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Science News Archive October 1998 - Page 4


Page 4 of 4

Women's Health Writer's Forum

The Women's Health Writers Forum will discuss the power of media on the health of menopausal women, including their knowledge of health, treatment options, and disease risk factors. The event aims to find answers to important questions about the impact of media coverage on women's health.

Surgical Experience Improves Thyroidectomy Outcome

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that surgical experience is a crucial factor in achieving better clinical outcomes for patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The results showed that surgeons performing the most thyroid operations had lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and lower average hospital charges. This study...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateOct 7, 1998

Jefferson Scientists Suppress Tumor Growth In Animals, Aiming At Gene Therapy

Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have demonstrated that a normally protective anticancer gene can block tumors from growing. Led by Dr. Antonio Giordano, they found that the damaged version of the gene, pRb2/p130, suppresses tumor growth in animal models, paving the way for gene therapy to treat lung cancer and other cancers.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 1998

Diagnosing Depression In Primary Care

A new study suggests that depression is a fluid disease requiring tracking over time for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that physicians more frequently detected depression when they knew their patients well, but struggled to distinguish it from minimal impairment.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalArchives of Family Medicine·DateOct 6, 1998

Controlled Cell Death

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have identified Apaf1 as a key component of apoptosis, a process crucial for embryonal development and preventing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The study sheds light on the gene's role in programmed cell death, with potential applications for medical research and treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateOct 5, 1998

Surrogate Mothers Feel Some Degree Of Disappointment

A University of Michigan study reveals that surrogate mothers express some degree of disappointment about their roles, with those who have satisfied relationships with adoptive parents experiencing better outcomes. The quality of the relationship post-birth significantly impacts long-term satisfaction and regret among surrogate mothers.

Plastics For Cars

Researchers have developed a new 'self-strengthening' plastic that can be used to make car body panels. The process uses threads of polypropylene to create a rigid sheet with strength similar to composite materials.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 1, 1998

Getting The Low-Down On Surfaces

Scientists can now examine a material's surface using specially constructed probes, identifying contaminants and component parts. The probes also measure thermal properties, conductivity, and topography to provide insights into material behavior.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 1, 1998

Perfect Powders For Improved Implants

The new Plasma Atomisation Technology (PAT) process creates spherical titanium powders for coatings on implants, encouraging natural bone growth. The technique also allows for thin films and intricate components in pacemakers, resulting in high-quality products with reduced contaminants.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 1, 1998

Mechanism Of Protein Folding Unraveled, With Eventual Implications For Treating Diseases Caused By Folding Errors

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that proteins fold through a series of pre-determined, intermediate arrangements. This process allows proteins to correct mistakes quickly and prevent aggregation, which is crucial in fighting diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 1, 1998

Genetic Link Shows Children With Allergies Have Greater Tendency To Have Behavior Problems Than Children With No Allergies

A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 1998