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Science News Archive June 2003 - Page 7


Page 7 of 10

Data will not go to waste

Researchers at Cardiff University are launching a survey to gather detailed data on commercial and industrial waste arisings in Wales. The survey will question 2,400 businesses across the country, providing valuable insights into waste generation and management practices.

An eye for scent marks

Research suggests that rodents' UV vision helps them detect fresh urine marks, improving localization and social organization. This adaptation may have driven the retention of UV vision in these animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 10, 2003

Study shows restricted activities predict decline; UNC physician urges acceptance of the inevitable

A study by Yale University found that older adults' disability scores worsen by 11.2% for every month of curtailed activity. The association between restricted activity and functional decline differs significantly in risk groups, with adjusted disability scores increasing by 18.7% and 7.5% for low- and intermediate-risk groups, respect...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2003

Tooth, heal thyself

Researchers at NIST have invented composites that can promote re-growth of natural tooth structures efficiently. These bioactive, biocompatible materials can be used to stimulate the repair of defective teeth, minimizing decay under orthodontic braces and potentially in root canal therapy.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPublic Administration Journal of Research·DateJun 10, 2003

Ultra-cold substance shows stripes -- behavior explained

Researchers have developed a method to control the behavior of ultra-cold substances, which could lead to significant advancements in quantum computing and precise time measurements. By manipulating the material's density and vortex patterns, scientists can create unique flow patterns that defy traditional solid or liquid states.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJun 10, 2003

U-M study: Physicians perceive health care cost savings line pockets of insurance companies

A study found that physicians prioritize profits over patient benefits when considering cost savings. More than half of responding physicians believed money saved would go to insurance executives rather than patients or improved services. The study highlights the disconnect between doctor perceptions and long-term societal benefits.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 10, 2003

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