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Science News for September 1, 2004


New study finds leptin plays a key role in women's health

A new study reveals that leptin can restore reproductive function in women with extreme low body fat levels, such as those with infertility, eating disorders, or osteoporosis. Leptin therapy showed dramatic results in raising reproductive hormones and improving menstrual cycles.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 1, 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.

JCI table of contents: 1 September, 2004

Researchers found that zoledronic acid can halt the progression of cervical cancer in mice by inhibiting angiogenesis and matrix metalloprotease-9 expression. Additionally, a study on skin cancer revealed that Stat3 is required for initiation and promotion stages, suggesting it as a potential target for cancer therapy

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Computer models expose humans as main cause of caribou decline

A new study using computer models found that human activities are the main cause of caribou decline in northern Alberta. The research suggests that if current development rates continue, woodland caribou will be eliminated from the area in 37 years.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEcological Modelling·DateSep 1, 2004

Returning travellers could highlight emerging infections worldwide

A study of 13,271 Salmonella infection cases in Sweden found that 87% were contracted abroad, with most coming from Spain, Greece, and Turkey. The number of diagnoses for a rare type of Salmonella Enteritidis increased dramatically among visitors to Greece in 2001.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateSep 1, 2004

Dentists find alternative to 'potentially risky' general anaesthetic

Researchers have developed a new procedure using sedative midazolam and gases that has been successfully used to treat children with extreme dental problems, avoiding the risks associated with traditional general anaesthesia. The technique offers a viable alternative for specialist practices to reduce hospital waiting lists and free beds.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAnaesthesia·DateSep 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.

Should AIDS therapy be used earlier than current guidelines recommend?

The study found that HAART reduced mortality in HIV-infected injection drug users with high CD4 cell counts, similar to those without HIV. Initiating or switching to HAART at higher CD4 counts than current recommendations may improve outcomes for asymptomatic patients.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2004

Flame retardants found on supermarket shelves

A US study found significantly higher levels of brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) in food samples than previous market studies. The most contaminated items were fish, meat, and dairy products, highlighting the need for further research into the exposure routes of these toxic chemicals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 1, 2004

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

A US study found a significant link between exposure to traffic pollutants and an increased risk of bronchitis or physician-diagnosed asthma in children. In contrast, directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients showed a significantly higher cure rate compared to self-administered therapy.

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

Chauvenet prize to Burger

Burger's work on number theory and mathematics education has earned him numerous awards, including the MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award. His research focuses on Diophantine approximation and geometry of numbers, and he is also dedicated to making math accessible to everyone.

SourceWilliams College·DateSep 1, 2004
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.

Scientists discover proteins involved in spread of HIV-1 infection

Researchers identified human VPS37 proteins as crucial in HIV-1 budding and protein sorting. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting these proteins to prevent infection spread. Human VPS28 was also found to bind to TSG101, essential for HIV-1 replication.

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

Patient end-of-life choices limited by physician outlook

A study surveyed 900 physicians from the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, revealing that a physician's comfort level discussing death and their medical ethics training significantly affect end-of-life choices for terminally ill patients. Key aspects of effective conversations include 'straight talk' and compassion.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·DateSep 1, 2004

Radiation after lumpectomy may be unnecessary for many older women

A study of over 600 older women with receptor-positive breast tumors found that tamoxifen alone was as effective as radiation therapy in preventing recurrence. The research suggests that radiation may not be necessary for these patients, improving their quality of life and reducing side effects.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 1, 2004

Guiding light on a nanoscale at Berkeley

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created low-loss and highly flexible optical waveguides using semiconductor nanoribbons, which can be integrated into photonic circuits. The nanoribbon waveguides were synthesized from tin oxide and demonstrated the ability to propagate and modulate light through subwavelength optical cavities.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2004

Analysis fingers causes of desertification

A recent study reveals that desertification is driven by a limited number of recurrent pathways, including regionally distinct combinations of factors and feedbacks. The analysis challenges traditional single-factor explanations and highlights the impact of public and individual decisions on desertification.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateSep 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.

Mayo Clinic pioneers gene therapy delivery system for glaucoma

Researchers successfully delivered a phosphorescent green protein from jellyfish to the eyes of laboratory cats, producing a permanent effect. The study demonstrates a potential gene therapy approach to treat glaucoma, a chronic disease affecting 70 million people worldwide.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateSep 1, 2004

How a dietary supplement can protect against Alzheimer's disease

Research in mice shows that dietary depletion of essential fatty acid DHA accelerates Alzheimer's disease, but supplementation protects against damage to dendrites and cognitive decline. The study supports increased DHA intake as a potential neuroprotective strategy for AD.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 1, 2004

Prison stigma leads to poor health for African American men

African American men face significant barriers in transitioning from prison to society, including limited job opportunities and affordable housing. This can lead to poor health outcomes due to lack of access to healthcare services and insurance.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateSep 1, 2004

Analysis of gene expression in lymphoid cells can determine lymphoma cancer

Researchers at Temple University's Sbarro Institute developed a new blood test that uses CDK9/CYCLIN T1 expression to accurately diagnose lymphoma cancer types and stages. The study, published in the Journal of Pathology, found that analyzing these molecules in a blood sample can pinpoint the presence of lymphoma with high accuracy.

SourceTemple University·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateSep 1, 2004

A genetic disorder yields insight into genes and cognition

A genetic disorder, Williams syndrome, has been studied using brain imaging techniques to understand its impact on genes and cognition. The research found that the disorder affects the dorsal pathway of the visual cortex, leading to difficulties in visuospatial construction.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 1, 2004
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.

