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Science News Archive September 1999 - Page 2


Page 2 of 5

U-M School of Public Health to direct national asthma program

The University of Michigan School of Public Health is leading a $12.5 million project to improve the quality of life for children with asthma. The initiative aims to establish local coalitions that implement programs reducing hospital stays, emergency room visits, and enhancing asthma management. Faculty from U-M's asthma research team...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 27, 1999

Single motherhood doesn't hurt schoolwork

A Cornell University study of over 1,700 six- and seven-year-olds found that single mothers' education levels were more important than family income for their children's math, reading, and vocabulary scores. Strong links between a mother's ability level and her child's academic performance were seen in white, black, and Hispanic families.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 27, 1999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physicists contribute to cutting edge computing technology

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics has released the public beta of the Cactus Computational Toolkit 4.0, a collaborative environment for solving partial differential equations in physics and engineering. The toolkit allows individual scientists to plug their own computing applications into a modular framework, enabling ...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateSep 27, 1999

Humus/Mineral interaction

Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.

SourcePenn State·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateSep 27, 1999
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Gamma/Delta T cells essential to regulating airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma, other lung diseases, according to National Jewish researchers

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has found that gamma/delta T cells are essential for regulating airway hyperresponsiveness, which is characterized by an exaggerated response to stimuli. The research suggests that these cells have a suppressive effect on airway constriction and may be a key target for future treatments.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 27, 1999

New technique identifies M. tuberculosis genes

Researchers have identified 15 M. tuberculosis genes expressed only when the bacteria are growing in macrophages, key disease-fighting cells. These genes play important roles in pathogen metabolism, propagation and self-protection, potentially leading to new drug targets or vaccines.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 1999

First three minutes of discussion about on-going area of marital conflict are predictive of divorce among newlywed couples

Researchers at University of Washington found that couples who later divorced displayed significantly more negative emotions and words in their initial discussions compared to those who stayed married. The study suggests that learning how to soften one's approach and improve emotional connectedness can help prevent divorce.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFamily Process·DateSep 27, 1999

Recent research suggests new strategy for treating depression

Recent studies have found that high cortisol levels might be a cause of depression, potentially leading to new antidepressant drug strategies. Cortisol-lowering drugs have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in patients with high cortisol levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

NIAMS funds the North American Spondylitis Consortium

The consortium aims to collect medical information and genetic material from 400 families nationwide with AS to identify additional genes associated with its pathogenesis. Researchers will conduct genome-wide searches and map genes linked to AS outside of the MHC.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateSep 27, 1999

Good seed, bad seed: Evolution divides the plant world

Scientists have found that the gene order in Arabidopsis, a model eudicot, is not preserved in rice, a model monocot. This discovery reveals an evolutionary divide between dicots and monocots, cautioning against using Arabidopsis genome for understanding cereal crops like rice and wheat.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 27, 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.

Researchers find high levels of mercury in native ore deposits

Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that metal contaminants in Lake Superior sediments primarily come from native ore deposits, not atmospheric sources. High concentrations of mercury were detected, associated with copper and silver deposits.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateSep 27, 1999

Cinderella's shoe holds 500 sequencing machines

Researchers have successfully sequenced human chromosome 17 using a microdevice fabricated from glass wafers, demonstrating a bright future for convenient and low-cost sequencing machines. The device holds 500 sequencing machines on a single chip, making it a significant breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 27, 1999
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.

