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Science News for January 31, 2005


Obesity and weight gain associated with poorer breast cancer survival

Researchers found that high weight prior to diagnosis was associated with poorer survival, particularly in women who had never smoked. Weight gain after diagnosis also increased the risk of recurrence and death, especially among normal-weight women.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 31, 2005

Controversial Atkins Diet may be beneficial for people with epilepsy

A review of nutritional modalities for treating epilepsy suggests that diets high in fat and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be effective in controlling seizures. The Atkins diet has shown promise as an easier-to-follow alternative to the ketogenic diet, although its success depends on implementation.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEpilepsy Currents·DateJan 31, 2005

Spectroscopy for the real world

Scientists developed a high-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy system to study chemical underpinnings of everyday catalytic, biological, and ecological phenomena. They found that negatively charged ions concentrate at the surface of salt grains as they dissolve in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2005

Background 'DWI' checks effective

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pilots with a DWI history have a 43% higher crash risk than their counterparts without one. The researchers analyzed over 300,000 pilots and tracked their flying records, concluding that background checks can effectively predict and prevent crashes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJan 31, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers find new genes necessary to make embryo

Researchers at New York University have discovered over 150 additional genes required to make an embryo, bringing the total estimated number of genes needed to around 2,600. The study also sheds light on how these genes work in humans and provides clues for understanding human diseases.

SourceNew York University·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 31, 2005

US government list of cancer-causing agents grows

The report lists 58 substances as 'known human carcinogens' due to evidence from human studies, including HBV, HCV, and HPV. Eleven new substances have been added to the list of 'reasonably anticipated human carcinogens', including naphthalene, MeIQx, and lead.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

A bug's life: aging and death inE. coli

A study published in PLOS Biology found that E. coli bacteria, which reproduce symmetrically, have a reduced growth rate, decreased offspring formation, and increased risk of dying compared to cells inheriting new poles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Study proves catheter ablation safe for patients

A study published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology journal confirms catheter ablation is safe for patients, with no significant damage to cardiac nerves. The procedure is now a standard therapy for various arrhythmias, including SVT, atrial fibrillation, and AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPacing and Clinical Electrophysiology·DateJan 31, 2005

Chemists create 'Superbowl' molecule; May lead to better health

Chemists in Australia have created a molecule called the 'superbowl' that can carry large molecules of medicinal value, including painkillers and chemotherapy drugs, to specific areas of the body. The molecule shows promise for precision drug delivery and may one day improve medical treatments and save lives.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 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.

Rice genome approaches completion

A team of scientists has published a near-complete genome analysis of rice, revealing a whole-genome duplication event that may have played a role in the origin of grasses. The study provides important insights into the evolution of rice and its possible impact on human history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Privacy rule cuts research recruitment by more than half

The new privacy rule has reduced biomedical research recruitment to an average of 2.5 to 5.7 women per week, significantly impacting the field's progress in understanding preeclampsia and its devastating effects on pregnant women. Dr. Ness calls for modifications to the rule itself to standardize institutions' interpretation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 31, 2005

Women, drinking to their health

A study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce cardiovascular risk in women, particularly those who are postmenopausal. The research suggests that low to moderate wine consumption may have a favorable effect on cardiovascular events in this demographic.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

Screening for osteoporosis prevents hip fractures in older adults

A study of 3,107 older adults found that screening for osteoporosis using a bone density test reduced the incidence of hip fractures by 36% compared to usual medical care. The study provides new evidence for the effectiveness of osteoporosis screening in preventing fractures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005
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.

Drinking alcohol increases risk for cancer

A meta-analysis of 156 studies found that heavy alcohol drinking is strongly associated with an increased risk of primary liver cancer, breast cancer, large bowel cancer, and other related diseases. The risks are shown to increase with the amount of alcohol consumed, but no threshold below which no effect is evident.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

New test is first step in early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease using bio-bar-code amplification technology. The test can detect miniscule amounts of a toxic protein in human cerebrospinal fluid, which may be responsible for early neurological deterioration.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

A gene's fist 'kiss' sets off that affair known as puberty

Researchers uncover key mechanisms behind puberty, revealing that a specific gene and protein interact to trigger hormone secretion. The study provides new insights into human development and may help prevent precocious or delayed puberty.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

Bioartificial kidney under study at MCG

Researchers at MCG Medical Center are studying a bioartificial kidney that can mimic the functions of natural kidneys, reducing mortality rates in ICU patients. The device, developed by Dr. H. David Humes, uses billions of donor kidney cells to filter waste and regulate various bodily processes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalKidney International·DateJan 31, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Discovery promises simpler therapy for sickle cell disease

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that an inability of red blood cells to relax blood vessels through the release of nitric oxide is a major factor behind sickle cell disease symptoms. Restoring nitric oxide to blood cells may serve as a useful method for treating the disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

Drug treatment promising for halting Huntington's-related nerve death

Researchers developed a model linking Huntington's disease mutation to cell death, revealing calcium signaling as a key defect. A new drug, enoxaparin, prevented inappropriate calcium release and cell death in mouse neurons carrying the mutant huntingtin gene.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

Stents and going with the flow

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article evaluates the economic impact of sirolimus-eluting stents, finding they are cost-effective in high-risk patients. However, their use is associated with a similar or higher cost per quality-adjusted life-year compared to other medical treatments.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 31, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New language points to foundations of human grammar

Researchers analyzed Al-Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language (ABSL), a community of 3,500 deaf and hearing people, revealing a distinct grammatical structure that establishes systematic relations among words. ABSL follows a Subject-Object-Verb order, differing from English and other languages in the region.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2005

Patients with previous heart attacks may not benefit from pacemaker implant

At least 33% of patients with congestive heart failure who receive specialized pacemakers fail to respond, highlighting the need for more research in selecting candidates. This study suggests that traditional pacemaker implantation may not be effective for patients with previous heart attacks.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPacing and Clinical Electrophysiology·DateJan 31, 2005

Feb. 1, 2005, Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The American College of Physicians recommends one-time ultrasound examination for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening in men aged 65-75 who are smokers. New evidence suggests that large abdominal aneurysms may reduce deaths from ruptured aneurysms. Meanwhile, a study found that the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib increases heart attack risk ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

What does an airline traveler have in common with a glowing fish?

