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Science News for March 16, 1998


IBM Researchers Awarded Buckley Prize

IBM researchers Kirtley and Tsuei have made a major breakthrough in understanding high-temperature superconductors, resolving a long-standing question about the nature of electron pairs. Their discovery of d-wave pairing symmetry may lead to new materials with higher conductivity at even higher temperatures.

In Close Elections, Small-State Voters Have Most Power, Columbia Statistician Tells Presidential Candidates

A study by Columbia University statistics professor Andrew Gelman and colleagues found that small-state voters have a higher probability of affecting the outcome of presidential races due to the electoral college system. In close national elections, vote tallies in politically balanced states are more likely to determine the outcome.

SourceColumbia University·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateMar 16, 1998

Studying Earthquakes By Satellite

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is enabling geologists to study earthquakes in real time, revealing incremental motion and slow squeezing within plates that can lead to earthquakes. This technology is improving earthquake hazard studies by allowing for more accurate predictions of seismic activity.

Dog Blindness Gene May Help Humans

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a genetic correlation between dog blindness and a similar human disease, potentially leading to new treatments for human eye disorders. The study identifies the canine version of the human RP17 gene defect, which could lead to gene therapy methods for both dogs and humans.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 1998