Advance may put gene chip technology on scientists' desktops

A new method enables cheap and simple manufacture of customized DNA chips, revolutionizing genetic analysis and research. This technology can help diagnose genetic diseases and accelerate drug discovery, while reducing production costs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 27, 1999

Clay M. Armstrong, MD, wins 1999 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

Armstrong's groundbreaking work elucidated the physical processes underlying electrical signaling in and between cells. His research has contributed significantly to our understanding of ion channels and their role in transmitting nerve impulses, with implications for drug development and treatment of various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 26, 1999

Lower death rate in Oregon hospitals linked to better care

A study by OHSU researchers found improved quality of care to be the major factor behind declining hospital mortality rates for heart failure patients in Oregon. The study analyzed data from 1991-1995 and concluded that better treatment and care were key contributors to the lower death rate.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateSep 24, 1999
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

'Disposable electronics' from polymer study

A Cornell University research team led by Paulette Clancy is developing novel semiconducting materials using polymers, which could lead to cheaper and more portable 'throwaway electronics.' The project aims to create new materials for light-emitting diode displays and flexible laptop screens.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 24, 1999

Revived drug prevents malaria, skirts drug resistance

Researchers found that atovaquone was 100% effective in keeping volunteers bitten by mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium falciparum from developing the disease. Pairing atovaquone with proguanil, an older malaria-fighting drug, provides protection while avoiding drug resistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateSep 24, 1999

OHSU scientists locate 'fat thermostat' in brain

Scientists at OHSU have discovered a mechanism in the brain that controls weight, named the adipostat, which acts as a fat thermostat. The discovery could lead to medications that help regulate patient weight and prevent excessive caloric intake.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 24, 1999
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Team developing new ways to handle data deluge

Scientists are working on developing new technologies to store, access, and search large volumes of data. The team aims to improve data management for next-generation science projects like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which will produce 40 terabytes of data.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateSep 24, 1999

Advanced light source reveals secrets of ribosome structure

A team of researchers has produced high-resolution images of a complete ribosome complex using the Advanced Light Source (ALS), revealing more about its structure than previous observations. The new crystallographic images provide insights into how transfer RNA interacts with the ribosome and the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 1999

Infants of depressed mothers show atypical brain activity

Research suggests that maternal depression may alter frontal brain activity associated with positive emotions in infants. The study found that infants of depressed mothers exhibited less left frontal EEG activity compared to right frontal EEG activity, indicating a potential impact on emotional processing.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 23, 1999

NIAMS funds multicenter study of surgical vs. nonsurgical treatment of back pain

Researchers will compare surgical and nonsurgical treatments for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis in a 5-year study. The study aims to determine the relative effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving health-related quality of life and reducing resource use.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·DateSep 23, 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.

Age reduces aggression in boys

A study of 1,037 inner-city boys found that those with behavioral problems in kindergarten became better adjusted as they grew older. High levels of hyperactive behavior were not linked to increased risk of juvenile delinquency.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalChild Development·DateSep 23, 1999

UCSF finding could lead to a new class of painkillers

Researchers at UCSF have identified a protein enzyme that plays a key role in pain signaling, suggesting a possible target for broad-based pain therapy. The finding applies to inflammatory pain syndromes, such as arthritis and colitis, and has potential implications for post-operative pain relief.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateSep 23, 1999

Inform doctors when taking herbs and dietary supplements

Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateSep 23, 1999

Roundworms provide clues to human kidney disease

Researchers found a gene crucial for roundworm mating strongly resembles a gene involved in human polycystic kidney disease. The study uses Caenorhabditis elegans to understand the role of genes controlling reproductive behaviors, potentially shedding light on PKD1's function and its connection to kidney disease.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 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.

UCSC researchers obtain first detailed images of a complete ribosome

Researchers at UCSC have obtained detailed images of the complete structure of the ribosome, a tiny molecular machine responsible for translating genetic code and synthesizing proteins. The new images show how different parts of the ribosome interact with each other and with molecules involved in protein synthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 1999

Mutation in PTEN gene can cause cancer and autoimmune disease

Researchers found that losing function of one copy of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene can lead to chronic fatal conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. The study showed that this disruption allows white blood cells to accumulate unchecked and attack their own organs.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 1999

Scientists identify novel component of cell-fate pathway

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified casein kinase I (CKI) as a novel component of the Wnt-signaling cascade, essential for proper animal development. The discovery may lead to new approaches for influencing developmental processes and developing cancer treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 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.

