Aggressive children bad, sad and rejected, shows research
Research reveals that aggressive young children often feel rejected by their friends, school, and parents. The study challenges the assumption that aggressive kids have high self-esteem.
Science News for November 16, 2000
Majority of complications from angioplasty occur within 18 hours
Researchers found that 82% of complications from angioplasty occurred within 18 hours, with most happening at the time of procedure. The study aimed to identify the temporal spectrum of ischemic complications, and their findings have implications for hospital length-of-stay policies.
UNC-CH study shows fewer dentists, more physicians per capita across state
A new UNC-CH study found that the supply of dentists per 10,000 residents dropped in almost two-thirds of North Carolina counties over the past 20 years. Conversely, the number of physicians increased significantly, with 64 counties experiencing a decline and 24 ranks improving from 36th to 24th in physician availability by 1998.
New research shows STI-HAART may 'teach' immune system to defeat HIV
Researchers discovered that STI-HAART can train the immune system to control HIV by developing a stronger response against the virus. The study provides a potential recipe for further research on restoring HIV-specific immunity after acute infection.
Scientists launch the world’s first marine life census
An international research team aims to fill knowledge gaps on whale, seal, bird, turtle, fish and squid behaviors. The Census of Marine Life project tracks animals using sophisticated electronic sensors.
Gel may cut doses for some medications
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new gel-like material that can be used as a drug-delivery system, potentially replacing multiple daily medications with a single dose. The superporous hydrogels expand rapidly in the stomach, allowing medications to be absorbed more efficiently by the body.
Safeguard found for potential cancer therapy
Scientists discover a solution to protect healthy human liver cells from destruction by the promising cancer treatment TRAIL, opening up a new direction for clinical trials. The treatment triggers a sweeping death response in its target, destroying cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
Protein stimulates key link between nerve cells, suggesting possible target for mental retardation and nerve regeneration therapies
UCSF researchers identified PSD-95 protein as key link between nerve cells, suggesting possible target for treating mental retardation and nerve damage. The protein stimulates maturation of synapses, enabling brain development, learning, and memory.
On-line info leads to gene identification
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine isolated the gene responsible for autosomal dominant hypophosphataemic rickets, a rare disorder affecting bone development. The discovery was made possible by using online resources from the Human Genome Project, paving the way for potential new therapies.
Microbial transport at Yellowstone: by land, sea or air?
Researchers at University of Illinois used polymerase chain reaction to detect microbes in water, rock, and air samples from hot springs. They found evidence of life in new springs, suggesting microbes may have been transported by wind-borne steam or existing waters.
Taking the long view: examining factors which influence Northern Spotted Owls
The study found that cold, wet springs decrease survival rates of adult owls, while a mixture of old growth forest and other vegetation types promotes high survival and reproductive output. Habitat quality also buffers owls during unfavorable weather periods, but current logging practices do not generate the observed mosaic.
Colorado researchers develop intervention techniques for hearing-impaired infants from Spanish-speaking homes
Researchers at CU-Boulder have developed a new method to study language development in Spanish-speaking populations, enabling early identification of hearing-impaired infants and providing effective interventions. The study involved over 130 Spanish-speaking children, showing positive effects on their subsequent language abilities.
Heart attack help: Program helps boost use of key therapies in hospitals
The U-M program has been shown to boost the use of key therapies in hospitals, with 98% of eligible patients receiving clot-busting drugs and over 94% on beta blockers. The program's success is due to its multi-faceted approach, including care standards, educational materials, reminders, and patient empowerment.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 16, 2000
Mother nature cleans up human-made mess
A University of Toronto researcher found a polar lake in the Arctic has recovered significantly despite decades of sewage dumping, using diatoms as effective bio-monitors. The phosphorus levels have declined sharply since 1972, tracking the decrease in population at a former Canadian military base.
There are a few 'safe' days in menstrual cycle
Researchers found that most women (70%) are in their fertile window before day 10 or after day 17, leaving few universal 'safe' days for natural birth control. The study also revealed that late ovulation can occur even in women with regular cycles, increasing the chances of pregnancy during the fifth week.
Yale physician conducts endoscopic surgery using high definition television
A Yale physician has performed five endoscopic procedures using high-definition television (HDTV), increasing image sharpness by more than double. The miniaturized HDTV camera system provided the best image ever seen, enabling accurate and minimally invasive surgeries with reduced costs and rapid recovery times.
Common mode of action likely in gene-activation molecules linked to cancers
Scientists have identified a common mode of action among gene-activation molecules linked to cancers, according to a study published in Molecular Cell. The researchers found structural similarities among the molecules, suggesting they may share a unified mechanism of action despite chemical dissimilarities.
Tackling seasonal depression in Canada
A new national study in Canada aims to test different types and combinations of anti-depressants and fluorescent light therapy for patients with seasonal depression. Researchers hope to better understand this debilitating condition that affects over 600,000 Canadians each year, causing significant dysfunction and impairment.