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Science News for February 17, 1999


Protestors Are Up In Arms Over Experiments That Give Chimps AIDS

Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateFeb 17, 1999

Researchers Prove Chemoprevention Can Work

A team of researchers has shown that oltipraz, a chemopreventive agent, can alter the disposition of aflatoxin in people at high risk for liver cancer. The study establishes proof of principle that chemo-preventive agents can work by changing the metabolism of environmental carcinogens.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 17, 1999
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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National Academy Of Engineering Elects 80 Members And 8 Foreign Associates

The National Academy of Engineering has elected 80 engineers and eight foreign associates for their important contributions to engineering theory and practice. The newly elected members include innovators in fields such as algorithms, satellite technology, nuclear fuel bonding, and biotechnology.

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateFeb 17, 1999

CU-Boulder Researchers To Map Polar Ice On Mars

Researchers from CU-Boulder will create a virtual sensor by combining data from two instruments orbiting NASA's Mars Global Surveyor satellite. They aim to identify the surface composition of Mars' polar ice and plot its perimeters, gaining insights into climate change on both Earth and Mars.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 17, 1999

The Body's Anticancer Weaponry Backfires In Old Age

As people age, a protein called TNF helps to destroy diseased cells but also causes the immune system to degenerate. Researchers found that older adults' immune cells became more sensitive to TNF, leading to increased cell death and weakening of the immune system.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateFeb 17, 1999

Most Who Lose Medicaid Have Trouble Finding Health Insurance

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that those who lost Medicaid coverage reported significant difficulties in accessing healthcare services, including delayed or foregone care due to cost concerns. Only a small percentage could afford insurance on their own, highlighting the need for more affordable options.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateFeb 17, 1999

Does Race Affect Outcome Of Criminal Cases? Reports Portraying Juveniles Differently Lead To Tougher Sentencing Recommendations For Blacks

Researchers found that court reports prepared by probation officers consistently depict black and white juvenile offenders differently, resulting in tougher sentencing recommendations for blacks. The study highlights the role of unconscious racial stereotyping in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 17, 1999
GoPro HERO13 Black

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Cedars-Sinai Scientists Localize New Ataxia/Epilepsy Gene

Researchers have localized a new gene, SCA10, associated with a rare form of inherited ataxia that also causes seizures in 20% of family members. The finding may shed light on the pathogenesis of epilepsy.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 17, 1999

Far Few Drugs Are Tested On Children

A lack of testing on children means doctors must prescribe 'off label', leaving them with uncertainty about the outcome. This also leads to liability for healthcare authorities rather than pharmaceutical companies.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateFeb 17, 1999

Doctors Often Miss Abusive Head Injuries To Young Children, Study Says

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that doctors missed diagnosing abusive head trauma in young children up to 31.2% of the time. The study highlighted the importance of considering non-specific signs of abuse and performing mindful exams, particularly if a child's face is bruised.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 17, 1999