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Science News Archive June 1999 - Page 4


Page 4 of 5

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

Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy linked to increased risk for certain types of rarely occurring breast cancer

A study by Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic found that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy increases the risk for specific types of breast cancer with favorable prognoses, particularly invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma. The risk is higher among women who used hormone replacement therapy for five or fewer years.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 8, 1999

New mechanism explains Alzheimer's damage

Researchers found a new mechanism explaining how Alzheimer's disease damages the brain by producing hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, a toxic agent that can cause brain damage. The discovery provides a potential target for new drugs to treat Alzheimer's, which affects four million Americans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateJun 8, 1999

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study identifies for the first time a molecular mechanism behind hormonal response to stress

A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study has discovered a molecular mechanism behind hormonal responses to stress, involving leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its regulation of the pituitary gland. This finding provides new insights into the body's response to stress and sepsis.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 1999

Private sector membership in labor unions on the decline

Research suggests a decline in private sector union membership, with some union leaders feeling losing clout and power. However, union membership is increasing among government workers, particularly public employees, school bus drivers, secretarial and clerical employees, maintenance workers, and others.

SourceOhio University·JournalCritical Review·DateJun 7, 1999

Soy foods reduce risk of coronary heart disease

A University of Toronto study found that soy foods reduced levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and lowered total cholesterol, potentially explaining why heart disease is rare in East Asian countries with high soy consumption. The research suggests broadening dietary strategies to include more soluble fibre and soy protein foods.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMetabolism·DateJun 5, 1999

Stakeholders improve global change assessment

A new study by Penn State researchers improves the regional climate assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The research involved gathering input from over 95 stakeholders representing industry, environmental groups, government, and research organizations. Key findings highlight the importance of human health in addressing global change...

False recall in older adults and Alzheimer's linked to attention, not memory, breakdown

New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that false recall in older adults with Alzheimer's is related to attention breakdowns rather than memory decline. The study found that older adults are susceptible to creating false memories, which challenges the idea of a broad general decline in all memory-related functions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCognitive Neuropsychology·DateJun 4, 1999

A sharper look at the brain

Researchers have successfully used fMRI to generate high-resolution pictures of active brain regions in monkeys under anesthesia. The technique allows for precise visualization of brain activity, challenging previous assumptions about the effects of anesthetics on brain function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 1999

3-D view of moon poles may show sites for ice

The first 3D topographic images of the lunar polar regions have been revealed by Cornell University researchers, indicating potential sites for water ice deposits. The new images obtained through radar interferometry show five large craters in the south polar region that could contain significant amounts of water ice.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 1999

Decompression is a gas

Researchers develop a novel method to reduce decompression sickness risk in divers by introducing hydrogen-metabolizing bacteria into the intestine. This method uses Methanobrevibac smithii to metabolize excess gas, potentially treating digestive issues like bloating and discomfort.

Jet Stream Studied In West African Drought

Researchers at Penn State found a correlation between jet stream strength and precipitation in the Sahel region, which has been experiencing drought since the 1970s. The Tropical Easterly Jet was mostly weaker during dry periods, while the African Easterly Jet showed slightly stronger patterns in very dry years.

Genetic testing and modified diets may save babies born with genetic defect

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that genetic testing and dietary modification can save the lives of children born with a defect in fatty acid breakdown. The research team identified 24 infants with liver, heart, or muscular abnormalities and found that dietary treatment was crucial for survival.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 3, 1999

Scientists identify molecular source of friction

Physicists at Johns Hopkins University have identified the molecular origins of static friction, resolving a long-standing issue in understanding Amontons' classic laws. The 'gunk in the middle' - hydrocarbon molecules between surfaces - provides an explanation for the linear relationship between force and load.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 1999

Advance reported in search for skin cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a computer model that provides atomic details of the binding interactions between damaged DNA and the repair enzyme DNA photolyase. The model provides new insights into which parts of the enzyme are important for electron transfer, which could lead to the development of an arti...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 1999

NIAAA-led study verifies environment-dependent behavioral variation in genetically identical mice

A NIAAA-led study confirms that environmental factors can significantly impact the behavior of genetically identical mice, challenging traditional assumptions about genetic determinism. The research highlights the need for laboratories to replicate tests locally and standardize behavioral tests to minimize environmental influences.

Hi-tech tutoring

A Navy laboratory has successfully demonstrated an AI-powered tutoring system that reduces the number of instructors needed for team training. The system tracks keystroke and eye movement to provide real-time feedback, enabling more effective high-functioning teamwork.