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Science News Archive April 1997


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Eating Disorder Prevention Programs At Universities May Be Doing More Harm Than Good, Study Suggests

A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that a typical college eating disorder prevention program was ineffective in preventing disordered behavior, and may even have triggered it. The program, which aimed to address both primary and secondary prevention, failed to motivate high-risk students to seek help and may have o...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateApr 30, 1997

NICHD-Funded Researchers Find Possible Mechanism Of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia occurs when cytotrophoblasts fail to invade the uterine wall and mimic blood vessel cells, leading to high blood pressure and potential complications. Early detection through testing could save lives and prevent birth defects.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateApr 30, 1997
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chimpanzees Protected From HIV-1 Infection By New DNA Vaccine

A new DNA vaccine has shown promising results in protecting chimpanzees from HIV-1 infection, with two immunized animals demonstrating a strong immune response and one controlled animal showing signs of infection before recovery. The vaccine's genetic approach may lead to breakthroughs in human disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 30, 1997

Laser Offers Hope For Heart Patients With No Alternatives

Duke University Medical Center is testing a new laser system to pierce blood-carrying channels in ailing heart muscle, showing promising results for eight treated patients. The procedure, known as transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), creates new passageways that increase oxygenation and functional heart muscle.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 29, 1997

UNC-CH Study Shows State Protects HMO Clients Poorly

A new UNC-CH study reveals North Carolina's Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) consumer protection is lacking, with the state receiving only 'C-minuses' for its report card. The study highlights the need for enhanced accessibility, understandable written materials, and improved due process requirements.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateApr 29, 1997

Altered Gene Increases Men's Risk For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A study from Rockefeller University found that a specific altered gene, COMT, may increase the risk of OCD in men. The researchers discovered that this gene affects the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to a biochemical imbalance that contributes to the development of OCD.

SourceRockefeller University·DateApr 29, 1997
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.

Kids Near Airports Don't Read As Well

Research at Cornell University found that children in noisy schools near airports perform worse in reading skills compared to those in quiet areas. The study suggests that kids tune out speech amidst constant background noise, making it difficult for them to acquire speech recognition skills.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 29, 1997

ORNL Is Developing Medical Telesensors For The Military

Researchers at ORNL are developing medical telesensors to measure vital signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate in combat zones. The sensors will transmit data wirelessly to remote receivers, enabling medics to quickly identify wounded soldiers and prioritize treatment.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateApr 28, 1997

Tracking The Red River Flood Northward

The USGS is tracking the northward movement of the Red River floodwaters, taking measurements to improve forecasts for evacuations upstream. Crucial to understanding the impact on upstream communities will be how much water is contributed by the Pembina River.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateApr 25, 1997
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Higher Rate Of End-Stage Renal Disease In African-American Men Associated With High Blood Pressure And Lower Income

A recent study found that African-American men are four times more likely to develop end-stage renal disease than white men, with high blood pressure and lower income contributing to the increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 332,000 men aged 35-57 and found that interventions addressing ethnic disparities in blood pressure ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 24, 1997
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

MOHS Surgery At Emory University Helps Prevent Melanoma Recurrence

Mohs surgery has shown promise in preventing melanoma recurrence, particularly in patients with lentigo-maligna tumors. The technique's precision and ability to check surgical margins may provide a better chance of getting rid of tumors and preventing recurrences while conserving tissue.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateApr 24, 1997

Scooter Runs Into A Wall

Researchers from Northwestern University demonstrate a robot called Scooter that is programmed to refuse to go past a virtual surface. This innovation is part of a new class of collaborative robots called cobots, which are designed to work with humans safely and efficiently.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 23, 1997
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genes Discovered Enabling Tomatoes To Resist Wilt Disease

A group of genes has been discovered that makes wild tomatoes resistant to wilt disease, allowing breeders to speed up the development of new disease-resistant varieties. The findings also enable the design of genetically engineered crops with optimal resistance properties.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·DateApr 23, 1997

New Drug Therapies Delay Effects Of Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers found a significant delay in disease progression with selegiline and Vitamin E treatment, particularly among those with moderately severe disease. The drugs showed promise in reducing symptoms, but further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateApr 23, 1997

Smart Start Evaluation Reveals Improvements, Researchers Say

The Smart Start program has seen significant improvements in child care quality, with a 7% increase in evaluation scores and 11% more centers meeting good standards. The study found that child care quality is related to Smart Start efforts and that the level of quality is improving over time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateApr 22, 1997
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.

Astronomers, Using New Method, Find Evidence For Missing Matter

Researchers have found evidence of a 'missing' form of ordinary matter, known as baryonic matter, that was thought to be needed to form the cosmos billions of years ago. The findings suggest that this matter was spread throughout intergalactic space in a diffuse gas of hydrogen and helium atoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateApr 21, 1997

New Gamma-rays Count Challenges Astronomical Theories

A team of astrophysicists discovered fewer low-energy photons in the universe than previously thought, suggesting that high-energy gamma rays may not be interacting with as many low-energy photons as expected. This observation could alter current theories of the history of the universe and galaxy formation.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 19, 1997

'Quantum Dots:' The Finish Line In High-Speed Computing?

