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Science News Archive July 1998


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Process Creates Ceramics That Won't Shrink Or Change Shape

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new process to create near-net-shaped ceramic parts without shrinking or changing shape. The method uses a mixture of ceramic and metal powders, which oxidize to form ceramics with desired properties.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateJul 31, 1998

Study Shows Managers Don't Use Effective Decision-Making Tactics

Researchers at Ohio State University found that intervention and participation techniques led to successful decisions 90% of the time, but were used in only 13% and 16% of cases respectively. Meanwhile, managers relied on less effective tactics like issuing edicts, which was used in nearly 40% of cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJul 31, 1998

Doctors Are Underprescribing Key Blood Pressure Drug In Heart Attack Patients Most Likely To Benefit, Study Says

A national study finds that doctors are increasingly prescribing ACE inhibitors to heart attack patients, but still underprescribing them to those most in need. The study suggests that following American College of Cardiology guidelines could have saved up to 1,800 lives in the first year.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 1998
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cometary Impact With Earth Unlikely In The Next 500,000 Years

A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters finds that a review of thousands of nearby stars failed to show any rogue stars capable of altering comet orbits and sending them towards Earth. The researchers used the HIPPARCOS catalogue, which measures the location and motion of over 120,000 stars, and found no evidence of a

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 31, 1998

Scientists Discover New Players On The Gene-Activation Team

Researchers at Penn State have identified new molecular players involved in gene expression and discovered unexpected dynamics among these molecules. The study reveals how these molecules interact with each other to activate genes, shedding light on the complex process of gene regulation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNATURE AND SCIENCE·DateJul 31, 1998

First Visualization Of Chaos In Three Dimensions

Researchers have visualized chaotic flows in three dimensions, revealing regular islands formed by unmixed liquid streams. The study's findings could lead to improved mixing conditions in various industries, including chemical companies and geophysics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 1998

Social Stress Causes Dormant Herpes Virus To Resurface In Mice

New research shows that social stress can trigger a dormant herpes virus to reactivate in mice, with the most dominant mice being affected. The study provides a valuable animal model for studying the relationship between stress and immunity, and may have implications for human health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 1998
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Gene-Toxin Link May Shed Light On Cause Of Parkinson's Disease

Researchers discovered a gene-toxin link that may increase the risk of dementia in Parkinson's patients. The study found that exposure to pesticides and a defective gene called CYP 2D6 29B+ increased the likelihood of developing dementia, particularly among those with Parkinson's disease with dementia (PD+D).

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuroepidemiology·DateJul 31, 1998

USGS To Present Diverse Research At ESA Annual Meeting

The USGS presents various studies on invasive species, including a workshop on non-native plant invasions and their impact on native ecosystems. Additionally, researchers discuss the effects of grazing on plant species diversity and find that habitat conditions play a significant role in shaping species variation.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJul 31, 1998

Particle Beams Clash For First Time At New Collider

Physicists have achieved head-on collisions between electrons and positrons at the Asymmetric B Factory, a $177 million particle collider. The dual-ring machine will help researchers study the differences between matter and antimatter.

SourceStanford University·DateJul 30, 1998
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study 'Gone With The Wind' Provides Stellar Ecological Example

A 1996 hurricane study found that recovery rates increase with dispersal ability and size, while larger organisms are more resistant to moderate disturbance. The researchers also discovered that tidal surges can cause devastation on low-lying islands.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 1998

The Genetic Basis Of Childhood Schizophrenia

Research found an association between childhood-onset schizophrenia and large CAG/CTG repeats in male patients. The study confirms previous findings on adult-onset schizophrenia but notes a gender-specific link. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 1998

A New Gene For Mental Retardation

Researchers identified a strong association between a 12 bp mutation in a newly discovered X-chromosome gene and X-linked mental retardation. The mutation was found in 7 percent of all institutionalized mentally retarded males surveyed, as well as in higher frequency among those with Autism.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 1998

Hallucinations In Schizophrenia: Genetic Findings

Researchers investigated whether a specific serotonin transporter gene polymorphism is associated with psychosis and hallucinations in schizophrenia. Patients with the ll genotype had significantly higher ratings for psychosis and increased intensity of hallucinations compared to those with other genotypes.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 1998
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.

