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Science News for April 12, 2000


NIH researchers zero in on viral changes that lead to chronic hepatitis C

A study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified key changes in surface proteins of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that enable it to evade the immune system. The research found that these changes occur early in the infection process and can determine whether a person will develop chronic or acute HCV disease.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2000

RX for Hawaii's dry forests: no cows and lots of hard work

Hawaii's dry forests require more than just grazing removal to regenerate; invasive species like non-native rodents and fountain grass also play a significant role. Active management is necessary to control these invaders and reintroduce native species, say researchers.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 12, 2000
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.

Italian wolves haven't gone to the dogs--yet

A new study has revealed that Italian wolves have maintained a pure population despite facing threats such as competition for food and space. The researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA samples from over 100 Italian wolves, finding unique sequences that indicate the species has remained genetically distinct from feral dogs.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 12, 2000

Gulf War Syndrome dizziness linked to nerve gas

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of brain-stem damage in Gulf War veterans who experience dizziness, suggesting that the symptoms are caused by chemical and nerve agent exposure. The study also highlights a higher risk of death in motor vehicle accidents among these veterans.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateApr 12, 2000

Mouse genome revealing which DNA sequences activate human genes

Researchers have identified conserved non-coding sequences (CNSs) in the human genome that regulate gene expression, using comparative analysis techniques with mice. These regulatory sequences were found to be present across various mammals, indicating their importance in biological functions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2000
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Jays and cars don't mix

Researchers found that Florida scrub-jays nesting along roadsides die at a higher rate than those on non-road territories, with up to half of new breeders dying in their first two years. The roadside death rate is particularly high for young fledglings and newly arrived breeders.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 12, 2000

UC Irvine researchers discover how airborne sea salt particles may influence air pollution levels

Researchers found that airborne sea salt particles undergo a chemical reaction in daylight to release chlorine molecules, which can influence ozone levels. This discovery suggests that sea salt particles may play a significant role in determining the levels of certain greenhouse gases and air pollutants in coastal urban areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2000

Smoking during pregnancy associated with negative behavior in toddlers

A study of 99 mothers found that those who smoked during pregnancy had toddlers with higher levels of impulsivity, risk-taking, and rebelliousness. The researchers speculate that reducing maternal smoking could lead to a decrease in childhood negativity.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 12, 2000

Researchers decode human chromosomes 5, 16, and 19

The decoded genetic information contains an estimated 10-15,000 genes linked to diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, and hypertension. Researchers can now mine this data for advances in basic understanding of life and applications like diagnosing and treating diseases.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateApr 12, 2000

Adolescents with mentors less likely to engage in risky behaviors

A study of 294 adolescents found that having an adult mentor significantly reduces the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as carrying a weapon, using illicit drugs, and smoking. Mentorship appears to be an effective strategy in reducing certain risk behaviors and their consequences.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 12, 2000
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.

Best bet for saving cave species

Researchers found nearly 1,000 cave species in the continental US, with over 60% living in a single county or cave. Protecting land above caves is crucial to save these species from disruptions to vegetation and drainage basins.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 12, 2000

Updated study shows baseline annual diet costs less for women than men

A recent study updated the classic 'Stigler's Diet Problem' to reflect current dietary recommendations and prices. The results show that a woman's diet is approximately $115.40 cheaper than a man's, with daily costs of $535.27 for women and $651.27 for men.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateApr 12, 2000

National Reading Panel reports combination of teaching phonics, word sounds, giving feedback on oral reading most effective way to teach reading

The National Reading Panel concludes that a combination of teaching phonics, word sounds, and providing feedback on oral reading is the most effective way to teach children to read. The panel's rigorous scientific review identifies systematic phonics instruction as a key component of classroom reading instruction.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateApr 12, 2000

AAPS PharmSciTech Tip Sheet

The journal features novel approaches to analyzing complex peptides, such as pramlintide, and developing injectable implants for sustained drug release. Liposomes are also explored as carriers for antimicrobial peptides like Leucinostatin A.

SourceAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists·JournalAAPS PharmSciTech·DateApr 12, 2000
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.