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Science News for June 27, 2005


Diuretics effective for people with diabetes and high blood pressure

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found diuretics to be equally protective against fatal coronary heart disease or non-fatal heart attacks among people with diabetes. Additionally, diuretics were shown to be more effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and reducing the risk of congestive heart failure.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Polls finds many Americans believe cancer myths

A national survey found that nearly half of Americans believe misconceptions about cancer, including that surgical treatment spreads the disease. The study suggests that public education interventions are needed to address these misconceptions among vulnerable populations.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 27, 2005

A promising candidate for a Lassa fever vaccine

A promising new vaccine candidate has shown protection against Lassa fever in macaque monkeys, offering hope for a potential vaccine. The vaccine's effectiveness and safety will need to be further assessed in larger studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Does vitamin C help prevent or treat the common cold?

A review of clinical research on vitamin C and the common cold found no benefit from supplementation for prevention or treatment. However, vitamin C may have a minor effect on reducing cold duration when taken before symptoms start. Vitamin C was also effective in preventing colds in athletes exposed to extreme physical stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Study links race to risk of advanced colorectal cancer, death

Researchers found that African Americans and Native Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and die of their disease compared to Asian Americans and non-Hispanic whites. The study highlights the importance of considering heterogeneity within broad racial/ethnic categories when evaluating cancer risks.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 27, 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.

Intention to lose weight and mortality

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with an intention to lose weight had lower mortality rates compared to those who did not have this intention. The researchers followed a cohort of overweight individuals for 18 years and found that those who were motivated to lose weight had significantly lower mortality rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

Cancer drug slows poxvirus in mice

Researchers found that Gleevec, a cancer drug, slowed the spread of poxviruses in mice. The study suggests that Gleevec might be useful as a preventative against adverse effects of smallpox vaccine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Infant abuse linked to early experience, not genetics

Research in macaque monkeys suggests that infant abuse is transmitted through early experience, rather than genetic inheritance. The study found that abused mothers were more likely to abuse their own offspring, but only if raised by non-abusive caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Tai Chi can reduce falls in older people, says new research

Researchers found that Tai Chi significantly improved the physical fitness of fall-prone older adults, reducing the risk of falls and fractures. The exercise program showed a 25% reduction in walking time for those who practiced Tai Chi compared to the control group.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJun 27, 2005

High-powered gene profiles provide clues to genes involved in common form of lung cancer

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified regions of irregular gene copy numbers in non-small cell lung cancer cells, pointing to a large number of previously unknown cancer-causing genes. The study also found that certain genes, including p63, play a role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Diabetics with high blood pressure benefit from 'water pills'

Diabetics with hypertension can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risks by taking diuretics, according to a new study. The medication has been shown to be more protective against heart failure and stroke in patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.

SourceTulane University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Mental processing is continuous, not like a computer

Researchers found that language comprehension involves continuous processing and competition between representations, contradicting traditional discrete models. The study used mouse movements to track students' processing of words, revealing curved trajectories indicating gradual ambiguity resolution.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Cancer related gene p53 not regulated as indicated by previous tissue culture research

Scientists at Salk Institute created a mouse model to study p53 regulation in vivo, finding that chemical modifications are not essential for protein activation under stress or normal conditions. The research has implications for cancer treatment and the development of specific drugs targeting p53's negative regulators.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Vascular disease most common cause of male erectile dysfunction

A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that over half of men with ED and cardiac disease can safely discontinue oral nitrates to use PDE-5 inhibitors, restoring sexual function. The study showed no adverse cardiac events in the group, providing new evidence-based care for men with ED and cardiac disease.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateJun 27, 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.

$5.1 billion would save 6 million children

According to a new study, $5.1 billion could save the lives of 6 million children annually by implementing community-based health interventions. These interventions, which include vaccines and preventive treatments for common childhood illnesses, could reduce the current annual cost of treatment by over 60%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 27, 2005

Experimental vaccine protects nonhuman primates from Lassa fever

A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in protecting nonhuman primates from Lassa fever. The vaccine, developed using a non-pathogenic form of vesicular stomatitis virus as a carrier, has been successfully tested with all vaccinated monkeys surviving infection.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Virginia Tech wins $2.7 million grant to protect people from malaria

Researchers at Virginia Tech will use 'in situ click chemistry' to design a novel, species-specific insecticide for Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, reducing toxicity and ensuring safety for humans and animals. The project aims to provide an effective solution for malaria control in communities worldwide.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJun 27, 2005
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Most primary care physicians believe annual physical examinations are valuable

Primary care physicians overwhelmingly believe that annual physical examinations provide valuable time for counseling on preventive health behaviors and improve the physician-patient relationship. Despite current guidelines recommending more selective screening, many PCPs perform annual exams due to patient demand and perceived benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Smoking and inflammation

A study on smokers and non-smokers found that it takes several years for changes in the blood to return to normal after smoking. After quitting, the inflammatory response had returned to normal by five years, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking. This finding emphasizes the health benefits of smoking cessation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

New approach to thyroid surgery reduces incision size

Researchers have found that an incision about half the length used for traditional surgery works just as well in removing diseased thyroids. The minimally invasive approach is safe, likely speeds wound healing, and has a superior cosmetic result.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 27, 2005

How risky are twin pregnancies?

Studies have found that monozygotic twin pregnancies can be complicated by a surprisingly high rate of fetal death despite intensive fetal surveillance. In one study, ten unexpected intrauterine deaths occurred in seven pregnancies with no prior signs of complications after 32 weeks' gestation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Special scalpel reduces blood loss, facial nerve trauma in salivary surgery

A harmonic scalpel with ultrasound technology can reduce blood loss, postoperative facial paralysis, and infection rates in patients requiring salivary gland removal. The study compared conventional surgery to harmonic scalpel parotidectomy for benign or malignant disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJun 27, 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.