Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 23, 1997


Existence Of "Less-Than-Whole" Electronic Charges Confirmed At The Weizmann Institute Of Science

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have confirmed the existence of fractional electric charges, one-third that of an electron, in a groundbreaking experiment. The team measured the charge using sophisticated equipment to eliminate noise and detected ripples proportional to the unit of electric charge.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 1997

Study: Kids More Willing To Talk With Doctors If Words Kept Secret

A new study found that adolescents are more likely to disclose sensitive information about smoking, drinking, drug use, sexual behavior, and mental health when doctors assure them of confidentiality. This increases the chances of teens seeking future health care and being honest in their responses.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA·DateSep 23, 1997

Will Your Child Become An Overweight Adult? Step On The Scale

A recent study found that children whose parents are obese have a significantly higher chance of becoming obese adults. The research examined over 800 young adults and showed that having an obese parent more than doubles the risk of obesity, while having normal-weight parents reduces the risk.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateSep 23, 1997

Testosterone Linked To Violence In Female Inmates

A Georgia State University study found that higher testosterone levels are related to violent crimes and aggressive behavior in women's prisons. The study also discovered that low testosterone was associated with manipulative and sneaky behavior, suggesting a link between hormone levels and dominance.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1997
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

At-Risk Women Want Breast Cancer Gene Test--If 'Pros' Outweigh 'Cons'

A study found that 81% of women at risk for breast cancer planned to undergo genetic testing, driven by perceived benefits such as increased breast self-examination and better treatment options. Counseling is crucial to help them make informed decisions and manage potential psychological reactions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1997

Multicenter Study Finds That Antidepressant Alleviates Symptoms Of Severe PMS

A multicenter study found that antidepressant sertraline highly successful in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), with significant benefits seen in mood symptoms and relationship problems. The study showed 62% of women treated with sertraline experienced marked improvement, compared to 34% on placebo.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 23, 1997