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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 146


Page 146 of 165

Biochemical marker aids prognosis in liver transplant patients

Researchers found that adding serum sodium to the MELD score significantly increases its accuracy in predicting short-term mortality among liver transplant patients with advanced cirrhosis. The study showed that hyponatremia was a more accurate marker of poor outcome than serum creatinine.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 18, 2005

Linguistic research moving in new direction

A new strand of research applies the principle of self-organization to linguistics, suggesting that languages follow a pattern of tendencies rather than universal grammar. The study involves computer simulations where computers develop a common vocabulary and recognize sounds, eventually creating homophones in context.

Were bigger brains really smarter?

Neurobiologist William H. Calvin argues that bigger brain size didn't lead to general intelligence improvements in human evolution. However, after a significant burst of creativity around 75,000 years ago, humans made rapid advancements in complex tasks like art and language.

Women in science: Better in Britain?

A recent survey of UK scientists suggests a link between success and encouragement, with women performing better than men in some areas. The UK is working to improve these numbers through initiatives like the Athena Project, which aims to promote women's careers in science, engineering, and technology.

New study highlights universality of public views toward science and technology

A recent meta-analysis of 200 surveys found little cross-cultural variation in public perception of science, highlighting the need for coherent theories to explain public attitudes. The study also explored differences in how diverse cultures regard science, with Americans showing a lack of understanding and acceptance of new technologies.

Robots walk with close-to-human efficiency

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues have built robots that mimic the human gait, consuming energy comparable to a human walker. The robots use simple control programs, suggesting that steady-state human walking might require only simple control as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2005

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers uncover how alpha-defensin-1 inhibits HIV infection in CD4+ T cells and how lubricin protects cartilage surfaces. These findings provide insights into innate immunity against HIV and may lead to the development of defensin-like drugs for prevention and treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2005

Mechanical tension helps shape lung development

Research by Ingber and colleagues found that manipulating mechanical force in developing mouse lungs can slow down or speed up growth, which could lead to novel treatments for lung conditions. This study sheds light on the importance of mechanobiology in understanding normal lung development and potential intervention pathways.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Dynamics·DateFeb 17, 2005

Defensins ward off HIV in two ways

Researchers found that alpha-defensin-1 directly inactivates HIV when serum levels are low, while also acting on vulnerable cells to block infection. The study provides a basis for developing defensin-like drugs to prevent and treat HIV.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 17, 2005

Small is different

Computer simulations have revealed that gold is an effective catalyst when it's in clusters of eight to two dozen atoms, and electrical charging plays a crucial role. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for exploring environmental effects on catalysis.