1967 11 03 Science - Vol 158 No 3801 - Heiman

Magazine Overview

Title: SCIENCE
Issue: VOL. 158
Date: October 27, 1967
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SCIENCE features articles on signal averaging technology, the biochemistry of skin and sun exposure, and advancements in chromatography.

What Price Signal Averaging?

The lead article, "What price signal averaging?", examines the cost and capabilities of signal averaging devices, specifically highlighting the Model 7100 Data Retrieval Computer (DRC) from NUCLEAR-CHICAGO CORPORATION. The article questions the expense associated with signal averaging, particularly concerning resolution, versatility, and input sensitivity. It asserts that the Model 7100 DRC offers superior resolution due to its ability to use all 400 data points for signals within 15.6 milliseconds, a minimum dwell-time per data point of more than 39 microseconds. The DRC's versatility is emphasized by its built-in capabilities for interval- and time-histogram analysis, as well as transient-averaging, selectable via a front-panel switch. Furthermore, its input sensitivity of 20 millivolts means it often requires no added pre-amplifiers. The article concludes by positioning the DRC as offering more performance, versatility, and convenience than other comparable signal averagers at its price point, noting that it is available at a new, lower price.

Hypervitaminosis D and Skin Color

A letter to the editor by W. Farnsworth Loomis, from the Graduate Department of Biochemistry at Brandeis University, discusses the potential relationship between hypervitaminosis D and skin pigmentation. Loomis suggests that black skin may offer advantages in tropical regions, unrelated to solar radiation. He notes that severe sunburn is largely a modern phenomenon, linked to vacations and jet travel, whereas it is uncommon among peasants who tan gradually. While direct evidence for hypervitaminosis D in light-skinned people near the equator is currently lacking, Loomis posits reasons for this, including the lack of prior investigation, difficulties in vitamin assay, and the habit of white individuals in the tropics to avoid direct sunlight. He proposes that future confirmation might arise from reports of elevated serum levels of calcium and phosphate, kidney stones, and other symptoms of hypervitaminosis D in white individuals living outdoors in regions like Java, Kenya, and Peru. References are provided to works by F. Daniels, Jr. and H. F. Blum.

UFO's: Ideal Space Inhabitants

Another letter to the editor, from Marcel Heiman of New York, responds to an article on "Physics and metaphysics of unidentified flying objects." Heiman suggests that the public concern over UFOs, which became prominent around 1945, coincides with increased exploration of space. He proposes that man, facing the reality of space exploration, finds it difficult to accept space as uninhabited. This "sophisticated anxiety" of modern man, he argues, may be partly responsible for the idea of populating space with products of intelligent beings.

Thin-layer Gel Filtration with Sephadex SUPERFINE

An advertisement introduces Sephadex Superfine, a new product that combines the benefits of Sephadex gel filtration and thin-layer chromatography. It is presented as a valuable tool for analytical methods, especially when dealing with small sample quantities. Its uses include determining optimal conditions for column experiments, serving as a high-resolution alternative to normal Sephadex in gel filtration columns, and acting as a supporting medium in column electrophoresis and partition chromatography. The advertisement includes a graph correlating molecular weight with migration distance for various proteins using Sephadex Superfine G-100. It details six available types of Sephadex (G-25 to G-200) in the SUPERFINE grade, noting their small particle size (10-40 microns) which allows for thin-layer preparation. Contact information is provided for PHARMACIA FINE CHEMICALS INC. in Piscataway, New Jersey, and Pharmacia (Canada) Ltd. in Montreal, with instructions for international inquiries to Uppsala, Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SCIENCE reflects a broad scientific scope, covering instrumentation and data analysis (signal averaging), biological and anthropological observations (hypervitaminosis D and skin color), and speculative commentary on societal responses to scientific advancement (UFOs and space exploration). The inclusion of technical advertisements for biochemical and chromatographic materials like Sephadex Superfine indicates the journal's role in disseminating information about new scientific tools and methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints through letters to the editor alongside technical articles and advertisements.