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Science News Archive October 2001 - Page 6


Page 6 of 8

Women faculty in science and engineering

The University of Michigan has received a five-year, $3.7 million award from the National Science Foundation to improve opportunities for tenure-track women faculty in science and engineering fields. The project aims to address the slow increase in women faculty numbers over the past decade.

Study finds older patients benefit as much from chemotherapy after surgery for colon cancer as younger patients

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that age alone should not determine whether an older patient is offered chemotherapy after surgery for treatment of stage II and III colon cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in death risk and improved survival rates among patients over 70 with the disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2001

Leptin and obesity: All in the head?

Research suggests that leptin, a hormone involved in weight regulation, may be more closely tied to mental factors than previously thought. Studies have found that alterations in brain structure and function may play a key role in leptin-related obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 10, 2001

Medicare reform unlikely to save government much money

A new study analyzes three model plans and finds that competitive pricing may reduce plan uncertainty but is unlikely to raise enrollment in the M+C sector. Total government spending on Medicare could be reduced by increasing beneficiary premiums, but geographic inequities in benefits are a concern.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 10, 2001

Crayfish research illustrates environmental health

A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers found that environmental conditions such as drought, water quality, and predator presence impact crayfish populations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the ecological relationships between organisms and their environments to predict stream health.

UCSF researchers study effectiveness of integrating medical care with addiction treatment

A UCSF study found that patients with substance abuse-related medical conditions benefit from integrated medical and addiction treatment, leading to improved abstinence rates and reduced inpatient use. The two-year study showed no significant differences in total abstinence rates between the integrated and independent care groups.

Matter waves on a microchip

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics create miniature chip that achieves Bose-Einstein condensation, replacing bulky machines with reduced power consumption. The new technique enables integration of multiple components on a single chip, paving the way for innovative devices and applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2001