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Science News for May 14, 2000


Sequencers take a bird in hand

Researchers sequenced a region of the house finch genome, showing similarities to mammalian genomes in structure. The study found that birds' compact genomes favor metabolic demands related to flight, supporting shared basic genome structure with mammals.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000

Gamma ray hide & seek

A new study suggests that most gamma radiation reaching Earth is leftover energy from massive shock waves caused by gravitational forces. The collision of electrons with low-energy photons could be a sign of ordinary matter captured within intergalactic clouds, shedding light on the 'missing matter' puzzle.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Higher dose of electroconvulsive therapy works better to relieve depression

Researchers found that higher doses of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were more effective in relieving depression, with 66.7% of patients experiencing relief compared to 38.9% on lower doses. However, the high-dose group also experienced temporary memory disturbances and longer recovery times.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 14, 2000

Taking public health to the streets works

A door-to-door campaign in Auckland, New Zealand raised awareness of meningococcal disease among at-risk populations. The campaign, initiated in 1998, used lay educators to visit over 11,000 homes and deliver key messages about the disease.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateMay 14, 2000

OHSU researchers discover new synapses in brain

Researchers at OHSU have discovered new synapses between nerve cells and oligodendrocytes, suggesting a key role in myelin formation. These connections may help answer questions about how nerve cells regulate myelin production, potentially leading to treatments for multiple sclerosis.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 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.

Scientists find unique nuclear DNA structure

Researchers at the University of Southern California have discovered a unique nuclear DNA structure that helps elucidate the process of immunoglobulin class switching. This finding may provide insights into B cell cancer, such as Burkitt's lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateMay 14, 2000

Recreational use of cocaine promotes blood clots

A recent study published in Heart journal has found that recreational cocaine use promotes the formation of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. The research, which monitored 14 young adults after they received a dose of cocaine, showed that even occasional use can have significant effects on cardiovascular health.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateMay 14, 2000

Success of introduced Argentine ants tied to reduced genetic variation

Biologists at UCSD discovered that the Argentine ant's ability to thrive in California is due to its low genetic diversity, which allows it to recognize and accept individuals from the same colony. This has led to the formation of a single, large 'supercolony' that dominates native species.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 14, 2000

Internet increases value of used and rare books, study finds

A new Ohio University study reveals that e-commerce has increased the value of used and rare books, with online sales accounting for a 12.5% increase in book sales. The study also found that prices for rare books have climbed, while common titles have seen stabilization or decrease in price.

SourceOhio University·DateMay 14, 2000

Scientists find evidence for black hole in nearby galaxy

Astronomers have found evidence of a supermassive black hole similar to the one in our Milky Way in a nearby galaxy. The discovery was made using spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope and reveals details about the object's mass that could help scientists understand how these celestial phenomena are formed.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 14, 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.

New research on maritime alcohol: A few sips may sink ships

A new study found that two to three drinks significantly affect mariners' performance, making it twice as long to correct system failures after consuming alcohol. The researchers recommend lowering the current blood alcohol concentration limit for commercial ship personnel to mitigate this risk.

SourceBrown University·JournalAddiction·DateMay 14, 2000

Mutations identified in gene causing blindness, early heart attacks

Molecular geneticists have characterized gene mutations in families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare inherited disorder that can lead to blindness, early heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection, prenatal testing, and improved diagnosis of the condition.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Chemical discovered that causes plant tumors

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of chemicals called 'bruchins' that signal a plant to form a benign tumor, helping prevent insect infestation. The unusual chemical can induce tumor formation even at low levels, with precise effects on the plant.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000

Safety education program seems to have little effect

A recent study found that a half-day safety program for kindergarten students showed minimal improvement in basic safety skills. The research compared two groups of children, one that participated in the program and another that did not, but found no significant difference in their scores. This suggests that many safety programs, like ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 14, 2000

Images of evolution

Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000