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Science News for February 19, 2003


Brain's response to addictive drugs, stress

Researchers have found that addictive drugs, such as cocaine, morphine, and amphetamines, increase the sensitivity of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Stress triggers a similar response, which may lead to addiction. The study's findings could help develop new treatments for addiction.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2003

Discovery may lead to first medical treatment for Celiac disease

Researchers at Zengen discovered that synthetic alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH) has an anti-inflammatory effect in celiac mucosa, which may control the inflammatory response and limit epithelial damage. This finding could lead to a medical treatment for Celiac disease, currently managed only with a strict gluten-free diet.

SourceZengen·JournalNeuroImmunoModulation·DateFeb 19, 2003

Electronic circuit rides a chemical film

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for growing conducting polymers, called Surface Polymerization by Ion-Assisted Deposition. This method allows for the creation of large areas of films with controlled chemistry and shape on a nanometer scale.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 19, 2003

Short and long gamma-ray bursts different to the core

Researchers found a correlation between fluence and duration for both short and long bursts, but the degree of this relationship is statistically different at a 4.5 sigma significance level. This suggests that short bursts may originate from fundamentally different physical processes than long bursts.

Major study good news for survivors of critical illness

A major study found that patients who survive acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) show significant improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life over time. Despite persistent muscle wasting and weakness, survivors achieve 66% of healthy patient exercise capacity at one year and return to work in most cases.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003

Consent form language too complex for many

A recent study found that medical consent forms are typically written at a 10th-grade reading level, despite an estimated one in two American adults struggling with eighth-grade level literacy. To improve readability, researchers suggest using simpler language and alternative methods like multimedia presentations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2003