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Science News for April 1, 1999


Semiconductors With A Twist

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a technique to grow pure, defect-free single crystals of almost any material on any substrate by bonding thin films at a misaligned angle. The new method has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by overcoming current limitations.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 1, 1999

Mandatory Reporting Of Domestic Violence Cases To Police Has Mixed Support From California Physicians

A study of California physicians reveals mixed support for the state's law requiring suspected domestic violence cases to be reported to authorities. The majority believe the law creates barriers to care and violates patient confidentiality, which could deter victims from seeking help or jeopardize their safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 1, 1999

Metal Injection For Healthier Car Components

The new technology allows manufacturers to produce complex shapes out of high-strength and high-performance metals and alloys. Metal injection moulded parts are finding use in various industries, including office equipment, industrial machines, medical appliances, and household goods.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateApr 1, 1999

Polymer Patterns

Researchers create microscopic patterns on surfaces using microcontact printing, then build up layers of a polymer material over the pattern. The technique enables complex pattern creation and automation of the patterning process.

3D Sight From Sonic Imaging

Researchers developed a new technique to visualize the three-dimensional internal structure of objects using sonic imaging. This method stacks planar ultrasound images and provides detailed analysis without physically cutting open the part.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateApr 1, 1999

Better Than Frosting

Researchers developed a new welding technique combining infrared sensors and predictive modeling to create the best seam possible. This approach promises to save the Navy up to $10 million per year at Ingalls shipyard alone, reducing the need for costly corrections.

Palm-Sized Ultrasound Scanner

A palm-sized ultrasound scanner can provide images of internal organs and detect sites of internal bleeding, assisting medics in treating battle victims according to injury severity. Prototype devices are currently under evaluation in civilian and military hospitals.

Porous Silicon Joining Humans To Machines

Researchers at De Montfort University discovered a porous version of silicon with potential for biocompatibility, allowing for the transmission of signals between mechanical devices and human tissue. This breakthrough could lead to innovative applications in sensing and prosthetics.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateApr 1, 1999

Hardening Of The Aorta Increases The Risk Of Stroke

A study found that thickening of the aorta at its attachment to the heart increases the risk of stroke and death. Researchers identified moderate and severe atherosclerosis as major risk factors, with higher mortality rates among patients with more advanced disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 1, 1999

High-Tech Sea Hunt

The new wavelet technique for computer noise removal from and compression of side-scan sonar images significantly reduces the number of undetected mines by at least 50%. Statistical classification combined with wavelet-based filtering dramatically decreases the number of false alarms, improving the system's detection capability.

Children Of Smokers Suffer Negative Health Effects Later In Life

Research suggests that children who grow up in smoking households experience small but lasting negative effects on their health, including higher blood pressure and heart rate. The study found that even though the children were not exposed to tobacco smoke at home, they still had higher baseline rates, putting them at risk for hyperten...

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 1, 1999

Folic Acid Lowers Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that folic acid effectively lowers homocysteine levels in blood plasma, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study found that folic acid supplementation can also benefit people with normal MTHFR enzymes by protecting them against heat-induced enzyme inactivation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 1, 1999