Word: gradualism
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...familiar to many meteorologists. To some, it makes the drought that is crippling the nation's midsection seem an ominous harbinger of things to come. Because of the greenhouse effect, a process by which natural and man-made gases trap solar heat in the earth's atmosphere, the gradual warming of the globe is inevitable, in the view of many scientists. But until now, most had cautiously avoided definitive statements about precisely when such an effect might take place...
Whether the greenhouse effect has arrived or not, some scientists calculate that global temperatures could increase between 3 degrees and 9 degrees F by the year 2050. If that happens, even hotter, dryer summers are on the way, probably accompanied by a gradual melting of polar ice caps and glaciers that will cause sea levels to rise several feet by mid-century. By then it is probable that more CO2 production, from sources as diverse as industry and rampant deforestation, will play an increasingly important role in heating up the earth. Even Hansen's scientific critics hope his testimony, however...
Another autoimmune disease, myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder that afflicts 15,000 Americans, is caused by antibodies that attack vital links in the nervous system, and leads to gradual loss of muscular control. Initial studies suggest that small doses of cyclosporine may be effective in blunting the symptoms of the disease. Some researchers, however, are searching for a more selective remedy that involves mass-producing antibodies that are specific to one antigen. These so-called monoclonal antibodies are designed to immobilize only those B cells that produce the antibodies responsible for the disease...
...beyond vanity. Tracey Mandell, 17, of Los Angeles, went to a salon for 30 minutes a day for two weeks before a Palm Springs vacation. Like many others, she is convinced that a parlor "base tan" effectively protects against sunburn. Some researchers agree, as long as the tanning is gradual. But many others contend it is a "myth" that a UVA base tan can provide protection. Dermatologist Gary Peck of the National Cancer Institute predicts that today's tanners will pay the price tomorrow. At the very least, they are the ones who will be slathering on anti-aging cream...
...emphasis on character rather than policy has been a gradual change. In an age when Presidents are elected more for their personalities than their platforms, books detailing the intricacies and foibles of character are the natural result...