Chlordane found in foods decades after pesticide use
Chlordane, a persistent organic pollutant, accumulates in the human body and can cause digestive and nervous system disorders; washing food before eating can reduce exposure risk
Science News for May 1, 2000
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Study shows novel agent can prevent transplant reactions and promote immunological tolerance
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have discovered a novel agent that can prevent transplant reactions and promote immunological tolerance. The treatment, using an anti-CD28 antibody, could lead to safer and more effective transplants, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
New vaccine technology achieves dramatic immune response in mice
A new vaccine technology has demonstrated a dramatically enhanced immune response in mice against tumor growth and infection. The PIC vaccine bypasses key steps in the normal chain of events leading to immune response, directly targeting the cellular switch to muster a potent attack on foreign proteins.
Overall percentage of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths declines for children
According to a study published in JAMA, the overall percentage of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths among children has declined from 21.6% in 1991 to 17.8% in 1996. The majority of these fatalities involved minors as passengers, with 79.5% of alcohol-related deaths resulting in child passenger fatalities
ACP-ASIM issues guidelines for precribing antidepressant drugs
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released new guidelines for treating depression with antidepressant drugs. The guidelines highlight the effectiveness of both older and newer medications, as well as the potential risks associated with St. John's wort. Patients should consult their doctor to d...
Tip Sheet May 2, 2000
New antidepressant guidelines suggest both older and newer medications are effective in treating depression. A population-based study found that overweight women are less likely to receive screening for cervical and breast cancer, despite higher mortality rates from these cancers.
Ginkgo may protect brain against stroke damage
A new study suggests that ginkgo extract may help protect the brain against stroke damage by reducing the extent of brain damage caused by free radicals. However, more work is needed to determine the proper dose and ensure its safety for humans at risk for stroke due to potential blood-thinning risks.
Navy conference to facilitate interaction with commercial companies will be held August 9-11 in Washington, DC
The Navy is hosting its first annual Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference to discuss reducing barriers between government and commercial industries. The conference aims to leverage commercial products and technology to maintain advanced capabilities and reduce costs.
MGH study shows protein can repel as well as attract immune cells
Researchers from MGH discover that a protein called SDF-1 not only attracts but also repels T cells at high concentrations. This finding opens up potential new ways to manipulate the immune system for treatment of autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation.
Penn reseachers spearhead project to create a national database model to retrieve and archive digital mammograms
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have developed a prototype of an integrated database that can instantly retrieve and store digital breast images from mammography facilities across the country. The project aims to improve detecting and diagnosing women with breast cancer in a more controlled and cost-effective manner.
Indications for insertion of ear tubes
Canadian Medical Association Journal article highlights lack of consensus among otolaryngologists on indications for ear tube insertion in children. Only 6 of 17 factors and 1 of 4 clinical vignettes were agreed upon, suggesting a need to revisit clinical practice guidelines.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 1, 2000
New chemical instrument uses advanced missile technology
The new system can analyze many samples within seconds, nearly 5,000 times faster than other technology in screening samples of catalysts that react with liquids. It will speed up the analysis of combinatorial chemistry samples and reveal molecular mechanisms involved in gas-solid catalysis.
African American adults at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
According to a study published in JAMA, African American women and men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than their white counterparts. The researchers found that being overweight was a significant factor in the excess risk for African American women, while high blood pressure was a key contributor for African American men.
Work/family spillover can affect health
A new study found that work/family spillover has distinct effects on physical and mental health, with both negative and positive spillover exerting separate impacts. Positive spillover was independently associated with better health, while less negative spillover was linked to improved well-being.
Teens can help design school obesity programs
The study suggests that teenagers' recommendations can inform effective school-based obesity prevention programs, prioritizing fun and interactive activities over weight control. Schools can also create support groups specifically for overweight youth, leveraging their resources to provide low-cost programs.
Falling birth rates in sub-Saharan Africa signal move toward greater economic security
Falling fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa may signal the first steps towards a balanced population, adequate food supplies, and relative economic stability. The region's population is expected to increase from 650 million to 1.5-2 billion by 2050.
More data needed on waits for health care in Canada
A review of Canada's waiting lists reveals a need for better infrastructure and information about management approaches, contradicting frequently offered solutions. The authors conclude that information defects are often misdiagnosed as financial shortages, leading to forced decision-making.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 1, 2000
Youth tobacco control linked to lower crime rates
Towns that vigorously enforced youth tobacco laws had lower crime rates, including violent and property crime. The association suggests a potential link between strong enforcement and crime prevention.
Possible outpatient relief for millions of older men: MD researcher develops improved technology to shrink enlarged prostate glands without surgery
A new technology developed by Dr. Lawrence Larsen at Sandia National Laboratories can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without surgery, reducing side effects and costs. The non-invasive procedure uses radio frequency energy to kill excess cells, shrinking the prostate gland and alleviating urinary obstruction and pain.
Majority of alcohol-related child passenger deaths occur with child riding with a drinking driver
A study found that 64% of alcohol-related child passenger deaths involve a child riding with the drinking driver, emphasizing the need for deterrents such as lower legal blood alcohol limits and child endangerment laws.
UCSF study finds danger in marathon runners drinking too much water
Researchers at UCSF found that excessive water consumption during marathons can lead to fatal brain swelling and fluid leakage into the lungs, a condition known as hyponatremia. Intravenous salt treatment has been shown to be effective in treating hyponatremia.
Biological legacies a key of ecological rebirth after Mount St. Helens eruption
Scientists found that even in desolate areas, protected plants like seeds, spores, and root balls could sprout new life. The standing dead trees and debris acted as 'lifeboats' for plants and animals, adding complexity to the recovering ecosystem.
Study: Drinking drivers still taking large yearly toll on nation's children
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finds that drinking drivers are responsible for a significant number of child passenger deaths in the US. Between 1991 and 1996, approximately 550 U.S. children died each year in crashes involving drinking drivers, with about one in five deaths involving alcohol.
Housework is as tough today as 60 years ago
A new Cornell University study reveals that household chores such as scrubbing, mopping, and vacuuming are still among the most tiring tasks, similar to those found in a 1937 survey. The researchers recommend redesigning these processes to reduce strain and fatigue.
Scientists on scent of better coyote management
Researchers test new fragrances to bait coyotes into consuming birth control drugs, aiming to reduce attacks on livestock and wildlife. The approach aims to decrease the need for lethal methods like shooting, which have cost farmers millions in lost earnings.
High blood pressure, cholesterol and weight increase dementia risk
A new study finds that men with high blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels in their 50s are more likely to develop vascular dementia in their late 70s. The research suggests that reducing these risk factors may help delay the onset of dementia, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Students' diets become less healthful with age
A longitudinal study of 291 students found that their diets became less healthful as they transitioned from childhood to adolescence. Breakfast and fruit consumption decreased significantly, while soft drink consumption increased.