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Science News Archive 1999


Page 10 of 54

A molecular chink in the armor of tuberculosis

Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute identified a crucial lipid molecule produced by M. tuberculosis to infect lung tissue. The discovery could lead to improved vaccines and treatments for tuberculosis, which kills more people than AIDS or malaria.

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.

You can't see it, but it's real: Glass ceiling is solid

A recent study by David J. Maume Jr. found that 44% of men are promoted after 12 years, compared to 15% of white women, 7% of black women, and 17% of black men. Discrimination was the only factor controlling promotion rates across professions.

A key to depression

Scientists discovered that Prozac increases new neurons in rats' brains by 69% compared to controls. This finding may explain why people recover from depression with SSRIs. The study also suggests serotonin's role in treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

Plasmas in Seattle

Physicists discuss new discoveries in plasmas, including solar eruptions triggered by magnetic flux ropes. Advances in plasmatrons for vehicles reduce pollution emissions, enabling more efficient engine operation.

Why are the elderly so easily fooled by con artists?

Research suggests that some older adults have impaired decision-making skills, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activities. A study found that a third of healthy individuals in their 60s performed poorly on a gambling task, similar to those with known brain damage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pacific Northwest researcher wins prestigious international climate change award

William Chandler, a research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has received the World Climate Technology Leadership Award for founding a global network of energy efficiency centers. His work promotes energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions on a global basis, setting a standard for others to follow.

Lasers clean fossils in no time

Physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are developing a control system that switches off a cutting laser when it detects phosphorus, allowing for quick and efficient fossil cleaning. This technique could significantly reduce the time-consuming process of preparing fossils by hand, especially for delicate or soft bones.

Do reassuring computers give pilots a false sense of security?

A new study reveals that relying on computers for pilot support can actually decrease performance and increase errors. The researchers found that volunteers who used automated cues performed poorly, while those who relied solely on instrument readings achieved higher accuracy.

Few physicians counsel adolescents about smoking

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that only 17% of office visits included smoking-related counseling for adolescents. The frequency of questioning about smoking habits did not improve during the study period, and younger nonwhite adolescents were less likely to receive counseling.

DFG invites applications for Communicator Award

The DFG's new Communicator Award is given to scholars and scientists explaining their research in a comprehensible manner. The award focuses on papers published in German and will be announced through various media channels.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Key developmental genes identified, linked to rare syndrome

Researchers identified two critical developmental genes, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, which control methylation patterns and are associated with ICF syndrome. Mutations in these genes may cause ICF, a rare condition characterized by immune system defects and facial abnormalities.

UC researchers use Doppler ultrasound

Researchers at UC have developed a novel method for detecting early signs of artery blockages using Doppler ultrasound, which can accurately predict turbulence intensity and detect atherosclerosis. This non-invasive technique is safer than current methods requiring ionizing radiation or pressure transducer insertion.

Research challenges conventional thinking on ways to treat prostate cancer

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center challenge current understanding of prostate cancer treatment by showing that testosterone withdrawal triggers a dormant state in tumor cells, rather than causing widespread cell death. This study offers new hope for developing targeted therapies to combat recurrent prostate cancer.

Chromosome changes predict more deadly prostate tumors

Men with specific chromosome 8 abnormalities have a 30% survival rate after 10 years, compared to 78% for those with normal chromosomes. The findings could help identify patients who require closer follow-up and more aggressive early treatment.

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.

Duke study: Poured sand sifts, but showered sand doesn't

A Duke study reveals that the pressures under poured sandpiles are highest at their peripheries due to unbalanced distributions of stresses. In contrast, showered sand piles concentrate stresses at their centers like medieval cathedrals' flying buttresses. This research has practical importance for structures prone to self-destruction.

Hostility, coercion, sexism among causes of harassment in military

A series of studies found that women in the military experience job dissatisfaction, reduced well-being, and physical and psychological harm due to harassment. The research highlights the need for greater gender parity and intolerance among leaders to address these issues.

Yale research team first to describe molecular-sized memory

A Yale research team has developed a molecular memory that can store information, outlasting conventional silicon memory by approximately one million times. The discovery uses self-assembly method to fabricate the molecular memory, which could lead to significant reductions in cost and improvements in electronics.

UVic creates research chair on drinking water ecology

The University of Victoria has established a research chair to study ecological processes contributing to safe drinking water. The chair will evaluate watershed management activities, supply operations, and food chain changes to optimize water quality and minimize treatment costs.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Finding suggests a common childhood leukemia may form in the womb

A study published in Lancet suggests a genetic mutation in two genes, TEL and AML1, occurs during fetal development, leading to a potentially oncogenic protein. The fusion of these genes is not inherited but rather occurs during pregnancy, possibly due to a developmental accident.

Reducing methane emissions could lower overall abatement costs

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that including methane in emission-reduction strategies can significantly lower overall costs. The study found that methane can offset carbon dioxide reductions and reduce U.S. abatement costs by more than 25 percent compared to strategies involving carbon dioxide alone.

Connecting to the ultrasmall is a challenge

Researchers at Cornell University are working on bridging the gap between human dimensions and ultrasmall microchips. They aim to develop a dense array of connections to allow information exchange between large and small components.

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.

Coordination of knowledge among organizations changing radically

Researchers explore how new technologies shape communication networks and change organizational performance in 21st century organizations, with a focus on global network organizations. The project aims to produce the first comprehensive test to explain and predict the evolution of knowledge networks.

