The American Geophysical Union will host two major scientific meetings in 1999 and 2000, covering a range of earth and space sciences topics. The 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco will feature newsworthy presentations on hydrological issues and special sessions on biogeosciences and education.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is hosting a public meeting to review its report on carcinogens and gather feedback from interested parties. Written and oral comments can be submitted until September 15, with the goal of informing the review process for the 10th edition of the Report on Carcinogens.
A University of Toronto researcher found that home births enable women to connect childbirth with their religious beliefs and family relationships. The study involved 45 American women from diverse backgrounds who valued having loved ones nearby during birth.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that 74% of adhesive tape specimens were colonized by pathogenic bacteria, which can contribute to serious diseases. Discarding the outer layer of tape significantly reduced bacterial growth, making it a simple way to reduce the risk of hospital infections.
Purdue University students won the Institute of Food Technologists' competition with their high-protein, ready-to-eat cereal SOY-PRO, made from soy flakes and fortified with standard nutrients. The team overcame flavor challenges by toasting the soy flakes and adding sugar and sodium bicarbonate.
A team of scientists will conduct seismic experiments along a 600-mile route, using specialized instruments and explosions to create detailed profiles of the Earth's crust. The project aims to gain insight into the formation of the Rockies and improve knowledge of earthquake hazards, natural resources, and water resources.
A study by University of Toronto Professor Roy Shephard found that light physical training has the strongest protective effect on immunity in sedentary young adults. The research, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, suggests that low-volume exercises are optimal for improving immunity in this population.
Researchers at U of T used nonlinear dynamics techniques to predict seizures and identified a dynamic regime - type III intermittency - that takes place during seizures. This approach may improve techniques to control the brain's transition to seizure, offering new hope for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating multi-site brain cancers by combining tumor-attacking viruses with an approved chemotherapeutic drug. The treatment works by suppressing the immune system's antiviral response, allowing the virus to selectively kill malignant cells.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered the molecular signals that lead to programmed cell death in spinal cord injuries. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of drugs to prevent or limit the consequences of spinal cord injury.