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News Tip

 


April 25, 1997

For more information on these science news and feature story tips, please contact the public information officer at the end of each item at (703) 292-8070. Editor: Bill Noxon

Contents of this Tipsheet:

CLONING DISCOVERY REQUIRES DEBATE, SAYS LANE

The new-found capability to clone a mature sheep demands extensive public discussion and debate, according to NSF Director Neal Lane. However, that debate may not be possible given the current level of science literacy, he said.

Speaking at a National Press Club luncheon April 22, Lane used the recent scientific breakthrough as a vehicle to highlight the need for increased public knowledge of -- and involvement in -- science issues. He also repeated his call to scientists and engineers to become more involved with their communities.

"The American public does not have good grounding for the imminent debate about cloning," said Lane. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers lack grounding in conversing with the public about science and its implications, he added. "As a civilization, we cannot afford for this situation to continue."

Lane downplayed concerns that the public may not be able to understand the complexities of science and technology. "I am not convinced that science and technological literacy, or the ability to make judgments about science and technology, depends on specific detailed knowledge. What is needed is the ability to probe, to question, to grasp concepts and to develop some confidence in the consensus that forms."

Acknowledging the controversy surrounding potential uses of the new cloning ability, Lane nonetheless called for a full discussion of the possibilities. "Let us not be naysayers about new knowledge, nor timid about technology. Stopping that process (of civilization) is not an option, but we must direct it, as best we can, always toward beneficial ends." [Mary Hanson] For the full speech text, see: http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/forum/lane/nl497npc.htm

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CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE CENTER FUNDING RENEWED, INCREASING PROTECTION OF LIVES, PROPERTY

A region that's the site of intense, continuing earthquake activity, and is also home to some 15 million people, needs all the scientific assistance it can get. Toward that end, the National Science Foundation has renewed funding for the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) through the year 2002. Headquartered at the University of Southern California, SCEC is an NSF Science and Technology Center that coordinates research on seismic hazards in the 25,000-square-mile area between the Tehachapi Mountains and the Mexican border, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Colorado River.

The center focuses on collecting data and developing scientific methods that can be used to protect life and property against earthquakes in this seismically active region, says Tom Henyey, director of SCEC.

Under the terms of the agreement, SCEC will receive approximately $3 million in funding per year for five years, through 2002. "Our goal is to identify those areas in southern California that are particularly susceptible to earthquake damage," says David Jackson, science director of SCEC. "We will provide the scientific basis for earthquake hazard estimates."

SCEC's primary objective is to develop a "master model" of future earthquake occurrences and ground-shaking in southern California by gathering, evaluating, and integrating earth science data from a wide variety of sources. Says Henyey, "We want to be able to provide improved forecasts of the earthquake hazard facing our study area over the next few decades." [Cheryl Dybas]

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SEAL STUDIES YIELD GREAT LIP SERVICE

The next time you start your car, gaze up at a streaking jet or use any machine that works with hydraulics, purse your lips. That's more or less the action of seals that hold fluid in engine crankshafts, transmissions, wheel assemblies, axle pinions and power steering systems to keep parts lubricated and moving for smooth, reliable operation.

Almost every machine and appliance with fluid and a rotating shaft contains a "lip" seal that looks and works just as it sounds.

Richard Salant, a mechanical engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology, is working to develop better tools to analyze and redesign these vital seals for more reliable, durable performance. He has created mathematical models to analyze air pockets that pepper the complex microlandscape of lubricating films on the surface of seals, and can calculate the maximum pressure a seal can contain.

Jorn Larsen-Basse, who directs NSF's Surface Engineering & Tribology Program, says Salant's research has led to seals which have greatly helped reduce the environmental hazard of leaking oil from cars and machinery. Winner of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' 1996 Henry R. Worthington Medal for his accomplishments and their potential benefits to industry, Salant credits two NSF grants which enabled him to perform much of the work that won the medal. [George Chartier]

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