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Science News for December 20, 1999


MGH study identifies new inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis and growth

A new MGH study has identified thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) as a natural factor that inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth in mouse models. The researchers found that TSP-2 completely stopped tumor growth when reintroduced into tumor cells, outperforming earlier anti-angiogenesis factors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 1999

Perils on your plate

A New York-based council argues that health scares about pesticides in food are unjustified on scientific grounds, citing issues of dose and exposure. Experts warn that the risks from nature don't end with cancer, as certain foods like potatoes contain natural toxins.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateDec 20, 1999
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.

NSTX produces one megampere plasma current

Scientists at PPPL have achieved a significant breakthrough in fusion research, producing the highest plasma current ever recorded in a spherical torus device - 1 million amperes. This milestone is crucial for understanding the physics of fusion and potentially leading to more efficient development paths for fusion energy.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateDec 20, 1999

Estrogen shows promise in warding off heart disease in young rats

Researchers found that supplemental estrogen prevented hypertension in 3-month-old female rats with healthy hearts, but not in 17-month-old rats who already had hypertension. The study suggests that estrogen supplementation may be beneficial for women nearing or going through perimenopause, where estrogen levels decline.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateDec 20, 1999

Chandra maps vital elements from supernova

A team of astronomers has used Chandra to map the distribution of silicon, sulfur, and iron in Cassiopeia A, a supernova remnant. The findings provide insights into how elements are produced in stars and their subsequent release into space.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 20, 1999
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.

New search for the genetic basis for osteoarthritis

Researchers are conducting the largest study ever to identify the genetic susceptibility for osteoarthritis, a condition affecting over 21 million Americans. The three-year study will analyze DNA samples and health histories of 1,400 families with multiple siblings diagnosed with primary generalized osteoarthritis.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateDec 20, 1999

Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, December 21, 1999

A Veterans Affairs hospital found that adopting a policy of immediate disclosure to patients injured by medical mistakes and fair compensation reduced overall lawsuit costs. No increase in lawsuits was observed despite the implementation of the policy, highlighting its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 20, 1999

NIAMS launches multiple projects in autoimmunity

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has awarded nearly $4 million for new projects on autoimmune diseases. These projects enhance the NIAMS' commitment in this area, focusing on nine conditions that affect almost every human organ system.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateDec 20, 1999

Many classrooms have bad acoustics that inhibit learning

Researchers found that only two out of 32 classrooms met the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines for background noise level and reverberation time. Background noise was a significant problem in classrooms, with levels ranging from 28 to 68 decibels, and reverberations lasting between 0.2 and 1.27 seconds.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 20, 1999

Frank findings about fat and flavor

Researchers discovered that full-fat frankfurters release flavor compounds more slowly and last longer than lower fat varieties. This results in a stronger initial flavor followed by a rapid decrease, affecting the overall taste experience.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 20, 1999
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.

Gene therapy will soon be tested on people with Alzheimer's

Researchers are testing gene therapy using nerve growth factor (NGF) to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The trial aims to assess the safety of NGF-producing cells injected into patients' brains, with potential benefits for slowing dementia.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateDec 20, 1999

A new analysis on the risks of NASA'S space station

A new analysis by Futron estimates the risks faced by NASA's space station crew, including serious illness, deaths, and accidents inside the station. The consultancy predicts a 93% probability that a micrometeorite impact will cause disaster if it occurs.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateDec 20, 1999

Research uncovers new information about drivers in 'drowsy' accidents

Researchers found that drivers involved in sleep-related crashes were four to five times more likely to work night-shift jobs and had built up 'sleep debt' or gotten far too little sleep before driving. These drivers often relied on ineffective tactics like opening windows or turning up the radio, and put themselves and others at risk ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateDec 20, 1999

Internet study suggests women & older users more concerned about virtual violence, spreading viruses

A recent study suggests that female and older computer users are more concerned about moral issues affecting the Internet, such as spreading computer viruses and sharing offensive games. The researchers found that younger respondents were less likely to view these actions as harmful.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateDec 20, 1999
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Creatine may improve performance during short bursts of activity

A study found that creatine supplementation improved the performance of elite male swimmers in a 50-meter swim, but not female swimmers. The research suggests that creatine may enhance muscle energy during high-intensity exercise by increasing phosphocreatine levels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition·DateDec 20, 1999

Scientists find protein can protect new blood vessels from leaking ---promising complement togrowth stimulant VEGF

Researchers at UCSF and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have found that the protein angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) can restore leaky vessels to normal, block leakage effects of substances, and complement VEGF's growth-promoting action. This discovery holds strong promise for treating chronic inflammatory diseases and promoting healthy blood vessel gr...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 1999