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Science News Archive November 2004


Page 9 of 13

People on food stamps can't afford heart-healthy meals

Low-income families in Roxbury, Mass. face limited access to heart-healthy foods due to high costs. Researchers developed cost-effective menus with input from community members, but found monthly food costs exceed maximum food stamp benefits. Interventions are planned to educate and engage communities to promote dietary change.

News tips for Tuesday, November 9, 2004

Researchers found that testosterone therapy improves blood flow to the heart muscle in men with CAD, while behavioral factors such as exercise rates and obesity trends are closely monitored. Additionally, studies suggest 'flight socks' can reduce deep-vein leg clots during long air travel, offering a promising solution for at-risk indi...

Pioglitazone shown to reverse thickening of carotid artery wall

Researchers found that pioglitazone significantly reduced carotid artery thickness in just 12-24 weeks, while improving insulin resistance. This regression was independent from metabolic control improvements and correlated with better cardiovascular outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What makes a fast racehorse?

Researchers used mathematical and computer models to analyze horse movement and structure, discovering that horses with stiff legs are more prone to injury. The study found that fast horses can bring their legs forward quickly in preparation for the next stride, but this is more difficult for large and long-legged horses.

Grants target better predictors for type 1 diabetes

The study aims to identify genetic markers that can predict the onset of type 1 diabetes. The researchers plan to analyze the human genome, messenger RNA, and proteins to find reliable predictors of the disease, which may lead to new treatments and a potential cure.

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.

Rare heart problem decreases in clot-busting era

Researchers found that cardiac tamponade has decreased in incidence since widespread use of fibrinolytic drugs began. However, treatment delays are still a risk factor for the condition, and physicians should closely monitor acute heart attack patients to prevent it.

Asymptomatic cardiovascular changes are powerful predictor of future heart disease

Researchers found that early cardiovascular changes, such as carotid artery narrowing and electrocardiographic abnormalities, are strong independent risk factors for future cardiovascular events. These measures were more powerful in identifying high-risk individuals among women, particularly black women, who faced a significantly highe...

'Outgrown' a peanut allergy? Eat more peanuts!

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who eat concentrated peanut products frequently have a lower chance of having their peanut allergy recur. The researchers recommend that these children maintain tolerance by consuming peanut products at least once a month.

St. Jude scientist to lead NCI Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program

The program will test 10-15 drugs or drug combinations per year to identify promising agents for childhood cancer treatment. It uses preclinical models and genetically engineered lines to predict activity and extends previous research by testing a broader spectrum of anticancer agents.

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.

Women wait longer for emergency heart treatment

A new study reveals women with heart attacks wait significantly longer than men to receive emergency angioplasty, resulting in higher death rates. Patients who received treatment within 90 minutes of arrival had a 50% lower risk of dying in the hospital.

Study reveals link between cardiovascular risk and cognitive decline

A five-year study of over 2,600 elders found a significant link between the metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline. Elders with both the syndrome and high levels of inflammation showed a higher risk of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors to prevent dementia.

First Max Planck Partner Institute in China

The Max Planck Partner Institute in China will focus on computational biology, training young researchers, and collaborating with Chinese universities. The institute aims to integrate cutting-edge research competencies from both German and Chinese sides.

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.

Metabolic syndrome associated with cognitive decline in elderly persons

A study published in JAMA found that metabolic syndrome is associated with poor cognitive outcomes in elderly individuals. Participants with the metabolic syndrome and high inflammation showed a significant increase in cognitive impairment and four-year decline in cognitive testing scores compared to those without the metabolic syndrome.

New Royal Society journal studies

Researchers studied social implications of winner and loser effects in green swordtail fish, nocturnal colour vision in geckos, and bird distress calls. They also examined queen and worker policing in wasps and developed a model to minimize the impact of exotic infections.

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.

Genetic variant linked to weakened heart pumping

A genetic variant in PPAR-alpha has been linked to reduced heart pumping strength, with patients inheriting the polymorphism experiencing lower ejection fractions. The study's findings suggest that PPAR signaling may play a key role in the development of heart failure, and future research aims to develop therapies targeting this pathway.

UK scientist and children's author wins EMBO Award for Communications 2004

Fran Balkwill, a researcher and children's author, receives the EMBO Award for Communication for her efforts to educate children about HIV/AIDS and promote science literacy. Her books, such as Cells Are Us and Staying Alive: Fighting HIV/AIDS, have been widely acclaimed and have helped raise awareness about critical health issues.

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.

Ancient marine invasion sheds light on diversity

Researchers found that an ancient marine invasion led to a significant increase in regional diversity, with gamma diversity rising by 26% due to changes in beta diversity. The study suggests that habitat distribution or increased habitat diversity may have contributed to this increase.

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.

