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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 166


Page 166 of 277

Logan receives water award

Dr. Bruce Logan has developed energy-sustainable water infrastructure that can be used in both industrialized and developing nations. His microbial fuel cells produce clean water and energy, making it a game-changer for powering water infrastructure in developing countries.

Anemia associated with greater risk of death in heart disease patients

A new study found that anemia in chronic heart failure patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and poorer left ventricular function. Researchers analyzed data from 97,699 patients and concluded that optimal treatment of anemia may reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCongestive Heart Failure·DateMay 28, 2009

Scientists demonstrate all-fiber quantum logic

Researchers at the University of Bristol have successfully implemented a high-fidelity fibre controlled-NOT gate using single photons in optical fibres. This achievement paves the way for more sophisticated quantum networks with increased range and potential applications in computing, communication, and advanced measurement.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review A·DateMay 28, 2009

How many scientists fabricate and falsify research?

A meta-analysis of surveys suggests that altering or making up data is more frequent than previously estimated, particularly in medical research. Up to 14% of respondents knew someone who had fabricated or falsified data, and up to 72% knew someone who had committed other questionable practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2009

New treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C

A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin is effective for some people with chronic hepatitis C, particularly those with lower fibrosis scores. Nearly half of all HCV patients do not respond to standard therapy, and this treatment shows promise as an alternative.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMay 28, 2009

Intestinal bacteria associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Research reveals a strong association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and both increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The study suggests that these factors contribute to the severity of steatosis, but not to more severe liver diseases like steatohepatitis or fibrosis.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMay 28, 2009

Nontoxic hull coating resists barnacles, may save ship owners millions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a non-toxic coating that resists barnacle buildup for up to 18 months, saving ship owners millions in cleaning and fuel costs. The unique wrinkled topography of the coating prevents barnacles from latching on, a finding that could significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 28, 2009

All the carbon counts

A new study suggests that including land use changes in greenhouse gas control strategies can lead to lower costs and preserved forests. The study found that valuing terrestrial carbon emissions can reduce the cost of reducing global emissions by half compared to only taxing industrial and fossil fuel emissions.

Blacks more likely to opt for life-sustaining measures at end of life

According to a University of Pittsburgh study, African-American seniors are two times more likely than whites to prefer life-prolonging treatments when faced with a terminal illness. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed preferred not to die in a hospital or receive life-sustaining measures at the end of life.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2009

UK's appalling failure to tackle HIV

The UK's HIV strategy is being heavily criticized due to its inadequate approach to testing and diagnosis. An estimated 77,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with 21,000 unaware of their positive status. A third of those diagnosed late could have benefited from treatment if identified earlier.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 28, 2009

Evidence of macroscopic quantum tunneling detected in nanowires

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated macroscopic quantum tunneling in ultrathin superconducting nanowires. They observed a process called quantum phase slip, where packs of electrons tunnel together from higher to lower current states. This finding provides evidence that quantum mechanics governs large s...

People with parents who fight are more likely to have mental health problems in later life

Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reveals that adults who witnessed interparental violence as children are more likely to experience depression, intimate partner violence, and alcohol dependence. The study highlights the importance of early prevention and screening for domestic violence.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 27, 2009

Yale study: Most polluted ecosystems recoverable

A Yale analysis of 240 studies found that forest ecosystems recover in 42 years, ocean bottoms in less than 10 years, and those affected by human-induced disturbances recover faster than natural events. The study suggests that restoration can become a key tool for conservation organizations to protect habitats.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2009