Scientists measure temperatures in microscopic gas bubbles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully controlled and measured extremely high temperatures in microscopic gas bubbles formed by ultrasound. These hot spots can reach temperatures as high as a star surface and drive high-energy chemical reactions.

Traumatic brain injury hastens onset of Alzheimer's disease

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that traumatic brain injuries increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, with a median observed time from injury to onset of 10 years. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury interacts with other factors to hasten the onset of Alzheimer's in susceptible individuals.

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.

Consume less trans fat, more vitamin B6 and B12, studies suggest

A recent study suggests that consuming less trans fat and increasing magnesium, vitamin B6, and B12 intake can help prevent artery calcification. Researchers found that adequate magnesium levels can mitigate the risk of calcified ridges in arteries, which can block blood flow.

Annals Of Internal Medicine - tip sheet for November 2, 1999

A study of 30 people with iron deficiency anemia found that curing Helicobacter pylori reversed the anemia. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that 51% of eligible elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction did not receive early beta-blocker therapy, leading to higher in-hospital mortality rates.

Challenges of welfare reform

Researchers find substance use and dependence are significant problems among welfare recipients, but academic skill deficits are a greater barrier to self-sufficiency. Effective services addressing mental health needs and providing support for work barriers are crucial for successful fulfillment of family roles.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Southeast appears to have a unique type of Lyme disease

Researchers found that 70% of Southeastern adults with Lyme-like symptoms were not infected with the standard Borrelia burgdorferi strain. Instead, a genetically variant strain was detected, which may be more responsive to antibiotic therapy and less virulent than traditional Lyme disease.

Can you hear what the neural net hears?

Researchers at USC have created a machine system that recognizes spoken words better than humans, with potential benefits for Navy sonar and improving interaction between man and computer. The system may eventually enable voice control of computers, help the deaf, and aid air traffic controllers in noisy environments.

Twins

Recent research reveals a master regulator protein that prevents DNA replication at the wrong time in the cell cycle, ensuring each progeny cell has the correct number of gene-bearing chromosomes. This discovery could lead to new design principles for operating autonomous devices.

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.

AGU names new journalism award for David Perlman

The American Geophysical Union has established a new journalism award to recognize the work of science writers covering news stories. The David Perlman Award will honor writers who produce high-quality news stories in various media outlets.

Depression linked to death among heart failure patients

A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that depressed mood is significantly related to increased mortality risk among people with congestive heart failure. Patients with severe depression were four times more likely to die within two years than those without depression.

Disabled by depression - study analyzes costs, causes

A recent study by Reg A. Williams highlights the significant economic impact of depression in the workplace, citing an estimated total cost of up to $44 billion. The study also identifies key risk factors for depression, including stress, negative changes in personal life, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Acoustical technology developed at CU-Boulder helps make clean water

Acoustical technology developed at CU-Boulder uses high-frequency pulses to detect fouling deposits on membranes, allowing for more efficient purification of drinking water. The technique has the potential to reduce chemicals needed and improve membrane performance in applications such as seawater desalination.

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.

Noveau neurons are better than no neurons at all

UCSD researchers successfully integrated electronic neuron within a group of biological neurons, demonstrating the potential for restoring brain function. The key finding was the simplification of mathematical algorithms, allowing for a radical reduction in variables to control a neuron's overall function.

1999 American Heart Association 72nd Scientific Sessions kit memo

The American Heart Association has prepared 16 news releases and 32 news tips for the 72nd Scientific Sessions. Logistical information includes room locations, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and name badge requirements. Reporters can access news conferences, media availabilities, and exhibitions at specific times.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Female medical students more patient-centered

A recent study of first-year medical students found that female students are more patient-centered in their approach to medicine, prioritizing equal partnerships and shared decision-making. This patient-centered attitude is also associated with a greater desire to practice in community and primary care settings.

A growth factor reverses nerve damage in diabetic animals

A recent study reveals that long-term nerve damage in diabetic rats can be reversed by treatment with an insulin-like protein. The protein may prevent or alleviate certain nerve complications associated with diabetes, such as irregular blood pressure control and digestive issues. Researchers are hopeful about the potential therapeutic ...

UNC-CH scientist encourages all to watch PBS series on microbes

The four-part PBS series 'Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth' delves into the importance of microbes in sustaining human life and driving chemistry of life. Dr. Frederic Pfaender, a UNC-CH microbiologist, advocates for watching the series to learn something and enjoy the experience.

A growth factor reverses nerve damage in diabetic animals

A recent study found that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can reverse nerve damage in diabetic rats, with 80% fewer swollen nerve endings observed. The protein may compensate for the loss of a healthy factor or be a nourishing agent itself.

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.

Alzheimer protein found critical to brain development

Researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto have discovered that Alzheimer's disease proteins also play a crucial role in mammalian development. The study used mice lacking PS1 and PS2 genes to investigate their normal function, finding that these proteins are essential for brain development.

Women assaulted in military suffer depression, alcohol problems

A national survey found that one in four female veterans experienced military-related sexual assault, leading to significant symptoms of depression and problems with alcohol. The study highlights the importance of addressing these issues for veterans' mental health care.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The evolution of the sex chromosomes: step by step

The X and Y chromosomes are thought to have originated from a pair of identical autosomes, diverging over 300 million years through four discrete stages. This divergence led to the formation of distinct sex chromosomes, with X-Y genes serving as fossils for reconstructing their evolutionary history.

Chemistry's in the forecast for National Chemistry Week

National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.