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Science News for November 1, 1999


Key developmental genes identified, linked to rare syndrome

Researchers identified two critical developmental genes, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, which control methylation patterns and are associated with ICF syndrome. Mutations in these genes may cause ICF, a rare condition characterized by immune system defects and facial abnormalities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 1, 1999

UC researchers use Doppler ultrasound

Researchers at UC have developed a novel method for detecting early signs of artery blockages using Doppler ultrasound, which can accurately predict turbulence intensity and detect atherosclerosis. This non-invasive technique is safer than current methods requiring ionizing radiation or pressure transducer insertion.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 1, 1999

Research challenges conventional thinking on ways to treat prostate cancer

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center challenge current understanding of prostate cancer treatment by showing that testosterone withdrawal triggers a dormant state in tumor cells, rather than causing widespread cell death. This study offers new hope for developing targeted therapies to combat recurrent prostate cancer.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 1, 1999
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Chromosome changes predict more deadly prostate tumors

Men with specific chromosome 8 abnormalities have a 30% survival rate after 10 years, compared to 78% for those with normal chromosomes. The findings could help identify patients who require closer follow-up and more aggressive early treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 1, 1999

Duke study: Poured sand sifts, but showered sand doesn't

A Duke study reveals that the pressures under poured sandpiles are highest at their peripheries due to unbalanced distributions of stresses. In contrast, showered sand piles concentrate stresses at their centers like medieval cathedrals' flying buttresses. This research has practical importance for structures prone to self-destruction.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateNov 1, 1999

Hostility, coercion, sexism among causes of harassment in military

A series of studies found that women in the military experience job dissatisfaction, reduced well-being, and physical and psychological harm due to harassment. The research highlights the need for greater gender parity and intolerance among leaders to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMilitary Psychology·DateNov 1, 1999

Yale research team first to describe molecular-sized memory

A Yale research team has developed a molecular memory that can store information, outlasting conventional silicon memory by approximately one million times. The discovery uses self-assembly method to fabricate the molecular memory, which could lead to significant reductions in cost and improvements in electronics.

SourceYale University·DateNov 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.

UVic creates research chair on drinking water ecology

The University of Victoria has established a research chair to study ecological processes contributing to safe drinking water. The chair will evaluate watershed management activities, supply operations, and food chain changes to optimize water quality and minimize treatment costs.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·DateNov 1, 1999

Finding suggests a common childhood leukemia may form in the womb

A study published in Lancet suggests a genetic mutation in two genes, TEL and AML1, occurs during fetal development, leading to a potentially oncogenic protein. The fusion of these genes is not inherited but rather occurs during pregnancy, possibly due to a developmental accident.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 1, 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.

Reducing methane emissions could lower overall abatement costs

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that including methane in emission-reduction strategies can significantly lower overall costs. The study found that methane can offset carbon dioxide reductions and reduce U.S. abatement costs by more than 25 percent compared to strategies involving carbon dioxide alone.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 1999

Connecting to the ultrasmall is a challenge

Researchers at Cornell University are working on bridging the gap between human dimensions and ultrasmall microchips. They aim to develop a dense array of connections to allow information exchange between large and small components.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 1, 1999

Coordination of knowledge among organizations changing radically

Researchers explore how new technologies shape communication networks and change organizational performance in 21st century organizations, with a focus on global network organizations. The project aims to produce the first comprehensive test to explain and predict the evolution of knowledge networks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 1, 1999

Stereotypes of aging may have significant effect on gaits of older persons

Research found that positive words associated with aging, such as 'wise' and 'astute', increased walking speeds by 9% in older individuals. This study suggests that minimizing negative stereotypes about aging can lead to improved physical function and independence.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 1, 1999
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists measure temperatures in microscopic gas bubbles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully controlled and measured extremely high temperatures in microscopic gas bubbles formed by ultrasound. These hot spots can reach temperatures as high as a star surface and drive high-energy chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 1999

Traumatic brain injury hastens onset of Alzheimer's disease

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that traumatic brain injuries increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, with a median observed time from injury to onset of 10 years. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury interacts with other factors to hasten the onset of Alzheimer's in susceptible individuals.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 1, 1999

Vitamin A compound may help protect younger women against breast and ovarian cancers

A five-year clinical trial found that premenopausal women taking fenretinide had a lower risk of developing another breast cancer, while postmenopausal women showed no significant benefit. The study also detected a reduced risk of ovarian cancer in younger women treated with fenretinide.

SourceAmerican-Italian Cancer Foundation·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 1, 1999

Consume less trans fat, more vitamin B6 and B12, studies suggest

A recent study suggests that consuming less trans fat and increasing magnesium, vitamin B6, and B12 intake can help prevent artery calcification. Researchers found that adequate magnesium levels can mitigate the risk of calcified ridges in arteries, which can block blood flow.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 1, 1999

Annals Of Internal Medicine - tip sheet for November 2, 1999

A study of 30 people with iron deficiency anemia found that curing Helicobacter pylori reversed the anemia. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that 51% of eligible elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction did not receive early beta-blocker therapy, leading to higher in-hospital mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 1, 1999
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Challenges of welfare reform

Researchers find substance use and dependence are significant problems among welfare recipients, but academic skill deficits are a greater barrier to self-sufficiency. Effective services addressing mental health needs and providing support for work barriers are crucial for successful fulfillment of family roles.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 1, 1999

Southeast appears to have a unique type of Lyme disease

Researchers found that 70% of Southeastern adults with Lyme-like symptoms were not infected with the standard Borrelia burgdorferi strain. Instead, a genetically variant strain was detected, which may be more responsive to antibiotic therapy and less virulent than traditional Lyme disease.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 1, 1999