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Science News Archive October 1998


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Medication Used To Stop Organ Rejection Found to Successfully Treat The Most Common, Chronic Skin Disease In Children

Researchers have found that tacrolimus can effectively treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children, with a success rate of 67-70% and minimal systemic side effects. This treatment approach offers an alternative to corticosteroid ointments, which can cause skin thinning and other complications.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 29, 1998

Researchers To Study Electricity Deregulation

The Cornell researchers will examine new operating rules for the system and the effects of alternative market structures using a simulated Northeast electricity grid and laboratory experiments. They aim to strike a balance between ideal market mechanisms and traditional utility practices while maintaining system stability and reliability.

Aquaculture: Not An Easy Answer To Overfishing

A new report reveals that shrimp and salmon aquaculture may be depleting fisheries, disrupting coastal ecosystems, and polluting the ocean due to unsustainable practices. Improved practices, such as reducing fish feed requirements and minimizing pollution, are needed to make these industries more sustainable.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 1998

X-Rays For Cars

A new X-ray device developed by YSI (UK) allows manufacturers to ensure proper protective coatings and layers of paint on car body parts, reducing corrosion. The device takes five seconds to work and is safer than alternative methods, making it suitable for the steel and aluminum industries.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 29, 1998

Rigs 'n' Space

Researchers are developing a non-destructive testing technique that can detect cracks in materials and welds under extreme conditions. This technology is being adapted for use in space to test the International Space Station and other structures, reducing the need for costly repairs.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 29, 1998

Magnetic Manipulation For Molten Metals

Research at Cambridge and Oxford universities is using magnetic forces to levitate, stir and dam molten metal, reducing pollution and increasing efficiency. New devices are producing high-quality sheet metal with reduced edges and improved aluminum smelting costs.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 29, 1998

'Smart' Material Superconductors

A new technique allows researchers to design materials with specific grain boundary structures, giving 'smart' characteristics. This could enable the creation of self-regulating superconductors that can switch off during power surges, improving chip quality and lifespan.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 29, 1998

Triggering Of Volcanic Eruptions

Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism discovered a statistically significant correlation between large magnitude earthquakes (M7.0+) and volcanic eruptions separated by up to 750 km, suggesting potential predictive capabilities for monitoring small deformations in active volcanoes.

Tau Gene Linked To Family Of Neurodegenerative Disorders; Finding May Yield Insight Into Onset Of Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers identify three mutations in tau gene causing hereditary neurodegenerative diseases, providing new direction for exploring Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that abnormal tau protein accumulation kills brain cells, potentially leading to the development of treatments for related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 1998

Athletes In Training Cautioned: Learn To Relax

Researchers found that athletes in a cognitive-behavioral stress management group experienced significant reductions in depressed mood, fatigue, and serum cortisol. These findings suggest that stress management programs can be an effective way to support athletes' mental health during intense training periods.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 27, 1998