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Science News Archive August 1997


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Mars Is A Peaceful Planet, Say U-M Geologists

A study of Martian meteorites suggests that Mars formed quickly and became geologically quiet, with little plate tectonics. This process allowed the planet's internal structure to remain relatively unchanged since its earliest history.

Special Journal Issue Examines Environmental Problems In Europe

This special journal issue examines the success of ecological engineering in dealing with environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe. The topics include remediation efforts around the Chernobyl nuclear plant, use of wetlands to filter heavy metals from industrial waste water, and treatment of acidified soils.

Babywalkers Still To Blame For Children's Serious Injuries

A new study found that 69% of babywalker-related injuries occurred in spite of adult supervision. Infant mobility is too great for young children to control, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Researchers advocate for stricter standards on babywalker design to prevent further accidents.

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.

New Acoustic Liner Material Absorbs Noise; Withstands High Temperatures

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new acoustic liner material made from hollow ceramic spheres that can absorb both low and high sound frequencies. The material can withstand temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for applications in aerospace and industry.

Common Childhood Virus Poses Threat To Adults, Research Shows

Researchers found that Respiratory Sincytial Virus (RSV) affects previously healthy adults, leading to misdiagnoses and delayed treatment. The study highlights the importance of routine RSV testing in hospitals to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and ensure accurate diagnosis.

One Chimp Can Perceive States Of Awareness In Others

A new study reveals that chimpanzees can determine whether their partners are aware of danger, indicating a shared ability to perceive knowledge states and intentions. This suggests a stronger cognitive connection between chimps than previously thought.

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.

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.

Scientist Identify Proteins That Regulate Cell Divison

Researchers have discovered how key molecules interact in the major pathway regulating cell division. Disrupting this pathway may force cancer cells to divide prematurely, favoring their death. A class of molecules that inhibit Cdc25C has also been identified, suggesting a potential target for cancer therapies.

New Electrical Abnormality Found In Heartbeat Of Heart Failure Patients

Researchers discovered an electrical abnormality in heart failure patients that prevents their hearts from recovering normally after each beat. This erratic and unstable ability to recover affects millions of Americans with heart disease, leading to potentially life-threatening rhythm disturbances.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Evidence Discovered Of New Subnuclear Particle

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new subnuclear particle, an exotic meson, which is composed of quarks and antiquarks rather than just one type. The discovery was made possible by a high-energy particle experiment conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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.

Psychiatric Symptoms May Signal Brain Damage From Diet Pills

A review of 90 animal studies suggests that diet pills containing fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine can cause permanent loss of serotonin nerve terminals in the brain. This damage may lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive problems, and sleep disturbances.

Duke Scientist Discovers Cell Structure Guide Potent, Reproductive Stem Cells

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a cell component called the spectrosome that guides reproductive cells to self-renew and mature differentiated cells in fruit flies. The finding may help explain how men continuously produce sperm and why some stem cells lose control, forming cancerous tumors.

Role Of Cytokines In Treating Heart Disease Unveiled By Penn Scientists

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center investigated the role of cytokines in treating heart disease. Amlodipine, a widely prescribed medication for patients with heart failure, was found to lower plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in heart patients over a period of 26 weeks.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Motivating Math: Helping 'Kids' Discover Math

A new approach to math education, developed by Dr. Alex Friedlander, focuses on investigative experiences that motivate children to discover mathematical principles. This method encourages creative problem-solving and allows advanced students to learn at their own pace.

Female Fireflies Lure Males For Defense Chemical

In a surprising twist, female Photuris fireflies lure male Photinus fireflies close enough to eat them, obtaining defensive chemicals called lucibufagins. These compounds help females repel predators like spiders and birds.

Nurse Home Visits Have Lasting Positive Effects

Nurse home visits have long-lasting positive effects on low-income women's lives and their children's well-being. The studies found that home-visited women had lower rates of child abuse and neglect, fewer pregnancies, and reduced healthcare needs.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

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.

Gold-DNA Combination May Lead To New Ways To Detect Diseases

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new gold-DNA probe technique that offers high accuracy and speed in detecting genetic and pathogenic diseases. The method uses gold nanoparticles combined with oligonucleotides to detect specific genes linked to diseases, eliminating the need for radioactive materials.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

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 ...

