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Science News for January 8, 1997


ORNL Helps Develop Electronic Notebooks

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an electronic notebook prototype that allows scientists to record and share ideas, experiments, and results. The notebook offers features like multimedia input, secure data storage, and collaborative capabilities, which are expected to increase its popularity among researchers.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 8, 1997

New Nonviral Gene Therapy System Could Help Fight Cancer

Researchers at Ohio University have developed a nonviral gene therapy system that can express genes outside the nucleus of a cell, making it easier to deliver disease-fighting genes to tumor cells. This system has been successfully used in cell cultures and mouse models to promote anti-cancer activity.

SourceOhio University·DateJan 8, 1997

Tests Of Mental Skills May Predict Dementia

A new study suggests that cognitive tests can predict which older adults will develop Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Those who scored poorly on the tests were 11 times more likely to show symptoms of dementia two years later than their healthy counterparts.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 8, 1997
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.

Meals On Wheels Clients At Risk For Iron Deficiency

A recent study by Penn State found that Meals on Wheels clients, particularly women, are at risk for iron deficiency due to insufficient nutrition. The study's authors recommend iron supplementation as a viable solution to improve the iron status of female recipients.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 8, 1997

New Help For Deicing Decisions: Delta, USAir, United Airlines Test FAA/NCAR Info System At LaGuardia And O'Hare

The FAA is testing a new deicing system that provides half-hour forecasts to aid in deicing decisions, potentially reducing cancellations and costs. The system uses data from surface weather stations, snow-weighing gauges, and Doppler radars to provide accurate predictions of snowfall accumulation.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJan 8, 1997

Benefits Of New Diet Drug Don't Outweigh Risks

A Cornell University nutritionist analyzed 40 studies on long-term use of the diet pill Redux and found that the benefits do not outweigh the risks. The amount of weight lost after one year is equivalent to a 62-calorie difference a day, roughly the amount burned by walking for half a hour.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 8, 1997

Selenium Supplements Can Reduce Cancer Rates

A 10-year study found that men and women taking selenium supplements had 41% less total cancer compared to those taking a placebo. The study also showed significant reductions in specific types of cancer, including prostate, esophageal, colorectal, and lung cancers.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 8, 1997