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Science News for August 2, 1999


Anger expression tied to situations

A new study found that anger expression fluctuates according to situational factors, rather than being a stable personality trait. State measures of anger expression were significantly associated with the person triggering anger, location, mood, and appraisal variables.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 2, 1999

Enzyme-based method to isolate stem cells from umbilical cord blood shows promise

Researchers have developed a new method to identify and isolate stem cells from umbilical cord blood using an enzyme that changes a fluorescent tag. This technique could help investigate fundamental questions about stem cells and potentially improve success rates of stem cell transplants by eliminating unwanted mature blood cells.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 1999

Keeping ships healthy

Researchers have developed a system to network up to 30 remote sensors along a single fiber optic cable, allowing for periodic assessments of structural strain. The Navy and Federal Highway Administration are exploring the use of this technology to schedule maintenance and update design codes.

Oxygen reduces effects of retinal detachment

Researchers found that oxygen supplementation can significantly reduce the effects of retinal detachment by protecting photoreceptor cells and limiting cell abnormality. This breakthrough suggests that ophthalmologists may want to consider providing oxygen therapy to patients diagnosed with retinal detachment while awaiting surgery.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateAug 2, 1999

Meditation decreases blood pressure

Researchers found that long-term Transcendental Meditation practitioners experience reduced systolic blood pressure and vasoconstriction during meditation. This study suggests that Transcendental Meditation may help prevent high blood pressure in African American youth by reducing risk factors for heart disease.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 2, 1999

Controlling the cupola to help the environment

A new sensing and control system is being developed to regulate melt rate, temperature, and iron composition in cupola furnaces, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Intelligent, Integrated, Industrial Process Sensing and Control System (I3PSC) has the potential to save 1500 tonnes of coke annually in the US alone.

Afterburner reduces pollution

Researchers developed a novel afterburner technology that increases waste consumption in marine incinerators by a factor of 3.2 while reducing carbon monoxide emission by the same amount. The technology also eliminated visible smoke emission during operation.

Back pain and its benefits

A study found that patients with chronic nonmalignant back pain who received higher levels of economic and social rewards experienced increased disability, depression, and anxiety. Those with fewer rewards reported lower levels of these conditions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 2, 1999

Duke scientists reverse a rare form of muscular dystrophy in mice using gene therapy

Researchers have successfully reversed damage caused by Pompe disease, a rare inherited muscle-wasting disorder, in laboratory mice using a modified virus to deliver a therapeutic gene. The study's findings show promise for treating dozens of forms of muscular dystrophy and may lead to a continuous supply of enzyme production.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 1999

DNA: A sloppier copier

Scientists have discovered a highly error-prone DNA copying system in bacteria that causes genetic mutations under ultraviolet radiation. This 'sloppier copier' reveals how cells can intentionally introduce mistakes to survive and evolve.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 1999

Conscientious heart patients less likely to die

A new study found that patients with higher levels of conscientiousness are less likely to die suddenly from cardiovascular disease. Patients who faithfully take their prescribed medication, such as amiodarone, are also more likely to engage in healthy behaviors like eating a heart-healthy diet and socializing.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 2, 1999