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Science News for March 1, 2002


Childhood eating habits may persist into adolescence and lead to obesity

A study of 984 Chinese children found that about half continued their high-fat diet six years later, highlighting the importance of early diet in preventing chronic diseases. Socioeconomic factors such as family income and education level also played a significant role in shaping dietary patterns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMar 1, 2002
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Mutations may yield clues to heartbreaking childhood disease

Pamela Douglas, a Johns Hopkins University senior, is analyzing DNA from children suffering from Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, a devastating disease that causes stunted limbs and mental retardation. Her work may yield clues to the development of a treatment for this rare but fatal disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 1, 2002

Study reveals differences in patients' response to Ritalin

A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that individual variation in dopamine release affects Ritalin's efficacy in treating attention/hyperactivity disorder. The study suggests that patients with low dopamine cell activity may not respond to the drug, even if it blocks dopamine transporters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalSynapse·DateMar 1, 2002

New facility puts Ames lab on thin-film fast track

Researchers David Jiles and John Snyder will focus on mechanisms of clean, multi-element film growth and structuring of films at the atomistic to nano-length scale. Thin-films could replace semiconductor technology for nonvolatile computer RAM, boosting data storage capacity by 10-50 times.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateMar 1, 2002

Severe symptoms, social functioning predict cancer patients’ depression

A study of 228 lung cancer patients aged 65+ found that severe symptoms and social functioning are strong predictors of depression. Patients who had not received radiation therapy within 40 days were also more depressed, highlighting the importance of symptom management in older cancer patients.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateMar 1, 2002
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Folic acid possibly a key factor in Alzheimer’s disease prevention

Researchers found that folic acid deficiency led to decreased neurons and increased homocysteine levels, causing DNA damage in the hippocampus. Adequate folate intake helped repair this damage, suggesting a possible cause-effect relationship between folic acid and Alzheimer's disease prevention

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateMar 1, 2002

Involved fathers key for children

A recent study by Dr Eirini Flouri and Ann Buchanan found that involved fathers are associated with improved academic motivation, reduced psychological distress, and better life outcomes for children. The research, based on 17,000 UK-born children, highlights the importance of father involvement in childhood and adolescence.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 1, 2002

Superbug dynasties conquer the globe

A recent study reveals that Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of hospital-borne infections, is part of a few massive superbug families. These bacteria have spread globally and can be tracked through unique genetic fingerprints, suggesting new targets for disease-fighting drugs.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2002

Cancer patients’ emotional needs often undetected by oncologists

Researchers at the University of Sydney found that cancer patients' informational and emotional needs are often not detected or addressed by oncologists. Despite this, patients' satisfaction with consultations and anxiety levels remain unaffected, highlighting the importance of doctors actively encouraging emotional disclosure.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateMar 1, 2002
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Early breast and ovarian cancers detected in high-risk women

A study at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that BRCA mutation carriers are more likely to be diagnosed with early-stage breast and ovarian cancers. The research showed that intensive screening and preventive surgery can lead to the detection of these cancers, but also highlights the limitations of screening.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 1, 2002