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Science News Archive May 2000 - Page 4


Page 4 of 6

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

Alternative therapy at state expense: Study looks at Medicaid coverage of nonconventional care for children

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that three-quarters of US states cover alternative therapies like chiropractic care and hypnosis for low-income children through Medicaid. The study suggests that more research is needed on the quality of care and outcomes of these treatments, particularly when combined with conventional medicine.

Nanofabricated 'gel' separates DNA

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a nanofabricated device that can separate DNA fragments by length in as little as 15-30 minutes, compared to the traditional method which takes 12-24 hours. The device uses alternating deep and shallow sections to propel DNA strands through it, allowing for faster separation and analysis.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2000

Restrictive feeding passes eating problems from mother to daughter at early age

A new Penn State study reveals that restrictive feeding practices can pass eating problems from mother to daughter as early as five years old, increasing the risk of childhood overweight. Mothers who control their own weight tend to use more restrictive feeding practices, which can actually promote patterns of intake influenced by pala...

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 10, 2000