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Science News for June 25, 2002


Chemistry of tanning

Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with skin proteins to create a brown glow. Newer sunscreens offer greater protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, including those developed by Craig Bonda, who found that adding DEHN to avobenzone extends its effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 25, 2002
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Cell phones don't cause cancer, rat study finds

A long-term industry-funded rat study has found no statistically significant increases in any tumor type, including brain cancer, after exposure to radio frequency radiation at common cell phone signals. The study builds on earlier research and suggests the greatest hazard with cell-phones is driving a car while talking.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJun 25, 2002

Decision making at the cellular level

Researchers discovered a molecular switch that guides cell communication before a message reaches the nucleus, adding complexity to understanding cellular signals. This switch determines which signal - calcium or cAMP - will be used, leading to different responses in target proteins and potential therapies for serious disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2002

Tiny device can detect hidden nuclear weapons, materials

The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a small, portable neutron detector that can detect hidden nuclear weapons and materials. The device uses a wafer of gallium arsenide coated with boron or lithium to detect neutrons, producing a cascade of charged particles that is easy to detect.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJun 25, 2002

Don't get carried away this summer: Beware of Great Lakes currents

Great Lakes rip currents can be deadly, but knowing how to identify them and escape is crucial. Longshore currents flow along the shoreline, while rip currents flow perpendicular to it; always swim perpendicular to the current. Cold water multiplies danger, so take necessary precautions when swimming in cold water.

SourceNational Sea Grant College Program·DateJun 25, 2002
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

'Missing link' molecule may offer clues to sulfur in air, space

Researchers at Ohio State University have synthesized hydrogen thioperoxide (HSOH), a sulfur-containing molecule considered a 'missing link' in its chemical family. The molecule's unique spectral pattern was recorded using a new laboratory instrument, FASSST, allowing scientists to study it for the first time.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 25, 2002

Diet rich in foods with Vitamin E may reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk

A population-based study suggests that a diet high in foods containing vitamin E may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, with the most significant protective effect found among those with the lowest dietary vitamin E intake. The study also found no association between vitamin E supplements and reduced risk of AD.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalJAMA·DateJun 25, 2002

Purdue marshals new approach to protect software

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to protect software by placing hundreds of tiny 'guards' throughout the code, making it harder for hackers to use the program without permission. The system has shown promising test results and is being licensed to a startup company, Arxan Technologies Inc.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 25, 2002

Survey reveals needs of glaucoma patients across Europe

Nearly a third of surveyed glaucoma patients reported difficulties with taking multiple medications, citing missed dosing and inadequate waiting periods. Physicians advocate for more patient education and convenient treatments to improve compliance and vision outcomes.

SourceKetchum UK·DateJun 25, 2002
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Unusual ceramics could expand possibilities for superconductors

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that certain ceramic materials, called cuprates, can switch between two types of superconductivity under specific circumstances. This discovery could settle a long-standing controversy among scientists and potentially lead to the development of buckyball-like superconductivity in ceramics.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2002

Examining the healing mystery of Aloe

Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the healing properties of Aloe vera, particularly its polysaccharide, which binds growth factors in wounds and speeds up the healing process. The study aims to improve wound healing for elderly patients with bedsores, diabetic ulcers, and vascular ulcers.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJun 25, 2002

Trees may contribute to ozone problem

Researchers studying isoprene emissions from oak trees in Houston have found that these reactions can lead to increased ozone production and ground-level air pollution. The study aims to understand the critical steps in this process to mitigate environmental damage.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJun 25, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Childcare responsibilities don't hinder student-teacher face time

Working parents spend the same amount of time physically present in school as non-parents, but find ways to care for their children by reducing personal time and leisure activities. Teachers with older children also contribute to childcare by taking on extra duties.

SourcePenn State·JournalFeminist Economics·DateJun 25, 2002