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Science News for December 3, 1997


Estrogen Linked To Sperm Count, Male Fertility

Research reveals estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in efferent ductules, essential for sperm maturation and normal fertility. The study found high concentrations of estrogen receptors in the male reproductive tract.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 1997

Folic Acid Fortification Effective In Cereal Grains

A study found that folic acid fortification in cereal grains effectively increases folate intake and reduces homocysteine levels in adults. The research, conducted by the University of Florida, showed consistent good absorption of folic acid from fortified white and whole wheat bread, rice, and pasta.

SourceAmerican Society for Clinical Nutrition/American Society for Nutritional Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 3, 1997
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Astrophysicists Solve Mystery Of Gas Flow From Sunspots

Researchers John H. Thomas and Benjamin Montesinos present a more realistic version of the siphon-flow model, predicting how gas flows from sunspots into the solar atmosphere. Their results match observations in considerable detail, shedding light on astrophysical processes involving strong magnetic fields and jets of gas.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 1997

Mimicking The Thymus - A Tool In The Battle Against HIV

Researchers have developed a system to mimic the thymus in laboratory settings, enabling the study of HIV's effect on T-cell development. The model has shown that even immature T cells are susceptible to HIV infection, highlighting the need for treatment targeting young individuals.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·DateDec 3, 1997

Shape Changes In Ceramic Particles: A Paradox Explained

Researchers have resolved a long-standing paradox in the theory of sintering ceramics by proposing a new model that explains shape changes during the process. The model takes into account energy differences among differently oriented surfaces and edges, reducing total energy through shape changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateDec 3, 1997
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3D Visualization Software To Help With Information Overload

Starlight, a 3D visualization technology, was developed to help decision-makers navigate complex data and identify critical details. It enables users to analyze massive volumes of information across various media types, including structured and unstructured text, maps, digital data, video, and satellite imagery.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 3, 1997

USMP-4 Closes With A Bit Of Astrophysics - Mission Prepares To Return Home

The USMP-4 space mission closed with ongoing astrophysics research using cosmic ray measurements to analyze Confided Helium Experiment data. The Confined Helium Experiment used liquid helium to measure the finite size effect, and scientists are analyzing radiation effects to understand background heating noise.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory·DateDec 3, 1997

Understanding B Cells - To React Or Not To React

Researchers investigated the role of Btk in B cell development and found it essential for choosing which B cells launch an attack against invading bacteria. Additionally, Btk plays a crucial role in telling B cells not to react to autoantigens, preventing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

SourceBritish Society For Immunology·DateDec 3, 1997

New Delivery System May Improve Gene Therapy

A new delivery system may allow for more precise control over where new genes are inserted into an organism's chromosomes, improving gene therapy. The approach uses parvoviruses to target specific locations on the chromosomes, reducing the risk of genes causing harm or functioning poorly.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Virology·DateDec 3, 1997
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Gamma Knife May Replace Surgery For Parkinson's Disease

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a non-invasive gamma knife treatment that shows comparable results to surgery in alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The treatment uses high doses of radiation to destroy targeted areas of the brain, potentially offering an alternative to traditional surgical options.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateDec 3, 1997
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