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Science News for November 30, 1999


ER counseling on alcohol helps teens stop drinking/reckless behavior

A new study found that brief ER counseling significantly reduces teen drinking and related problems. After six months, counseled teens had 32% fewer drinking and driving incidents and 50% fewer alcohol-related injuries compared to those who received standard treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateNov 30, 1999

One of every 10 grocery items people buy goes unused

A study by University of Illinois professor Brian Wansink found that 70% of unused items were purchased for a specific reason in mind, while 20% were deemed inconvenient. To reduce clutter and save money, experts suggest actively planning new uses for products and donating unused items to food kitchens.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Family and Consumer Sciences·DateNov 30, 1999

Cruel weapons

The Red Cross has identified new 'cruel weapons' such as sound beams, sticky foam, capture nets, and microwaves that can cause severe injuries. The organization's SIrUS Project aims to outlaw these weapons by defining superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering based on scientific data.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 30, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brains of those in certain professions shown to have more synapses

Researchers found that subjects with intellectually skilled professions, such as engineering or teaching, had 17% more synapses than those with less education. This suggests that professional training may lead to the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateNov 30, 1999

It only takes one fish to wipe out a population

Biologists warn that genetically modified fish carrying the human growth hormone gene could turn Darwinian evolution upside down and lead to population decline. A single transgenic individual can cause a population to dwindle and eventually become extinct due to the rapid spread of the 'Trojan gene'.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 30, 1999

New Fen-Phen study finds heart valve disease may improve after stopping the drugs

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that people with mild heart valve disease who took fenfluramine and phentermine may experience improved heart health after stopping the diet drugs. The research, led by Dr. Donald Hensrud, found that heart valve damage in individuals with mild disease may not be permanent.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 30, 1999

Your heart is being closely watched while you're asleep

Researchers found that the heart's fluctuations in beats are strongly correlated with sleep, showing a fractal pattern on both short and long timescales. This suggests a hitherto unsuspected role for sleep in regulating the heartbeat.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 30, 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.

Circular ceramic devices make more efficient transformers

The new circular configuration increases the conversion ratio without adding volume or weight, advancing the field of piezoelectric transformers. The devices use a lead, zirconium, titanium ceramic doped with manganese and cerium, providing increased efficiency and higher conversion ratios.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 30, 1999

Research news release from The Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association suggests that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for psychiatric conditions when implemented over a longer period. The research found a positive incremental effect up to 32 months of treatment, with increased session frequency hav...

SourceAmerican Psychoanalytic Association·JournalJournal of the American Psychoanalytic Association·DateNov 30, 1999

APT launches new I/O Weblog

The new I-O Weblog offers a platform for APT's experts to share their knowledge and experiences in industrial and organizational psychology. Monthly blog topics will explore key issues such as credibility, talent management, and emerging trends in the field.

SourceApplied Psychological Techniques, Inc.·DateNov 30, 1999

Researchers identify molecule crucial to adjusting body’s internal clock

Scientists found that pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) works in concert with glutamate to adjust the body's internal clock. Bright light at night triggers the release of both molecules, which convey information about light properties to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 1999
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Club drugs take center stage in new national education and prevention initiative by NIDA and national partners

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced a new national education and prevention initiative to combat the growing use of club drugs. The initiative includes $54 million in research funding and a multi-media public education strategy to alert teens, young adults, and others about the dangers of Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateNov 30, 1999

Study points to chromosome site of autism gene

A study suggests a link between chromosome 13 and autism, with another region on chromosome 7 also showing promise. The research, published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, involved 75 families with at least two autistic children.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 30, 1999

Sodium intake linked to increased risk of heart disease death in overweight persons

A 20-year study found that consuming high amounts of sodium increases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in overweight individuals. The study also showed an increased risk of stroke death from higher sodium intake among overweight adults. Overall, reducing sodium consumption is recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease risks.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·DateNov 30, 1999

UD News: Parallel computing reveals cosmic riddles

Researchers at UD's Bartol Institute are using a new parallel computing facility to simulate coronal heating, a phenomenon that affects satellites and life on Earth. The simulations provide insights into the fundamental nature of space physics and plasma properties.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateNov 30, 1999
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Surface of Mars as never seen before

The Mars Descent Imager will capture a series of about 20 images of the Martian surface, from 4 miles to 30 feet altitude, using a 'nesting' technique to create a complete scale of pictures. The high-resolution images will aid in studying the layers of ice and dust covering the polar region.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 30, 1999

Sensor could increase safety of eye surgery

A new proximity sensor developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could significantly reduce risks in eye surgery by detecting the location of critical retinal tissues. The sensor alerts surgeons when the endoscope's needle approaches the retina, alleviating concerns and improving precision and safety.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateNov 30, 1999
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Realistic robots wriggle off the drawing board

Gavin Miller's robotic snakes replicate slithering and sidewinding motions, paving the way for advanced robotics. The designs' potential applications extend beyond toys to include planetary exploration and handling diverse terrains.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 30, 1999

Ballet move by young girls may cause arthritis

A study found that 11 female ballet dancers had osteoarthritis in their ankle joints, highlighting the risks of early onset ballet. Researchers suggest that girls should wait until they're older to start dancing on pointe and professional ballerinas should rest more between performances.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateNov 30, 1999

Computer-driven 'virtual' orchestra to ring in 2000 at Times Square

The Peabody Conservatory's 'Virtual Orchestra,' developed by Forrest Tobey, will perform an original composition and arrangements by Charles Byungkyu Kim during the 24-hour Times Square 2000 celebration. The performance will feature a blend of old and new sounds, including electronic timbres and instruments produced live in Times Square.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 30, 1999