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Science News Archive May 1999 - Page 4


Page 4 of 5

Normal Cameras Can Now Take Digital Pictures

Kodak and Intel are teaming up to produce a device that lets normal stills cameras take digital pictures. The new technology uses microchips that can be built into film cameras, allowing images to be transferred to CD-ROM for permanent storage.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateMay 12, 1999

American Heart Association Comment: The Effect Of Folic Acid Fortification On Plasma Folate And Total Homocysteine Concentrations

Researchers found that folic acid fortification in grains increased plasma folate levels and reduced total homocysteine concentrations. This study provides important information on the impact of consuming specific amounts of folate on blood homocysteine levels, which may have implications for reducing heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 12, 1999

Yes, It Is Warmer

A new study reveals that global surface temperatures have increased by 14.6 degrees Celsius, with the warmest years on record occurring in the 1990s. Most of the warming has occurred over the northern continents during specific seasons.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalReviews of Geophysics·DateMay 11, 1999

Designer Molecules: Largest Protein Ever Created From Scratch Has Implications For Novel Drug Delivery And Diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created the largest protein from scratch, inspired by a household bacteria. The protein, called alpha-3D, has a well-defined three-dimensional structure and could lead to novel drugs and diagnostic tools.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 1999

Tougher Than Silicon

Researchers have created an alloy that can handle high-power and high-frequency microelectronic devices better than pure silicon-carbide. The alloy conducts twice as much current, making it a promising material for next-generation electronics.

Marker Found For The Most Malignant Brain Tumors

Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine have identified a marker for certain types of brain tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which are the most prevalent and difficult-to-manage. The marker, interleukin 13 receptor, is present in over 90% of patients with GBM, making it a valuable diagnostic tool.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 10, 1999

Less Bleeding On The Battlefield

Researchers have identified a compound with blood clot-forming abilities without normal clotting proteins, promising reduced bleeding on the battlefield. The Marine Polymer Technologies company found that poly-n-acetyl glucosamine effectively stops severe bleeding even without fibrin or thrombin.

Male Moth's Sperm Protects Females

A male rattlebox moth donates a plant-derived chemical to his female, protecting her against spiders and her eggs. The female can also benefit from this nuptial gift, with the Cornell study proving that she profits from the male's alkaloidal gift.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 1999

UCSB Transistor Triumphs

The UCSB transistor achieved a world record frequency of 1200 gigahertz, significantly improving the sensitivity of solid-state radar systems. This innovation enables Navy systems to detect small objects in cluttered environments, such as coastal zones.

Exploring Ocean Optics

A five-year ONR-sponsored initiative aims to investigate optical properties of the shallow ocean floor to enhance remote sensing and underwater imaging capabilities. The experiment will aid in mine detection and provide high-resolution maps of coral reef ecosystems, enabling easier disease spotting.

K-State Researchers Study Pest Resistance Management

Researchers at Kansas State University conducted a genetic study on corn borer resistance to Bt toxins, finding that the European corn borer's resistance appears to be inherited as an incompletely dominant trait. The team emphasizes the importance of developing effective resistance management plans to mitigate potential losses.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 1999

Compound That Mimics Insulin Might Lead To Pill For Diabetes, As Reported In The 7 May Issue OfScience

Scientists have identified a compound that mimics the effects of insulin in mice, offering hope for a pill-based treatment for diabetes. The new substance, L-783,281, is a nonpeptide molecule that can be absorbed through the bloodstream after being swallowed, potentially providing an alternative to insulin injections.

Enzyme Presence Could Be Key Factor In Wolf Health, Study Suggests

Researchers found that three out of 11 wild wolves carried the enzyme corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase, which is also found in dogs. This enzyme reflects long-term stress and indicates the presence of hepatic disease in the wolves. In contrast, captive wolves had no enzyme, suggesting they are healthier.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine·DateMay 6, 1999

Researchers Track Path Of Safer Gene Delivery Method

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center have tracked the path that a polymer-DNA complex takes through a cell to its nucleus, where the new DNA can be read. This study improved our understanding of gene delivery and provided new knowledge for designing better nonviral carriers.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 1999

New Approach To Attacking Alzheimer's Disease Studied

Researchers have developed new chemicals that target the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme, which may help attack Alzheimer's disease. The study's findings suggest that inappropriate BChE activity increases the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease, and preliminary studies indicate improved cognition and learning in rodents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 5, 1999

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Physicians And Scientists Present Findings At Annual Meeting Of The Pediatric Academic Societies

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have made two groundbreaking discoveries. Firstly, they found that magnesium boosts cell proliferation in neural cells, potentially revolutionizing neural development. Secondly, a study identified a key receptor in human cells that may contribute to septic shock's immune response, offering new...