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Science News for June 13, 2000


Scienceexclusive: China's leader promises global research

Chinese President Jiang Zemin outlines China's commitment to global scientific collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as Sino-Israeli and Sino-Australian scientific collaboration funds. He also calls for curriculum reform in China's education system and acknowledges the country's brain drain, with Chinese students studying abroad.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2000

Hyperactive Cdc42 causes malignant growth

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how a hyperactive form of the molecular switch Cdc42 disrupts orderly cell growth, leading to cancer. The team found that Cdc42 increases protein shuttling, overstimulating cellular activities and causing hallmarks of cancer cells.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2000

UF study: thin may be in for high fashion, but most people find variety of sizes acceptable

A University of Florida study found that most Americans consider mid-range body sizes attractive and socially acceptable. In contrast to the idealized thin figure often seen in media, participants preferred a range of builds from slender to rounded. As people age, they become more tolerant of varying body sizes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJun 13, 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.

Building better engines through natural selection

Computer models at UW-Madison use genetic algorithms to optimize engine performance, increasing fuel efficiency while reducing pollution. The results demonstrate significant improvements in nitric oxide and soot emissions, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Engine Research·DateJun 13, 2000

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for June

Two studies found a decrease in respiratory illnesses among school-age children after improved air quality. Lung function continued to grow in adolescents despite cessation of growth in height, with males showing greater gains. A new diagnostic test for asthma in young children was also developed.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 13, 2000

Researchers pin down phenomenon of 'pinning' of magnetic layers

Direct images of aligned magnetic domains on both sides of an interface reveal the phenomenon of 'pinning' in layered magnetic structures. The researchers used photoemission electron microscopy to distinguish between layers with different chemical elements, demonstrating that exchange bias is an intrinsic property of the interface.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2000

Gene identified that may play role in psychological disorders

A study found that people with a particular variation in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) showed a greater fear response during a laboratory experiment. This variation is linked to increasing regulation of serotonin levels in the brain, which may play a role in anxiety disorders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJun 13, 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.

Scientists issue telomerase caution

Researchers found that telomerase expression can activate the c-myc oncogene, a hallmark of cancer cells. This raises concerns about using telomerase in human tissue culture cells for therapeutic purposes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2000

New study shows ferromagnet and anti-ferromagnet alignment colinear

Researchers from Arizona State University, IBM Almaden Research Labs, and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory have confirmed the alignment between electron spins in ferromagnets and anti-ferromagnets is colinear. This finding improves understanding of exchange bias, a phenomenon useful for controlling magnetization in magnetic disk storage.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2000

Study opens doors to significant changes in medications for schizophrenia

Researchers discovered a new approach to treating schizophrenia by creating medications that only last intermittently in the brain, reducing prominent side effects. This breakthrough opens doors to significant changes in how schizophrenia is treated and could lead to more effective medications with better tolerability.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2000

Technical exposition to highlight new X-vehicles

NASA's X-34 and X-40A vehicles will be showcased at the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Exposition, highlighting the X-37 Project and its related technologies. The event will provide an opportunity for industry representatives to learn about the program and its benefits.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·DateJun 13, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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