HIV population shifts following HAART
Researchers followed women with advanced disease to see which HIV variants remain after HAART. They found that R5 viruses can re-emerge as the predominant population following treatment.
Science News Archive 2001 - Page 42
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Smokers with psychiatric illnesses need more cessation counseling
A study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that primary care physicians are more likely to provide smoking counseling than psychiatrists, particularly for patients with anxiety. Smokers with psychiatric conditions are less likely to receive quitting advice, highlighting the need for increased counseling efforts.
African-American light smokers need more help with quitting
A study found that African-American light smokers face health risks despite low cigarette consumption, highlighting the need for physician attention. Light smokers were less likely to receive quit advice and follow-up appointments than moderate and heavy smokers.
Scientists identify a cause of fainting syndrome that affects young women
Neuropathic Postural Tachycardial Syndrome (NPTS) affects approximately 500,000 people in the U.S., primarily women between 20 and 45. Researchers Dr. Giris Jacob and Dr. David Robertson found that NPTS can be caused by genetic mutations or disease after surgery, pregnancy, or inflammatory illness.
SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2001
Fat cell defect may trigger insulin resistance in muscle and liver
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that fat cells can trigger insulin resistance in muscle and liver, leading to type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Nature, reveals a potential new target for diabetes treatment and prevention by disrupting the communication between fat cells and other tissues.
Clinical Advances towards the simplification if HIV therapy: First once-daily dosing results for the HIV protease inhibitor, Agenerase ™
Agenerase ™ demonstrates promising once-daily dosing results, allowing for simplified HIV therapy. The amprenavir prodrug, VX-175, offers significant simplification of protease inhibitor-based treatment by enabling daily dosing of just two or three pills.
UW study offers a method to keep physicians up-to-date
Researchers developed a computer program that provides bite-sized information on the most important findings, leading to a 34% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for middle ear infections. The system helps doctors stay current with the latest research without overwhelming them.
NHLBI study shows reduced fat intake to lower cholesterol is safe and beneficial for children
Children with high blood cholesterol can benefit from a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet without adverse effects on growth or development. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) found that reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake lowered LDL cholesterol levels for up to three years.
Ethnicity important factor in rates of gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections
A study conducted in southeast London found that Black Caribbean individuals have three times the rate of gonorrhoea and eight times the rate of chlamydia as black Africans. These disparities are attributed to factors such as deprivation, cultural variations, and behavior.
Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, February 6, 2001
A new study found that women younger than 60 had a higher mortality rate after heart attacks than men of the same age, with an almost threefold higher risk for death. Researchers also discovered that inhaled insulin shows promise for treating type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar control without serious side effects.
Hormone replacement therapy does not affect stroke risk, UCSF/SFVAMC study finds
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progestin did not increase or decrease the risk of stroke among postmenopausal women with heart disease. The study's lead author cautioned that the results may not apply to all women taking hormone therapy, and more research is needed.
Widely used anti-bacterial inhibits parasites that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis
Researchers found that triclosan is effective against malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites at low concentrations, without harming host cells. The study suggests combining triclosan with other inhibitors to disrupt fatty acid synthesis and prevent resistant microbes.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateFeb 5, 2001
Time to re-examine vitamin C in the treatment of cancer
Researchers review vitamin C absorption and metabolism, suggesting re-evaluation of its use in treating cancer. New insights reveal differences between intravenous and oral administration routes.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 5, 2001
A blood thinner once a day helps treat potentially life-threatening blood clots in legs and lungs
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that once-a-day injections of the blood thinner enoxaparin sodium are just as safe and effective as twice-daily treatments in treating blood clots. This finding has significant implications for medical cost savings.
Chlamydia screening should be done every six months in young women
A recent study found that almost one in three young women under 25 are infected with chlamydia, compared to fewer than one in 10 older women. Regular screenings at six-month intervals can help prevent re-infections and infertility in this age group.
