Mar 21 1970
From The Space Library
Theory that helped to explain source of uncontrolled malignant growth and indicated short cuts to development of chemical countermeasures against cancer was described by LaRC biophysicist Clarence D. Cone, Jr., at 12th Annual Science Writers Seminar of American Cancer Society in San Antonio, Tex. Theory proposed that division of body cells was controlled precisely by pattern of ion concentrations on surface tissue of cells. Pattern was formed by electrical voltage that normally existed across cellular surfaces and varied from one part of body to another. Theory provided explanation of functional connection between two major pathological features of cancer-uncontrolled growth of cells and spread of disease in body-and implied that basic functional aberrancy producing both conditions lay in alteration of molecular structure of cell surface. Theory proposed central mechanism for control of body cell division, which, if proved valid, would provide new basis for research progress on key biomedical problems, such as human conception, birth defects, growth, aging, and cancer. (Text; NASA Release 70-43)
Laser weapons were likely to enter U.S. armory within five years, Manchester Guardian said. Since defense expenditure on lasers began in 1959, U.S. had become prime research agency and had al located $8.4 million for high-energy laser research in 1971. U.S. plans were reported as including "possibility of destroying low flying missiles, the disabling and destruction of aircraft, probably through ignition of fuel, and the disabling of fuse mechanisms and of infra-red homing or detection devices." (Manchester Guardian, 3/21/70)
U.S.S.R. began series of carrier rocket tests in the Pacific about 725 km (450 mi) north northeast of Midway Island and warned ships and aircraft to stay away from area with 177-km (110-mi) diameter until completion of tests April 10. (AP, NYT, 3/22/70, 7)
March 21-26: IEEE held annual meeting in New York. Successful use of laser beams to transmit long-distance telephone calls was described by Prof. Raphael A. Kazaryan of Armenian Academy of Sciences. He said 24-km (15-mi), 24-channel telephone link-up in Soviet Armenia was world's first "operational" application of lasers in telephoning. System had been in service between Yerevan, capital of Armenia, and Burakan Astrophysical Observatory since July 1969. Another six-mile system was being tested in Moscow. In interview Prof. Kazaryan said system, using helium-neon laser, had been 80 percent reliable during most difficult transmission times when reflected sunlight interfered with communications light beam. More powerful laser, using carbon dioxide to generate beam, would be employed soon to improve system. (Wilford, NYT, 3/29/70, 53)
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