Studies Suggest Cold Can Protect Valuable Papers

Researchers discovered that cooling papers to 10 degrees Celsius reduces decomposition rates by six-fold, making it an effective method for preserving documents. This technique could extend the shelf life of valuable books and papers by hundreds of years, potentially saving them from degradation.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 30, 1998

Hurricane's Perfect Timing Brings A Scientific Bonanza

Researchers from UC Davis and Washington University found that larger organisms were more resistant to hurricanes' immediate impact, but the most prolific ones recovered faster. After a year, lizard populations had not changed, while spider numbers returned to pre-hurricane levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 1998
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Mechanism Discovered For Determining Early Vertebrate Body Plan: New Zebrafish Mutants Afford Deeper Look Into Embryonic Patterning

Researchers identify three key genes, swirl, somitabun, and snailhouse, that control dorsoventral patterning in zebrafish embryos. The study reveals a new understanding of the biochemical pathways involved in embryonic development, shedding light on birth defects in humans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateJul 29, 1998

Common Anti-Viral Medication Prevents Severe Eye Herpes

Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 1998

Feed A Microbe An Unearthly Dish And You Make Your Own Extraterrestrial

Researchers have successfully adapted a strain of E. coli bacteria to survive on a diet that includes fluorotryptophan, a synthetic amino acid that is toxic to Earth-based life. After multiple generations, the microbes developed mutations that enabled them to cope with the artificial compound and thrive.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJul 29, 1998
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Research Shows How Shrimps Escape Predators

Researchers found shrimps detect trout chemical odour from upstream by creating tiny currents. This strategy allows shrimps to escape brown trout ambushes. Shrimps can sense trout presence through vision but not smell, and create backflow to avoid predation.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJul 29, 1998
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

CU Team Develops New Techniques For Repair Of Bone And Cartilage

A University of Colorado at Boulder chemical engineering team has developed new techniques for faster healing of severe bone fractures and regeneration of cartilage in joints. The process uses ultraviolet light to create custom scaffolds that can be engineered to time-release medications and human-growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 28, 1998

Doctors Should Be More Willing To Break Bad News

A recent study highlights the importance of delivering bad news effectively to patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. The findings emphasize that withholding information or breaking bad news abruptly can exacerbate distress, while honest and empathetic communication can lead to better adjustment in the long term.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalBehavioral Medicine·DateJul 28, 1998

Boulder Scientists Involved In Effort To Study Arctic Warming

Researchers from CU-Boulder are part of a major international project to understand climate change trends in the Arctic and its impact on global temperatures. The Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean project uses aircraft, satellites, ships, and submarines to study interactions between sea ice, atmosphere, and clouds.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 27, 1998
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Some Muscles Respond To Weight Training In Just Two Weeks

Researchers at Ohio University and Pennsylvania State University found molecular changes in muscles within 2-4 weeks of weight training. The study suggests that even limited workouts can induce significant changes in hormone production and protein expression.

SourceOhio University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 27, 1998

To Retire Well, Invest In Making Friends

A University of Michigan study suggests that post-retirement changes in life satisfaction are common and influenced by the size of a person's social support network. Recently retired individuals with larger networks tend to be more satisfied, while those with smaller networks may experience decreased life satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 27, 1998

Physics News Preview: The Persistence Of Weather

A new study by Armin Bunde and colleagues found that temperature correlations persist worldwide, with a universal exponent gamma of -0.65, holding for at least a decade and potentially centuries.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 27, 1998

Coast Management Can Limit Tsunami Effect

A computer simulation model of a tsunami wave shows how energy spreads out over hundreds of miles as it travels through deep ocean water. The model is used to estimate impact force on structures and reduce damages caused by tsunamis.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 27, 1998
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Over-The-Horizon Radar: From The Cold War To The Drug War

Recent progress in Over-The-Horizon (OTH) radar technology is reviewed, including advancements in detection and tracking systems. Key findings include improved capabilities in clutter-dominated environments and the development of advanced algorithms to mitigate distortion mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalRadio Science·DateJul 27, 1998

New Study: Politics Of Congress, President Affect Supreme Court

A new Ohio University study reveals that the political makeup of Congress and the party affiliation of the president play a significant role in shaping Supreme Court justices' rulings in criminal cases. The research found that liberal decisions by the court mirrored Democrats' influence, while conservative decisions were more prevalent...

