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Science News for December 6, 2000


Antiviral drug works by causing "genetic meltdown"

Researchers found that ribavirin increases the mutation rate of RNA viruses, pushing them into genetic meltdown and making them useless. This mechanism offers hope for designing more effective antiviral drugs.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 6, 2000

MIT develops filters for wastewater treatment, more

Researchers have created filtration membranes with hydrophilic outer surfaces to resist fouling, increasing the amount of solution that can be passed through. The membranes also exhibit self-healing properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 6, 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.

DNA research reveals new bird species in Colorado

Researchers at U.S. Geological Survey and University of Denver have identified a new bird species, the Gunnison sage-grouse, through DNA analysis and genetic research. The study confirms the species' distinctiveness from the Greater sage-grouse and highlights concerns about its low genetic diversity and population decline.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalThe Wilson Bulletin·DateDec 6, 2000

Calcium channel blockers not as effective as other drugs

Researchers found that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were significantly less effective at preventing heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiovascular events compared to ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics. The study analyzed over 27,000 patients and showed a 26% higher risk of heart attack among CCB users.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 6, 2000

Earthquake shakes Evansville area

A minor earthquake occurred in the Evansville area with a preliminary magnitude of 3.9, according to the USGS. This region has been identified as having a potential for damaging earthquakes.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateDec 6, 2000

Earth's continental land masses created in short, fast bursts, scientists say

Researchers propose a new understanding of granite formation, suggesting it occurs in rapid, dynamic events that take between 1,000 and 100,000 years. This challenges the long-held view of slow, multi-million year processes, and has significant implications for our understanding of crust formation and economic ore deposits.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coastal urban sprawl projected to consume 5.8 million acres in next 25 years

Urban sprawl is expected to expand by 46% in coastal metropolitan regions by 2025, consuming 5.8 million acres of land, according to a study. The growth is driven by population increase and advances in transportation technology, which has allowed people to demand semi-rural locations with reasonable commute times.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateDec 6, 2000

Researchers identify key to genetic replication in hepatitis C virus

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a crucial region of the hepatitis C virus protein NS5A, which plays an essential role in viral replication. This breakthrough discovery could accelerate the development of effective drugs and vaccines against HCV, a leading cause of liver disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2000

How do I love whales? Let me count the ways

A Texas A&M University research team is counting Bowhead whales in the Okhotsk Sea to estimate their population size and understand the impact on the ecosystem. By using photo identification and genetic testing, researchers hope to gather information on the whales' feeding behavior and determine if their food supply is dwindling.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 6, 2000
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 identifies first drug therapy for rare, precancerous stomach illness

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new drug therapy that appears to be effective in reversing symptoms of Ménétrier's disease, a rare and premalignant stomach disorder. The treatment, which blocks activation of the EGF receptor, showed promising results in a patient with severe vomiting and protein loss.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 6, 2000