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Science News for May 31, 2000


Liquid film-thickness measurement technique is fast and inexpensive

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an automated optical film-thickness measurement technique that is both inexpensive and nonintrusive. The technique uses light reflection to measure film thickness with an accuracy of one-hundredth of a millimeter.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 31, 2000

UCSF researchers find evidence of faulty DNA repair in some infertile men

A study by UCSF researchers found evidence of faulty DNA repair in some infertile men, similar to those with certain cancers. The study suggests that defective DNA repair may be a reason for male infertility and potentially increase the risk of offspring infertility and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMay 31, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gamma ray 'watchdog' ends a stellar career

Compton Gamma Ray Observatory's Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) discovered nearly 30 new exotic astrophysical objects and phenomena, rewriting astronomy textbooks. The instrument also contributed to 10 scientific prizes and 18 Ph.Ds.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·DateMay 31, 2000

From Evita to Rudy: The ethics and politics of caring for the famous

Historical case of Eva Peron's secret surgery highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing medical care with social and political implications, according to Dr. Barron H. Lerner. Despite apparent openness in modern times, many confidential details remain hidden from public scrutiny.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 31, 2000

Discovery shows how brain 'fills in blanks' to help us see

Researchers discovered how brain fills in missing information to help us perceive objects, even when they're partially blocked. This process allows for consistency and continuity in our visual world, enabling us to recognize shapes and objects accurately.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 31, 2000

Stepfathers invest significant resources in stepchildren

A study by Kermyt Anderson found that stepfathers invest significant amounts of money and time in their stepchildren. Despite initial assumptions portraying stepfathers negatively, the research suggests they gain mating benefits and opportunities for lifetime reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateMay 31, 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.

Accuracy of adult memories of childhood is no greater than chance

Researchers at Northwestern University found that adult memories of childhood events and relationships are no more accurate than chance, contradicting the idea that memory is a continuous tape. The study's findings have important implications for psychiatrists and mental health professionals who rely on patient reports.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2000

June 'Geology' and 'GSA Today' highlights

Researchers have found no evidence of gradual dinosaur extinction but rather a catastrophic event. Scientists also explore the formation of the Hawaiian volcanic Island of Hilo Ridge, which challenges previous theories on its origin.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 31, 2000
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Smart' material grows dumber with shrinking size, scientist says

Scientists at the University of Illinois found that piezoelectric ceramics' properties decrease as they become thinner, affecting their performance in microelectromechanical systems. To optimize thin-film structures, researchers must understand the factors influencing material properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 31, 2000

Columbia takes 'breathtaking' steps to reduce asthma deaths in northern Manhattan

The Columbia University Asthma Coalition aims to improve asthma care among high-risk populations through a three-pronged approach. Researchers will implement culturally appropriate programs, increase public awareness, and form partnerships with primary care providers to ensure implementation of National Asthma Education and Prevention ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateMay 31, 2000

Scientists link apoE to a major cause of bleeding strokes

Researchers discovered a direct link between apoE and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a leading cause of bleeding strokes in the elderly. Decreasing apoE expression may inhibit CAA buildup, lowering the risk for cerebral hemorrhage.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMay 31, 2000
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Treating AIDS victims complicated by patients' desire for information

Research reveals that individuals coping with HIV/AIDS exhibit diverse information-seeking behaviors, from avoiding information to seeking out multiple sources. Understanding these complexities is crucial in developing effective treatment programs, as uncertainty can be a natural part of life for some individuals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateMay 31, 2000

UI professor observes space weather/earth connection

Researchers have made the first direct observations of magnetic reconnection, a switch that allows energy to be transferred between solar wind and Earth. The phenomenon is responsible for aurora borealis, aurora australis, and occasional radio and satellite disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateMay 31, 2000

Genomics project aims to create a "virtual plant"

Researchers propose a 10-year effort to understand Arabidopsis genes and their interactions. The goal is to build a complete "wiring diagram" of the plant's biological pathways and create a 'clickable plant' for interactive exploration.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMay 31, 2000

Media coverage of new drugs is often misleading

A collaborative study found that media coverage of new medications tends to exaggerate their benefits, ignore their risks, and fail to disclose their costs. Only 40% of news stories citing experts with financial ties to the drug being studied disclosed this potential conflict of interest.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 31, 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.