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Science News for October 1, 2004


Study shows CRC risk higher in people with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes

A retrospective cohort study of 24,918 patients with type 2 diabetes found those on more than three years of insulin therapy have a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study's lead author hopes the findings will lead to more effective cancer prevention efforts.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 1, 2004

Data show ZYVOX is more effective and reduces costs

A study of US patients treated with ZYVOX for complicated skin infections caused by MRSA found significantly better clinical cure rates (92% vs. 86%) and reduced healthcare costs ($652 per patient). The treatment's oral option also facilitated earlier discharge, contributing to cost savings.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·DateOct 1, 2004

World Trade Towers design exceeded wind load codes

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reanalyzed the wind loads that the World Trade Center (WTC) towers were originally designed to resist, finding that the values used in the design exceed those established by building codes prior to 1968. The study suggests that the WTC towers' reserve capacity to withstand u...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 1, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NSF funds first nanoscale center for learning and teaching

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded the first nanoscale center for learning and teaching, which aims to integrate nanotechnology into existing curricula in grades 7-12. The center will produce modular education materials, expand professional development programs for teachers, and research educational strategies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 1, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for October 2004 (first issue)

A study involving 15,555 participants found that current smokers, ex-smokers, and passive smokers are at a higher risk of habitual snoring. The frequency of snoring increases with the amount of tobacco smoked, with vitamin E showing a potential protective effect against asthma.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 1, 2004

U-M researchers show cottonseed drug boosts cancer treatment in mice

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that a potential small molecule inhibitor, (-)-gossypol, can boost the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in human prostate tumors in mice. The study demonstrates increased induction of apoptosis, making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateOct 1, 2004

Radiologists call for judicious use of CT for detecting pulmonary embolism

A study found that the number of CT scans performed for suspected pulmonary embolism increased significantly between 1997-1998 and 2002-2003, despite only a proportionate increase in actual cases. Radiologists are now seeing smaller abnormalities that were previously undetectable, leading to reconsideration of clinical issues.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 1, 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.

The more you have on your plate, the more you overeat

Researchers found that volunteers who consumed larger portions weighed an average of 39% more food and 273 calories per person compared to the previous week. The study suggests that larger portion sizes may be a major factor behind the rise in obesity rates among young adults.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 1, 2004

Diatom genome reveals key role in biosphere's carbon cycle

The diatom genome project provides insight into the vital role that diatoms play in mediating global warming by absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen. Diatoms also have a unique urea cycle to reduce their dependence on nitrogen, enabling them to thrive in changing ocean conditions.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2004

Don't stand so close to me: A new view on how species coexist

Researchers discovered that differences in life histories among parasitoid wasp species lead to 'gaps' that open up over time, resulting in the great diversity of wasps seen in nature. This finding suggests a new basis for explaining how communities assemble and sheds light on the role of evolution in shaping ecological patterns.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 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.

DNA sequence controls expression of gene involved in cancer

Researchers have identified a new region on the bcl-2 gene that regulates its expression and stability. This discovery may lead to the development of new cancer therapies by targeting the CA-repeated Region (CAR) to reduce bcl-2 levels in cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 1, 2004

Studying the chemistry of drugs in wastewater

Researchers at NIST studied four pharmaceuticals and their reactions with chlorine, finding multiple products some of which are highly toxic. The resulting compounds were more hydrophobic than the original drugs, raising concerns about potential environmental and health impacts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 1, 2004

Helping investigators gather crime evidence from PDAs

Researchers examined software tools designed to acquire information from PDAs, including deleted data and user passwords. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and limitations of these tools.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 1, 2004

US researchers show cottonseed drug is cancer treatment booster

Researchers have discovered a cottonseed-derived compound that enhances the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in treating various cancers, including prostate cancer. The study's findings suggest that the compound, (-)-gossypol, can increase induction of apoptosis and make tumours more sensitive to radiation therapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateOct 1, 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.

National Science Foundation awards $2 million grant to UC Riverside

A five-year study will monitor weed growth and make recommendations for maintaining fragile biodiversity, which is already impacted by development. The research aims to determine the threshold at which nitrogen affects different vegetation types and model future vegetation based on N emissions and urban development scenarios.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 1, 2004

New therapy for specific form of leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of active cancer genes in T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia (T-ALL), leading to an uncontrolled growth of immature white blood cells. The study suggests using Glivec, a kinase inhibitor that targets ABL1, as a potential treatment for T-ALL patients.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 1, 2004

32 new grants made for innovative technology R&D

NIST has awarded up to $80.1 million in funding for 32 new advanced technology program (ATP) projects, spanning various key technology areas including energy, medical diagnostics, electronics, and computer interfaces. The projects aim to improve productivity, facilitate trade, and enhance quality of life.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateOct 1, 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.

Study finds chance of appendicitis 'very low' if appendix is not visible on CT

A study analyzed CT scans of 366 patients with abdominal pain to investigate the likelihood of acute appendicitis when the appendix is not visible on the scan. The researchers found that only one out of 46 patients who had an unseen appendix actually had appendicitis, suggesting a very low chance of this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 1, 2004

Time running out for South Asian vultures, ecologists warn

Research published in Journal of Applied Ecology reveals that less than 1% of contaminated carcasses can cause rapid declines in vulture populations. Diclofenac poisoning is identified as the main cause of these declines, which are among the most rapid ever recorded for any wild bird species.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 1, 2004