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Science News Archive August 1997


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Unique Coral Formation Discovered

A unique deep-water coral reef with 80% coral cover was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, challenging conventional thinking that coral reefs are restricted to shallow areas. The reef's unusual flat plate-like form and complex structure provide an ideal habitat for fish.

Lowering The Temperature On The SOx NOx Rox Box

Researchers at Penn State have developed a low-temperature nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst that can be used in small production boiler systems. The catalyst, tested at temperatures between 350-400°F, shows promise in eliminating the need for high-temperature baghouse bags and reducing costs.

Jefferson Scientists Find Potential Deadly Effects Of Two Missing Cancer-Suppressor Genes

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that two missing cancer-suppressor genes play a crucial role in female development, leading to catastrophic cell death. The study suggests that the combination of missing genes is lethal to female mouse embryos, offering new insights into cancer mechanisms and potential therapeutic strat...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 28, 1997

Clemson University Wins With Toys

Ray Turner, a renowned expert on using toys to teach physics, has won the American Association of Physics Teachers' Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Education Award. He uses non-threatening toys like miniature cars and ball-spinning circus seals to make complex concepts accessible to students of all ages.

Diamond Find: Carbon, Plus Germanium, Helps Silicon 'Shine,' UD Researchers Say

University of Delaware researchers have developed a silicon-based device that can convert some light into electricity using a germanium-carbon alloy. The device, which was tested with laser light, showed a conversion rate of 1.4 percent and demonstrated efficient rectification numbers. This breakthrough has the potential to bridge the ...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateAug 22, 1997

University Of Pittsburgh Scientists Find Biological Clue To Why Ex-Smokers Develop Lung Cancer Many Years After Quitting

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found a biological switch that drives the growth of lung cells in ex-smokers, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer. The 'switch' is triggered by gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors, which capture circulating hormones and spur lung cell division.

'FLARE' For Fire Research Leads To New Detector

A new fire detector developed by Purdue University engineers senses temperature to detect flames, providing a fast response time compared to traditional smoke detectors. The device can also be integrated into home security systems and may reduce false alarms caused by common household occurrences.

Harvard Researchers Report P53 Doppelganger

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel gene called p73, which closely resembles the well-known tumor suppressor gene p53. The study found that p73 is deleted in at least one type of cancer and resides in an area of the genome suspected to contain other tumor suppressor genes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 1997

Buckyballs Fight Nerve Damage

Researchers found buckyballs protect nerve cells from various types of damage, including stroke and spinal cord injury. In a mouse model of ALS, modified buckyballs delayed symptoms and increased lifespan by up to 15%.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 1997

NIH Leads International Group That Identifies Gene For Familial Mediterranean Fever: Mutations Date Back To Biblical Times

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), an inherited disease characterized by recurring fevers, abdominal pain, and inflammation. The discovery of the pyrin protein mutations may lead to a simple diagnostic blood test and improved treatments for FMF.