Gaps found in mammography use
Despite low use rates among Canadian women aged 50-69, mammography screening remains incomplete, particularly in underserved communities. Organized programs and targeted education strategies can help address these gaps.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 5, 2001
UCSD biologist transform leaves into petals
Biologists at UCSD discover how to genetically convert leaves into petals, a process made possible by the expression of five genes in leaves. The achievement has significant implications for plant development and could lead to the creation of novel plants with colorful, petal-like structures.
One in five patients denied urgent access to sexual health clinics
A UK study found that one in five patients with acute symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are unlikely to be seen at a genitourinary medicine clinic within the recommended 48 hours. The study, which surveyed healthcare staff posing as patients, also revealed that those in certain regions faced even longer waits.
Personality influences the brain's responses to emotional situations more than thought, according to new research
A new study published in the Journal of Behavioral Neuroscience found that extraverts show greater brain reactivity to positive images compared to introverts. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain responses to negative and positive images, and found associations between personality traits and neural activity in response to emotion...
"Talking" helps computer programs develop better hunting strategies
Autonomous agents improved performance by communicating via message board, outperforming previous studies and human-programmed strategies
Problem drinking may affect adherence to HIV medication
A recent study found that problem drinkers with HIV are more likely to take their medications off schedule, highlighting the importance of screening for alcohol problems among persons with HIV infection. Nearly half of problem drinkers reported taking medication off schedule during the previous week.
Legumes found to contain starch carrying a fiber-like punch
A new study reveals that legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are rich in dietary fiber and resistant starch, which can help prevent cancer. Legumes contain substantially higher percentages of both nutrients compared to cereal grains and heavily processed flours.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateFeb 1, 2001
Vinegar plus HPV test identifies women at risk for cervical cancer
A new test combining a vinegar solution with an HPV test accurately detects precancerous lesions and reduces false positives among African women, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test could be easily administered at home or in clinics, making it a game-changer for cervical cancer screening in developing countries.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateFeb 1, 2001
Bedroom partners more honest when it comes to health risks
Research by Sunyna Williams found that people are more honest about health risks when in relationships, but less so about matters of the heart. Couples tend to dispense with precautions like condoms too quickly, especially during closer relationship stages.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateFeb 1, 2001
People get more ‘top’ news in print than by computer, study shows
Researchers found that college students reading the New York Times online were less likely to read national, international, and political news compared to their paper-reading counterparts. This resulted in significant differences in readers' knowledge about public affairs.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateFeb 1, 2001
Touching effects: Visiting plants in the field may alter their future
Researchers discovered that touching plants can affect insect feeding behavior, with some species experiencing increased leaf area loss and death when visited. The study suggests that future ecological studies should consider the potential effects of researcher interactions on plant biology.
Fiber-optic sensors detect damaged rails and faulty wheels
Researchers developed fiber-optic sensors to detect flaws in rails and wheels, improving train safety by pinpointing location, speed, and damage. The palm-sized sensors offer a fast and cost-effective method to detect deformities in rail-car wheels, reducing the risk of derailment.
New superconducting magnet to probe proton structure
A new superconducting magnet is being tested at the University of Illinois to enable precise measurements of the proton's magnetic moment and small-scale structures. The experiment, called G0, will use polarized electrons to scatter off liquid hydrogen and deuterium targets in the magnet.
Chandra observations reveal X-ray glint in Cat’s Eye Nebula
Astronomers using the Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a complex shape of the Cat's Eye Nebula, which is driven by hot gas. The team also found an unexpected X-ray source at the central star, sparking questions about its formation.
Established ecological relationship is flawed says new study
A new study by Imperial College scientists found that the power law used to determine the relationship between plant species and land area is not scale-invariant. Species richness accumulated rapidly at intermediate scales, rather than being constant as previously believed. This finding has significant implications for conservation stu...
Medical imaging with ‘Swiss Rolls’
Researchers at Imperial College London developed a novel magnetic material dubbed 'Swiss Rolls' that guides radio-frequency magnetic flux in MRI scanners, producing undistorted images. The material's periodic array of structures helps direct magnetic flux from the body to receiver coils with minimal leakage.
