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Science News for April 23, 2000


New approach may help in design of future circuits

Researchers propose a novel design strategy to reduce interference in compact electronic circuits, enabling engineers to predict performance before building prototypes. The method takes into account two key factors: overlapping wires and current direction.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 23, 2000

New evidence suggests reconsidering causes and treatments for schizophrenia

Researchers found that modulating the cholinergic system significantly impacts schizophrenia symptoms, with potential therapeutic benefits for positive and negative symptoms. The study challenges decades-long dominance of the dopaminergic system in schizophrenia research.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2000
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.

Smoking cessation aids help smokers quit

A recent study found that nearly 20% of smokers who attempted to quit in California used smoking cessation aids, including self-help materials, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy. The use of these aids increased the odds of success in quitting, with 15% of those who sought assistance abstaining from cigarettes for 12 months.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 23, 2000

Scientists pump genome for hypertension genes

Researchers have located 67 gene regions in hypertensive rats that are also linked to high blood pressure in humans. This study uses a genome-wide approach to pinpoint the exact genes involved in human hypertension, accelerating the search for potential treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2000

Duke study suggest new pathway to preserve heart function after attack

A study by Duke University Medical Center has shown that blocking a key enzyme pathway can prevent the onset of heart failure. The researchers found that blocking ß-adrenergic receptor kinase (ßARK) after a heart attack preserves heart function, providing a promising new avenue for treating and preventing heart failure.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2000
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Vaccination reform may improve consistency of care for children

New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 23, 2000

New genes protect trees from insects, disease

Researchers at Michigan Tech are transferring altered genes into fungi to facilitate nutrient flow through tree roots, helping trees grow faster and live healthier lives. The fungus provides a protective coating around the tree's roots, preventing insect pests and diseases from attacking.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 23, 2000

Counter-advertising may change smokers' beliefs

Researchers found that an anti-smoking media campaign in Massachusetts increased awareness of the dangers of light cigarettes and decreased beliefs that they pose a lower risk to public health. The study suggests targeted advertising can correct misinformation about smoking.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 23, 2000

Study: breath test effective in showing patients who should get less cancer drug

A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers shows a simple breath test can distinguish between patients who metabolize chemotherapy drugs normally and those who require lower doses for safety. The technique, which measures exhaled carbon dioxide, has promising advantages in reducing toxicity in patients.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 23, 2000

Genome annotation experts take standardized test

Twelve international groups compared their computer programs' power to predict gene elements within a Drosophila DNA region. Many programs detected genes with 95% accuracy, while others struggled with precise gene boundaries and promoter predictions. The project established standards for future improvements.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 23, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Best images yet of Jupiter's inner moons

The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 23, 2000

Study finds children are exposed to pesticides

A University of Washington study found that over half of farmworker children in Douglas and Chelan counties, Washington state, exceeded federal safety levels for pesticides. The study suggests that regulators need to reassess exposure standards for these chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 23, 2000