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Science News for November 2, 1999


You can't see it, but it's real: Glass ceiling is solid

A recent study by David J. Maume Jr. found that 44% of men are promoted after 12 years, compared to 15% of white women, 7% of black women, and 17% of black men. Discrimination was the only factor controlling promotion rates across professions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalWork and Occupations·DateNov 2, 1999

A key to depression

Scientists discovered that Prozac increases new neurons in rats' brains by 69% compared to controls. This finding may explain why people recover from depression with SSRIs. The study also suggests serotonin's role in treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 2, 1999

Plasmas in Seattle

Physicists discuss new discoveries in plasmas, including solar eruptions triggered by magnetic flux ropes. Advances in plasmatrons for vehicles reduce pollution emissions, enabling more efficient engine operation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 2, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why are the elderly so easily fooled by con artists?

Research suggests that some older adults have impaired decision-making skills, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activities. A study found that a third of healthy individuals in their 60s performed poorly on a gambling task, similar to those with known brain damage.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 2, 1999

Pacific Northwest researcher wins prestigious international climate change award

William Chandler, a research scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has received the World Climate Technology Leadership Award for founding a global network of energy efficiency centers. His work promotes energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions on a global basis, setting a standard for others to follow.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateNov 2, 1999

Lasers clean fossils in no time

Physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are developing a control system that switches off a cutting laser when it detects phosphorus, allowing for quick and efficient fossil cleaning. This technique could significantly reduce the time-consuming process of preparing fossils by hand, especially for delicate or soft bones.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 2, 1999

Do reassuring computers give pilots a false sense of security?

A new study reveals that relying on computers for pilot support can actually decrease performance and increase errors. The researchers found that volunteers who used automated cues performed poorly, while those who relied solely on instrument readings achieved higher accuracy.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 2, 1999

Few physicians counsel adolescents about smoking

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that only 17% of office visits included smoking-related counseling for adolescents. The frequency of questioning about smoking habits did not improve during the study period, and younger nonwhite adolescents were less likely to receive counseling.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 2, 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.

DFG invites applications for Communicator Award

The DFG's new Communicator Award is given to scholars and scientists explaining their research in a comprehensible manner. The award focuses on papers published in German and will be announced through various media channels.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateNov 2, 1999