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Science News for February 1, 2000


UIC bioengineering department lands Whitaker grant

The University of Illinois at Chicago's bioengineering department has received a $990,000 grant to strengthen its programs in interfacial molecular bioengineering. With the funding, UIC plans to develop new curriculum and prepare graduates with skills to understand both biology and science in emerging technologies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateFeb 1, 2000

Poachers also disupt plants

New research reveals poaching's significant effects on forest plants, including increased palm regeneration despite reduced mammal populations. The study found that poaching increased beetle predation of dispersed seeds, while rodent predation decreased.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 1, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breast cancer risk tied to hormone replacement therapy

A study of postmenopausal women in Los Angeles County found that long-term use of hormone replacement therapy combining estrogen and progestin increases breast cancer risk by 24%. The risk was highest for sequential therapy, but continuous combined therapy showed lower risks. Researchers suggest lowering doses to decrease disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2000

Roads affect 20% of U.S. land

A study by Harvard University's Richard Forman estimates that US roads directly affect the ecology of nearly 20% of U.S. land, blocking animal migrations and spreading non-native species. Traffic noise also reduces bird populations, making it harder for them to communicate with their young.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 1, 2000
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Tube worms in deep sea discovered to have record long life spans

Tubeworms living in cold, calm hydrocarbon-seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico have surprisingly long life spans, growing up to 2 meters over 170-250 years. In contrast, their cousins at hot and dynamic hydrothermal vents grow just one meter in a year. The researchers aim to understand why these animals live so long and grow slowly.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2000

Study suggests tailoring ADHD treatment

A new study finds that carefully monitored medication treatment alone can be as effective as combination therapy in reducing ADHD symptoms. The research recommends a personalized approach, combining optimal medication doses with monthly office visits and teacher input to maximize treatment effectiveness.

SourcePurdue University·DateFeb 1, 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.

Local and remote aerosol measurement techniques compared

Researchers compared two measuring techniques to quantify the effects of atmospheric particles on climate change. They found agreement between methods within 20% during polluted conditions, paving the way for more accurate global measurements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 1, 2000

Kids' web site wins award, opens forecast contest

The Web Weather for Kids website has won an award for its online weather forecasting contest, which aims to engage middle schoolers in predicting the weather. The site's success is attributed to its interactive and educational content, which teaches students about thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other phenomena.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateFeb 1, 2000

IBM scientists discover nanotech communication method

The new phenomenon, called the quantum mirage effect, enables data transfer within future nanoscale electronic circuits too small to use wires. The IBM scientists used a quantum state that concentrated large electron densities at each focus point of the elliptical corral.

SourceIBM Watson Research Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2000

Rotational motion detected in gates controlling nerve impulses

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a rotational motion in gates controlling nerve impulses, challenging current models. The study reveals how amino acids move like keys turning in locks, affecting the flow of ions and generating nerve impulses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2000
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.

Ice Age clothing said to be more advanced than previously thought

Researchers uncover evidence of advanced textile production in Ice Age women, revealing intricately woven clothing and accessories made from plant fibers. The findings challenge traditional images of our ancestors, highlighting the important role that women played in late Pleistocene societies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateFeb 1, 2000