Area of brain found to play key role in initiating memory storage
A new study reveals that the amygdala plays a pivotal role in initiating memory storage by deciding which experiences are important enough to store based on emotional significance. The research uses male rabbits and temporarily disables the amygdala, leading to a breakdown of learning-related changes in other brain regions.
Scientists find link between dopamine and obesity
Scientists found obese individuals have fewer dopamine receptors than normal-weight subjects, with the number decreasing as body mass index increases. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine release and raise dopamine receptors in animal studies, suggesting it may help stimulate dopamine pleasure circuits.
Dopamine receptors implicated in obesity
Researchers found a correlation between lower dopamine receptor availability and higher BMI in severely obese individuals compared to control subjects. Exercise is recommended as the most practical application for improving dopamine receptors and reducing pathological overeating.
Common heart failure drugs can be safely used at higher, more effective doses, study says
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that patients with heart failure can tolerate higher doses of ACE inhibitors without severe side effects. The research found that nearly all patients experienced only slight decreases in blood pressure and kidney function, which can be managed by adjusting the dose.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 31, 2001
Where does my heart beat now?
Scientists have discovered Wnt as an inhibitory factor in vertebrate heart development, with low activity leading to cardiogenesis. The research reveals a crucial mechanism in determining heart position.
DNA deletion offers new evidence of mammals' origins
A team of biologists led by Mark Springer at the University of California, Riverside and including Ronald DeBry of the University of Cincinnati report in Nature that an intensive analysis of DNA sequences provides strong support for a grouping dubbed Afrotheria.
UCSD cancer research: Killing leukemia cells by their own sword
Researchers at UCSD Cancer Center develop a two-drug combination that tricks leukemia-causing gene Bcr-Abl into committing suicide, achieving complete eradication of CML cells. The treatment uses STI571 and Leptomycin B to mobilize and trap the oncogene in the nucleus.
JAK-STAT signaling keeps leukemia cells alive
Researchers have found that leukemia cells resist apoptosis due to constitutive activation of STAT3 and/or STAT1. AG-490, a JAK inhibitor, promotes apoptosis in these cells by blocking STAT3 function.
Tallgrass prairies may provide early warning of climate change
A recent study published in Science found that tallgrass prairies have more variable plant growth than deserts, despite having less rainfall variability. This suggests that these ecosystems can respond to changes in precipitation patterns and may serve as an early warning system for climate change.
Personality's role in high blood pressure may not be so prominent
Research suggests that personality's role in high blood pressure may be less clear-cut than previously thought. The study found no evidence supporting the 'hypertensive personality hypothesis', contradicting previous findings that linked specific personality traits to hypertension. However, researchers speculate that personality may pl...
Patients left out of decision loop on cancer screening
A study found that nearly one-third of primary care physicians do not discuss cancer screenings with their patients, citing lack of time and language barriers. The survey also revealed that many doctors would make decisions independently of patient preference, and some were less likely to discuss controversial tests like PSA measurements.
Novel larynx organ preservation surgery
A new partial voice box resection procedure shows excellent local control and significant improvement in quality of life for patients with intermediate to advanced stage larynx cancers. This approach can provide a less drastic treatment option, reducing hardship on patients.
Oncogene spawns further mutation in breast cancer study
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that the human myelocytomatosis (MYC) gene can induce spontaneous mutations in other genes, such as Nras or Kras2, leading to more tumor growth even after the MYC gene is shut off. This has implications for the search for therapeutics in cases of MYC-induced breast cancer.
Wake Forest professor to evaluate managed care patient protection laws
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor is evaluating the impact of managed care patient protection laws on patient attitudes, behaviors, and access to care. The study will assess six states reflecting a range of legal and market conditions through extensive interviews and quantitative research techniques.
