Plastics For Cars
Researchers have developed a new 'self-strengthening' plastic that can be used to make car body panels. The process uses threads of polypropylene to create a rigid sheet with strength similar to composite materials.
Science News for October 1, 1998
Rural Residents' Cooperative Response To Water Crisis Now A Model
Residents of the Otter Lake watershed formed a cooperative effort to reduce atrazine levels in their water supply, leading to a successful plan that reduced costs and improved environmental outcomes. The study highlights the importance of community culture and solidarity in responding to environmental crises.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalRural Sociology·DateOct 1, 1998
Molecular Deficiency Appears To Play Key Role In Muscle Diseases
A molecule discovered in a University of Illinois laboratory has pivotal roles in muscle formation and stabilization. Research finds Alpha 7 integrin deficiency positively linked to three cases of congenital muscular dystrophy, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateOct 1, 1998
Environment Of Psychotherapists' Offices May Affect Client Attitudes
Researchers found that factors such as location, seating arrangements, lighting, and windows can influence the therapist-client interaction. The study's author, Kathryn Anthony, challenged researchers to collaborate to further investigate the relationship between office design and successful therapy outcomes.
Clinton's Mastery Of Rhetorical Styles Could Be His Biggest Asset In Upcoming Congressional Impeachment Hearings
A University of Georgia professor argues that President Clinton's ability to craft messages appealing to different audiences may be his greatest asset in the upcoming impeachment hearings. His expertise in public speaking, like a skilled musician playing a familiar tune, makes his messages uniquely effective.
Steroids May Reverse Loss Of Substance Tied To Nervous-System Diseases
University of Illinois scientists have discovered that steroids can increase myelin synthesis, reversing a major problem in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The findings offer new potential treatments for nerve injuries and demyelinating diseases.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 1998
Optical Biopsy Would Be Fast, Painless And Inexpensive
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel optical biopsy technique using near-infrared light to detect hidden growths in breast tissue. The method shows strong correlation between infrared signatures and tumor types, potentially eliminating painful needle biopsies or expensive MRI procedures.
UD Computer News: Future Looks Bright For Tunnel Diodes, Promising Faster, More Efficient Circuits
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed promising new tunnel diodes that could boost silicon-based circuit speeds. The breakthrough technology has the potential to enhance existing production lines and reduce power losses, leading to more efficient and cost-effective chips.
Getting The Low-Down On Surfaces
Scientists can now examine a material's surface using specially constructed probes, identifying contaminants and component parts. The probes also measure thermal properties, conductivity, and topography to provide insights into material behavior.
Focusing Attention Cancels Brain-Dampening Effects Of Visual Clutter
Researchers tested human subjects with fMRI scans to show that focusing attention on a single stimulus cancels out suppressive influences of nearby stimuli, improving information processing. This effect is observed in the object vision circuit and is enhanced by spatially directed attention.
Perfect Powders For Improved Implants
The new Plasma Atomisation Technology (PAT) process creates spherical titanium powders for coatings on implants, encouraging natural bone growth. The technique also allows for thin films and intricate components in pacemakers, resulting in high-quality products with reduced contaminants.
Study Ties Cerebral Palsy To Inflammation And Blood-Clotting Abnormalities
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 1, 1998
Mouse Model For Huntington's Disease Developed By NIH, Vanderbilt
Researchers have created a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease, exhibiting progressive behavioral and motor dysfunction. The mice developed similar neuropathological changes to those seen in human Huntington's disease, with symptoms worsening as the abnormal gene load increased.
Mechanism Of Protein Folding Unraveled, With Eventual Implications For Treating Diseases Caused By Folding Errors
A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that proteins fold through a series of pre-determined, intermediate arrangements. This process allows proteins to correct mistakes quickly and prevent aggregation, which is crucial in fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 1, 1998
Report By East St. Louis Residents Lauds University's Work In Community
Residents evaluate U. of I.'s East St. Louis Action Research Project as successful due to its inclusive approach, which addressed concerns about outside interventions and institutional racism. The project has led to numerous concrete results, including home repair projects, playground construction, and economic development initiatives.
University-Industry-Government Institute Will Study Pollution Control Chemistry In A Unique Virtual Collaboration
A new Institute for Environmental Catalysis will be established at Northwestern University, focusing on catalytic oxidation processes and their applications. The researchers aim to improve environmental impact by reducing pollutants in the environment and industrial activities.
NASA Using Space Incubator To Understand Breast Cancer
Scientists are using NASA Bioreactors to culture breast cells on Earth, learning what controls their growth and how to thwart malignancies. The research has the potential to improve healthcare for women, including those traveling to Mars, by developing new therapies that target cancer's genetic weaknesses.
New Studies Shed Light On Facial Features Of Popular Dinosaurs
Researchers suggest Tyrannosaurus rex lacked lips and Triceratops didn't have cheeks, contradicting long-held beliefs. The study's findings have implications for scientists studying these dinosaurs and those recreating them in art and media.
Leptin Regulates Hunger During Energy Deficit In Women
A study found that leptin decreases in response to energy deficit in women, leading to increased hunger and desire to eat. Leptin's role in regulating food intake is supported by the association between leptin levels and self-reported hunger.
SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 1, 1998
Parental Responsibilities Curtail Careers Of Women In Academic Medicine
A study of 1,979 female and male faculty members found that women with children published fewer peer-reviewed research studies and reported less career satisfaction. The survey also identified specific obstacles to career advancement for women with children, including lack of on-site child care and emergency leave options.
Program Encourages Use Of Renewable Energies In Mexico
The Mexico Renewable Energy Program, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, has installed nearly 200 photovoltaic and wind energy projects in eight states, providing energy to over 9,000 people. The program aims to expand markets for US industry, increase agricultural production, and combat greenhouse gas emissions.
Genetic Link Shows Children With Allergies Have Greater Tendency To Have Behavior Problems Than Children With No Allergies
A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.
'Tumbling' Atoms May Help Explain Hydrogen Re-Forming Reactions
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that tumbling atoms play a crucial role in hydrogen re-forming reactions. The study reveals that hydrogens exchange sites with each other, leading to the formation of new bonds between carbon and metal centers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 1, 1998
Zinc In Sludge From Spanish Reservoir Break Equals Mine's Annual Output, Researchers Find
Researchers from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory measured zinc in rivers downstream from a Spanish zinc mine's collapse, finding amounts comparable to the mine's annual output, causing environmental concerns about crop losses and fish populations.
Study Documents Attitudes About Assisted Suicide Among Patients With Lou Gehrig's Disease
A study of 100 patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) found that 56% would consider assisted suicide, with fears of future suffering a primary motivator. Patient attitudes were not influenced by disease duration, depression, or pain levels.
Successful Atherosclerosis Treatment Program
Participation in an atherosclerosis treatment program reduced plasma total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations. The LDL content of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene was also increased, leading to a decrease in LDL oxidation.
SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 1, 1998
Antarctic Ice Core Hints Abrupt Warming Some 12,500 Years Ago May Have Been Global
An ancient Antarctic ice core suggests a global climate-warming event occurred 12,500 years ago, with temperatures rising about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a 50-year period. The findings challenge previous assumptions and throw new light on climate change research.
Novel Explanation Offered For Puzzling Electron 'Gas' Experiments
Researchers found that below a certain electron density, electrons behaved like insulators, but above this density, a conducting state was observed. The team proposes that a novel kind of superconductor is responsible for this phenomenon.