed to confirm the findings.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 3, 2004

Eating habits as important as meds for diabetic blood sugar control

Researchers identified 15 common food habits that significantly impact blood sugar control, surpassing the effectiveness of medication. By adopting these 'do's and avoiding specific 'don'ts,' individuals with diabetes can achieve normal blood sugar levels.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMay 3, 2004

JGI decodes wood & toxic waste-degrading fungus genome

The JGI has sequenced the genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a basidiomycete fungus capable of degrading lignin and transforming xenobiotics. The availability of this genome will spur industrial and bioremediative uses for these organisms.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 3, 2004

Closing in on the cellular culprits of schizophrenia

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that dysbindin protein expression is reduced in over 80% of patients with schizophrenia, correlating with increased glutamate packets. This discovery provides a critical lead for understanding schizophrenia's cellular mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Digital mammography longer to interpret

Interpretation times for digital mammography (SFM) were significantly shorter than those for full-field digital mammography (FFDM), with a 59% difference. Technical problems also occurred more frequently in FFDM cases, impacting accuracy and efficiency.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·DateMay 3, 2004

REI medical/research briefs

Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2004

UC Riverside researchers develop low-carb corn with enhanced protein and oil

Researchers at UC Riverside have successfully developed a low-carb corn variety with increased protein and oil content, thanks to the introduction of a cytokinin gene that promotes plant growth. This breakthrough could help address global food security challenges by improving the nutritional value of cereal grains.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateMay 3, 2004
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.

Chromatin remodeling may open up DNA to RNA-mediated silencing

Researchers discovered a chromatin remodeling protein called DRD1 that enables RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants. This finding highlights the importance of chromatin remodeling in rendering nucleosomal DNA accessible to RNA signals and/or DNA methyltransferases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

Health care providers should be prepared for high prevalence of co-occurring disorders

A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004
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.

Link between caffeine consumption, high blood pressure found in adolescents

A new study has found a significant link between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure in black adolescents. Adolescents who drank the most caffeinated beverages had higher systolic pressures, with black adolescents showing a greater impact. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to explore this relationship.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

For foster children, unstable placements have higher healthcare costs

Researchers found that unstable placements and episodic foster care increase mental health service use, with older children and those with high physical health care costs at greatest risk. The top 10% of mental health users account for 83% of $2.4 million in mental health costs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 3, 2004