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Science News for November 12, 2000


Smog aggravates asthma in children born prematurely or of low birthweight, UC Berkeley researchers find

A new study by UC Berkeley researchers reveals that premature birth and low birthweight significantly exacerbate asthma symptoms in children when exposed to smog. Children born prematurely or with low birthweight are more likely to experience severe wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath on days with high air pollution levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 12, 2000

Blacks, women get fewer heart devices

Researchers found that African-American Medicare patients received implantable defibrillator devices at one-third the rate of whites and women at less than half the rate of men. The disparity is significant, with defibrillators proven to be superior to existing medical treatments for severe cardiac arrhythmias.

Cell death during mammary involution

Involuting mammary glands undergo two stages of apoptosis, with the first wave triggered by Fas binding to its ligand FasL. Mutant animals lacking Fas or FasL experience delayed epithelial cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000

More USGS science at GSA

USGS researchers link Mercury levels in Lake Tulane to global climate changes, while also analyzing African dust's role in affecting coral health. Additionally, scientists explore the Chesapeake Bay bolide's crater formation and its structural implications.

Attacking the nation's No. 1 killer: statin and niacin treatment reduces risk of heart attack by 70 percent, can reverse arterial buildup

A study found that a combination of statin and niacin can reduce the risk of hospitalization for chest pain or heart attacks by 70% among patients at high risk. The treatment also showed promise in reversing arterial buildup in these patients, with angiograms revealing decreased plaque buildup in most participants.

Explaining the persistence of Hepatitis C

Researchers identify gC1qR as a binding partner for Hepatitis C core protein, allowing the virus to evade immune response and persist in the body. The interaction between gC1qR and core protein may provide new targets for developing therapies to combat chronic hepatitis C.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000

Key heart drug underutilized

A Duke University Medical Center study found that ACE inhibitors are prescribed in just over half the cases they should be, despite clear evidence of their benefits. The study's author suggests increasing physician education and implementing an oversight system to ensure patients receive the best treatments.

Fat as a target of antidiabetic drugs

A study found that antidiabetic drugs are less effective in mice without adipose tissue, suggesting a possible connection between fatty liver disease and diabetes. The authors also noted that the drugs still had some beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in these animals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000

Old hearts become new again

Researchers at UCLA Medical Center found that implementing a dual list for organs increases the supply of usable donor hearts for older adults. The program allows patients over 65 to receive transplants from donor hearts with minor repair needs, previously deemed unsuitable for younger patients. This approach improves patient survival ...