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Science News for November 2, 2004


Research confirms that vCJD prions can be removed from blood

A study found that the Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces infectious vCJD prions in red blood cell concentrates below detection limits. The filter also reduced scrapie prions, a similar TSE, from blood, with no clinical symptoms reported in animals treated with filtered blood.

SourcePall Corporation·DateNov 2, 2004

Tiny tools carve glass

Researchers create miniature drills and end mills using microelectro discharge machining to produce smooth, curly chips of glass or ceramic. The process can take as long as an hour to produce one dimple a half millimeter in diameter, but is faster than photolithography.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 2, 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.

Ann Mooney co-authors study of stresses faced by CEOs

A new study co-authored by Ann Mooney explores how CEO job demands influence strategic decisions and leader behaviors. The research reveals that varying levels of demand facing top executives are shaped by three factors: task challenges, performance challenges, and executive aspirations.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalAcademy of Management Review·DateNov 2, 2004

Hospitalization and restricted activity can lead to disability among elderly

A prospective, longitudinal study found that hospitalization and restricted activity significantly increase the risk of developing disability among older adults. The study, conducted at Yale University, involved monthly phone interviews with over 700 residents aged 70+, revealing that 55% developed disability, with hospitalization and ...

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 2, 2004

Study of cancer trials finds significant safety improvement

A comprehensive analysis of Phase 1 cancer trials found a significant drop in drug-related deaths and an improvement in the risk/benefit ratio. The study suggests that increased attention to patient safety, less-toxic targeted therapies, and improved supportive care have contributed to these improvements.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateNov 2, 2004
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.

UVic climate research gets super boost

The University of Victoria has received a new vector-based supercomputer to aid in climate research. The machine will enable faster climate simulations and models that represent economic, social, technological, and biogeochemical factors. This is the first such computer in Western Canada, which can speed up simulations by a factor of 20.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·DateNov 2, 2004

National survey shows few physicians elected to Congress

A recent study published in JAMA found that only a few US physicians have been elected to Congress since the 1960s. The researchers suggest that training and financial incentives may be contributing factors to this lack of representation. The study highlights the need for medical leadership in shaping healthcare policy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 2, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Less risks for patients participating in early phase cancer drug trials

A study analyzing phase 1 cancer trials from 1991-2002 found a significant decrease in treatment-related deaths and serious toxicity, with adjusted odds of death being less than one-tenth those of patients participating in earlier trials. Targeted therapies and improved supportive care are likely contributing factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 2, 2004

Study reveals genetic link to colon cancer

A recent study has revealed a genetic link to colon cancer, identifying the MutY human homologue (MYH) gene as a risk factor. The research found that children of MYH gene carriers have a higher risk of developing the disease, with a 1:2 ratio.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 2, 2004

Joslin Diabetes Center awards 1st Mary K. Iacocca Faculty Fellowship

Dr. von Andrian will focus on setting up a new microscopy model at Joslin to study the interaction between islet cells and immune cells, aiming to develop a simple model for studying islet cells in living animals. He will also collaborate with Joslin researchers on stem cell projects and vascular complications in people with diabetes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·DateNov 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.

Godiva's speedy ride

A new PIM chip called Godiva, designed and prototyped at USC, has successfully integrated into a server and delivered comparable performance to the original-equipment Itanium chip. The Godiva chip uses DDR-DRAM interface and reduces electrical power consumption by one hundredth.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 2, 2004

Other highlights in the November 3 JNCI

Researchers developed a method combining CYP3A4 phenotyping with UGT1A1 genotyping to optimize irinotecan chemotherapy. Greater height, obesity, and lower physical activity levels are linked to increased endometrial cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 2, 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.