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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 61


Page 61 of 108

UT Southwestern researchers find immune system stages for eliminating viral infections, cancer cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have partially uncovered the stages in the elimination of viral infections and cancer cells by the human immune system. The study found that natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells use different mechanisms to kill target cells, with significant differences in their roles and receptor usage.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2003

NCAR scientists win award for in-flight turbulence prediction

NCAR scientists have developed a new algorithm to predict turbulence using airborne radars, enabling pilots to receive warnings up to 30 seconds in advance. The NCAR Efficient Spectral Processing Algorithm (NESPA) demonstrates an 80% detection rate and low false predictions, showing its feasibility for improving aviation safety.

Powering fuel cells: oxide materials may facilitate small-scale hydrogen production

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an oxide system that can produce hydrogen from water vapor and methane at lower temperatures, potentially allowing it to be powered by solar energy. This could provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional reforming processes for small-scale fuel cells in homes or vehicles.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 9, 2003

9/11 boosted trust in government, temporary distress, research shows

A study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that overall reported sadness returned to pre-incident levels within four to six weeks, while increased trust in national, state and local governments persisted. Young adults between 18 and 26 were more likely to report religious feelings and higher psychological ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 9, 2003

New tool tackles nursing shortage

A new instrument, Decisional Involvement Scale (DIS), assesses the level of involvement registered nurses have in decisions affecting their work environment and patient care. The DIS can help hospitals identify areas for improvement and implement changes to reduce staff turnover and enhance quality of care.

SourcePenn State·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·DateJun 6, 2003

Odyssey thermal data reveals a changing Mars

Researchers have discovered kilometer-wide stretches of bare bedrock, exposing strong environmental forces that scour the surface. The data also reveals common accumulations of loose rock on martian hillsides, indicating recent weathering processes. These findings suggest a dynamic Mars with active geological features.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2003

The more things change, the more marriages stay the same

Despite minimal changes in marital happiness and divorce rates, researchers found a decline in shared activities among couples. Equalitarian marriages have a positive impact on marital quality, while cohabitation before marriage leads to lower marital satisfaction.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJun 5, 2003

Rutgers research takes aim at world hunger

The team has produced a complete and accurate rice genome sequence, which will help improve crop yields and feed the world's population. The achievement is made possible by Rutgers' participation in Reinvest in Rutgers program, funded by the state of New Jersey.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2003

Sepsis could be underestimated in new-born babies

Early-onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) infection affects one in 1000 newborns, but diagnostic tests often yield false-negative results. A new study suggests that active surveillance and alternative diagnostic methods could improve accurate diagnosis and prevention of this potentially deadly disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 5, 2003

Global garden grows greener

A comprehensive NASA study found that climatic changes have led to increased plant growth globally over the last two decades. The research, published in Science magazine, attributes the increases primarily to climate change, with lesser contributions from carbon dioxide fertilization and forest regrowth.