Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 18, 2005


PENN study emphasizes need for national guidelines for assisted reproductive technology programs

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals inconsistencies in candidate-screening practices among US Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs. The study found significant variation in reported likelihood of turning away candidates, with some programs accepting couples with addiction or welfare status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

Doctor report cards not always clear when comparing quality of care

A new study analyzed surveys from 2,515 asthmatic patients to identify reliable quality indicators for physician profiling. The researchers found that having a sufficient number of patients and using clear-cut indicators like asthma self-management knowledge and use of inhaled steroids can help determine the best doctor for patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJan 18, 2005

UCLA/VA researchers discover fat gene

Researchers at UCLA and VA discovered a link between lipin levels and body weight, finding that excess lipin can lead to accelerated weight gain in mice. Variations in lipin levels may play a role in why some people are more prone to weight gain than others.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deficient DNA repair capacity associated with increased risk of breast cancer

A study found that breast cancer patients have lower DNA repair capacity compared to control subjects, increasing their risk of breast cancer. Deficient DNA repair capacity was associated with a threefold higher risk in women with poor DNA repair capacity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2005

Quality of in-hospital CPR may fail to meet guidelines

A study found that in-hospital CPR was often performed suboptimally, with many patients experiencing chest compression rates below 90 per minute and ventilation rates above 20/min. The researchers suggest that improving monitoring and feedback systems could help improve CPR quality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2005

A much-needed shot in the arm for HIV vaccine development

The Global HIV/AIDS Vaccine Enterprise has launched a scientific strategic plan to address major roadblocks in HIV vaccine development and proposes an innovative collaborative model for researchers worldwide. The plan aims to harness new opportunities, including an expanded pipeline of HIV vaccine candidates and improved animal models.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 18, 2005

First x-ray laser gets funding

The LCLS X-ray free electron laser will enable breakthrough science and imaging at the atomic scale, with initial funding of $54 million. Construction is set to begin in 2006, with a new center for ultrafast science expected to be operational by 2009.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

Astronomers: 'Bullet star' shines 350 times brighter than the sun

Astronomers have detected Regulus' rotationally induced distortions using the CHARA array, revealing its temperature difference between polar and equatorial regions. The star's centrifugal force causes it to expand, resulting in gravity darkening, where it becomes brighter at its poles than at its equator.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateJan 18, 2005

African Americans half as likely to receive surgery for esophageal cancer

A study found that African Americans are half as likely to receive surgery for esophageal cancer, experiencing poorer survival rates and undertreatment. The disparity is attributed to factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing health conditions, highlighting the need for equal access to quality cancer care.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 18, 2005

Program effective at reducing depression in teens

A quality improvement intervention for adolescents improved depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with mental health care. The program also increased access to evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy and counseling.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2005

Global Technology Confidence hits new high in Q4 2004

The Global Technology Confidence Index reached a new high in Q4 2004, driven by strong increases in Latin America and North America. Meanwhile, executives prioritize innovation management and technology alignment for business growth.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJan 18, 2005

Desertification alters regional ecosystem climate interactions

Scientists use NASA Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer to analyze vegetation and soil changes in response to rain variation over large areas. The study found a long-term decrease in litter cover, bare soil areas, and shifts in plant responses to precipitation events.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

Other highlights in the January 19 JNCI

A new study found that adding more types to the current HPV DNA test would detect relatively few additional cases of cervical cancer but lead to thousands of unnecessary exams for women without cancer. Meanwhile, esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased by sixfold over the last 25 years, with no clear explanation for the rise.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2005

ASBMB-Amgen Award Lecture to focus on orphan nuclear receptors

Orphan nuclear receptors are structurally related to well-known hormone receptors but lack known ligands. Dr. Forman's work identifies novel signaling pathways and regulatory molecules that contribute to critical diseases, including fat cell formation, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol homeostasis.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

Adding radiation therapy to chemotherapy improves survival in patients with high-risk breast cancer

The addition of locoregional radiation therapy significantly improved breast cancer survival and reduced mortality in high-risk patients. A 20-year follow-up study found that the regimen resulted in a 32% reduction in breast cancer mortality and a 27% reduction in overall mortality compared to chemotherapy alone.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2005

2001-2002 survey finds that many recover from alcoholism

A 2001-2002 survey found that 25% of individuals with alcohol dependence are now dependent, 27.3% are in partial remission, and 11.8% are asymptomatic risk drinkers. The likelihood of abstinent recovery increased with age and certain factors such as marriage, family history of alcoholism, and fewer symptoms of dependence.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalAddiction·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

CPR performance does not follow guidelines

A study found that chest compressions were given only 48% of the time without spontaneous circulation, with an average compression rate of 64/min. The researchers emphasize the importance of focusing on delivery of correct chest compressions during CPR to improve patient survival.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2005

Fat deficiency gene also spurs obesity

A gene that causes severe fat deficiency is also found to promote obesity in mice, according to new research. The protein affects body weight by altering fat storage and metabolism, with excess levels leading to increased body weight and changes in energy expenditure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2005

Fat hormone acts on brain circuit to curb obesity, diabetes

A single brain region, the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH), is sufficient for normal control of blood sugar and activity level by the fat hormone leptin. Restoration of leptin signaling in mice improves glucose homeostasis and locomotor activity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 18, 2005

Big, old fish key to restoring groundfish stocks

A diverse network of marine protected areas may be essential for restoring depleted groundfish stocks. Older fish produce more eggs with increased survival chances for larvae, which can grow faster and survive starvation longer.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFisheries·DateJan 18, 2005

Study of CPR quality reveals frequent deviation from guidelines

Researchers found that chest compressions during CPR are often too slow, shallow, and interrupted, while ventilation rates are usually too high. The study used an investigational monitor/defibrillator to measure CPR quality and compared the results to American Heart Association guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJan 18, 2005
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.

AGI and USGS provide unique tsunami disaster relief

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has partnered with the USGS to provide a Global GIS DVD-ROM, which offers datasets of historical seismicity, topography, and other geospatial information. This database is being distributed to disaster teams to aid in tsunami relief efforts.

SourceAmerican Geosciences Institute·DateJan 18, 2005

Diet, exercise, stimulating environment helps old dogs learn

A two-year study found that older beagles performed better on cognitive tests when fed a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, exercised regularly, and provided stimulating environments. The combination of these interventions showed the most significant improvements in brain function.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJan 18, 2005