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Science News for September 4, 2002


Study finds dramatic decline in physical activity among African-American and white girls

A recent study has revealed a significant decrease in leisure-time physical activity among black girls (56%) and white girls (31%) aged 16-17. Lower parental education levels and higher body mass indexes were found to predict activity decline in both racial groups, while pregnancy was associated with activity declines only in black girls.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 4, 2002

More than 70 percent of adults with cancer use alternative therapies

A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateSep 4, 2002

Another view of Chicago school policy

Professor Lipman's research highlights how current policies exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. She recommends providing all students with an intellectually rich education, deploying significant resources to under-resourced schools, and challenging deficit notions about children of color.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateSep 4, 2002

Endangered chimpanzees focus of urgent action

The western chimpanzee is critically endangered with only 4% of its original population remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to address threats such as agricultural development, logging, and the bush meat trade. The action plan provides a roadmap for halting or reversing the decline in chimpanzee numbers in West Africa.

Study finds new target for development of anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at Penn State have identified a protein, km23, that is defective in nearly half of human cancer tissues. Alterations in this protein disrupt cell signaling, leading to tumor growth and spreading. The team hopes to develop drugs targeting km23 to prevent tumor progression and diagnose specific cancers.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 4, 2002