Researchers at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are developing an electromechanical artificial heart to save thousands of lives. The device is expected to be widely available by 2005 and could implant over 50,000 patients per year.
A three-year project is underway to sequence the entire Arabidopsis thaliana genome at a rate of 200 genes per month. The goal is to develop the first complete gene sequence map of a higher plant, which will lead to improved plants and plant-based products.
Researchers have found a way to identify ancient ash using chemical transformations, providing new insights into prehistoric lifestyles. The discovery could help explain how early humans used fire for cooking, warmth, and protection.