Regular family meals promote healthy eating habits

A University of Minnesota study found that girls who eat three to four family meals per week are at one-third the risk for extreme weight control practices. Regular family meals also benefit boys, although the association is weaker than for girls.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Angioplasty, robotically assisted keyhole bypass combo appears effective

A hybrid approach combining angioplasty and robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) shows promise in treating coronary artery disease. The procedure allows for a small incision and avoids opening the chest, reducing postoperative discomfort and aesthetic results.

Women with arrhythmias may also benefit from an ICD

Researchers found that women with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy had a significant reduction in arrhythmic death after ICD placement, but no overall survival benefit. ICDs prevented death from life-threatening heart rhythms in women, suggesting they may be beneficial for this population.

DHEA may help decrease abdominal fat in elderly persons

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that DHEA replacement therapy significantly decreases both visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat in elderly men and women. The therapy also improves insulin action, correlating with the reduction in visceral fat.

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.

African-American heart attack patients fare worse long term

Research found that African-Americans had higher blood pressure and heart rates, but also better artery response to treatment, leading to worse overall outcomes. The disparity in long-term mortality remains even when adjusting for patient characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.

Identifying the path to infection

Researchers have identified a new protein structure in E. coli that helps understand how the bacteria attach to human kidney cells and secrete an adhesive protein. The discovery could lead to new treatments for urinary tract infections and other related diseases.

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.

Cholesterol-lowering drug may slow Alzheimer's progression

A new study shows that a cholesterol-lowering medication can improve symptoms of depression and cognition in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. The treatment, atorvastatin, reduced bad cholesterol by more than 50% and showed significant improvement in depression symptoms.

Taking pills, even if placebo, predicts better survival in heart failure

A large clinical trial of 7,599 heart failure patients found that good adherence to medication was associated with lower mortality rates and hospitalization rates for both placebo and active drug. The researchers suggest that improving adherence could help patients avoid frequent hospitalization and improve survival.

Study will assess effect of tomato oil on precancerous prostate changes

Researchers are exploring the potential of tomato oil to reverse or delay progression of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), a precursor to prostate cancer. The study, led by Dr. Peter Gann, aims to clarify lycopene's mechanisms in the prostate and determine its chemopreventive potential.

Doctors transplant ovary to woman's arm to preserve fertility

In a breakthrough procedure, doctors have successfully transplanted a healthy ovary from a patient's body into her upper arm, preserving her fertility. The innovative technique uses brachial vessels to establish blood supply and has shown promising results in maintaining cyclical follicular growth.

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.

TRMM satellite proves El Nino holds the reins on global rains

Researchers used TRMM data to identify areas with greatest year-to-year change in rainfall between 1998 and 2003, finding a strong correlation with the El Nino Southern Oscillation. Global rainfall patterns are influenced by El Nino, but some regions like the Bay of Bengal remain unaffected.

International marine survey of coral death

Marine scientists aim to fill information gaps on coral reef ecosystems to strengthen global management and policy interventions. The assessment focuses on identifying sources of new marine pathogens, reducing inputs, and developing control measures.

Heart surgery patients receive less aggressive discharge care

Duke University researchers found that heart surgery patients receive less aggressive discharge care, with gaps in the use of life-saving medications and behavior modifications. The study, based on data from a national registry, revealed underuse of aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins among surgical patients.

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.

New insights into muscle adaptation to exercise

Researchers found that exercise increases VEGF production, which leads to an increase in capillaries within specific muscle fiber types. This change ultimately results in an anaerobic to aerobic shift in the affected muscle fibers.

New magnetic percutaneous system navigates vessels

A new magnetic-assisted intervention system has shown a high success rate in navigating tortuous coronary arteries, making it easier to treat patients with difficult lesions. The system, developed by Stereotaxis, Inc., uses two permanent magnets to generate a magnetic field and guide wires through the heart.

Good fats decrease multiple heart disease risk factors

A diet high in walnuts decreases C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation associated with heart disease. The study found that walnut consumption lowered total cholesterol, LDLs, and triglycerides, while also reducing inflammatory markers.

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.

Not the end, but the beginning of the world as we know it

Researchers suggest oxygen may have appeared 100 million years before its previously believed debut, based on improved dating and proxy measures. The shift from a reducing to an oxidizing atmosphere is linked to volcanic activity and the production of water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Method developed to replicate stem cells from the heart

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully replicated heart stem cells using a new technique, producing over 100 million cells in four weeks. The resulting cardiospheres contain cells that can regenerate and develop into specialized heart cells.

News tips for Monday, November 8, 2004

Researchers found microwave energy successfully ablates AF in most patients, while anxiety and low social support are associated with higher risk of relapse in heart failure patients. Additionally, women with non-ST elevation heart disease undergoing angioplasty face a higher risk of adverse events compared to men.

Delays in test result reviewing common

A study found that 83% of physicians reported delays in reviewing test results, which can jeopardize patient safety and satisfaction. Physicians also identified tools to help manage test results, such as generating result letters and tracking test orders.

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.