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Science News for August 18, 1998


Beta-Blockers Underused In Older Patients After Heart Attacks, Major Study Of 45,000 Patients 65 Years Or Older Reveals

A major study of 45,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old or older found that only half received beta-blockers after heart attacks, despite the medication's proven benefit in reducing mortality. This underprescription highlights an opportunity for improvement in caring for elderly patients who are at high risk of another heart attack.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 18, 1998

Scientists Discover How Influenza Virus Becomes More Deadly

Researchers have identified an unusual molecular mechanism that amplifies the disease-causing power of influenza A virus, potentially explaining its lethality in past pandemics. The discovery may lead to better understanding of pathogenesis and identification of new markers for predicting pandemic potential.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 1998