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Science News Archive 2002 - Page 87


Page 87 of 93

Men with higher levels of PCBs more likely to father boys

A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that men with higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were more likely to father boys. Researchers analyzed data from 208 children born to 101 families, where PCB levels were detectable in both fathers and mothers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 28, 2002

Genetica, Inc. develops high throughput RNAi tool for drug target validation

Researchers at Genetica and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a cost-effective method for determining the role of specific genes using RNAi. This approach enables stable silencing of gene expression in mammalian cells, allowing for rapid assessment of gene function, previously limited to plants and certain model organisms.

SourceFeinstein Kean Healthcare·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2002

Brain-injured children from stressed or disadvantaged families are more vulnerable to ongoing problems

A new study found that brain-injured children from less stressed and more supportive families had significantly higher achievement and behavior scores than their peers. The authors speculate that severe traumatic brain injury exacerbates the effects of unfavorable family circumstances, leading to worse academic and behavioral outcomes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 27, 2002

Magnetic moments in a crystal mosaic

A team of physicists has discovered evidence of an unusual, fluctuating magnetic order in high-temperature superconductors, which could be crucial for explaining this phenomenon. This discovery was made using neutron beams to investigate the properties of a high temperature superconductor.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2002

Marijuana-derived drug less effective than standard drug for improving appetite and weight in patients with advanced cancer

A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that megestrol acetate was more effective than dronabinol in improving appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer. The study, which evaluated 469 patients, showed that 75% of those taking megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement, compared to 49% of those taking dronabinol.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 25, 2002

Jaguar conservation spotty

A recent study assesses the jaguar's long-term survival prospects and identifies priority areas for conservation. The researchers found that the big cats are likely to survive in 70% of their current range, with the Amazon Basin being a key region for protection.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateJan 24, 2002

Navy medics going digital

NavMedWatch enables healthcare professionals to track medical assets, anticipate future needs, and provide alerts for transportation to other facilities. The next version will include a history function to track individual patient care throughout the Naval medical system.

Race could influence outcome after liver transplantation

A recent study found that liver transplant patients from African American and Asian backgrounds experience lower two-year and five-year survival rates compared to their white American and Hispanic counterparts. The study suggests a need for further research into the reasons behind these disparities in patient outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2002

Darwin and the world’s first ecological experiment

Researchers have discovered an experiment conducted by George Sinclair, head gardener to the Duke of Bedford, in a garden at Woburn Abbey in South East England. The study investigated the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, which is currently a hot topic in ecology. The findings push back the link between commu...

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January (second issue)

A study of 63 young persons found that children who started wheezing between ages 2 to 5 were highly likely to continue wheezing in adulthood. Researchers also developed a brief questionnaire to predict future asthma-related healthcare utilization. Additionally, sleep disordered breathing was linked to obesity and craniofacial abnormal...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 24, 2002