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Science News for April 5, 2004


Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2004

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateApr 5, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateApr 5, 2004

UCSD study cites lack of vigorous exercise as primary factor in adolescent obesity

A UCSD study found that adolescents who engaged in less vigorous physical activity were more likely to be overweight or at risk for obesity. The researchers also discovered that fiber intake was closely linked to weight, with normal-weight teens consuming more fibrous foods like whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004