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Science News Archive November 1999


Page 4 of 6

CIIT publishes formaldehyde cancer risk assessment

A team of scientists at CIIT published an up-to-date risk assessment for cancer from inhaled formaldehyde, integrating the latest mechanistic knowledge and incorporating a two-stage clonal growth model. The new model predicts lower risks for environmental and workplace exposures compared to earlier models.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UD News: Marine and aerospace industries eye new lightweight material

Researchers are developing a new sandwich structure made from lightweight honeycomb core and curved composite panels, which can contribute to faster boats and fuel-efficient airliners. The key attribute of the material is its light weight, resulting from the honeycomb-like design of the inner core.

NIH scientists create first detailed map of malaria parasite

Researchers at NIAID have produced the first high-resolution genetic map of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. The map provides a framework to accelerate genome sequencing efforts, enabling scientists to locate genes important for drug resistance and disease severity.

Rain showers may be caused by vortices in the air

Dutch researchers use calculations to show that tubular-shaped vortices can form within areas of air turbulence, causing water droplets to congregate at the edge and leading to rain precipitation. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about cloud formation and supersaturation.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

HIV spreads in therapy-resistant cells

Researchers discovered HIV can replicate in resting T cells, previously thought to be uninfected. The virus spreads quickly through activated T cells as well, but these infected cells are harder to reach with current therapies.

Senior women researchers struggle for equality

Despite rising numbers of female scientists, senior women researchers often experience isolation and frustration due to limited administrative power and respect from colleagues. A 'quiet revolution' is underway at institutions like MIT and Harvard as they address gender discrimination and promote women's careers.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Montana researcher co-authors Science article on Niger dinosaurs

A team of scientists, including Montana State University's David Varricchio, discovered a wealth of information about skeletal changes in dinosaurs. The study found that some lineages remained relatively static for tens of millions of years, while others changed rapidly, providing new insights into dinosaur evolution.

Personal approach reduces high blood pressure in black men

A two-year study of 309 hypertensive urban African American men found that personalized care improved blood pressure control rates by an average of 39%. The team intervention showed a slightly higher improvement rate compared to the standard education and referral group.

Seeds suffer in rainforest fragments

Rainforest fragments experience 'edge effects' that hinder seed germination, with seeds being three to seven times less likely to sprout than those in continuous forests. Inbreeding can further reduce reproduction rates, threatening the survival of populations in forest fragments.

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.

Medication may give children with epilepsy more seizure-free days

A new study published in Neurology found that lamotrigine significantly reduces partial seizures and secondary generalized seizures in children. The medication has been proven safe and effective, allowing children to participate in daily activities without drowsiness.

An alternative to giant cyclotrons

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technique to accelerate ions, using a table-top laser instead of radio-frequency waves. The new technique accelerates ions in almost a million-times shorter distance than a cyclotron, potentially making ion accelerators more affordable and accessible for medical applications.

New drug shows promise for saving lives from heart failure

Omapatrilat, a vasopeptidase inhibitor, has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce death rates and hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The drug may offer a potential breakthrough in treating congestive heart failure, which kills over 44,000 annually.

National Science Board to meet November 18

The U.S. National Science Board will hold an open session on November 18, where it plans to discuss its interim report on the environment and other key policy topics. The board will also present its strategic plan for NSF and hear from experts on nanoscience and engineering.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Improved biodegradable hydrogels

Researchers have created biodegradable hydrogels that can deliver medications, anchor biological tissues, and even serve as gene therapy carriers. The new materials have controlled release profiles and can be tailored to suit specific medication needs.

Role of cytokine inhibition in chronic heart failure

New research suggests that inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may improve signs and symptoms of chronic heart failure. Studies using ENBREL, a TNF receptor inhibitor, have shown promising results in patients with moderate heart failure.

Long phone call results in 'mini-stroke' for psychiatrist

A long phone call led to a temporary vision loss and difficulty speaking in a French psychiatrist due to an unusually long styloid process. The patient's brain angiogram revealed a tear in the internal carotid artery, a common cause of strokes in young adults.

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.

Impotence may be early warning of heart disease

Researchers found that 40% of men with erectile dysfunction had significant blockages in heart arteries, which is associated with chest pain and an increased risk of heart attack. The study suggests that erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of potential heart problems due to atherosclerosis.

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.

Traditional Chinese diet helps ward off heart disease

A traditional Chinese diet high in vegetables and green tea may be protective against heart disease. Researchers found that westernized Chinese individuals consumed more animal fats and dairy products than those who followed a traditional diet.

Giant, priceless telescope mirror treks from Tucson to Chile via L.A.

A 6.5m telescope mirror is transported from the US to Chile's Atacama Desert, renowned for its stable and dry atmosphere, to conduct astronomical observations. The mirror will be installed as part of the Magellan Twin Telescope project at the Las Campanas Observatory, enabling studies of the Milky Way, star formation, and the universe.

