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Science News Archive July 1999 - Page 4


Page 4 of 4

Mentored foster children learn to trust others, researchers find

Researchers found that foster children who receive mentors experience improvements in their peer relationships and develop trust. The study, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, sheds light on how mentoring works for foster youth. Preliminary findings suggest that longer-term mentoring relationships yield better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateJul 7, 1999

Very thin polymer films still have the same stuff

A team of scientists discovered that polymer molecules in ultra-thin films of 14 nanometers retain their shape and size comparable to their bulk counterparts. This finding challenges previous simulations, which suggested minimal changes in molecular structure with decreasing film thickness.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 1999

Simulation uses quantum mechanics to understand nanoelectronics

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a computer simulation to understand nanoelectronics, a field where single electrons control devices. The simulation explores the interplay between quantum mechanics and matter's granularity, enabling scientists to design and optimize next-generation nanoscale electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateJul 7, 1999

Lensless camera captures three-dimensional images

The new camera system uses beam splitters and folding mirrors to capture sequence of snapshots as an object is rotated in front of the aperture. The images are then processed to form a 3D representation of the object, which can be displayed on a computer screen or in a virtual reality environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 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.

Sahara's abrupt desertification started by changes in Earth's orbit, accelerated by atmospheric and vegetation feedbacks

German scientists used a climate model to conclude that the Sahara's desertification began abruptly 5,440 years ago due to subtle changes in Earth's orbit. The resulting desertification had significant impacts on ancient civilizations, with some of the most severe changes occurring between 4,000 and 3,600 years ago.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 7, 1999

Study suggests need for better pain management in newborns

Researchers found that premature infants respond to pain and can differentiate between more and less painful procedures. They recommend universal pain management in newborns to mitigate the effects of early procedural pain. Premature babies, even those born very prematurely, become more responsive to pain with age.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 7, 1999

Formic acid found toward hot galactic molecular cores

Researchers have found dense clumps of formic acid in three interstellar molecular clouds, providing insights into the formation of complex molecules. The discovery could help identify regions where more biologically important molecules might be located, supporting future searches for glycine sources.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJul 7, 1999

Researchers discover treatment that delays onset of insulin-dependent diabetes

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered a naturally-occurring antibody that significantly reduces diabetic symptoms in mice. The study's findings suggest that masking the foreign nature of affected cells may prevent immunological processes that cause diabetes. Eighty percent of treated mice did not develop diabetic symptoms.

SourceAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists·JournalPharmaceutical Research·DateJul 7, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers take major step in identifying gene differences

A study analyzing human genes reveals a wide range of sequence changes associated with blood pressure control and potential disease susceptibility. The research identified 50% of the changes that lead to protein structure alterations, suggesting their involvement in human disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 6, 1999

Researchers call for doubling of RDA on vitamin C

New research recommends a higher intake of vitamin C due to its role in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataracts. Studies show that increased levels of vitamin C can reduce risk factors associated with these conditions, making it essential for overall health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 6, 1999

Cigarette price increases will cut youth smoking by 26 percent

A study by Virginia Tech found that a $0.45 per-pack price increase for cigarettes leads to a 9% reduction in overall domestic consumption, with a notable impact on young smokers. The study suggests that the price hike will discourage youth from starting smoking and reduce existing habits.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJul 6, 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.

Study shows cognitive decline is not normal in aging

A study of 5,888 senior citizens found that only those with high levels of atherosclerosis or diabetes and the ApoE4 gene are at high risk for cognitive decline. The majority of elderly people showed no significant decline in cognitive function over 10 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·DateJul 6, 1999

Birds beware! Pinecones armed and dangerous

A study found that pine cones' spines hinder finches' ability to access seeds, encouraging seed dispersal. Researchers discovered a link between spine growth and the length of time seeds remain on pine cones.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateJul 6, 1999

New drug with unusual promise enters ALS pipeline

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural compound called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) that offers nearly complete protection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PEDF is a potent neurotrophic factor that may significantly protect spinal motor nerves against injury.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateJul 6, 1999

Inhaled drug useful in preventing flu

A new study by University of Michigan professor Dr. Arnold S. Monto found that zanamivir, an antiviral drug, is 67% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed clinical influenza infection. The drug was also shown to be 84% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed illnesses with fever.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJul 6, 1999
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Schizophrenia possibly linked to early brain development

A new report from Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia suggests a possible neuro-developmental theory of schizophrenia linked to altered brain development during the first three months of pregnancy. Abnormalities in retinoic acid signaling pathways may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 1999

Scientists grow blood-producing stem cells outside the body

Researchers at University of Washington successfully grew large numbers of mouse blood stem cells in lab for up to four months. The discovery may allow better care of cancer patients and create possibilities for genetic cures by enabling the multiplication of blood stem cells outside the body.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 1999

Report in PNAS on role of nephrin, the kidney filter protein

Researchers identify nephrin's role in the kidney's filtration barrier, finding a 'zipper-like' structure that allows blood to pass but not plasma proteins. Increasing nephrin production or restoring its function is thought to improve kidney function and restore proteinuria.

