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Science News Archive October 2004


Page 4 of 13

Anxiety good for memory recall, bad for solving complex problems

Researchers at Ohio State University found that anxiety enhances memory recall but impairs problem-solving skills, particularly those requiring flexible thinking. Stress levels before an exam boost working memory, while stress after the exam improves word and shape tests.

Bug's-eye-view of urinary tract reveals E.coli infection genes

Scientists have identified 313 up-regulated and 207 down-regulated E.coli genes in mouse urine, revealing new insights into bacterial growth and virulence factors. The study provides valuable information on growing conditions and could lead to more effective treatments for urinary tract infections.

Tea could improve memory, study shows

New research from Newcastle University found that green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain linked to memory decline. The study suggests that drinking regular cups of tea may help improve memory and slow the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Study at Joslin shows ease of introducing technology to kids with diabetes

A study by Joslin Diabetes Center found that youth ages 8-18 with type 1 diabetes were more likely to monitor their blood glucose levels when playing a guessing game on a wireless-equipped personal digital assistant. The study showed an increase in diabetes knowledge and fewer episodes of hyperglycemia among participants.

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.

Obese patients have higher health care costs than nonobese patients

Obese individuals have significantly higher one-year health care costs compared to nonobese counterparts. Prescription drugs and hospitalizations are key drivers of these increased costs. The study found obese patients had a median total healthcare cost of $585.44, while nonobese patients averaged $333.24.

Mixed signals to blame for restless legs syndrome

A new study reveals that iron deficiency in the brain's substantia nigra region may contribute to restless legs syndrome. Elevated levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were found in individuals with RLS, suggesting a link between cellular iron deficiency and dopamine regulation.

Malaria vaccine trial

A new malaria vaccine trial found only 10% vaccine efficacy in Gambian adults, but the DNA/MVA vaccine group showed a significantly stronger immune response than the rabies vaccine group. The researchers are planning further trials to address this issue and develop a more effective malaria vaccine.

A clear view of mycobacterial infection

Researchers have found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis recruits more macrophages to granulomas despite the host's defense mechanisms, suggesting a new strategy in mycobacterial infection. The study used zebrafish embryos to visualize cell recruitment into granulomas and identified the RD1 genetic region as crucial for virulence.

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.

Retinal stem cells can regenerate after transplant

Researchers successfully transplanted human retinal stem cells into light-sensing photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells in animal models. The study's findings have implications for future treatment of degenerative eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

Procter & Gamble wins top decision-making award at operations research meeting

Procter & Gamble has won the INFORMS Prize for its far-reaching integration of operations research into organizational decision making. The company's use of analytics and operations research has contributed substantially to its bottom line over the last decade, driving strategies for manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.

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.

Ovarian cancer rates across Europe

Research found ovarian cancer rates levelling across Europe, with declining incidence and mortality rates in northern countries, particularly among younger age groups. In contrast, southern and eastern European countries saw increasing cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Tip sheet for the October 26, 2004 Neurology

Researchers found that switching from brand phenytoin to generic phenytoin can lead to increased seizures in epilepsy patients. Additionally, a study on concussion history and symptom reporting found that athletes with previous concussions reported fewer symptoms immediately after the injury but more symptoms one week later. The Americ...

Changing prescribing behaviour through the mail

A randomized trial found that physicians who received periodic letters recommending evidence-based drug therapy were more likely to prescribe those drugs. The study, which involved 499 physicians in British Columbia, showed a 30% increase in prescribing of recommended drugs over the preceding 3 months.

Implantable heart defibrillators

A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.

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.

Doctors can improve colorectal cancer screening rates

A UCLA study of 22,343 adults aged 50+ in California found that 54% had a recent CRC test, with disparities seen among Latinos, women, and those without insurance or continuity of care. Improving access to screening through policies and education programs can help address these gaps.

OHSU study: Testosterone deprivation makes men forget

A study found that word retention drops sharply after two minutes among men undergoing testosterone deprivation therapy, despite initial encoding being similar to healthy men. The lack of testosterone affects the function of the hippocampus, a curved ridge in the brain controlling learning and memory.

Nitric oxide is essential for animal development

Researchers discover nitric oxide synthase is crucial for Drosophila development, leading to the death of flies lacking the gene. The study uses genetic analysis and mutations to provide conclusive evidence that NOS function is essential for an organism's development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Spread of HIV could slow if repeat testing is supported

A study found that behavioral and psychosocial barriers, such as lack of concern about infection and fear of blood drawing, prevent women from getting repeat HIV testing. Offering alternative tests, like oral tests, could encourage more testing among this demographic.

Predicting infection risk of mosquito-borne disease

Researchers develop mathematical model to predict mosquito-borne infection risk, finding that peak biting rates occur near breeding sites and highest human density. The proportion of infectious mosquitoes peaks where older populations are found, leading to surprising predictions about risk hotspots.