UM study finds no benefit in a popular heart supplement

A recent University of Maryland Medical Center study found that coenzyme Q10 has no detectable benefit in improving heart function or relieving symptoms for patients with congestive heart failure. The six-month study, involving 46 patients, showed no difference in heart function between those taking CoQ10 and a placebo.

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.

Crack open an egg and cure a disease

Two companies, GeneWorks and AviGenics, are developing genetically engineered chickens to produce human growth factor and interferon for treating diseases. The birds can produce up to 100 milligrams or more of a drug in each egg, making the yields lucrative.

NPSF makes safe use of pharmaceuticals a national health priority

The National Patient Safety Foundation has launched an initiative to reduce medication error risk, focusing on redesigning practices for safe medication use. Key findings include the need for broad cooperation across the healthcare system to improve pharmaceutical safety.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Neural implant could restore movement to paraplegics

Researchers develop implants that amplify weak signals traveling along the spinal cord, potentially restoring coordinated movements in paralyzed individuals. Clinical trials are planned within two years to help people with spinal injuries stand and exercise their legs.

Robotics go where no surgeon has gone before

Researchers have developed a new robotic technique for performing coronary artery bypass surgery, which appears to be safe and effective. The procedure uses a small tubelike instrument and robotic arms to minimize scarring and promote faster recovery times.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Spouses of heart disease patients face high risks themselves

A study found that spouses of heart attack patients share similar risk factors, including high body mass index and smoking habits. The researchers analyzed data from 170 couples and discovered that nearly 76% of couples were overweight or obese, with women being more likely to continue smoking after their partner's heart attack.

Eating planets gives stars indigestion

When a star swallows a planet, it can experience profound effects on its evolution, including changes in spin rate and emission of infrared radiation. The simulations show that large planets can survive for thousands of years before being vaporized by the heat, leaving behind tell-tale signs such as high lithium abundance.

Regional aristocracy helped curb medieval unrest

Historians discovered that local landlords and castle owners wielded significant power until around 1150, forming a third power block alongside clergy and territorial princes. They found seven monasteries were founded within 15 years, based on reciprocal obligations between aristocracy and clergy, leading to social stability.

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.

Robots improve movement in stroke patients

Researchers developed an interactive 'robot therapist' to aid stroke patients, showing significant improvements in shoulder and arm movement. Long-term recovery was also greater for those assisted by the robot, enabling simple tasks like pushing objects across a table.

Bouncing robots could become cop's best friend

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed miniature robots that can bounce, climb stairs and explore buildings. The robots can gather information via radio links and be deployed in groups to provide diverse perspectives on a situation.

Purdue researcher finds genetic link to calcium regulation in cells

A Purdue University researcher has discovered a gene in fruit flies that plays a key role in regulating the flow of calcium into cells. Mutations in this gene suppress the effects of degeneration caused by overactive calcium channels, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Mood changes in depressives predict success of therapy

Researchers found that patients with more extreme daily mood swings experienced greater improvements in therapy outcomes, regardless of treatment type. This suggests that increasing patient sensitivity to stimuli may be a more effective approach than finding the best therapy for each individual.

Exercise improves learning and memory

Researchers found that exercise increases the growth of new nerve cells and improves long-term memory in adult mice. Mice exercising for one month showed a significant improvement in memory skills, with better recall times and increased neural activity compared to sedentary mice.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Exercise protects against symptoms of stress

A recent study found that leisure physical activity buffers the effects of minor stress, but aerobic fitness does not. This suggests that exercise may help minimize stress-related symptoms by distracting from stressors or instilling a sense of accomplishment.

Climate change will have major Northwest impact in next 50 years

The Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington predicts significant climate changes in the NW region by 2050, including warmer temperatures, wetter winters, and shrinking snowpack. The report highlights the need for regional water management and planning to mitigate these impacts.

Human genome bears a virus related to HIV-1

Researchers discovered that humans carry a snippet of DNA resembling an HIV gene sequence, known as HERV-K, which has been present in the human genome for over 30 million years. The virus's Rev protein, similar to HIV's, helps with viral replication and may have implications for xenografts and viral infection strategies.

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.

Chronic fatigue syndrome not fully understood

Researchers conducted an extensive review of recent studies on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), noting a lack of consensus on its definition and treatment. Studies estimate that up to 380 out of every 100,000 people in the US suffer from CFS, primarily affecting middle-aged women.

Alcohol problems hinder smoking cessation

Researchers found that individuals with current or past alcohol problems were less likely to quit smoking after participating in a cessation program. Those with past alcohol issues also smoked more cigarettes per day and had difficulty quitting compared to those without alcohol problems.