SourceNoonan/Russo Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 1999
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Weizmann Institute scientists develop a potential future treatment for myasthenia gravis

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a new treatment for a myasthenia gravis-like disease in rats by administering genetically engineered receptor fragments through the nose. The approach may serve as a basis for treating this autoimmune disease in humans, where symptoms can be life-threatening.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 1999

The lie of the tiger

Researchers at USC and UC Irvine have discovered two independent brain pathways that process visual information, highlighting the importance of integrating color and motion. The 'Third Order' system is found to be critical for detecting pure color motion, allowing humans to perceive movement in 'isoluminant' images.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 1999

First complete physical map of a higher plant genome

The first ever-established complete clone-based physical map of a plant genome is published for Arabidopsis thaliana. The map covers the entire nuclear genome and is assembled entirely on the basis of BAC clones, offering strongly increased resolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 2, 1999

Protein studies reveal sophisticated control of nerve communication

Researchers discovered a protein called yotiao, which anchors enzymes to NMDA receptors in neurons, controlling electrical impulses. This sophisticated control mechanism allows for precise and rapid signaling, enabling nerve cells to rapidly recover from activation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 1999
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

World Conference on Science adopts declaration

The World Conference on Science adopted a Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge, emphasizing investment in education and research. The framework aims to promote equitable access to science, particularly for girls and women, while addressing global issues like environmental degradation and inequality.

SourceUNESCO·DateJul 2, 1999

UNESCO publishes first World Social Science Report

The report focuses on crucial problems such as science and technology in society, development, and the environment. It examines how social sciences are organized, financed, and practiced worldwide. The World Social Science Report provides overviews of broad regions, including Latin America, Southern Asia, and Africa.

SourceUNESCO·DateJul 2, 1999

Many patients taking drugs for chest pain even after chest pain is gone; gamma knife a good alternative to surgery for many brain problems

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that many heart patients continue to take chest pain medications after undergoing angioplasty, suggesting a need for alternative treatment options. The gamma knife procedure is shown to be effective in treating various brain disorders, offering an alternative to surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 1999

Hepatitis C's interferon resistance mechanism discovered

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can mimic one of its molecular targets, blocking interferon's ability to kill viruses. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies by targeting the E2 protein sequence that interferes with PKR phosphorylation.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 1999
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mathematics reveals inner workings of potassium pipeline

Researchers used mathematical analysis to determine how potassium ions move through cell membranes. They found that a pool of approximately 50 water molecules and four protein spirals create an environment similar to the inside or outside of the cell, allowing for quick potassium flow.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 1999

Blue light special

Gallium Nitride (GaN) systems enable smaller, brighter, longer-lasting light-emitting diodes with increased data storage-density. The Navy is interested in these blue-light emitters for microwave amplifiers and highly efficient white-light emitters.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 1, 1999

A picture worth a thousand megabytes

The Modular-MPC 1/16 system by Aspex Microsystems Ltd. offers high-speed 3D data visualization with 10 frames-per-second performance for 16 million data elements. It achieves over 25 billion operations per second and is suitable for complex applications like computational fluid dynamics.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 1, 1999

Bomb fallout helps pinpoint soil carbon dioxide

A four-decade study of a Southeastern forest found that while trees take up substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the accumulation in soils is relatively slow. The researchers used radioactive Carbon-14 as a tracer to estimate carbon sequestration and found that only a small percentage of carbon was retained in topsoil, wi...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 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.

Transmitting infertility from father to son

A study found that some boys will be infertile due to inherited Y chromosome deletions from their fathers, who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The deletion region AZFc accounts for 10% of male infertility cases. Genetic counseling is recommended for couples concerned about passing on the condition to their sons.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 1, 1999

Smart masts for intelligent yachts

Engineers at Smart Fibres Ltd developed a smart mast that uses 'Bragg grating' strain sensor technology to monitor stresses and strains in composite materials. The technology has the potential for use in various industries, including aerospace and civil engineering.

SourceInstitute of Materials·DateJul 1, 1999

Spy flies

Researchers have identified principles for insect flight that will help design and construct tiny robotic flies. The Micromechanical Flying Insect project aims to develop a robotic fly that can fly short distances and maintain stable hover

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 1, 1999
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Clues to heart disease seen in cholesterol reactions to stress

Researchers discovered that healthy young men with a family history of heart disease react to stress with elevated blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. These findings suggest that lipid reactivity to stress may have implications for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJul 1, 1999

Noise reduction

The Active Tuned Mass Absorber (ATMA) system reduces propeller-induced sound in turbo-prop aircraft, improving passenger comfort and enhancing military surveillance. With over 200 units installed on DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, ATMA has proven effective in reducing interior noise levels by up to 90%.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 1, 1999

Antibiotics-resistant bacteria

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that bacterial DNA forms a crystalline organization when exposed to stress, providing effective protection against oxidative agents and starvation. This finding may lead to the development of more efficient methods to fight bacterial diseases.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 1999

Fathers pass infertility to sons

Researchers have discovered that sons conceived through ICSI can inherit the same genetic defects in their fathers, including AZFc deletions. This finding raises ethical questions about assisted reproduction techniques and potential remedies for affected males.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJul 1, 1999
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.