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Science News Archive 2000 - Page 7


Page 7 of 66

Butterfly ballots confusing and biasing say researchers

A study by Canadian and Penn State researchers found that butterfly ballots are more confusing than single-column ballots, potentially leading to errors in voting. The team tested the ballots with students and adults, finding that those using butterfly ballots rated them as more confusing and made systematic errors in voting.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2000

Weeding out better wines

A comprehensive study on organic weed control in vineyards will be conducted to produce valuable information on controlling weeds without using chemicals. The project aims to provide alternatives for Australian wine producers to maintain their clean reputation and avoid contamination scares.

Function follows form in developing myocytes

Researchers discover that mechanical deformation, such as stretching, can induce the expression of smooth muscle cell proteins and is crucial for normal lung development. This pathway may be disrupted in fetuses with oligohydramnion, leading to hypoplastic lungs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2000

Recombinant yeast as an antifungal vaccine

Researchers have developed a recombinant yeast antifungal vaccine that protects mice from infection with blastomycosis, a deadly yeast infection of the lung. The vaccine uses a live attenuated strain of Blastomyces dermatitidis to stimulate an immune response against the pathogen.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2000

Insects caught in a nutrient-poor food web

A study published in Nature found that plant-eating insects have diets so poor in nutrients they impair growth, unlike aquatic animals which thrive on nutrient-rich foods. The researchers analyzed the chemical composition of plants and animals to determine how different environments affect food webs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2000

UCSF analysis suggests strengthening conflict of interest policies governing clinical trials at nation's major medical research centers

A UCSF study analyzed conflict of interest policies at top US medical schools, finding 'loopholes' in disclosure and conflict management. The researchers suggest prohibiting investigators from holding stock or decision-making positions in companies that may be affected by the trial.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2000

Finding a market for 'ecosystem services'

A group of scientists, lawyers, conservationists, economists, and policymakers came together at Stanford to discuss novel ways to market ecosystem services. The workshop aimed to protect the ecosystem by putting an economic value on its less tangible services, such as water purification and flood control.

University of Pittsburgh reports best gene delivery to date of protein missing in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have engineered a novel gene therapy to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakening and death. The mini-gene AAV vector effectively delivers functional dystrophin protein, correcting muscle dysfunction and degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2000

Fogarty International Center announces new awards under International Training And Research In Population And Health Program

The Fogarty International Center has awarded $9 million to U.S. universities to support international training and research in population-related sciences, focusing on reproductive processes, contraceptive development, and demographic studies. This funding will help address global population growth trends and health disparities in deve...

HIV drug leaves key part of immune system vulnerable

Researchers at Ohio State University found that a commonly used HIV drug, AZT, does not prevent virus-related damage to the thymus in young cats infected with FIV. The study suggests that antiviral therapy may need to be combined with other treatments to restore thymic function and protect against immune system problems.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 27, 2000

Oral contraceptive use does not affect bone mass

A long-term study of 62 white female participants aged 12-20 found that oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use did not impact their peak bone mass or hip bone mineral density, contrary to theoretical concerns. The findings are significant as they address the needs of young women who are concerned about body changes during adolescence.

SourcePenn State·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateNov 27, 2000

Are we breeding a culture of obesity?

The number of obese Canadian children has surpassed double since 1981, according to a study. The poor dietary habits learned in childhood come home to roost later in life, and physical inactivity is a major contributor to healthcare costs, with reducing it by just 10% potentially saving $150 million annually.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 26, 2000

Zinc supplementation reduces duration of diarrheal episodes in infants in developing countries

A pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials found that zinc supplementation reduced the duration of diarrheal episodes in infants in developing countries by 16% overall. The study also showed a significant reduction in treatment failure or death rates, particularly among malnourished male children.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 23, 2000

Household exposure to passive smoke depletes some vitamins in non-smokers

A study found that household exposure to passive smoke is associated with lower serum concentrations of carotenoids and other micronutrients in non-smokers. This depletion may be due to cigarette smoke exposure, rather than shared inadequate diets, suggesting a possible causal link between passive smoking and nutrient deficiencies.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 23, 2000