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Science News for April 21, 1999


Study Reveals Gender Affects Lung-Cancer Development

A recent study analyzed gender differences in precancerous changes in smokers' lung tissue, finding that women develop a distinct pattern of bronchial changes and are more susceptible to tobacco-related carcinogens. This research underscores the importance of considering gender in lung cancer screening methods.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 1999

UC Davis Researchers Get First Look At A Working Cellular Motor

Researchers at UC Davis used fluorescent microscopy to observe motor proteins carrying cargoes through a live roundworm cell. The findings provide valuable insights into the cellular transportation system and demonstrate a technical method for future research.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 1999
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.

Superplasticity May Work Better In Smaller Packages

Researchers at UC Davis report a significant breakthrough in superplasticity, achieving the ability to stretch metal without breaking at lower temperatures. The discovery involves using nanostructured materials, which are 1,000 times smaller than microcrystals, resulting in stronger and more practical materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 1999

Laser Pointer Helps Parkinson's Patients Take Next Step

A laser pointer has been found to help some Parkinson's patients overcome freezing episodes, where their legs temporarily lock in place. The device provides a visual cue that helps patients take the next step towards regaining mobility, offering hope for those struggling with this debilitating symptom.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 21, 1999

Patient Characteristics And The Way Patients Are Treated Have Impact On Hospital Costs Of Liver Transplants

A new study by UC San Francisco health policy researchers found that patient characteristics and clinical practices significantly impact hospital resource use for liver transplantation. The study suggests guidelines to standardize resource use may lower costs, while findings highlight the need to reduce variations in practice patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateApr 21, 1999

Bill Nye Unveils Sundial For 2001 Mars Mission

The sundial is designed to track the passage of hours and seasons on Mars, with calibration targets to adjust camera brightness and tint. The instrument carries a message from Earth to future Martian explorers, wishing them a safe journey and joy of discovery.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 21, 1999
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.

First North Americans Had Chance To Be Avid Birders

Scientists have discovered hundreds of migratory bird bones in the Bluefish Caves, indicating a diverse avian fauna. The findings contradict earlier ideas that the region was a marginal habitat, suggesting an environmental richness supporting multiple feeding niches.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·DateApr 21, 1999

Measles Eradication Launching Set April 30

The Pan American Health Organization will launch a collaborative effort to eradicate measles from the Americas, building on progress made since 1994. The region has seen significant reductions in measles cases, but efforts must be redoubled to prevent importations and improve surveillance.

SourcePan American Health Organization·DateApr 21, 1999

New Way To Make Astronauts Sleep

NASA gave astronauts melatonin to improve sleep, but found no benefit; instead, electrodes seemed to help them relax and sleep better. Astronauts' duties likely cause insomnia, and monitoring equipment helps them see sleep as part of their mission.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateApr 21, 1999

WIC, Medicaid Have Reduced Infant Deaths

Researchers found that WIC participants had lower infant death rates related to pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, Medicaid participation reduced the risk of infant mortality due to external causes like infectious diseases and accidents. The study also highlighted disparities in access to healthcare among low-income families.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 21, 1999
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Migraine Pain: Not Mainly In The Brain

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found the source of migraine pain to be changes within the meninges, the protective tissue layers covering the brain. The study uses SPECT scans to link abnormalities in the meninges with the site of pain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateApr 21, 1999

New Three Year Follow-up Data Of Novantrone In Multiple Sclerosis

Patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis treated with Novantrone experienced a sustained reduction in their number of attacks and delay in disability progression compared to those treated with placebo. The treatment resulted in generally manageable side effects and a smaller number of relapses in the third year.

SourceImmunex Corporation·DateApr 21, 1999

Fetal Cell Therapy Benefits Some Parkinson's Patients

A recent clinical trial found that fetal dopamine cell implants improved movement control in younger Parkinson's patients, but had no significant impact on older patients or daily activities. PET brain scans revealed increased dopamine activity in those who received the implants, but also showed more severe adverse experiences.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateApr 21, 1999