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Science News for February 20, 2003


Call for longer-term use of antidepressants

A meta-analysis of 31 trials involving over 4400 patients found that continuous antidepressant treatment for one to two years significantly reduced depressive relapse rates compared to placebo. The study suggests that many patients remain at risk of recurrence after initial treatment and may benefit from extended medication

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Work not a 'haven' from home

A Virginia Tech study found that women are increasingly finding their homes to be a haven of satisfaction, rather than their workplaces. This challenges the long-held assumption that women seek work as an escape from family obligations.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateFeb 20, 2003

Call for longer-term use of antidepressants

A study published in The Lancet found that treatment for one to two years with antidepressants substantially reduced the likelihood of relapse compared to discontinuing active treatment. The average rate of relapse on placebo was nearly double that of treatment, highlighting the benefits of long-term medication adherence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Execution: An unwanted side-effect

The Singleton case has raised concerns about forced medical treatment of the mentally ill and its impact on the death penalty. The US Supreme Court must rule against this practice to restore competence for execution as a medically and ethically untenable dilemma.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

First population study of GM mosquitoes highlights difficulties facing malaria control technique

A recent study by Imperial College London found that genetically modified mosquitoes (GM) lose their test marker gene rapidly when interbred with unmodified mosquitoes, posing challenges for malaria control. The researchers suggest using crossing regimes to minimize deleterious mutations and improve the competitiveness of GM mosquitoes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2003

New treatment option for heroin addiction

A new treatment option for heroin addiction has shown a promising 75% success rate in reducing opiate use, according to a recent study. The combination of buprenorphine and intensive psychosocial therapy was found to be effective in preventing relapse and reducing criminal activity among patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003

Backstage with a command performer

Researchers at Rockefeller University reveal a crucial link between the Ezh2 protein and chromatin modifications, enabling the development of a wide range of antibodies. The discovery provides new insights into B cell biology and the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 20, 2003

Scientists develop 'super peptide' that kills Candida albicans

Researchers at Zengen developed a 'super peptide' that kills Candida albicans with high candidacidal activity, outperforming existing antimicrobial peptides. The discovery may help understand the unique mechanism of action of a-MSH peptides and unlock new treatments for fungal infections.

SourceZengen·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 2003

Health crisis in Iraq

The Lancet reports a severe decline in Iraq's healthcare infrastructure, exacerbated by the Gulf War and 12 years of economic sanctions. The US military's preparation for chemical and biological warfare has also contributed to the humanitarian disaster.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2003