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Science News for September 19, 1997


Twinkle, Twinkle, Massive Fireball

Astronomers calculate that a gamma ray burst has expanded to 85 times the size of our solar system and is still growing. The detection uses the 'twinkling' effect in radio astronomy, where the point where twinkling stops allows for diameter measurement.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory·DateSep 19, 1997

Infants Have Keen Memory For Learning Words

Researchers found that infants who heard stories with complex words recognized and remembered the words even when spoken differently in a list, indicating they store sound patterns from frequent speech. This study sheds light on how young children learn language and master word meanings.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 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.

Gene For Last Major Form Of Batten Disease Discovered

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for late infantile Batten disease, a devastating genetic disorder that affects about 300 children in the US. The CLN2 gene codes for an enzyme that degrades proteins and its discovery may lead to effective treatment and new insights into the aging process.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 1997

Medical School Aims To Produce More Sensitive, More Caring Physicians

The University at Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is developing a model program to teach medical students and resident physicians empathy and communication skills. The project will use standardized cases and patients to present typical situations they may face in their practices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateSep 19, 1997

Tractor Drivers Soon May Say, "Look, Ma! No Hands!"

The Stanford team perfected a system to control tractors at all speeds with centimeter-level precision, exceeding the best human drivers' accuracy. This technology has potential applications in autonomous tractors and smart roads, improving farm productivity while reducing environmental impact.

SourceStanford University·DateSep 19, 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.

CTC Visualizations Help Ecologists See The Forest And The Trees

The paper presents an interactive introduction to SORTIE, a computer model of forest dynamics based on individual-trees. The digital output includes scores of still images and a dozen color animations, allowing readers to visualize the complexity of the model.

SourceCornell Theory Center·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 1997