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Science News for September 23, 1998


New Class Of Molecular Magnets May Advance Microelectronics

Weizmann Institute scientists have created a new class of magnetic materials made of clusters of inorganic molecules, opening up research possibilities for the microelectronics industry. The new magnets display an unusual combination of properties that make them suitable for miniaturization and potential industrial applications.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 1998

French Researchers Breed Flightless Ladybirds As Pest-Killers

Researchers have developed a method to breed flightless Asian ladybirds that can control pests on crops like cucumbers and melons. The new biological pest-control strategy has shown promising results in reducing pesticide use, but further field trials are needed to assess its efficiency.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 23, 1998

Education Linked To Good Health Habits, Even In Old Age

A study of over 1,200 elderly adults found that higher levels of education were associated with healthier behaviors, biological conditions, and psychological factors. These findings suggest that social disparities may continue to affect health outcomes in late life, even among those who are functioning well cognitively.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998

Hurricane Georges Puts On A Light Show

The third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) campaign observed rare lightning fields and purple sprites in the eye of Hurricane Georges. The team studied the hurricane's unique characteristics, including large cloud turrets and variable wind speeds.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory·DateSep 23, 1998
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Neurotransmission Machinery Visualized For The First Time

Scientists have deciphered the molecular structure of neurotransmitter release machinery, revealing how proteins SNAREs propel neurotransmitters into synapses. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for brain disorders and shed light on processes like learning and memory.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 1998

Women Who Hold In Anger At Risk For Atherosclerosis

Research finds that women experiencing hostility, anxiety and self-consciousness have thicker carotid arteries, an early marker for cardiovascular disease. Holding in anger or suppressing negative emotions may be key determinants of women's cardiovascular health.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998

Could A 'Vaccine' Made From Our Own Cells Work Against HIV?

Researchers have tested a new approach to immunization, using dendritic cells to stimulate immunity in mice. The technique, which uses heat-killed bacteria to sensitize immune cells, has shown promising results in preventing Chlamydia and potentially HIV infections.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 23, 1998

Meditation Speeds Treatment Of Psoriasis

A small study found that meditation-based relaxation accelerated psoriasis clearing by 3.8 times compared to UV light therapy alone, potentially reducing treatment sessions and costs.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Chronic Stress Linked To Sick Days For Schoolboys

Research shows that boys from more crowded homes experience greater physiological responses to stress and take more sick days. The study suggests a link between chronic stress, cardiovascular reactivity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998

Depressed Hospital Patients Twice As Likely To Die Soon

Researchers found that hospitalized patients with depression are 1.9 times more likely to die than those without depression, with cardiovascular disease being the strongest predictor. The study highlights the importance of screening for depression in medical inpatients and improving their care to mitigate mortality risks.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998

NIAID Scientists Discover HIV Disease-Slowing Mutation

Researchers found a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene promoter that significantly delays HIV disease progression, affecting approximately 20% of infected individuals. The mutant promoter is 45% less active, leading to slower disease progression and increased resistance to HIV infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 23, 1998

Combat Has Little Influence On Health Problems In Vietnam Vets

A study of over 4,700 twin brothers found that combat had a minor role in health issues such as hypertension, respiratory difficulties, and gastrointestinal disorders. Inherited factors accounted for 90% of reported health problems, with combat experience explaining less than 1%. The research suggests that environmental experiences oth...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1998