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Science News for May 7, 2000


Tobacco smoke flavoring contains hazardous chemicals

Researchers discovered toxic alkenylbenzenes in tobacco smoke, which can cause cancer and lung disease in humans. The compounds are more likely to affect health when filtered cigarettes' ventilation holes are blocked.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 7, 2000

HHMI announces selection of 48 new investigators

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has selected 48 talented researchers to join its investigator program, including 12 in computational biology. The new recruits will contribute to biomedical advances in areas like genomics and cognitive neuroscience.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·DateMay 7, 2000

Cigarette smoking: Neuroticism and genes

Research reveals a strong interaction between neuroticism and the serotonin transporter gene in influencing cigarette smoking behavior. Individuals with poorly expressed serotonin transporter genotypes and high levels of neuroticism face significant challenges in quitting smoking. This study suggests personalized approaches to smoking ...

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 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.

Jews are the genetic brothers of Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Jewish men share a common set of genetic signatures with non-Jews from the Middle East, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese. This suggests that Jews and Arabs are more closely related to one another than to non-Jews from other areas of ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2000

A new picture of the brain may reveal the key to Alzheimer's

A new imaging technique reveals disrupted microcolumns in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, suggesting a link between microcolumn organization and cognitive impairment. The study found that the absence of microcolumns correlates with the number of fibrillary tangles, but not senile neuritic plaques.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 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.

New genes and old genes contribute to personality traits

Researchers found associations between certain personality traits and a polymorphic region in the human AP-2beta gene. These traits include muscular tension, guilt, somatic anxiety, psychasthenia, and indirect aggression. The study suggests a novel approach to understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and personality.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2000

New findings on aging and lung disease at American Thoracic Society Meeting

A study found that elderly COPD patients who use inhaled steroids can significantly reduce their rehospitalization and death risk. Additionally, postmenopausal women are more likely to develop sleep apnea and have a severe form of the condition. Meanwhile, researchers discovered age bias in lung cancer treatment, with older patients be...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 7, 2000

Sleep apnea more common, severe in post-menopausal women

A study of 290 pre- and 400 post-menopausal women found that sleep apnea is more prevalent and severe in the older group. The researchers suggest that lower levels of estrogen and progesterone during menopause may contribute to this disparity.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateMay 7, 2000

Black hole research boosted by new telescope

The Cangaroo II telescope detects gamma rays emitted by black holes and their surrounding electric and magnetic fields. Researchers aim to study the enormous effect of black holes on galaxy energy and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateMay 7, 2000

Researchers hope to solve cosmic mystery

Researchers are working together on the Pierre Auger Project to find the source of high-energy cosmic rays. The project aims to build two huge observatories in the southern and northern hemisphere to detect and measure extensive air showers produced by these particles.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateMay 7, 2000
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chill out

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can cool computer chips more efficiently than existing materials. This innovation has the potential to increase computer speed and extend processor lifetimes, making it an attractive solution for the Navy's environmentally friendly cooling needs.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateMay 7, 2000

Genes and violent suicide

Researchers found a significant association between the L/S and S/S alleles of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region and suicidal tendencies in individuals with unknown psychiatric diagnosis. The study suggests that genetic factors, such as the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, may contribute to autoaggressive behavior and violent suicide.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2000