Racial differences, poverty linked to mammography use

A new study found that racial differences and poverty significantly impact mammography use among poor, rural women over 40. Native American and African American women had lower knowledge of breast cancer screening procedures compared to white women. The study sheds light on the need for targeted interventions to improve cancer screenin...

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.

Medical informatics project targets ovarian, breast cancers

IU researchers aim to capitalize on human genome data and powerful bioinformatics approaches to develop better therapies for ovarian and breast cancer patients. The study will focus on genetic and molecular consequences of DNA modifications to improve predictive models.

New study ranks graduate decision programs

The study ranked prescriptive graduate decision programs based on the quality of their contributions to education and research. The highest-rated programs include Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.

Mothers have brains primed for care

Research finds that mothers respond better to their own infant cries, exhibiting increased brain activity in various regions. Nurturing behaviors also improve social difficulties in offspring related to poor parenting.

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.

Calorie restriction leads to some brain benefits but not others in mice

A study published in Neuroscience found that calorie restriction had mixed effects on the brains of mice, improving grip strength, coordination, and flexibility, but having no effect on cognitive performance. The researchers suggest that free radical damage may contribute to age-related cognitive impairments, which could be prevented o...

High-fat diets hammer memory, more than a waistline worry

Recent animal studies suggest that high-fat diets can impair memory and cognitive function, increasing the risk of age-related cognitive impairment. Diets rich in saturated fats and sugar may worsen cognitive losses due to stress and sleep apnea.

New technologies shed light on schizophrenia

Researchers used DTI scans to analyze the movement of water molecules in brain fibers, finding abnormalities in neural pathways related to verbal memory and executive functioning. The study suggests that schizophrenia may result from differences in neural connections rather than single component faults.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Deciphering an autism mystery

Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.

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.

New hope for ALS seen with genetic techniques, growth factors

Researchers have discovered new approaches to treating ALS using genetic techniques and growth factors. A study found that implanting cells to support motor neurons can help stave off the disease, while another team used RNA interference to silence a toxic mutant gene. VEGF was also shown to rescue motor neurons attacked by ALS.

Olfactory bulb stem cells and Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers transplanted adult olfactory bulb stem cells into genetically engineered mice with ALS, showing a significant delay in disease symptoms and improved functional outcomes. The study suggests these stem cells may hold potential for treating ALS, but further laboratory work is needed.

New protein associated with aggressiveness in breast and ovarian cancer

A new protein, Rab25, has been associated with increased aggressiveness in both breast and ovarian cancers. Low levels of Rab25 protein expression were found to be linked to better clinical outcomes, with patients experiencing higher survival rates when tumors expressed low levels of the protein.

Promise of stem cells amplified

Scientists have successfully used stem cells to restore movement in paralyzed rats by transplanting oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that insulates nerve signals. Additionally, researchers have delivered GDNF, a factor aiding neuron survival, to patients with Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases using genetically modified astrocytes.

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.

PITT, OHSU: When early life stress occurs determines its impact later

Research using non-human primates reveals that early life stress exposure timing affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The study found that monkeys separated from their mothers at different ages displayed distinct behavioral patterns, with those separated earlier showing reduced social skills and increased anxiety.

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.

Estrogen or stimulating environment boost memory

A study by Yale University found that estrogen has no impact on memory in mice living in enriched environments, but improves spatial memory in those with standard conditions. The results suggest that estrogen benefits mice from un-stimulating environments more than those raised in stimulating ones.

New Yorkers' mental health visits rose little after 9/11

A recent study found that New York City residents' mental health visits rose less than expected after the 9/11 attacks. The majority of residents did not seek additional mental health services or medication use following the disaster, with only a few percent showing increased utilization.

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.

Hmong face high rates of some cancers

The Hmong community in California is disproportionately affected by certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal and liver cancer, which are often diagnosed at late stages. This is largely due to limited access to education, awareness, and screening services, highlighting the need for increased efforts to address these disparities.

Genetics play role in response to most common asthma drug

The BARGE trial found that individuals with the arginine genotype had poorer asthma control when using albuterol, while those with the glycine genotype had better asthma control. This suggests that genetic variations can impact response to common asthma medication, leading to potential personalization of therapy.

Super-sizing Asian Americans

Research highlights the importance of traditional Asian diets and physical activity patterns in preventing chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. Experts call for targeted campaigns to promote healthy eating and exercise among low-income immigrant communities.

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.

Gene for common form of Parkinson's pinpointed

Researchers pinpointed a specific gene, dardarin, causing PARK8-linked Parkinson's disease, affecting approximately 8% of Basque people with PD. The mutation is expressed throughout the brain and has characteristics of a molecular switch, suggesting a potential role in protein phosphorylation.

Latest Asian-American tobacco use data reported

The latest tobacco use statistics for Asian Americans in California show significant differences among subgroups, with the most acculturated young women being more susceptible to smoking. Researchers found that high English fluency speakers were more likely to smoke than those with lower fluency rates.