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateJul 27, 1998

Breakthrough Systems To Detect Nuclear Explosions Worldwide

The Department of Energy has developed two breakthrough devices, ARSA and RASA, to detect nuclear detonations by analyzing the atmosphere for radioactive material. These systems enhance the ability of the US and international community to detect and confirm nuclear explosions.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 27, 1998

Australian Scientists In World-First Cell Discovery

A team of Australian scientists has made a world-first discovery by describing the structure of a vital receptor found on the surface of body cells in all animals, including humans. This breakthrough has major implications for understanding growth and development, as well as diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 1998

Purdue Study: RNA 'Motor' Transports DNA In Virus

A Purdue University study reveals that a virus uses six RNAs to create a motor that transports DNA, facilitating the development of nanoscale devices. The research also improves scientists' understanding of how cells transport large molecules through membranes.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 24, 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.

Advance Could Lead Eventually To Big Savings In Metal-Forming Industry

Scientists at NIST have successfully used an advanced measurement technique to study the evolution of complex defect structures in deformed metals. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate computer models that help manufacturers save hundreds of millions of dollars annually by reducing trial and error.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJul 24, 1998

Putting Down Your Roots: How Plants Know To Do It

Scientists at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research discovered a plant gene called EIR1 that plays a critical role in root growth towards the earth in response to gravity. The findings may lead to new strategies for enhancing food production, particularly in arid climates.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 24, 1998

Hilary Koprowski Endowed Professorship Established At The Wistar Institute

The Hilary Koprowski Endowed Professorship will provide long-term support for renowned scientists, setting a precedent for additional endowed professorships at The Wistar Institute. Established in honor of Dr. Koprowski's contributions to medical research, the chair aims to advance vaccine development and cancer research.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·DateJul 24, 1998
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Congestion In Skies Can Be Reduced 30 Percent, Study Shows

Researchers created a mathematical model that builds on current FAA ground-holding policies, aiming to reduce cost and improve efficiency in air traffic management. The model has been partially implemented in Europe and shows a potential improvement of up to 30 percent in reducing congestion.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateJul 24, 1998

Carbon-36 Fullerenes Could Be Higher-Temperature Superconductor

Researchers have calculated that carbon-36 fullerenes may become superconducting at significantly higher temperatures than other carbon structures. The materials' unique bonding configurations and electron-phonon coupling mechanisms could enable superconductivity at temperatures up to three times higher than those of C-60.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 23, 1998

Erectile Dysfunction Associated With Depression

Researchers found that depression is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, with moderate to complete ED occurring almost twice as often in those with depressive symptoms. The study used data from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study and found a significant link between ED and depressive symptomatology.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJul 23, 1998
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Menopause Affects Japanese Women Less Than Westerners

A cross-cultural study of over 1,200 Japanese women aged 45-55 found significantly lower reports of hot flashes and night sweats compared to American and Canadian women. The study suggests that biological and cultural variables contribute to the differences in menopause experiences.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJul 23, 1998

UF Researcher: Elderly Should Ignore Stereotypes About Memory Loss

A University of Florida study suggests that believing in one's ability to improve memory can significantly impact memory performance. The research found that older adults who accepted the idea that their memory could be improved were more likely to use effective strategies, leading to better memory outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJul 23, 1998

UF Discovery Of Chicken Gene Mutation Aids Study Of Rare Inherited Eye Disease

A University of Florida neuroscientist has discovered a mutant gene in chickens that helps researchers better understand a rare human eye disease called Leber's congenital amaurosis type I. The chicken model is being used to develop a form of gene therapy for treating the disease, which affects 100,000 to 200,000 people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 1998
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Black Teen-Agers With Severe Asthma Are Three Times More Likely Than White Teens To Be Steroid Resistant

A recent study found that black teen-agers with severe asthma are three times more likely to be steroid-resistant compared to their white counterparts. The study also revealed that children with steroid-resistant asthma are more likely to be African-American and require larger amounts of oral steroids.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 23, 1998