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Science News for October 24, 2000


Newspapers, not TV, move the educated to civic action

Research at Cornell University and Ohio State University finds that newspapers have a stronger influence on the civic participation of highly educated individuals. This is because they can process information more carefully and extract mobilizing information efficiently from newspapers. In contrast, television has negligible impact on ...

SourceCornell University·JournalPolitical Communication·DateOct 24, 2000

New optical switch removes barrier to light-speed communication

Researchers developed an ultra-fast optical switch that can reformat information at speeds unmatched by current devices. The switch uses off-the-shelf components and operates in a billionth of a second, allowing for fast wavelength conversion and customization of pulse lengths.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateOct 24, 2000

Sense of touch/nerve research

University of Iowa researchers have identified a protein, brain sodium channel 1 (BNC1), that plays a role in the perception of light touch in mice. The discovery provides an important first step towards understanding the molecular basis for this process.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2000

Poor oral health increases stroke risk, UB study finds

A University at Buffalo study has found that people with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke due to blocked arteries. Periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular events, particularly non-hemorrhagic strokes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

New quantum dots pave way for atom-sized transistors

Engineers at the University of Rochester have created uniform silicon quantum dots that could revolutionize computing by reducing transistor size. The dots are made of cheap and abundant silicon, making them a viable alternative to expensive materials used in previous attempts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2000

Sick athletes passed virus to opponents, N.C. medical detective work revealed

A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Duke University football players transmitted a Norwalk-like virus to their Florida State University opponents after eating contaminated food. The transmission was attributed to people touching each other's hands, uniforms, and possibly the football itself.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 24, 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.

Myth challenged: uninsured adults not receiving needed care

A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateOct 24, 2000
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.