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Science News Archive February 2004 - Page 8


Page 8 of 11

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.

Making of mouse marks move toward 'mitochondrial medicine'

Researchers have successfully created a new kind of mouse by replacing its genetic material with that from another species, paving the way for studies on mitochondrial medicine. The goal is to improve treatment options for people with currently untreatable diseases, such as infertility, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2004

Race may be a factor in treatment of rectal cancer patients

A recent study found racial disparities in the delivery of care to black and white rectal cancer patients. Black patients were diagnosed at a younger age and had more advanced disease, leading to differences in treatment outcomes. The study suggests that improved access to state-of-the-art surgical care for minority patients with recta...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2004

Death rates for certain complex surgeries lower at teaching hospitals

A study found that teaching hospitals have lower operative mortality rates for pancreatic, hepatic, and esophageal resections. Higher volume at teaching hospitals is a contributing factor to these differences in outcomes. The findings suggest that hospital structure and process variables play a role in variation in surgical outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2004

U.S. push for diesel poses risk to public health, scientists say

Scientists say that replacing gasoline-fueled vehicles with cleaner diesel technology could lead to a significant increase in surface ozone levels, particularly in the Southeast. The study found that pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons also increased, highlighting the need for more effective pollution control measures.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2004

Breast cancer vaccine study

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a telomerase peptide-based vaccine against breast cancer. The study aims to stimulate an immune response that can target and kill cancer cells, with the goal of improving patient health.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 9, 2004