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Science News for September 10, 2001


Alternative therapy use by Parkinson's patients

A new study reveals that many Parkinson's patients are using alternative therapies, despite a lack of physician knowledge on the topic. The research found no correlation between disease severity and use of alternative therapies, suggesting that patients are seeking these treatments for other reasons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateSep 10, 2001

Low sperm count linked to organic solvents

A study of over 1200 Canadian manual workers found that moderate occupational solvent exposure was associated with a significant increase in low sperm counts. Painters, decorators, and builders were at the highest risk, while glycol ethers are suspected to be hazardous to male fertility

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 10, 2001

Phased-out Bt corn variety dramatically cut growth rate of black swallowtail caterpillars

Researchers found that black swallowtail caterpillars fed on Bt corn pollen experienced significant growth rate reduction, varying up to three times smaller in distance from the crop. The discovery suggests sublethal effects of Bt corn pollen on non-target species and emphasizes the need for careful event selection by producers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2001

Gene therapy may be a tool to prevent blindness

Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to reduce new blood vessel growth by up to 90% in mice with conditions similar to macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Two genes, endostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), were injected into the animals' eyes or tails to demonstrate the potential of gene therapy a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 10, 2001

From embryo to placenta, gene transfer in primates a success

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made a breakthrough in gene transfer technology by inserting a jellyfish gene into rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in transgenic placentas that produce the desired protein. The study promises new insights into pathologies of pregnancy and has implications for human gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2001

Increase in abnormal heart rhythms in shift workers

A recent study has found that shift workers are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, with the risk increasing with the number of night shifts worked. The study measured changes in premature ventricular complexes and heart rate variability among employees working day and night shifts.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 10, 2001