Colliding Galaxies Trigger Stellar Births, Astronomers Say
Researchers used computer simulations and high-resolution observations to understand how stars form when galaxies collide. Clumping in gas on a large scale triggers bursts of star formation.
Science News for February 6, 1998
Bench-Mark Project Finds Wide Variance In Levels Of Care For Acute Ischemic Stroke Among Academic Medical Centers
The study found significant variations in stroke diagnostic tests, therapies, and patient outcomes among academic medical centers. Researchers aim to devise constructive ways to improve and standardize medical care by exploring the association between practices and desired outcomes.
Stroke Incidence Significantly Higher Than Previously Estimated
A new study recalculates stroke incidence in the US, estimating approximately 731,100 first and recurrent strokes annually. The study found a 200,000-stroke increase over previous estimates, with higher rates among African Americans.
Study Finds Gene Is Associated With Higher Risk Of One Kind of Stroke Among African-Americans
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, e4, is linked to higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), a severe form of stroke, in African Americans. The study also revealed that these strokes occur at an earlier age in African Americans compared to whites.
Trees, Grass Foster Children's Play And Encourage Adults To Supervise
Research finds that areas with trees and grass support creative forms of play and encourage adult supervision, leading to improved child development.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 6, 1998
Corn Rootworm Changing Behavior, Posing New Threat To Crops
Scientists say Western corn rootworms are changing behavior, laying eggs in soybean fields instead of corn, due to crop rotation failure. The beetles' adaptation poses a significant threat to corn crops in the Midwest, potentially costing $100 million per year to control.
Columbia Chemist Develops Fluorescing Sensors; Applications Seen In Medical Diagnostics, Research
Researchers have developed molecular sensors that can detect specific proteins in blood plasma or other biological fluids with high accuracy. The sensors could also be used to construct an environmental detector, giving new insights into cell functioning and promoting medical diagnostics.
Depressed Americans Get Half The Care Canadians Do
A study of 574 Americans and 250 Canadians found that only a small fraction received appropriate depression treatment, with more Canadians receiving mental health services due to comprehensive national coverage. Patient attitudes, such as perception of need for help and fear of cost, also played a significant role in the disparity.
Urban Residents Rebut Argument That Tree Removal Enhances Safety
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that urban residents perceive trees as enhancing safety and desirability in public housing areas. Residents preferred lush green spaces with trees over barren areas, indicating a desire for natural environments that promote feelings of care and investment.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 6, 1998
TSRI Scientists Discover Naturally-Occurring Mechanism Involved In Regulation Of Angiogenesis; New Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Agents Are Suggested
Researchers at TSRI uncover a natural mechanism that regulates angiogenesis, a process involved in cancer growth. A recombinant protein fragment, PEX, is developed to block angiogenesis and tumor growth in an experimental model, offering a potentially novel therapeutic approach.
Technique Gives Researchers New Look At Genetic Activity In Living Cells
Researchers use a non-invasive method to visualize genetic activity in living cells, shedding light on chromosome movements and folding. The technique has provided evidence of chromosomal fibers folding and unfolding during natural events.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateFeb 6, 1998
Moms Know Better Than Dads How Much Parenting Men Actually Do
New research reveals that dads tend to exaggerate their parental involvement, but moms have a better understanding of their husbands' true efforts. The study found that identity theory doesn't explain men's parenting behaviors, highlighting the need for mechanisms to support communication between partners.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateFeb 6, 1998
Incidence Of Stroke To Skyrocket Well Into The 21st Century
Researchers predict a significant rise in stroke cases in the US, with 1 million Americans expected to experience their first-ever stroke each year by 2050. This surge is largely attributed to an aging population, which will drive an increase of 167% among men and 140% among women.
Study Finds Incidence Of Stroke Over 40 Percent Higher Than Previously Stated Figures
A study published in Stroke: A Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that at least 731,000 first-ever and recurrent strokes occur each year in the US, which is 40% higher than previously stated figures. The study's findings suggest that stroke affects a more diverse population than previously thought.
Three-Day Treatment Cures Decades-Old Case Of Malaria
A Johns Hopkins physician cured a 74-year-old woman's long-standing malaria case using a novel test developed by his collaborators. The patient had symptoms for up to 70 years, including severe headaches and cyclical fevers.
Survey Finds Acute Stroke Teams Gaining Prevalence
Acute stroke teams are becoming increasingly common, with over half costing $5,000 per year or less. The teams, led by neurologists or neurosurgeons, have been shown to improve the use of hyperacute therapies and treat strokes more effectively.