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Science News for November 9, 1999


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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 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.

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceImmunex Corporation·DateNov 9, 1999
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 1999
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 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.

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.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceNational Patient Safety Foundation·DateNov 9, 1999
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 1999
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateNov 9, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 9, 1999

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.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateNov 9, 1999