Number of primary-care doctors dips a bit across North Carolina
A new report by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates a slight decrease in primary-care physicians in North Carolina, while showing significant growth in other healthcare professions. The number of primary-care specialists decreased by 16 doctors between 1998 and 1999, despite an overall positive trend.
Lehigh researchers examine link between abusive child-rearing, overly aggressive behavior
A long-term study by Lehigh University researchers finds a strong link between severe physical discipline in preschool and later aggression. Children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop aggressive behavior due to inadequate nurturing and stressful environments.
Frozen human cells restore function in animal model; Method may find use in humans
Scientists successfully used frozen human nerve cells to repair damaged spinal cords in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. The method may one day allow patients to use their own cells to treat demyelinating diseases.
Heat kills inoperable liver tumors without initiating onslaught of harmful hormones
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a new heat-based therapy that kills inoperable liver tumors without initiating an onslaught of harmful hormones. The technique, known as radiofrequency ablation, is less risky and cheaper than surgery or cold-based therapies.
UW researchers show that the human genome is helpless in the face of chocolate
A study by UW researchers found that genetic taste markers do not affect the enjoyment of chocolate, and that sweetness and fat can mask bitter flavors. The study showed that women who were more sensitive to bitter tastes preferred lattes over straight espresso coffee.
Friendly microbes control intestinal genes, study finds
Researchers discovered that beneficial bacteria in the gut influence the expression of genes important to intestinal development and function. The study found that these microbes activate genes involved in sugar and fat absorption, cellular barrier integrity, and blood vessel formation.
Study pinpoints region in frontal lobes as 'essence' of what makes us human
A new study found that damage to the right prefrontal cortex, a small area in the brain's frontal lobes, is linked to impaired mentalizing, or understanding others' mental states. This deficit can affect empathy, sympathy, and social interactions.
Dangerous beauty: Fungal flowers offer clues to biofilm formation on medical implants
Researchers at Whitehead Institute found key gene FLO11 required for fungal biofilm formation, which can cause serious infections in hip replacements. The discovery offers hope for preventing such infections in the future by understanding how fungi stick to plastic surfaces.
Long-range magnetic studies explain how delayed 'sprites' get their energy
Researchers have found that dual electrical discharges associated with sprite creation can be separated by long intervals due to persistent cloud-to-ground currents. These currents, which can last up to 200 milliseconds, provide enough energy flow for the second burst to trigger the sprite.
American legacy foundation's $15 million gift creates permanent home for tobacco industry documents at UCSF
The American Legacy Foundation has awarded $15 million to UCSF to establish a permanent internet access to tens of millions of pages of tobacco industry documents and develop a center for scholarly study. This move aims to improve research in the field and ensure accessibility to scholars, health advocates, and the public.
Study of dendritic cell 'vaccine' shows early promise in helping the immune system combat an extremely aggressive type of brain cancer
A Phase I study found that a dendritic cell vaccine extended median survival for patients with GBM by 455 days, compared to 257 days in the control group. The treatment elicited systemic immune responses and directed T-cells to the tumor site.
Scientists isolate premature ovarian failure gene
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation, FOXL2, responsible for early onset of menopause in some women, who may also be born with blepharophimosis. The discovery sheds light on the role of genetics in age-related changes and may lead to new insights into aging and reproductive health.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute suggest novel therapy to limit tissue damage following stroke
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute propose a new therapeutic target to prevent tissue damage caused by stroke, complementing current clot-dissolving treatments. Administering a Src kinase inhibitor within hours of stroke may reduce brain injury and potentially prevent long-term neurological damage.
Cell membrane plays crucial role in releasing nitric oxide from red blood cells
Red blood cells play a vital role in storing and releasing nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery. The findings could help improve understanding and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.
Endowment boosts nanotechnology at Cranfield
A $2.75 million endowment will enhance Cranfield's research in nanotechnology, enabling the creation of new professorial posts and research fellowships. The donation is seen as a timely boost to support Britain's wealth creation through this key technology.