Science News for March 4, 2000

Falling snow can create a noisy nuisance... underwater

Researchers found that falling snowflakes create noise underwater by oscillating bubbles, which can be detected by aquatic animals and blur sensitive sonar readings. The study suggests that snowflake sounds could be a significant source of underwater clutter for people using sonar devices.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 4, 2000

Prostate cancer test works as well for black men, study shows

A new review of data from a recent nationwide trial shows the free prostate specific antigen test (fPSA) is as accurate in detecting prostate cancer risk in African American men as it is in Caucasians. The study found that nearly 75% of unnecessary prostate biopsies can be spared for black men.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalUrology·DateMar 4, 2000