Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 4, 1998


Regardless Of Race Or Gender, People Think Alike About Work, Study Shows

A recent study published in American Psychologist challenges the use of Holland-based tests across U.S. ethnic and racial groups. Despite initial concerns, researchers found that different groups match up remarkably well with each other when it comes to perceptions of job-related activities and their relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateAug 4, 1998

Human Ancestors Went Out Of Africa And Then Came Back: NYU/SUNY-Albany Research Team Proposes Controversial New Model for Evolution of Humans

Researchers Caro-Beth Stewart and Todd Disotell propose a new model for the evolution of humans and apes, suggesting that the common ancestor evolved in Asia rather than Africa. This theory requires only two hominoid migration events, marking a significant departure from traditional views.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 4, 1998

New Program To Help Scientists Reach Out

The Oregon State University-led program aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public perception on environmental issues. The five-year grant-funded initiative will train 20 tenured scientists in effective communication skills, enabling them to share their expertise with local communities, media, and policymakers.

SourceOregon State University·DateAug 4, 1998
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Duke Studies Show U.S. Central Plains Vulnerable To Global Warming

The Duke scientists analyzed past climate changes and found that the region rapidly changed with even short-term climate fluctuations, making it susceptible to drastic ecological changes. The researchers expect that global warming will significantly increase temperatures worldwide over the next century, leading to shifts in air masses ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateAug 4, 1998

Open-Air Experiment Shows High CO2 Boosts Tree Growth

Scientists at Duke University and colleagues found that high CO2 levels can increase tree growth rates, but the effect is likely temporary. The experiment, which mimics future CO2 levels, shows a 12% increase in forest growth, but growth rates are expected to decline over time as the forest adjusts.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateAug 4, 1998

Centrifugally Launched Ball Bearings Could Propel Spacecraft

Centrifugal relays use reusable ball bearings to accelerate payloads at high velocity, avoiding exponential growth in reaction mass. The system requires precise aiming and tracking, but can be controlled by monitoring velocity and direction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalActa Astronautica·DateAug 4, 1998

Forecasting The El Niño-Driven Ebb And Flow Of A Rogue Mosquito

A new computer model predicts that climate events like El Nino can affect Aedes aegypti mosquito populations, potentially leading to outbreaks of dengue disease. The model takes into account climatic variables such as precipitation, temperature, and humidity to forecast population booms and peaks.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 4, 1998
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.

Subtle Changes In Brain Receptor Gene May Have Significant Consequences For Addiction

Researchers identified five variants of the mu opioid receptor gene associated with altered beta-endorphin activity, which numbs pain and creates feelings of euphoria. These findings suggest that certain genetic variations may confer relative protection against opioid dependency in specific ethnic groups.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 1998

Blindness Linked To The Cytoskeleton?

A gene defect has been identified as causing a form of hereditary blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery links the disease to a malfunction of the cytoskeleton, which forms the skeleton of cells and affects internal transport and cell division.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 4, 1998

Antisense Therapy Prevents Burkitt's Lymphoma In Mice

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used antisense therapy to prevent Burkitt's lymphoma development in laboratory mice, delaying tumor onset and decreasing its size. The strategy may also work in human patients who have relapsed after chemotherapy, with potential applications against various types of cancer.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 4, 1998
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.

Studies Rebut Concept That Body Stores Vitamin A-Making Substances

The study found stored carotenoids are not converted to vitamin A when the vitamin is removed from the diet, casting doubt on the utility of carotenoid precursors. Vitamin A deficiency remains a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people, especially children and vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 4, 1998

University Of Michigan Vaccine Triggers Immune System

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a vaccine made from dendritic cells that triggers the immune system to attack malignant tumors and prevent new tumor development in mice. The study found significant results, including a 70% kill rate of sarcoma cells within four hours.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 1998

Ultrasound Imaging Advance Improves Prostate Cancer Treatment

The new technology enables doctors to assess pubic arch interference in minutes, allowing for better treatment decisions. It also reduces the need for expensive CT scans, which can cost up to $500 and take a week or more to obtain results.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateAug 4, 1998

New Satellite Tags Track Movements Of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

A new satellite tagging technology has resolved the mysteries of tuna migration, revealing that bluefin tuna can move up to 1,670 nautical miles in 90 days. The tags, deployed in 1996 and 1997, have high survivorship rates and provide valuable information for managing giant bluefin tuna populations.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 1998