Stem cells may be powerful gene shuttle

Researchers from HHMI at Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School discovered that stem cells can deliver therapeutic genes to diseased organs, potentially remodeling genetically defective tissues. The study suggests that adult stem cells may be manipulated to heal genetic defects in various organs and tissues.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 1999

Is drug abuse, not brutality, behind some deaths in custody?

A leading forensic toxicologist suggests that cocaine abuse may be behind some deaths in custody, rather than police brutality. The expert's neurochemical test detects a unique brain signature associated with excited delirium (ED), which can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrest.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 22, 1999

Group interventions for troubled adolescents

Researchers found that interventions with peers grouped together often worsen adolescent problem behavior, leading to increased delinquency and substance abuse. Training adolescents to give up destructive behaviors seems ineffective when several group members have a tendency toward these behaviors.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 22, 1999
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Historically black and research-intensive universities partner under grants aimed at broadening U.S. science base

Historically black colleges and universities are partnering with high-tech research-intensive universities for $1 million environmental health grants. The program, called ARCH, aims to strengthen research capabilities at minority-serving institutions, enabling them to conduct competitive research in environmental health sciences.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateSep 22, 1999

Quake damage teaches lessons about Mexico's critical buildings

A report on a June 15 earthquake in Mexico highlights the need for enforcing special seismic design standards for critical buildings like schools, hospitals, and fire stations. The study found that these buildings are often constructed with heavier materials than recommended, increasing the risk of damage during earthquakes.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 22, 1999

Study suggests some unruptured aneurysms do not need treatment

Researchers found that treating small, asymptomatic, unruptured cerebral aneurysms may increase health risks and death. The study's complex analysis suggested that in some cases, aneurysm treatment is unnecessary, highlighting the need for personalized care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateSep 22, 1999

Richard Amasino wins Alexander von Humboldt Award

Richard M. Amasino, a plant molecular biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been awarded the 1999 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his groundbreaking research on flowering time and senescence in plants. His discoveries have significant implications for agriculture, with potential to improve crop yields and resistance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 22, 1999

Megaflares will point the way to distant solar systems

Astronomers believe that megaflares produced by tangled magnetic fields on a star and its planet might help identify distant Sun-like stars with planetary systems. This phenomenon could provide energy for the development of life on rocky planets, making it a promising area to search for extraterrestrial life.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 22, 1999
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.

Study indicates Indian Ocean monsoon similar to El Niño phenomenon in Pacific

Research indicates the Indian Ocean has its own El Niño-like phenomenon characterized by an east-to-west oscillation of warm waters affecting other parts of the world. The study found significant warming of the western portion of the Indian Ocean in 16 out of 48 years between 1950 and 1998, but only three were active El Niño years.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateSep 22, 1999

New study forecasts movie performance for domestic, international markets

A new study forecasts movie performance for domestic and international markets using a Bayesian model that examines information like star quality, past film performance, and screen numbers. The model provides accurate updates as sales figures come in to help plan better marketing activities.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateSep 22, 1999

UK study shows breast-feeding increases babies' IQ

A UK study found that breast-feeding significantly boosts cognitive development in babies, with benefits seen as early as 6 months and sustained through 15 years of age. The study analyzed data from 20 published reports and found that breast milk provides essential nutrients required for rapid brain development.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 22, 1999

Aviation fuel is best served well chilled

A simple cooling system can significantly reduce fuel vapour formation in aircraft tanks, minimizing the risk of explosion. The Polarjet system cools fuel to -1°C or below, reducing hydrocarbon vapours and oxygen levels, making planes safer without expensive modifications.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 22, 1999
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.

Communications towers killing birds

A recent study highlights the dangers of communications towers for migrating birds, which mistake tower lights for the moon and collide with structures. The Cornell University meeting brought together experts to discuss solutions, including co-location rules and reduced lighting in tall buildings.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 22, 1999