Researchers identify the genome's controlling elements

Scientists have developed a new method to quickly identify the precise landing sites of gene regulators in yeast, which are essential for understanding how genes and their regulators 'talk' to each other. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2004

Chernobyl study: Risk of thyroid cancer rises with radiation dose

A recent study published in Radiation Research has established a dose-response relationship between radiation dose from Chernobyl and thyroid cancer. Researchers found that the incidence of thyroid cancer was 45 times greater among those who received the highest radiation dose compared to those in the lowest-dose group.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalRadiation Research·DateSep 1, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Stuck on you: Scientists lay bare secrets of bacterial attachment proteins

Researchers have characterised the structure and function of Dr Adhesins, a family of proteins responsible for chronic diarrhoeal and urinary tract infections. The discovery provides new insights into how these proteins cause multiple diseases by targeting a common receptor on host cell membranes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 1, 2004

Convulsions in worms mimic epileptic seizures

A team of researchers led by Guy A. Caldwell found that worms with a mutated LIS1 gene experience convulsions similar to those in humans with lissencephaly, a rare birth defect. The study reveals the mutated protein's impact on neuronal trafficking and neurotransmitter release, providing insights into the complexities of epilepsy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateSep 1, 2004

New imaging technology at Joslin shown to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a new imaging technology using magnetic resonance imaging to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes. The technology tracks miniscule magnetic nanoparticles leaking from the blood vessels of the pancreas, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the disease's progression.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2004

September 2004 Ophthalmology journal

This September 2004 issue of Ophthalmology journal features groundbreaking research on predictive factors for glaucomatous visual field progression, primary open-angle glaucoma in Japan, and hypothyroidism's impact on open-angle glaucoma. The studies also explore the mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost and optic nerve...

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 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.

Liposuction shown to be safe under proper conditions

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted the first comprehensive study on liposuction's physiological impact, analyzing its effects on the heart and lungs, as well as electrolyte changes. The study found that levels of lidocaine and epinephrine must be closely monitored to ensure patient safety.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 1, 2004

Purdue study finds antioxidant protects metal-eating plants

A Purdue University study found that an antioxidant, glutathione, plays a critical role in protecting plants from toxic metals. Glutathione helps to minimize oxidative stress, allowing certain plants to thrive on metal-enriched soils.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 1, 2004

Paper or mouse-click? What's on computers is easier to find

A survey of over 200 respondents found that more than half struggled to keep track of paper documents, losing them at least once a week, compared to electronic information. The study highlights the need for better tools to help people organize their information effectively, regardless of its form or location.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 1, 2004

Zoledronic acid zings cervical cancer

Researchers found that zoledronic acid inhibits the growth of cervical cancer by targeting macrophages expressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and angiogenesis. This treatment approach offers new hope for cervical cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Moho gone missing, geologists say

A team of geologists reports that the Moho boundary is absent beneath California's San Joaquin Valley, due to a mantle drip. The study provides insight into mountain-building processes and explains how the Sierra Nevada formed.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2004

Stopping skin cancer — Stat3

Researchers found that Stat3 is required for skin cancer initiation and maintains cellular growth through expansion of initiated cells. Inhibiting Stat3 function impairs tumor growth, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 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.

Counseling boosts immunity, improves health habits

A long-term study at Ohio State University found that counseling improved immune function, reduced stress, and boosted healthier eating habits in breast cancer patients. The study's findings support the value of psychological intervention in cancer treatment and suggest potential benefits for other types of cancers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 1, 2004

ET, don't phone home; drop a line instead

Physicist Rose suggests that inscribing information on a physical medium can be more energy-efficient than sending messages through radio waves. He proposes this method as a solution for communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations, potentially leading to millions of messages being discovered on Earth or other celestial bodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 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.

Possible link found between hypothyroidism and glaucoma in men

A significant association has been found between hypothyroidism and an increased risk of developing glaucoma in men. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,000 male patients with newly diagnosed glaucoma, revealing that nearly 7% had a prior diagnosis of hypothyroidism compared to 4% of non-glaucoma patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 1, 2004

American Journal of Nursing partners with GSA to improve care of older adults

The American Journal of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America aim to increase nurse certification in gerontology, stimulate institutional changes, and provide continuing education resources. The partnership will produce a bimonthly series on nursing care of older adults, publishing 15 evidence-based articles.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateSep 1, 2004

Pig-human transplantation not PERVerted

Researchers develop a new xenotransplantation model where human cells coexist with porcine cells, showing that they can live long-term without PERV infection. The study suggests that pigs may be a safer source for human transplantation due to the low risk of transmitting viruses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Men from early middle ages were nearly as tall as modern people

A recent study analyzed skeletal data from thousands of skeletons in northern Europe and found that average height declined slightly during the 12th-16th centuries and hit an all-time low during the 17th-18th centuries. The study suggests climate change, urbanization, and inequality as contributing factors to this decline.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science History·DateSep 1, 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.

Rare deficit maps thinking circuitry

Scientists have pinpointed the site of a defect in a brain circuit associated with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects thinking and cognitive abilities. The study used MRI scans to identify a small region in the brain's white matter that lacked grey matter in people with the disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNeuron·DateSep 1, 2004

Diabodies act as guided missiles targeted to mammary tumor growth

A new diabody targeting breast tumor growth has been developed, showing significant inhibition of human breast tumor xenografts in mice. The mini-antibody C6.5K-A specifically targets the HER2/neu human tumor-associated antigen and demonstrates great affinity for its target, leading to prolonged retention in antigen-laden tumors.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 1, 2004