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Science News Archive July 2000 - Page 2


Page 2 of 5

Ecstasy use depletes brain’s serotonin levels

A recent study has found that long-term Ecstasy use can lead to a significant decrease in serotonin levels in the brain. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, reveals that Ecstasy users experience a massive release and depletion of serotonin, which can contribute to behavioral problems such as depression.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 24, 2000

Faulty practices threaten condor program

A study warns that captive California condor releases will fail unless changes are made to reduce human contact and lead poisoning. Repeated instances of tameness issues and lead poisoning have resulted in bird deaths, highlighting the need for alternative methods.

SourceIndiana University·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 24, 2000

Minimally invasive procedure offers long-term pain relief for patients with pancreatitis

A new minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has shown promise in providing long-term pain relief for patients with chronic pancreatitis. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins physicians, 62% of patients reported significant improvement in their pain levels after undergoing the procedure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 24, 2000

Job burnout of cancer care workers

A recent study found that approximately one-third of cancer care workers in Ontario are considering leaving their jobs due to job stress and burnout. The research also revealed that 53.3% of physicians, 37.1% of allied health care workers, and 30.5% of support staff have experienced emotional exhaustion related to their work.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 24, 2000

Health of the homeless

A study of homeless people in Toronto shelters found that 72% had difficulties managing their diabetes due to factors like shelter diet and medication logistics. The authors recommend improving care by establishing secure areas for insulin administration and assessing shelter meals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 24, 2000

Study: too much sugar, not enough milk may damage U.S. teens' health

A major new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found a significant decline in milk consumption and a sharp increase in sugar-laden soft drinks among US teenagers between 1965 and 1996. This shift is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including strokes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 23, 2000

Alcohol researchers suggest specific binding site for anesthetics and alcohols

A team of researchers has identified a specific binding site for alcohols and anesthetics on brain proteins, which could lead to new pharmacologic interventions for addiction and substance abuse. This breakthrough finding builds upon previous studies suggesting that alcohols interact with specific protein molecules in the brain.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2000

Low-dose oral contraceptives are as protective against ovarian cancer as are older, high-dose pills, find University of Pittsburgh researchers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that low-dose oral contraceptives offer a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer, similar to high-dose pills. The protection begins soon after use and continues for at least 30 years after stopping.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 23, 2000

Racial differences in body composition require modified skinfold-thickness

A recent study found that most existing skinfold-thickness equations developed from white adults do not accurately measure body fat in adolescent minority populations. Researchers identified a new equation, but further refinement is needed for African American girls and women.

Statement from Dr. Claude Lenfant on discovery of the gene for primary pulmonary hypertension

Researchers have identified a gene associated with inherited primary pulmonary hypertension, providing new avenues of study for determining its molecular basis. The discovery opens up possibilities for designing more effective therapies for this devastating condition, which affects primarily women of childbearing age.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 20, 2000

Depression linked to stroke

A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJul 20, 2000

Do actions speak louder than words? When girls and boys tell aggressive stories, girls are more likely to act out, National Jewish research says

A study of over 5,000 children's stories found that girls with aggressive themes tend to exhibit behavioral problems at home and school. Researchers suggest engaging children in play to help them work through issues, rather than inhibiting it.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2000

Putting a price tag on paradise

A group of ecologists and economists propose a new approach to valuing nature's worth. They suggest assigning an economic price tag to ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification. By doing so, they hope to create financial incentives for protecting these vital resources.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2000

Program that provides family planning services to low income residents helps reduce rate of unintended pregnancies in the state

The California Family PACT program has significantly reduced the number of unintended pregnancies among low-income women in California. The program saved over $512 million in public expenditures by providing comprehensive family planning services to more than 1.5 million clients, including education, counseling, and clinical services.

Kidney transplant proposal reduces wait from 24 to 14 months, improves equity for blacks & women

A proposed kidney transplant system assigns priorities based on efficiency and equity points, reducing median waiting time from 24 to 14 months. The new policy increases the overall likelihood of transplantation from 45% to 61% and improves quality-adjusted life expectancy for African-Americans and women.

Purdue researcher solves sorghum mystery

Researchers have found that a tough protein wall in sorghum seeds slows down digestion, but Hamaker's work identified an uncommon variety with improved digestibility. The study could lead to more nutritious sorghum crops for human consumption and animal feed.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2000

American Thoracic Society news tips for July 2000

Researchers found that workers with occupational asthma are at higher risk for hospitalization due to respiratory disease and asthma. Clinically silent acid reflux was also discovered in asthma patients, with a high prevalence rate suggesting a potential common association between the two conditions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 19, 2000

Beyond the everlasting lightbulb

Gallium nitride is used to produce very bright light emitting diodes and lasers, and very high power transistors that can operate at high temperatures. The technology has potential applications in mobile phone base stations, surgery, and dentistry, promising huge energy savings and CO2 reductions.

Why proteins spiral

Researchers discovered a simple geometric explanation for protein spiral shapes, which could aid in understanding protein functions and structures. The finding uses mathematical ideas to optimize protein shape for maximum 'thickness,' leading to the natural occurrence of helical motifs in proteins.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2000