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Science News for December 1, 1998


A New Era In Newborn Screening

A new test for newborn screening can detect a wider range of congenital disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), within the time allowed for hospital stays under early discharge policies. The test uses tandem mass spectrometry and eliminated 90 of 91 false positive results produced by routine methods.

SourceAmerican Association for Clinical Chemistry·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateDec 1, 1998

Sexual Abuse Of Boys Is More Common Than Believed; Consequences Of Abuse Are Highly Negative

A recent study reveals that up to 8-16% of the male population have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with far-reaching consequences including psychiatric problems, substance abuse, and long-lasting emotional health issues. The researchers call for medical professionals and parents to be more vigilant in addressing this issue.

Prospecting For Helium-3 On The Moon

Scientists Dr. Jeffrey R. Johnson and colleagues developed a helium-3 map of the Moon based on factors like exposure age, solar wind, and titanium content. The greatest amounts of helium-3 are expected to be found on the far side maria and in nearside areas with high concentrations of titanium dioxide.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 1998

You Could Even Say It Glows

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to detect chemical weapons by reacting with specific phosphate esters. The system uses molecules that selectively detect even small amounts of lethal phosphate esters, reducing false positives from benign chemicals like pesticides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 1998