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Newly found estrogen role in males might lead to contraceptive for men

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in the male reproductive tract by triggering a protein involved in sodium transport. This finding suggests that blocking estrogen receptors could provide a new target for developing effective contraceptives for men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2001

Method to restart the heart after traumatic injury and bleeding caused it to stop may help save lives now almost certainly lost

Researchers at UNC developed a technique to deliver oxygen-carrying fluid to resuscitate the heart after cardiac arrest. The method, selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP), has shown promising results in animal studies and may help save trauma victims by allowing surgeons to repair damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 12, 2001

Rock and ice linked by crushing mechanism

Two Dartmouth researchers, Erland Schulson and Carl Renshaw, propose a theory that brittle materials like rocks and ice crack in the same manner. They identify a specific type of cracking mechanism, 'comb' cracks, which leads to collapse in both ice and rock.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2001

Magnetic fluids offer hope for treatment of retinal detachment

Virginia Tech researchers have made advances in creating biocompatible magnetic fluids to treat retinal detachment. The new material, made of silicone magnetic nanoparticles, can be injected into the sclera and used with a magnetized buckle to push the retina back against the underlying choroid.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateAug 22, 2000

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to present first documentation of man-made chemical contaminants in the amniotic fluid of unborn babies

A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has detected and measured contaminants from certain pesticides and industrial chemicals in the amniotic fluid of unborn babies. DDE levels were found in 30% of the population, ranging from 0.1 to 0.63 nanograms per milliliter, which is comparable to natural hormone levels.

Magnetic Fluids More Complex Than Previously Thought

Researchers at Stanford University used optical tweezers to study the microscopic properties of magnetorheological fluids, finding that they behave in unexpected ways. The materials can form long chains and exhibit lateral aggregation, leading to a greater-than-expected range of behavior with varying magnetic field strengths.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 1999

Aircraft De-Icers Hold A Hidden Hazard

Researchers found high concentrations of tolyltriazoles in groundwater under an airport, causing toxicity to bacteria and aquatic life. Current regulations only monitor glycol levels, ignoring major sources of toxicity.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJan 6, 1999

You Could Eat Your Dinner Off That...

A study by Pat Rusin and her colleagues at the University of Arizona found that toilet seats were consistently cleaner than kitchen surfaces, including sinks, tap handles, and chopping boards. The researchers believe this is due to the dry environment of toilet seats, which are less conducive to bacterial growth.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 10, 1998