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Science News for November 1, 1996


A Surgical Semiconductor Laser With More Precision And Power

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new surgical semiconductor laser that can produce a unified beam with high power and precision. The laser's design makes it possible to achieve power levels of 6-12 watts, twice as much as current devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateNov 1, 1996

Genes Found For Two Syndromes Involving Skin-Color Disorders

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have identified genes for two devastating genetic disorders affecting abnormal pigmentation, including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome. The discoveries may pave the way for genetic testing to identify patients and carriers, as well as new areas of biology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin Health Science·DateNov 1, 1996
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.

EPRI Pilots New Water System For Healthier Habitats

The Central Park Wildlife Center will introduce a state-of-the-art electric-based water system using ozone to purify its aquatic exhibits. The ozone system destroys parasites, viruses, and bacteria, leaving cleaner water for the animals and better visibility for visitors.

SourceElectric Power Research Institute·DateNov 1, 1996

Electric Vehicle Advanced Battery R&D Moves To Phase II

The USABC will focus on reducing the costs of mid-term electric vehicle batteries and developing long-term lithium-based battery technologies. The research aims to increase range and improve electric vehicle performance, promoting a cleaner transportation system and reducing dependence on foreign oil.

SourceElectric Power Research Institute·DateNov 1, 1996

Gene Identified For Most Common Form Of Fanconi Anemia

Scientists have isolated and cloned the gene responsible for Fanconi anemia (FA), a rare disorder causing severe bone marrow failure, birth defects, and leukemia. The discovery enables the development of a quick diagnostic test for 65% of FA patients and may lead to better treatments, including gene therapy.

SourceRockefeller University·DateNov 1, 1996
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.

WSU Scientist Discovers Compounds To Limit Lung Disease

Two new classes of organic compounds show promise in limiting damage caused by lung disease and other inflammatory diseases. By blocking enzymes that cause connective tissue damage, the compounds reduce inflammation and potentially prevent further tissue harm.

SourcePlaceholder·DateNov 1, 1996

Is There Really A Gene For Personality?

A study of Finnish subjects failed to find an association between the Dopamine D4 Receptor (DRD4) gene and novelty-seeking personality traits. The researchers found that individuals with higher novelty-seeking scores had a lower frequency of the DRD4 gene, contradicting previous findings.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 1996

A New "Phantom" For Testing The Vision Of Ultrasound Scanners

Researchers have invented a new digitally encoded plastic transparency to test the accuracy of ultrasound scanners. The new phantom is more accurate and works faster than current phantoms, which are cumbersome hand-built blocks made of various tissue-mimicking materials.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateNov 1, 1996
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists Identify Retrovirus-Like Components In Corn Genome

Researchers have identified mobile DNA segments in the maize genome that are similar to retroviruses, which could provide a mechanism for plants to resist certain viruses. These 'selfish DNAs' can replicate and transmit to future generations without harming their hosts.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 1, 1996