Science News for January 23, 2000

Study: Commercial disinfectants effective, natural products less so

Researchers tested commercial household disinfectants against various disease-causing organisms and found them highly effective. Natural products such as vinegar and baking soda were less successful in killing microbes, raising questions about their use for disinfection.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 23, 2000

Celiac disease not as uncommon as once thought, say researchers at Wake Forest

A recent study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reveals that celiac disease is not as rare in the United States as previously believed. The condition affects an estimated 1 in 150-200 people in Europe and can be asymptomatic for many years, then trigger symptoms with exposure to gluten.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 23, 2000

UF research suggests widely used models may under predict pollution

A University of Florida professor's research indicates that complex computer models may underestimate pollution levels by up to 30% due to the effects of tiny particles on smog-forming gases. The study, set to appear in a leading international journal, suggests improvements are needed to air quality models.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJan 23, 2000