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Science News for February 27, 2000


Father's weight predicts daughter's weight gain in girls

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a father's percent body fat predicted the pattern of weight gain in their daughters. The researchers analyzed data from 47 pre-pubescent girls, finding that only the father's weight correlated with the daughter's weight gain patterns.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 27, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smile! Study shows girls do it more than boys in yearbook photos

Researchers analyzed 15,414 student and faculty yearbook photos to pinpoint the age when girls begin smiling more often than boys. The study found that girls start smiling significantly more than boys as early as the fourth grade, with a widening gender gap by high school.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Psychological Record·DateFeb 27, 2000

Virus study reveals how nature 'super-sizes' tiny structures

Researchers at Purdue University have solved the structures of two large icosahedral viruses, providing insights into their assembly and potential applications in antiviral agents. The viruses' shells are made up of large building blocks joined primarily in clusters of three, forming stable and highly symmetrical structures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 27, 2000

Better memory

VRAM memory has the potential to replace mechanically driven storage media, reducing transistors needed for lower cost and retaining information without constant refreshing. The technology is well-suited for space, avionics, and shipboard applications due to its high-density, non-volatility, radiation-hardness, and low-power attributes.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateFeb 27, 2000

Genetics, not just diet, influence cholesterol levels

A study found that genetic variations can cause individuals to be more resistant to a cholesterol-lowering diet or at greater cardiovascular risk from a high-fat diet. Apolipoprotein B gene polymorphisms were associated with increased plasma total cholesterol concentrations in certain genotypes.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 27, 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.

Genetic marker common in people of European heritage doesn't explain high rates of periodontal disease in Chinese

A recent study found that the genetic marker associated with periodontal disease in people of European heritage is barely present in Chinese populations. This suggests that oral hygiene habits, smoking, and other risk factors may be more important in explaining the high prevalence of periodontal disease in Chinese populations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateFeb 27, 2000

Bacterial strain may help clean up harmful industrial waste

Researchers have identified a bacterial strain called T1 that can break down toluene, a hazardous industrial solvent. This discovery could lead to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods for cleaning up contaminated sites, reducing the need for expensive excavation and disposal methods.

SourceOhio University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 27, 2000

Carotenes and vitamin E protect against sun damage to the skin

A 12-week study found that carotenes and vitamin E supplements reduced sunburn intensity in fair-skinned individuals. The duration of supplementation was more effective than dosage in protecting against sunburn damage.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 27, 2000

Oral pathogens put children with Down syndrome at high risk for severe early-onset periodontal disease

A recent study reveals that children with Down syndrome are susceptible to severe periodontal disease due to factors such as inadequate oral hygiene and congenital deformities. Research suggests that proper plaque control can help ward off the disease, emphasizing the importance of regular dental visits and education for parents.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateFeb 27, 2000
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.

Daughters preferred?

A new study by Dr. Hilke Brockmann found that German mothers' attitudes towards the sex of their children have changed over time in response to changes in welfare regimes. In contrast to Asian and African countries where sons are preferred, Germany's high level of female participation in the labor market may lead to a girl-preference.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateFeb 27, 2000

Grant to advance case-study approach to teaching science

A University at Buffalo professor is using the case-study approach to revolutionize the teaching of science, resulting in improved student attendance and engagement rates. The grant will establish a national center for case study teaching in science, providing faculty with training and resources.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 27, 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.

'Biomedical switch' regulates how cells stick together and communicates

A recent study reveals a new parameter regulating cell attachment, which is influenced by the physical properties of the surrounding environment. The rigidity of the matrix affects cell adhesion dynamics, leading to the formation of different types of adhesions.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 27, 2000

'Ouchless' emergency rooms urged for decreasing kids' distress

Research suggests that emergency rooms can reduce children's pain and anxiety during procedures by using techniques such as topical anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and psychological interventions. Effective communication with parents is also crucial in minimizing their own anxiety while ensuring their child's comfort.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·DateFeb 27, 2000

Study suggests that logging may affect monkey health

A study found that male mangabeys in secondary forests weigh less and are more likely to leave their groups, making them vulnerable to predators. The research suggests that logging may impact the health and behavior of primates in African forests.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Open Conservation Biology Journal·DateFeb 27, 2000