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Science News for March 1, 1999


Fermilab Physicists Find New Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry

Physicists at Fermilab's KTeV experiment report a large and unexpected direct CP violation, ruling out the Superweak Theory. The finding exceeds previous expectations, raising questions about its accommodation within the Standard Model.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 1999

Susceptibility Genes For Nicotine Addiction

A genome scan identified regions on chromosomes 2, 4, 10, 16, 17 and 18 that may contain genes influencing nicotine dependence. The study used two independent samples, with limited replication in several regions suggesting further investigation is warranted.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 1999

Exhaust System Reduces Auto Emissions, Boosts Engine Performance

A new automobile exhaust system reduces pollution and boosts engine power at the same time. The design increases overall engine performance by 5 percent while also cutting emissions by 15 percent, making it a significant improvement over standard auto exhaust assemblies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateMar 1, 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.

UI Researcher Finding Ways To Make Cochlear Implants Better Mimic Normal Hearing

A computer model developed by Jay Rubinstein suggests that increasing the signal pulses from external processors can produce more independent neuron activity, similar to natural acoustic stimulation. This breakthrough could lead to substantial improvements in all types of sound coding for people with cochlear implants.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHearing Research·DateMar 1, 1999

Low Folate Levels In African American And Mexican American Adults

African American and Mexican American adults have lower serum and red cell folates compared to white adults. This disparity underscores the importance of improving dietary habits and folate supplements among these populations. Lower folate levels are a risk factor for neural tube defects in offspring and potentially other diseases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 1, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building A Better Plasma Trap

U.C. San Diego researchers successfully trapped non-neutral plasma using a combination of electric and magnetic fields, forming novel vortex crystals when cooled. This breakthrough may hold the key to creating anti-hydrogen, quantum computing, and advanced atomic clocks.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999

Obese Black Teens At High Risk For Diabetes, Study Suggests

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that obese Black teenagers have a significantly higher risk of developing type II diabetes as adults compared to their white counterparts. The study highlights the need for early aggressive weight management in Black teens, given racial and ethnic differences in glucose metabolism.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 1, 1999

Superconductor "Sees" Longer Wavelengths

A new superconducting device detects single light quanta at wavelengths longer than previously possible, detecting 25 billion photons per second. The device is capable of detecting changes in light level and has small size, making it a candidate for a superconducting computer input component.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999

The Gravity Of The Matter

The new gradiometer has the potential to revolutionize submarine navigation and underground structure detection, offering improved accuracy and reduced costs. Its commercial applications include geophysical mineral exploration and archaeological studies, enhancing our understanding of hidden pathways and structures.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 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.

Study Links Abnormal Pain Syndrome To Nerve Cell Changes

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill discovered molecular changes in nerve cells that may play a role in causalgia, a painful medical syndrome. The study found that nerve fibers affected by injury become supersensitive to norepinephrine, leading to persistent burning pain.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 1, 1999

Alzheimer's Disease Begins Before Symptoms Appear

Researchers found that changes in the brain characteristic of Alzheimer's disease begin years before clinical symptoms like memory loss. The study used brain tissue from over 60 subjects, including healthy individuals and those with dementia, to identify amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 1999

Do You Hear What I Hear?

The Office of Naval Research has developed proprietary technology to improve hearing protection devices for service personnel exposed to high-level noise. The composite material absorbs acoustical energy more effectively, resulting in better-fitting and more effective ear-protection devices.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999

Modeling Atmospheric Aerosols

Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop improved atmospheric aerosol models for predicting infrared propagation in coastal environments. The project aims to enhance sensor accuracy for detecting incoming threats such as missiles and submarine periscopes.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Increased Arctic Temperatures Could Speed Up Global Warming

New research suggests that increased Arctic temperatures due to global warming can lead to higher levels of carbon dioxide emissions, fueling global warming further. The study found that artificially elevating summer temperatures in arctic tundra resulted in significant losses of carbon dioxide from the soil.

SourceOhio State University·JournalArctic and Alpine Research·DateMar 1, 1999

Adolescent Girls Give Parents More Help And Affection Than Boys

A study of 129 children and their parents found that adolescent girls are more helpful and affectionate towards their parents. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in determining the level of affection and helpfulness displayed by adolescents.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateMar 1, 1999

Detecting Deadly Land Mines

The Office of Naval Research has developed a system that uses complex mathematical steps to filter out unwanted material in surveillance images and locate land mines. This new technology can find above-ground mines in an aerial picture in less than a minute, producing results superior to existing systems.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMar 1, 1999
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Health Benefits Of Fitness

A large study found that cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, regardless of body fatness. The researchers suggest that fitness may be more important than being lean for reducing obesity and mortality risk.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 1, 1999

Dental Care And Family Income

African Americans are less likely to visit the dentist for routine visits due to lack of money and dental insurance. The study found that 13% of African Americans had never visited a dentist, compared to 1% of whites.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateMar 1, 1999

Coffee Consumption And Inadequate Dietary Protein Related To Serum Homocysteine

This study of 260 retired Baltimore schoolteachers found correlations between coffee consumption, inadequate dietary protein, and increased serum homocysteine levels. The findings suggest that reducing these lifestyle factors may help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 1, 1999