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Science News for March 19, 1998


Hi-Tech Manure Spreader Latest Precision Farming Development

A new liquid-manure applicator developed at Purdue University can be integrated into precision farming setups, improving nutrient management and reducing environmental impact. The equipment uses GPS technology and flow measurement systems to accurately apply manure, increasing its value as a sustainable fertilizer source.

SourcePurdue University·DateMar 19, 1998

Cigars Double Risk Of Cardiomyopathy

Regular cigar smokers face almost double the risk of dying from all forms of cancer combined and certain circulatory conditions, including hypertensive heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Cigar smoke contains toxins such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and nicotine, which can lead to these health risks.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 19, 1998

'T'ai Chi' Lowers Blood Pressure For Older Adults

A study by Deborah R. Young found that t'ai chi lowered systolic blood pressure in sedentary older adults, with significant effects seen after six weeks of exercise. The benefits were comparable to those achieved through moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 19, 1998
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Blood Clotting Disorder -- A New Heritable Risk Factor?

Researchers have found a genetic component to blood clotting abnormalities that increase the tendency of forming dangerous clots on the inside lining of blood vessels. The studies suggest that genetic variations in certain genes may contribute to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 19, 1998

Wee Objects Dwarf All Previous Self-Assembled Molecules

University of Rochester engineers have developed self-assembly technique to create large, three-dimensional objects. These structures are made up of millions of molecules and can fluoresce, making them well-defined and discrete, with applications in drug delivery and various other fields.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 1998

Vitamin D Deficiency Appears Common In Hospital Patients

A study of 290 hospital patients found that nearly 60% had vitamin D deficiency, with severe cases common among those without known risk factors. The researchers highlight the importance of screening and treating low vitamin D levels to prevent bone-related issues and fractures.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 1998

Mouse Gene Reveals Clues To Human Deafness

A team of researchers has identified a defective gene, DFNA15, that causes progressive hearing loss in an Israeli family. The gene was pinpointed using a mouse model and is crucial for normal development of mouse hearing.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 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.

Just How Heavy Is Cigarette Smoking's Toll On Non-Smokers?

Studies have consistently shown that long-term cigarette smoke exposure increases cardiovascular risk factors among non-smokers. Research by the American Heart Association reveals a significant association between passive smoking and higher rates of heart disease and stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMar 19, 1998

Exercise, Classroom Instruction Cut Kids' Cholesterol, Study Finds

A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that adolescents who participated in a health and physical education program lowered their total fat and LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 7% and 10%, respectively. The study showed that vigorous exercise was more effective in reducing cholesterol levels...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateMar 19, 1998

Seismic Imaging Unearths Detailed Picture Of Earth's Core

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory used seismic data from 40,000 earthquakes to characterize the Earth's structure from crust to inner core. They found evidence of heterogeneity in the outer core, suggesting a liquid iron-nickel-sulfur compound that could help explain the Earth's magnetic field.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 19, 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.

Lab/Industry Team To Improve Health, Materials And Manufacturing

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been awarded $2.1 million for three projects that could lead to new disease identification methods, improved glass production, and faster semiconductor devices. The funding is part of a larger DOE initiative with industry partners IBM, Corning, SEMATECH, and Genometrix.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 19, 1998