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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 56


Page 56 of 108

Risk of eye injuries from airbags very low

A recent study analyzed data from two Finnish cohorts and found the risk of any type of eye injury caused by airbags to be very slight, only 2.5 percent. Open eye injuries were more likely to occur among eyeglass wearers, but those who did not wear eyeglasses were more likely to suffer from injuries caused by airbag chemicals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateJun 24, 2003

Researchers discover birds protect trees in neotropics by eating insects

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that birds play a crucial role in protecting Neotropical forests by consuming leaf-eating insects. By eating caterpillars on leaves, birds drastically reduce damage to foliage, with average damage levels increasing by 86% where they could not reach.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2003

The high cost of diabetes

A study found that people with diabetes in Saskatchewan accounted for $134.3 million in health care expenditures, with major comorbidities contributing to 36.4% of these costs. Targeted strategies to prevent diabetes could produce substantial savings and improved health outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2003

Rare stroke risk related to air travel

A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with patent foramen ovale, a common heart condition, are at increased risk of stroke after air travel. Researchers analyzed data from over 155 million passengers and found that six percent of those who developed pulmonary embolism had strokes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 23, 2003