Engineer Max Lagally and colleagues create tiny pyramids assembled from several thousand germanium atoms, perfectly shaped and uniform across the surface. The pyramid crystals can hold a single charge and represent some of the smallest materials structures ever created.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateApr 18, 1997
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Unusual Brogue Of Oracoke, N.C. Islanders Threatened With Extinction

Researchers find that the unique island brogue is losing traditional features such as distinct vowel sounds and words like 'pizer' for 'porch.' The dialect's survival largely depends on the island's former isolation from the mainland. Despite its decline, linguists emphasize the importance of preserving languages and cultures.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateApr 18, 1997
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.

NIH Team Discovers Endocrine Tumor Gene

The NIH team identified the MEN1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits abnormal cell growth. This discovery enables easier screening for families at risk of MEN1 and provides a target for designing drugs to prevent or treat endocrine tumors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·DateApr 17, 1997

Law Targeting Youth Tobacco Sales Ineffective, Not Enforced, Police Say

A University of North Carolina study found that most NC police officers think the state law restricting tobacco sales to adults only should be changed due to its ineffectiveness in preventing youth access. Only a small percentage of officers try to enforce the law, citing barriers such as lack of manpower and poorly written legislation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateApr 17, 1997
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Engineer Explores Pollution-Fighting Ceramic Materials

Researchers have developed microporous ceramic materials that can remove extremely fine particles from indoor air and water. These materials offer a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies, such as incineration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateApr 17, 1997

Listen To Your Mother: An Apple A Day--Not A Cheeseburger--Keeps The Doctor Away

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can significantly lower blood pressure. Among participants with high-normal or stage 1-mild hypertension, the DASH combination diet reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 3.5 m...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 17, 1997
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Traditional Bedside Rounds May Improve Patient Satisfaction

Patients prefer bedside discussions by physicians and medical students over conference room presentations, finding them more comfortable and attended to. More educated patients were more likely to understand their treatment plans and express satisfaction with care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 17, 1997

Transmission Of Viruses Via Food Not Uncommon

Hepatitis A virus is the most severe foodborne viral disease, causing liver damage and debility. Viruses are transmitted through direct or indirect contamination of foods with human feces, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices in preventing transmission.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·DateApr 16, 1997
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.

Tiny Coated Beads Could 'Explosively' Release Drugs On Cue Within Tumors

Researchers develop tiny coated beads that can release drugs directly onto tumors in response to chemical signals. The beads are designed to remain intact until exposed to sodium-rich blood plasma, at which point they swell and burst explosively, releasing the entrapped drug. This technology has potential for targeted cancer treatment.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 16, 1997

Tornado Sensor May Become Reality

Researchers have developed a two-part seismic device that can detect ground vibrations given off by an approaching tornado, allowing users to seek shelter. The 'sensor' portion of the device is designed to be affordable for everyone and can provide up to five minutes warning before a tornado strikes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 16, 1997

Isle Royale Moose Continue Decline

The Isle Royale moose population has declined significantly, with only about 500 remaining after a devastating winter. This decline is attributed to the island's moose being severely stressed from lack of food and deep snows, with an abundance of balsam fir browse providing limited sustenance.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 16, 1997

Molecular Gates Show Promise For Drug Delivery

A graduate student at Purdue University has developed a gel-like material that expands and contracts in response to changes in acidity, mimicking the natural response of the body. The gel could be used as a 'molecular gate' to deliver insulin in real-time, responding to glucose levels.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 16, 1997
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.

Licorice Prevents Cholesterol Build-Up

A study by Technion Researchers found that licorice extract delays LDL oxidation, reducing cholesterol build-up in arteries. Glabridin, a compound in the licorice root, traps free radicals causing oxidation and increases blood's resistance to it.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 1997

Cockpit Display System Could Reduce Mid-Air Collisions

A new cockpit display system being developed at Michigan Technological University aims to alert pilots of nearby aircraft and reduce mid-air collisions. The system uses passive radar and GPS squitter signals to provide real-time traffic information, greatly improving flight safety.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 16, 1997

New Polymer Diode Is The First To Emit Light Of Many Colors

Researchers have developed a new polymer-based LED that can change color with ease, making it suitable for flat-panel computer and television screens. The device outshines traditional materials in terms of brightness and efficiency, offering potential power savings in traffic lights.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 16, 1997

University Of Washington Discovery May Point The Way To New Treatment For Hepatitis C Cases That Do Not Respond To Interferon Therapy

Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential new target for therapeutic drugs to treat hepatitis C. The study found that a protein called NS5A can bind to and inactivate a key component of interferon response, PKR. This could lead to the development of a new treatment for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalVirology·DateApr 15, 1997
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.

Evolution Of Fish Antifreeze Gene Sheds Light On Climate History

Research sheds light on climate change by showing fish in Antarctica and Arctic independently evolved similar antifreeze glycoproteins, linked to environmental adaptation. The genes arose around 5-14 million years ago, providing new evidence for the Southern Ocean's freezing timeline.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 14, 1997
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.