Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2001 - Page 5


Page 5 of 8

Yale researchers develop AIDS vaccine

A new AIDS vaccine developed by Yale researchers has shown promising results in protecting monkeys from the disease. The vaccine, which uses a common livestock virus vector, was highly effective in animal models and protected vaccinated monkeys for up to 14 months.

Genetic algorithms 'naturally select' better satellite orbits

Purdue University engineers used genetic algorithms to design innovative constellations of satellites orbiting the Earth, reducing blackout times by 90 minutes. The algorithm discovered unconventional designs with non-equal spaced satellites, offering better performance and surprising aerospace experts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Journal of the Astronautical Sciences·DateOct 15, 2001

Medical FSAs used mostly by higher-end workers

A study by Cornell University researchers found that only 19% of single employees used Medical FSAs, while 33% of those with dependents participated. Higher education significantly boosted FSA participation among singles and families alike. Tax rates were also predictive of participation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMedical Care·DateOct 15, 2001

Study shows waves in southern California, north Pacific more powerful over last 50 years

Research shows waves in southern California and the North Pacific have increased in size and intensity over the past half century due to stronger wind and storm activity. The approach direction of winter ocean swells has rotated from northwesterly to westerly, reducing natural sheltering effects and increasing direct impacts on the coast.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateOct 15, 2001

The genetics behind hair loss

Researchers have determined the function of the Hairless protein, revealing its role in regulating gene expression dependent on the thyroid hormone receptor. The discovery provides molecular insight into congenital hair loss disorders and represents a stepping stone for designing therapeutic agents.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2001

Reproduction without fertilization?

Researchers have identified a key molecular cue regulating zygotic genome activation in green algae Chlamydomonas. The abnormal expression of the mt+ gamete-specific gene gsp1 induces zygote development without fertilization. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding zygotic genome activation in higher organisms.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2001

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

A nationwide clinical trial found that a dietary supplement of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. The supplements reduced the risk of AMD progression by 19% in those with intermediate AMD.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateOct 12, 2001

Fresh hopes for treatment of malaria in Africa

Researchers have found a new antimalarial drug combination to be effective in treating falciparum malaria, the most severe form of the disease. In a study conducted in Tanzania, 93% of children were cleared of parasites after treatment with chlorproguanil-dapsone, compared to just 39% on standard pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 2001

How a 'bad' gene may be good for you

Research suggests that the FVL mutation may have advantages for fetal implantation, resulting in higher success rates for fertility treatments. Women with the mutation experience improved receptivity to fertilized eggs, leading to increased pregnancy rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 2001

Mental math dependant on language

Bilinguals prefer their first taught language for mental arithmetic activities due to skills acquired, according to Texas A&M University research. This finding has significant educational implications, particularly in areas with high concentrations of bilingual populations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalRevista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics·DateOct 11, 2001

Best management for obstructed labour

Women who underwent vaginal instrumental delivery had a lower risk of serious bleeding and trauma compared to those who received caesarean section. The study supports the use of safe vaginal instrumental delivery for managing obstructed labour, especially in cases without clear evidence of disproportion.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 2001

New chemotherapy regimen produces long-term, disease-free survival in patients with uncommon, aggressive types of lymphoma, leukemia

Researchers found that brief cycles of high-dose chemotherapy produced long-term disease-free survival in more than half of adults treated for Burkitt's small non-cleaved lymphoma and leukemia. The regimen achieved an 80% complete response rate, with 52% of patients remaining in continuous remission after five years.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 11, 2001

Opitcal coherent and ultrafast science

The National Science Foundation has established FOCUS, a Physics Frontier Center at the University of Michigan, to advance coherent control in quantum, ultrafast, and high-field physics. The center will focus on three major research components: High Field Control, Ultrafast Control, and Quantum Control.

Rotavirus vaccine found not guilty

A recent study found that Rotashield may trigger intussusception events in susceptible infants, but these risks are compensated for by a lower risk of intussusception later in infancy. The study analyzed hospital admissions of infants with intussusception in ten US states during the period when Rotashield was in use.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 11, 2001