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Science News for June 9, 1999


Faster-than-light travel has jumped its first hurdle

Researchers have revived a theoretical concept for faster-than-light travel by using a 'bubble' of warped space, which can be created with modest amounts of energy. The idea, inspired by Dr Who's Tardis, involves shrinking the departure point and expanding the destination, effectively transporting objects at faster-than-light speeds.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 9, 1999

Do wildlife corridors work? Studying butterflies and fragments of open space

Two studies published in Ecological Applications found that wildlife corridors increase the movement and population density of butterflies and other habitat-restricted species. The most effective corridors were those that connected isolated patches of open space with existing forest, allowing for improved plant diversity and food sources.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 9, 1999

Space plays havoc with your immune system

A study by NASA's Johnson Space Center found that spaceflight increases the levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in astronauts' saliva samples. EBV can cause glandular fever and has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma, a type of cancer common in Africa.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 9, 1999

Drug stops blinding blood vessel growth in mice

Scientists have identified a drug that completely stops the growth of abnormal blood vessels on or beneath the retinas of laboratory mice, potentially preventing vision loss. The drug, PKC 412, has shown promising results in halting abnormal vessel growth by up to 100%, with no apparent adverse effects on normal blood vessels.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 9, 1999

FUSE satellite 'go' for launch June 23

The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) will test the Big Bang theory and collect comprehensive observations of the Milky Way's star-forming regions. Launched on June 23 from Cape Canaveral Air Station, the three-year mission marks a first for an academic department in managing a satellite.

Early stroke treatment with t-PA has long-lasting benefit, according to NEJM report

A new study found that early t-PA treatment can have a long-lasting benefit for patients who experienced a stroke. Within three hours of symptoms onset, patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) were at least 30% more likely to have minimal or no disability at 12 months compared to placebo-treated patients.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 1999

Catalyst study finds women scientists attracted to careers in industry over academia

The Catalyst study found that over half of the women scientists interviewed preferred industry careers due to a lack of information about corporate job markets. Many reported feeling unwelcome in academic environments, leading them to pursue careers in applied science and product development. To address this issue, companies are advise...

SourcePlaceholder·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 1999