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Science News for October 21, 2001


Steep falls in deaths from meningococcal disease

Researchers found a significant drop in deaths from meningococcal disease, with a death rate of just under 9% among children admitted between 1995 and 1998. The authors attribute the decline to increased awareness of the disease, improved treatment delivery, and the introduction of the meningococcal C vaccine.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 21, 2001
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Genes have a much greater role than environmental factors in asthma

A study of 4,910 four-year-old twins found that genetic factors account for the largest share of asthma prevalence, with genes contributing 68% and environment accounting for just 13%. Environmental factors such as family diet and air pollution are likely to be much less important than genetic make-up.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 21, 2001

Men C vaccine is safe for infants

A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that the Men C vaccine is safe for infants, with minimal adverse events reported. The vaccine was administered to almost 3000 infants between 2-5 months old and showed no serious adverse events, with only mild side effects such as swelling and redness at the injection site.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateOct 21, 2001