Scientists made significant progress towards controlling human stem cells, which showed promise for treating a range of diseases. Adult stem cells also demonstrated the ability to shed their old identities and adopt new ones, opening up possibilities for important therapies.
The UCSF Department of Psychiatry is using a $7.9 million grant to study creative ways to treat complex, substance-abusing patients in community settings. The research will focus on four areas, including computer-based interventions for smokers and HIV-positive heroin addicts.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. It will address patient, healthcare provider, and societal expectations, as well as legal, ethical, and economic barriers to implant retrieval and reporting.
A survey of 2,000 US and UK HR professionals found that organizations have made progress in accommodating employees with disabilities. Training and flexible policies are common, but challenges remain, including negative attitudes and inadequate record-keeping.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center are conducting a clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of fenretinide, a vitamin A-related medicine, in preventing ovarian cancer. Women with high-risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer will take part in this study to examine the molecular effects of fenretinide on ovarian tissue.
Researchers found that patients who undergo aggressive treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may have lower long-term medical expenses compared to those who only take medication. After two years, costs for medical strategies increased twice that observed for revascularization.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has awarded the most highly endowed German promotion prize to 14 scientists and scholars. The prize-winners, chosen from over 100 nominations, will receive funding of up to €3 million to support their research.
The Monitoring the Future study found that overall illicit drug use among American teens remained steady in 1999, with only modest changes in various drug categories. Inhalant use continued its gradual decline, while crack cocaine use decreased significantly among younger teens. Conversely, MDMA use increased among older teens.
Researchers found a consistent pattern of viral evolution in individuals who later progressed to full-blown AIDS, allowing for preclinical stage recognition. This prediction may help target therapies to prevent or slow disease progression.
US teen smoking rates have declined gradually from their peak in the late 1990s, with a notable decrease among college-bound eighth- and 10th-graders. However, non-college bound students have shown little improvement, and social class differences in smoking rates are re-emerging.