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Science News Archive 2001 - Page 14


Page 14 of 47

A fish named Wayne-Wanda?

Low levels of estrogen hormones in water may be responsible for the feminization of wild fish, according to a recent study. Researchers found that very low concentrations of estrogenic compounds released from sewage treatment plants were causing intersex and altered sex ratios in aquarium fish.

AIM Tip Sheet, November 6, 2001

Two reports on HBV infection shed light on the effectiveness of vaccination programs in reducing the disease rate and carrier state. A study found that 70% of carriers recovered within ten years after treatment, while a nationwide vaccination program for adults is crucial to prevent further transmission.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 5, 2001

Safety net health provider

A two-year study is examining how safety net organizations in Michigan adapt to the current environment, focusing on survival strategies and policies. Researchers aim to understand what works and doesn't work, as well as provide recommendations to improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

When is a repeated request for a date harassment? It depends on who you are asking

A new analysis of 62 studies found that men and women agree on the seriousness of sexual coercion and propositions, but disagree on less extreme behaviors like sex-stereotyped jokes and repeated date requests. The study suggests that gender differences in perceptions of harassment may be influenced by socialization and value systems.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 4, 2001

UCLA team maps how genes affect brain structure, intelligence; dramatic images shed light on brain diseases, personality differences

A new study by UCLA researchers has created images showing how an individual's genes affect their brain structure and intelligence. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, reveal that genetic differences can significantly impact brain regions controlling language and reading skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 4, 2001

Study: Dental sealants for children on Medicaid can reduce dental costs

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dental sealants can significantly reduce dental costs for children on Medicaid who are at high risk of dental problems. Researchers analyzed data from 15,438 North Carolina children and found that sealant treatments led to lower expenses for Medicaid in 1990 dollars,...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 2, 2001

Study at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center is first to examine behavior management as adjunctive therapy for patients with congestive heart failure

Researchers at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center are testing two forms of behavior management to help patients with chronic heart failure manage their illness. The 18-week course and weekly tip sheets aim to teach patients how to monitor their reactions to stressful events and make lifestyle changes.

Military personnel would rather smoke than gain weight

A recent study published in American Journal of Health Promotion reveals that military personnel struggle more with weight gain than tobacco use, hindering successful smoking cessation rates. Active-duty participants were four times more likely to relapse if they anticipated gaining 5-10 pounds after quitting smoking.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateNov 2, 2001

Success of HIV therapy may discourage safe sex

A recent study found that men who believe in the effectiveness of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in preventing HIV transmission are more likely to engage in unprotected sex. The study suggests that behavioral interventions targeting these men are needed to promote safe sex practices.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 2, 2001

Internal documents reveal tobacco industry strategy to undermine unwelcome research

The tobacco industry, led by Philip Morris, employed a sophisticated public relations campaign to shape scientific standards and prevent increased smoking restrictions. The 'sound science' movement was used to promote arbitrary thresholds for identifying health risk from secondhand smoke, ignoring comprehensive assessments of risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 1, 2001

Hubble reveals ultraviolet galactic ring

The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a spectacular ultraviolet galactic ring surrounding the spiral galaxy NGC 6782. The bright ring is made up of recently formed hot stars and marks a significant region of ongoing star formation. Astronomers believe that the unique shape of this ring may be linked to the presence of bars in galaxies.

'Smart bandage' diagnoses danger before infection takes hold

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a smart bandage that can detect bacteria and provide instant diagnosis, changing color to indicate the presence of Gram-positive or negative bacteria. The bandage is part of a larger 'smart medical home' system that aims to give people more control over their health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 1, 2001

Costs of caring for elders with dementia

A University of Michigan study found that older Americans with dementia receive substantially more informal help than those with normal cognitive function. The analysis estimated the additional time and associated costs of providing informal care to be $18 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 1, 2001

Overdosing on news can be bad for one’s mental health, scholar says

A scholar warns that excessive information-seeking can exacerbate mental health concerns, particularly in times of high uncertainty. Brashers advises people to balance their desire for information with the need to avoid extreme anxiety, suggesting they listen to trusted sources and verify information through reputable agencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Communication·DateNov 1, 2001

Doctors must not ignore the causes of violence

The Lancet editor Dr Richard Horton emphasizes that doctors cannot ignore the causes of violence, including poverty, disease, and corruption. The World Health Organization recognizes violence as a public health issue, and a report on country-specific statistics is due to be published next year.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 1, 2001

Hookworms may prevent asthma

A recent study found that individuals with hookworm infections were half as likely to develop asthma compared to those without the infection. The researchers suggest that hookworms may alter the body's response to allergens, leading to reduced inflammation and increased resistance to asthma.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 1, 2001

Majority of pediatric cancer patients use alternative therapies: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center survey

A recent survey conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that nearly three-quarters of pediatric cancer patients in western Washington use alternative therapies. The most common types of alternative medicine used were herbal and high-dose vitamin supplements, which were reported to have substantial improvements in ...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001