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Science News for August 27, 2002


Mayo Clinic discovers one more downside to alcoholism

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with alcoholic-liver disease are at a higher risk of developing confusion and delirium after liver transplant surgery. The study, which included 87 patients, revealed that the length of sobriety before surgery is directly correlated to the severity of these complications.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateAug 27, 2002

Copper-oxide plane at surface of superconductor has surprising properties

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found several new pieces to the puzzle of high-temperature superconductors by imaging the copper-oxide plane. They discovered that the surface behavior is different from when buried inside the crystal, offering additional insight into high-temperature superconductors.

Islet cell transplantation for diabetes turns corner

A new study demonstrates that pig cells can be transplanted into children with type 1 diabetes without the need for immunosuppressive drugs, resulting in some patients being off insulin. The use of embryonic stem cells and novel preservation methods also holds promise for increasing the availability of viable cells for transplantation.

SourceTransplantation Society·JournalTransplantation·DateAug 27, 2002

Climate and cholera: An increasingly important link

A new study reveals that climate change has strengthened the connection between El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and cholera cycles, leading to increased disease outbreaks in warmer years. The researchers found that ENSO events trigger cholera increases after warm events and decreases after cold events.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2002