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Science News Archive October 1998


Page 1 of 4

Restaurant Meats Higher In Suspected Carcinogens

A study by government scientists found restaurant-prepared meats contain cancer-causing compounds up to ten times higher than similar fast food items. Heterocyclic amines, formed during cooking, are believed to contribute to cancer in people.

Veterinary Researchers Identify Accomplice Of Calf-Killing Parasite

A veterinary parasitologist and his team have demonstrated that dogs are definitive hosts for Neospora caninum, a single-celled parasitic organism causing cattle abortions. This discovery has led to recommendations for improved cattle management strategies to reduce economic losses estimated at $35 million per year.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

International Water Research Center Established

The Georgia Institute of Technology has partnered with Vivendi to develop innovative technologies for urban water and wastewater management. The partnership aims to improve environmental and economic issues related to water management, with a focus on drinking water treatment and distribution.

A Developing Nerve's Target May Give Final Stamp On Identity

Researchers have found that cells in the developing limb provide a key signaling molecule that defines motor neuron identity. The study reveals that motor and sensory neurons express the same genes, suggesting a coordinating role for the target region in constructing proper connections within the spinal cord.

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.

Geographic Information Systems Help Jamaica Cut Pesticide Use

Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.

Cedars-Sinai Scientist Finds Malignancy Gene In Tumor Cells

A Cedars-Sinai researcher has identified a gene associated with malignancy in brain, liver, breast, colon, kidney, and reproductive organs, but not in healthy adults. The discovery could lead to the development of a method to block the gene's expression using antisense technology, potentially stopping cancer before it spreads.

Viral Vector Delivers Dystophin Gene To Mouse Muscle

University of Michigan scientists have developed a new generation of viral vectors that deliver the dystrophin gene to the muscles of adult mice with muscular dystrophy. The new vectors, called 'gutted' viruses, are stripped of most of their original genes to make room for the large dystrophin gene and reduce immune response.

Hopkins Study Shows Brain Damage Evidence In "Ecstasy" Users

A new Johns Hopkins study shows that ecstasy users are at risk of developing brain injury due to the drug's impact on serotonin-releasing nerves. The research found significant losses in these nerve cells with greater use, suggesting potential long-term damage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Geologic “X-Rays” Pinpoint Weak Spots On Volcano Surface

Volcanologists at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to analyze satellite data and identify weak spots on a volcano's surface. By interpreting the data, they can determine properties such as water or iron-bearing minerals that contribute to weakening of the volcanic structure.

It's Not My Fault: New Study Shakes Up Interest In Earthquakes

A new study found that surface fractures and strains in a 1971 California earthquake were caused by two nearby faults, contributing to damage to streets, highways, and buildings. The study also revealed that the San Fernando fault zone is 11 miles long, instead of the previously assessed 8 miles.

New Radio Antennas May Cool Car Interiors, Defrost Car Windows

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed new radio antennas that can be embedded in car windshields, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning and making cars more energy-efficient. The designs use materials already present in car windows to create invisible antennas that receive AM and FM signals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cell Suicide Prevented By Survival Signals

Researchers identify Hid protein as a key player in preventing programmed cell death, finding it relies on survival signals for regulation. The discovery has potential applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases and conditions like stroke.

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.

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.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Research Suggests New Way To Gauge A Woman's Fertility

Measuring the levels of inhibin-a and inhibin-b in older women shows a more sensitive test for reproductive potential compared to FSH. The research found that inhibin levels drop as women approach menopause, indicating a direct measure of ovarian function.

'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.

New Study: Naming Trends Change More Often For Girls Than Boys

A recent study by Ohio University found that popular female names change more frequently than those of men, with no clear reason for the difference. Women's greater comfort with change may be a contributing factor. Meanwhile, some male names have started to show variation in popularity.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Cure Rate Soars For Some AML Patients Receiving High-Dose Drug

A study led by Ohio State University found that high-dose cytarabine increased the cure rate of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with core binding factor AML to nearly five times, with a 78% remission rate among those receiving the treatment. The standard dose resulted in only 16% remission rates

Alcohol Is Prime-Time TV's Favorite Beverage

A new study found that prime-time TV programs show alcohol more frequently than any other drink or food, and adolescent characters are almost twice as likely to drink it compared to older characters.

Scientists Propose Layered Model Of Earth's Inner Core

Researchers Xiaodong Song and Don Helmberger found two distinct layers in the inner core: a spherical lower part and an uneven upper layer with different material properties. The findings may affect the formation of the Earth's magnetic field.

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.

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.

Study Finds Less Intensive Treatments May Not Maintain HIV Suppression

A study suggests that triple-drug treatment regimens are superior to less intensive therapies in maintaining HIV suppression. Researchers found that patients who switched from three-drug to two- or one-drug treatment regimens were more likely to experience a resurgence in their HIV levels.