Report Addresses Questions Over Wolves In Adirondacks

The report examines residents' fears about wolf interactions with livestock, humans, and the native deer population. Despite these concerns, states with wolves have minimal livestock losses, highlighting a more nuanced understanding of wolf ecology.

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.

Researcher Calls For More Careful Use Of Biological Controls

A new study highlights the risks of biological control gone wrong, as a widely released weevil has attacked five native thistle species. The Eurasian weevil, introduced to the US in 1968, has damaged native plants' seed production by 86% and expanded its distribution.

Latest Science To Aid Restoration Of South Florida/Everglades

The USGS is providing crucial information for restoring the South Florida ecosystem through multidisciplinary research activities. The latest data on pre-development environmental conditions, contaminant transport, and physical conditions in Florida Bay are being shared to inform land and water resource managers.

'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.

UNC-CH Scientists Link Mutation To Milder Forms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Researchers at UNC-CH School of Medicine found a genetic mutation, 5T allele, associated with milder forms of cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung and sinus infections. The study suggests that the 5T allele may be linked to infertility and urological abnormalities in infertile men.

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.

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.

Researcher Suggests New Way To Help Elderly Avoid Being Swindled

A researcher found that older people's successful real-life experiences with swindlers and con artists are not often used in official advice, which may stem from legal liability concerns. The expert suggests incorporating individual success stories into educational materials to provide positive behavioral models for others.

Frequency Of Family Meals May Prevent Teen Adjustment Problems

Researchers found that teenagers who ate dinner with their families regularly were less likely to experience adjustment problems. These teens also reported better peer relationships and academic motivation. The study suggests that family mealtimes can help teens deal with the pressures of adolescence.

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.

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%.

UF Researchers Build A Runway As A Landing Zone For Lightning Bolts

Researchers at the University of Florida have built a 300-foot experimental runway to study the effects of lightning strikes on existing runway lighting systems. The runway, equipped with various lighting systems, will be struck by lightning-induced electrical discharges from rockets launched into dark skies.

Sexual Assault Victims Don't Have Trouble Perceiving Danger Cues

A study of 224 female college students in Ohio found that those who had experienced sexual assault listed as many danger cues in a rape video as those with no history of victimization. This suggests that victim status may not be related to the perception of danger, and raises questions about why re-victimization occurs.

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.

Wild Plant Genes Increase Food Production

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a way to increase food production in crops by using wild plant genes. By combining domesticated and wild gene varieties, they observed significant improvements in grain yield, with some increases of up to 48%.

Preventing Perinatal Infections -- For Pennies

A low-cost antiseptic solution significantly reduced postpartum infectious problems in both mothers and babies, resulting in a three-fold reduction in infant deaths related to sepsis. The solution, 0.25 percent chlorhexidine in sterile water, was applied at each vaginal examination before delivery and to babies after birth.

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.

Is Compulsory Overseas Medical Screening Of Migrants Justifiable?

Research data suggest limited benefits from screening programs, with significant costs incurred for low yields. The authors recommend improving the process by focusing on diseases prevalent in the country of origin, assessing disease prevalence, and providing education and counseling to migrants.

Researchers Create First Artificial Human Chromosomes

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have created artificial human chromosomes, offering a powerful tool for studying human genetics and potentially treating genetic diseases. The synthetic microchromosomes demonstrate normal centromeric activity, genetic stability, and continued gene expression.

Roadsides Benefit From Waste, UF Researchers Say

Researchers at UF found that organic waste can improve roadside soil, allowing grass to grow and stabilize roadways. The compost adds nutrients and holds water, making conditions favorable for grass growth.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers Generate A Mouse With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers have created a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing for study of both skeletal muscle and heart disease. The double mutant mouse develops severe symptoms, including muscle wasting and heart disease, similar to humans with the disorder.

Working Moms Turn Traditional When They're Home

Research finds that stay-at-home dads participate equally in household chores as stay-at-home moms, yet work mothers often resume their traditional roles when returning home. The study also highlights the impact of stay-at-home dad arrangements on mother-child bonds.

Doctors Study Healthy Spine To Understand Back Pain

A team of researchers from Bowman Gray School of Medicine used sonography to analyze the anatomy of healthy subjects and define normal spinal and paraspinal structures. The study aims to improve the interpretation of sonographic images in patients with back pain.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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