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Science News for April 22, 2002


Hopkins researchers find domestic violence services are not reaching low-income women

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly two-thirds of low-income women in Baltimore can predict an episode of violence and over 70% do not seek help. The researchers suggest a greater need for identification and provision of appropriate services, including education and job training.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateApr 22, 2002

Biologists track down central cause of lupus

Researchers at Princeton University have pinpointed what appears to be a central cause of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.4 million Americans. The discovery highlights a specific mechanism in B cells that produces disease-fighting antibodies, which can mistakenly attack the body's own DNA.

Ice coring team heads for Alaskan glaciers

An ice coring team led by Ohio State University's Lonnie Thompson aims to drill through Alaska's glaciers to retrieve ancient weather records. The expedition hopes to determine if recent climate change is part of a natural cycle or caused by human activity, with potential implications for global warming.

Researchers say trees could affect land use, reduce skin cancer

A Purdue University method estimates how much UV-B radiation people receive under different amounts of tree cover, affecting land use and skin cancer risk. The model suggests that even partial shade provides significant protection against skin cancer, with 90% tree-canopy coverage offering the equivalent of SPF 10 sunblock.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhotochemistry and Photobiology·DateApr 22, 2002

More good news on the health benefits of almonds

Six studies presented at the 2002 Experimental Biology conference support almonds' role in lowering 'bad' cholesterol and protecting against cell damage. Eating a handful of almonds daily may significantly reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, and even lower risk of heart disease by up to 10%.

Mathematical analysis could aid flu vaccine selection

Researchers at Princeton University developed a mathematical method to predict the coming year's flu strain based on previous years' genetic sequences. The approach identified clusters of genetically similar viruses that tend to dominate in each season, with an accuracy rate comparable to existing methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2002