Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2000 - Page 42


Page 42 of 66

85 percent of depressed patients improve when treated with both medication and psychotherapy, study finds

A national study found that 85% of chronically depressed patients improved after three months of treatment combining antidepressant Serzone with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The combination therapy was more effective than either medication or psychotherapy alone for treating chronic depression.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2000

Research sheds new light on soot damage to artwork

Researchers found that over 12% of a sample must be covered in soot for people to accurately detect the difference between clean and dirty sheets. The study provides guidelines for determining when to clean and protect fine art from soot damage, helping museum designers preserve valuable collections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 17, 2000

Penn researchers join forces in a nationwide study to explore the genetics or recurrent early-onset depression, bipolar disorder & schizophrenia

Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to identify genes that predispose individuals to major mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The study aims to develop better treatments and tailored medications for these disorders, which often run in families.

Link found between AIDS medications and diabetes

Researchers link HIV-protease inhibitors to increased diabetes risk due to impaired glucose storage, prompting reevaluation of screening methods and development of new treatments. Up to 83% of patients on the drugs develop excess belly fat and type 2 diabetes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2000

Increasing carbon dioxide threatens coral reefs

Research suggests that rising CO2 levels may cause a 40% reduction in coral reef growth over the next 65 years. The team found no evidence of acclimation to reduced carbonate levels, highlighting the negative impact on coral reefs. This finding has significant implications for the increasing vulnerability of many reefs to other stressors.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMay 15, 2000

Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, May 16, 2000

Two studies in Annals of Internal Medicine explore cost-effectiveness of statins on specific populations. Statin therapy was found to be reasonably cost-effective for patients aged 75-84 years old with a history of heart attack, increasing life expectancy by four months while costing $18,800 per quality-adjusted life year. Cost-effecti...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2000

Sequencers take a bird in hand

Researchers sequenced a region of the house finch genome, showing similarities to mammalian genomes in structure. The study found that birds' compact genomes favor metabolic demands related to flight, supporting shared basic genome structure with mammals.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000

Recreational use of cocaine promotes blood clots

A recent study published in Heart journal has found that recreational cocaine use promotes the formation of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. The research, which monitored 14 young adults after they received a dose of cocaine, showed that even occasional use can have significant effects on cardiovascular health.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalHeart·DateMay 14, 2000

Scientists find evidence for black hole in nearby galaxy

Astronomers have found evidence of a supermassive black hole similar to the one in our Milky Way in a nearby galaxy. The discovery was made using spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope and reveals details about the object's mass that could help scientists understand how these celestial phenomena are formed.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 14, 2000

Mutations identified in gene causing blindness, early heart attacks

Molecular geneticists have characterized gene mutations in families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare inherited disorder that can lead to blindness, early heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection, prenatal testing, and improved diagnosis of the condition.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000

Chemical discovered that causes plant tumors

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of chemicals called 'bruchins' that signal a plant to form a benign tumor, helping prevent insect infestation. The unusual chemical can induce tumor formation even at low levels, with precise effects on the plant.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2000

Safety education program seems to have little effect

A recent study found that a half-day safety program for kindergarten students showed minimal improvement in basic safety skills. The research compared two groups of children, one that participated in the program and another that did not, but found no significant difference in their scores. This suggests that many safety programs, like ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 14, 2000

Images of evolution

Researchers have used new methods to track the evolution of human chromosomes over a 130 million-year period, finding that one chromosome is shared only with chimpanzees. By examining analogous chromosomes in other mammals, scientists can reconstruct how human chromosomes evolved from ancient origins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 14, 2000