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Science News for December 4, 2001


Hospital ‘T.L.C.’ linked to heart attack recovery

A study found that nontechnical aspects of hospital care, such as emotional support and coordination of care, are crucial for heart attack patients' long-term health. Patients with worse hospital experiences reported poorer health at 12 months, but those with good follow-up care from outpatient providers showed similar health outcomes.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2001

Many seniors forced to skip prescription meds

A study found that seniors with limited insurance are more likely to restrict their prescription medication use. The practice was common among minority groups, the poor, and those with high out-of-pocket drug costs. This can lead to increased emergency department visits, nursing home admissions, and other health problems.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2001

University of Rhode Island fisheries oceanographers study the effects of predator-prey interactions in the Georges Bank fish community

A recent study by Tsou and Collie found that predation is a dominant source of mortality in the Georges Bank fish community. The most important predators are cod, silver hake, sharks, and rays, which have replaced groundfish as the dominant fish eaters in more recent years.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateDec 4, 2001

Unwanted side effect found with certain combination cancer treatment

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a certain chemotherapy drug combination can increase the risk of lung inflammation in breast cancer patients. The study suggests doctors use extra caution when administering radiation therapy with paclitaxel, as it may lead to radiation pneumonitis in up to 14.6% of patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 4, 2001

Living amid green space is highly beneficial to children

A Cornell University study found that living in housing with more green spaces boosts a child's attention capabilities and improves their mental health. The research suggests that the natural environment plays a significant role in a child's well-being, and simple interventions like preserving trees or planting new ones could have a po...

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Psychology and Nonverbal Behavior·DateDec 4, 2001