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Science News for July 30, 2003


Hygiene is most potent force in tackling deadly diseases

A study by James Lloyd-Smith and colleagues found that hospital-wide infection controls are crucial in preventing disease transmission. The research highlights the importance of general infection control measures over specific precautions for known cases, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateJul 30, 2003

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for August 2003 (first issue)

Recent studies highlight the importance of addressing weight concerns without stigmatizing obese patients. The American Thoracic Society Journal reports on innovative approaches to weight loss treatment and sheds light on previously unexplored phenomena such as chimerism in human lung tissue after stem cell transplantation.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 30, 2003

NASA scientist discovers new species of organism in Mars-like environment

A NASA scientist has discovered a new species of organism that thrives in a salty, alkaline environment without oxygen. The Spirochaeta americana microorganism can survive in conditions inhospitable to humans and is of great interest to astrobiologists studying the possibility of life on Mars.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center News Center·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJul 30, 2003

Physics tip sheet #36 - July 30, 2003

Researchers at UCLA created a 30-cm diameter plasma laser by applying a nonuniform magnetic field. Meanwhile, scientists have made rapid advances in detecting dark matter using weak gravitational lensing experiments. A paper also examines the emerging behavior of complex systems in electronic bidding on online auction sites like eBay.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 30, 2003