Weapons Can Now Be Scanned To See What Horrors They Conceal

Researchers developed portable isotopic neutron spectroscopy (PINS) to analyze warhead contents, revealing most Solomon Islands warheads contained mustard gas. The system uses neutrons from californium to record gamma-ray emission, identifying chemical elements and fills.

African Landscape Shaped By Single Magma Plume

Researchers Norman H. Sleep and Cindy J. Ebinger find that a single giant plume of magma rose from Earth's mantle 45 million years ago, shaping Africa's striking geological features such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ethiopian plateau.

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.

A Swift New Oven Combines Microwaves And Jets Of Air

The new oven combines conventional heat and microwaves to cook food from the outside and inside simultaneously, resulting in significant cooking time reductions. It achieves this by surrounding the food in a shroud of hot air and heating it from below with microwaves.

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.

Serious Crime Victims Risk PTSD, Multiple Disorders

A recent study of nearly 400 South Carolina women reveals that serious crime victims are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional disorders. The effects were strongest for rape and life-threatening crimes, with robbery and burglary not linked to an increased risk.

Hormone Therapy Increases Survival Of High Risk Prostate Cancer Patients

A study conducted by University of California San Francisco expert Mac Roach found that high-risk prostate cancer patients who receive hormonal therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy have a 20% higher survival rate after eight years compared to those receiving radiotherapy alone. This suggests that prostate cancer patients may need t...

Microwaves May Provide Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

Researchers develop a novel microwave imaging technology to detect breast tumors without X-ray radiation, potentially reducing mortality rates. The technology uses microwaves to detect differences in water content between malignant and benign tumors.

AAAS Annual Meeting And Science Innovation Exposition

The AAAS Annual Meeting brings together over 800 scientists and engineers to discuss groundbreaking research in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and physics. Notable sessions cover topics like the influence of diet on breast cancer and the latest discoveries in astronomy.

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.

Seeing The Invisible

Researchers have developed new methods to visualize the magnetosphere, a complex region surrounding Earth, by analyzing images of charged particles. The technique uses neutral atoms in space to create detailed maps of the magnetosphere's structure and behavior.

E-Mail Communication Between Patients And Doctors

Researchers investigate e-mail usage between doctors and patients, aiming to improve patient-physician communication and satisfaction. The three-year study will examine the effects on efficiency, phone calls, visits, and overall organization.

6,000 Pharmaceutical Scientists Convene November 15-19 In San Francisco

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting will focus on key topics such as emerging trends in drug design and development. Recent research also highlights the risks of sound-alike drugs causing prescription errors and the impact of high altitudes on drug efficacy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Possible Human Ancestors In Spain 780,000 Years Ago

Paleomagnetic dating indicates that humans or their ancestors lived in Spain over 780,000 years ago. The technique, pioneered by Josep Pares, measures magnetic minerals in rocks to determine the age of human fossils and tools. This discovery sheds new light on early human evolution in Africa and Asia.

Faith And Health: Divine Intervention Or Good Behavior?

Research suggests high levels of religious involvement are associated with better health status, likely due to behaviors such as increased social support, positive self-image, and healthy lifestyle choices. Regular church attendance also contributes to better mammography screening status.

El Nino Influenced Melting Glaciers

Researchers discovered brief, rapid warming episodes at the end of the last Ice Age that melted glaciers and affected Great Lakes climate. These events may be linked to El Nino Southern Oscillation and Quasi-Biennial Oscillation.

Stress Lowers Cancer-Fighting Ability Among Those Who Need It Most

A new study found that chronic stress can reduce the activity of natural killer cells in people with a history of cancer, especially those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that high levels of perceived stress and biological predisposition to cancer can compromise the body's ability to fight cancer.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Exercise Pace Picks Up After Walk Down The Aisle

A study of over 500 couples found that marriage leads to a temporary increase in physical activity, particularly among new brides and grooms. However, this effect is short-lived, and all groups show similar activity levels by the tenth year.

1998 AAPS Annual Meeting Abstracts Debut Online

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has launched an online database of 2200+ abstracts from its 1998 Annual Meeting. The fully searchable database allows attendees to build a personalized itinerary for the meeting and plan which presentations to attend. Additionally, AAPS PharmSci will release online, print and...

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.

UCSF Recruting Breast Cancer Patients For Herbal Therapy Study

The study aims to scientifically evaluate the benefits of a Chinese herbal formula in alleviating multiple side effects of chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer patients. Participants will receive either the herbal formula or a placebo, with their progress monitored over 180 days.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Angry words can be deadly as 'sticks & stones

Research found that hostile women with 'up-front-and-in-your-face' anger are at higher risk for high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who express anger less frequently or feel angry but don't show it outwardly have lower cholesterol levels.

Mutant Zebrafish Provide Clues About Human Anemia

Researchers have cloned a gene that causes zebrafish to develop a disease similar to congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) in humans. The sauternes mutation reveals a new mechanism behind the disease, potentially illuminating relevance for studying CSA in fish.