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Science News for February 10, 2004


Alcohol abuse history could pose problems for HIV patients

Researchers found that HIV-positive patients with a history of alcohol abuse showed statistically significant impairments in verbal IQ, verbal reasoning, and reaction time compared to those without a history of alcohol dependence. Even after stopping alcohol use, these patients remained at risk for cognitive impairment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2004

Chemistry puts new sparkle in diamonds

Companies like Gemesis and Apollo Diamond are creating lab-grown diamonds over a carat in size that match mined counterparts in terms of chemical and physical properties. Additionally, colored diamonds can be created by introducing controlled elemental impurities, such as nitrogen for yellow stones or boron for blue gems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 10, 2004

Comets spread Earth-life around galaxy, say scientists

Researchers from Cardiff University suggest that a large comet impact could throw material containing micro-organisms out of the planet's atmosphere, infecting hundreds of millions of nascent planetary systems. This viable bacterial outflow would survive heat and radiation, ultimately spreading Earth-life across the galaxy.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 10, 2004

It's a stirring tale of bacteria

Researchers observed Bacillus subtilis bacteria moving through fluid in a coordinated pattern, creating swirls and jets that stir the fluid and may aid bacterial detection. The 'self-concentration' phenomenon has potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in mixing minute quantities of solutions.

Patients give nod to kidney dialysis at home

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients on peritoneal dialysis rate their care as excellent, citing independence, access to staff, and quality of treatment. In contrast, hemodialysis patients report lower satisfaction rates, with many citing inadequate information and economic factors as barriers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 10, 2004

Innovation attracts new research funding

The Roche Organ Transplantation Research Foundation has awarded 11 new grants totaling 2 million Swiss francs, focusing on the understanding of rejection responses and inflammation. The grants aim to improve long-term organ survival and help more people with solid organ transplants live longer and healthier lives.