Researchers have created a new tool to investigate the components of the circadian clock in vertebrates using transgenic zebrafish that luminesce in sync with their periodicity. The study reveals that aspects of circadian rhythms develop in specific stages, rather than being hardwired into the embryo.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Gene with broad role also causes prevalent, inherited nerve disorder

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a gene defect that causes Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a prevalent and inherited nerve disorder. The discovery provides new insights into the nervous system and may lead to the development of targeted therapies for this debilitating disease.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 31, 2005
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.

New nicotine-like imaging agent holds promise in PET studies, may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new fluorine-18 labeled imaging agent, nifrolidine, which binds to a receptor involved in cognition and learning. This receptor is also linked to nicotine addiction and lung cancer, making it a potential target for early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005

Scientists close in on 'superbrakes' for cars

Researchers create a new mathematical model that explains the relationship between friction and motion, suggesting that traditional braking methods may not be the most effective. The findings could lead to improved road safety by optimizing brake performance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Physicists discover temperature key to avalanche movement

Researchers have devised a thermometer that can measure granular temperature based on the degree of agitation of its component particles. The discovery could lead to better understanding of powders and particulate materials in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and construction.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

New insight into regulation of blood stem cells

A new study found that the transcription factor c-Myb regulates hematopoiesis at multiple points, controlling HSC self-renewal and proliferation. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing compounds to regulate stem cell fate decisions, a potential game-changer for stem cell therapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 31, 2005
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.

Wine drinkers live longer than beer guzzlers

Substances in wine have been shown to share the characteristics of ethanol, preventing blood clotting and providing cardio-protective effects. Additionally, wine has been found to reduce mortality from cancer compared to other alcoholic beverages, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

Oiled birds prompt study by UCSB experts

Scientists at UCSB study the relationship between recent severe storms and increased oil emissions from the Coal Oil Point seep field. Researchers estimate current oil emissions are many times pre-storm levels, with new areas of seepage appearing and gas driving the flow.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJan 31, 2005

Northern women: Tough enough

A study of 25 northern British Columbia women reveals three key coping mechanisms: becoming hardy, making the best of the North and supplementing it. These strategies involve self-reliance, spiritual beliefs, outdoor activities and social support networks.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJan 31, 2005

Nanoscale diagnostic sets sights on Alzheimer's

A new nanoscale diagnostic technique has been developed to detect possible traces of Alzheimer's disease in cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure uses magnetic and DNA particles to identify biomarkers, which could lead to early diagnosis and effective treatment if proven successful.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 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.

Problems in the bedroom can indicate heart problems

Research suggests that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant public health concern associated with cardiovascular medicine. Early recognition of ED in high-risk populations can lead to early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical vascular disease.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005

Scientists propose sweeping changes to naming of bird neurosystems

Researchers propose a new naming system for bird neurosystems, revealing similarities to mammalian brains. The revised nomenclature reflects recent discoveries in neural processing and behavior, highlighting the cognitive abilities of birds comparable to those of mammals.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateJan 31, 2005

Progesterone therapy could prevent thousands of preterm births

Researchers estimate that progesterone therapy could reduce the rate of recurrent preterm birth in the US by about 2%, preventing around 10,000 premature births annually. The study's findings are based on a clinical trial showing a significant reduction in preterm birth risk among women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth.

SourceMarch of Dimes Foundation·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 31, 2005

New non-hormonal hot flash treatment set for clinical trial

Researchers at the University at Buffalo are conducting a 12-week study to evaluate the effectiveness of an amino acid supplement in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The trial will compare the active treatment with a placebo, and results may offer an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJan 31, 2005

Topic of ASBMB-Avanti Award Lecture will be lipid-protein interactions

The ASBMB-Avanti award recognizes Dr. Dowhan's work on lipid-protein interactions, which has expanded our understanding of lipids' roles in cellular processes. His research has established the molecular basis for new lipid functions and impacts a wide range of investigators.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJan 31, 2005
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.

Optical tweezers prove Einstein right

Researchers have successfully measured the back-flow effect in Brownian motion, a phenomenon Einstein predicted but overlooked 100 years ago. The discovery uses optical tweezers technology to detect this effect, confirming a key aspect of Brownian motion theory.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Please, do disturb

Researchers found that chaos and noise are essential for maintaining marine ecosystems, allowing plankton blooms to flourish even in suboptimal conditions. By adding noise to a system, it can become synchronized and sustained, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJan 31, 2005

Scientists reveal cells' 'energy factories' linked to cancer

Researchers found that excessive build-up of succinic acid in mitochondria triggers a sequence of events leading to tumour growth. The study increases understanding of molecular basis of several types of cancer, crucial for developing new prevention, diagnosis and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 31, 2005

Middle ear infections: Prescribe antibiotics or not?

A randomized controlled trial found that amoxicillin was more effective than placebo in treating middle ear infections in children, but showed no significant difference in adverse events or recurrence rates. The study suggests that antibiotics may be a useful treatment option for this common childhood illness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 31, 2005