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Science News for September 30, 1999


Novel neural net recognizes spoken words better than human listeners

Researchers at USC created a machine system that recognizes spoken words better than humans, with the ability to distinguish words in vast amounts of random noise. The novel neural network architecture mimics the biological system's temporal dimension, allowing it to process information structured in time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateSep 30, 1999

Treatments reduce strep-triggered symptoms of OCD and tics in some children

Researchers found that plasma exchange and IVIG relieve neuropsychiatric symptoms in children with tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with symptom improvements lasting up to a year. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for a subgroup of children with strep-triggered disorders, but not all cases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 30, 1999

Molecular muscle motor found to move backwards

Researchers have discovered that myosin VI moves backwards on actin filaments, toward the minus end, challenging current understanding of protein movement. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of cellular assembly and maintenance, particularly in structures with single-orientation actin filaments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 1999

UCSF researchers discover new piece of puzzle in cancer development

Researchers identified a new role of fibroblasts in cancer development, showing that epithelial cells engage in a molecular dialogue with surrounding fibroblasts to progress towards cancer. This finding could lead to new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 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.

Researchers discover hemoglobin's enzymatic nature

Scientists have identified a biochemical link between ancient bacteria and modern mammalian hemoglobins, revealing that nematode worms use their strong hemoglobin to destroy oxygen. This unique function may also inspire the development of new cancer therapies by starving tumors of oxygen.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 1999

NICHD funded researchers discover gene for Rett syndrome

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Rett syndrome, a condition that gradually robs girls of their language, mental functioning, and ability to interact with others. The discovery has immediate implications for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 1999

First brain cancer surgeries using new space-age probe are successful

Surgeons have successfully performed two operations using a new LED-based probe to treat brain cancer, with promising results. The treatment, called Photodynamic Therapy, involves activating light-sensitive drugs with long wavelengths of light, destroying tumors while sparing surrounding tissues.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalPediatric Neurosurgery·DateSep 30, 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.

New alternative medicine center opens at OHSU

The Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND) has been established at OHSU with a $7.8 million NIH grant. Initial research projects focus on herbal medicines, yoga, and other alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateSep 30, 1999

Study: foreign-trained physicians vital to poor, under-served patients

A new study found that nearly a quarter of community health centers rely on foreign-trained physicians, who are often willing to accept lower salaries. If these doctors were no longer available, up to 57% of positions for foreign-trained doctors and almost 16% of all staff positions could go unfilled.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 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.

Who should have heart bypass surgery? New guidelines will help doctors, patients decide together

The new guidelines chart the rapid evolution of bypass surgery techniques and provide a framework for physicians to evaluate risks and benefits with their patients. The report categorizes heart patients into groups that predict how well bypass will work for them based on various factors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 30, 1999

Drinking study shows many young men at risk

A University of Toronto study shows that nearly a third of young men in Ontario drink excessively, putting their health at risk. The study found that 30% of men under 45 and 25% overall exceed daily and weekly drinking guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateSep 30, 1999

New research method reveals high-density information storage in the brain

A new research method reveals that information can be stored on the surface of neurons with very high spatial density, similar to a CD-ROM. The method allows precise control over neurotransmitter release and discovered that modifications are highly restricted, enabling single synapses to store information separately.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 1999
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.

Engineer proposes new building code for quake-stricken Turkey

Mete Sozen, a structural engineer from Purdue University, has proposed a simplified alternative engineering method for designing earthquake-resistant buildings in Turkey. The five-page method is simpler than the current 75-page code and could be more easily understood and applied by engineers.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 30, 1999

Genetic engineering changes the behavioral and hormonal response to stress

Researchers genetically altered mice adrenoceptor 2C expression to study stress response. The results showed differential behavioral responses in treated vs. untreated mice, as well as changes in plasma corticosterone levels and brain dopamine/serotonin content. This study highlights the importance of single-gene mutations in respondin...

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 30, 1999