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Science News for June 15, 1999


Cardiac surgery patients at higher risk

A new study found that cardiac surgery patients with serum potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L are twice as likely to experience arrhythmias and a doubled need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Investigators recommend screening and replenishing potassium on a case-by-case basis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 1999

Findings suggest new oxygen-sensing application for material

Researchers at Purdue University discovered a new oxygen-sensing material that could improve car exhaust systems and medical devices. The material, ferroelectric thin film, shows promise for environmental and biological applications but has a drawback: its sensitivity to oxygen affects performance in computer memory.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 15, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jefferson researchers find access to new methods of HIV prevention for pregnant women and newborns may depend on where they were receiving care

Researchers found that HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at specialized centers or state-funded sites were more likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, reducing transmission by up to two-thirds. The study highlights the importance of access to quality medical care in preventing mother-to-newborn transmission of AIDS.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 15, 1999

Light in liquids can be regulated electrically

Dutch chemists have developed a liquid containing metal nano-rods that can be regulated electrically to screen out sunlight. The rods' orientation is controlled by an electrical field, affecting light absorption and transmission. This innovative technology holds potential for applications in sunscreens and other devices.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJun 15, 1999

PSA testing alone cannot fully explain drop in deaths from prostate cancer

New research suggests that PSA testing alone cannot fully explain the decline in prostate cancer deaths since the early 1990s. Instead, other factors such as changing treatment patterns and misclassification of cause of death may be contributing to the trend.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 15, 1999

UI researchers begin to unravel the underlying mechanism of migraines

Researchers from the University of Iowa have identified a feedback loop mechanism that could explain the prolonged nature of migraines. The discovery reveals that inflammatory agents released during a migraine stimulate certain neurons to increase calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) secretion, leading to persistent pain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateJun 15, 1999
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Birthmarks best treated with red laser light

Physicists at the University of Amsterdam have developed a new method for treating port wine birthmarks using a red laser light. The improved wavelength allows deeper blood vessels to be accessed without damaging surrounding skin tissue, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJun 15, 1999

IMO becoming recognised as universal lawmaker

A new study shows that International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules are being applied globally, even by countries not bound to them. This shift indicates the IMO has taken on a universal law-making role, overseeing safety at sea and pollution prevention.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateJun 15, 1999

High stress hormone levels impair memory

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that high doses of cortisol, produced in response to stress, can significantly impair memory performance after several days. Memory impairment was seen only in those who received a high dose of cortisol and only after four days of treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJun 15, 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.

Depression may shrink key brain structure

Researchers found that women with a history of depression had smaller hippocampal volumes than those who never had been depressed. This is significant because the hippocampus plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Treatment not only prevents suffering but may also limit long-term damage to the brain.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 15, 1999