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Science News Archive February 2003 - Page 7


Page 7 of 9

Work stress can affect how lower-income families eat

A study by Cornell University found that work stress significantly impacts the food choices of low- and middle-income adults, particularly women with children. The research highlights the need for workplace solutions, such as healthy food options and self-care strategies, to address this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2003

Polymers promote nerve regeneration

Researchers have developed microscale channels to guide neuron growth in damaged nerves, a breakthrough that shows promise for treating nerve injuries. The technique uses biodegradable polymer films with microscopic patterns to direct nerve cell growth, with initial results showing rats regaining use of their legs after injury.

Researchers help trace origin of Madagascar’s mammals

A new study published in Nature reveals that all of Madagascar's living Carnivora descended from a single species that dispersed from Africa to the island. The findings refute two previously accepted models for mammal colonization and provide further evidence that lemurs also colonized the island in a single event.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2003

AGU journals highlights - 11 February 2003

Scientists discovered a freshening trend in the Labrador Sea and found that mixing of warm and cool waters may prevent El Nino. Additionally, researchers speculated about the cause of high Arctic ozone loss and suggested Martian methane could be an indicator of subsurface life.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2003

School of Public Health awarded $30 million to develop and introduce pneumococcal vaccine

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $30 million to develop and introduce a pneumococcal vaccine for children in the world's poorest countries. The Pneumococcal Accelerated Development and Introduction Plan (ADIP) team will work with international partners to address research, supply, and financing issue...

The war against anti-aging medicine

The biogerontological community is at war with anti-aging medicine, threatening the status and funding of their own research. Binstock argues that this campaign may inadvertently undermine their own legitimacy and research support by blurring public understanding of the difference between their work and pseudoscientific products.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 10, 2003

Study shows how eye cells die when exposed to lead

Researchers found that low-level lead exposure during development in mice injures and kills rod-shaped photoreceptor cells, a crucial component of human vision. The study suggests possible treatments using an anti-death protein called Bcl-xL to prevent cell death in eye disorders.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

Jefferson scientists find calcium is key to slowing colorectal cancer growth

Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found that a bacterial toxin opens a cellular door, allowing calcium to flow into tumor cells, which slows cell division and may lead to new methods of treating colorectal cancer. The discovery could also enable the use of the toxin as an intravenous infusion to treat metastatic tumors.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2003

Mayo Clinic study shows loss of mental, functional abilities

Researchers discovered that many nonagenarians (people 90-99 years old) are free of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with some performing in the superior range on cognitive tests. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also exists in this age group, but features similar characteristics to those seen in younger individuals.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 10, 2003

Thousands of students to experience Public Science Day at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature

Public Science Day will feature lunch, presentations, gallery science shows, health fairs, lightning demonstrations, dissections, dinosaur digs, scavenger hunts, telescopes, science kits, activity booths, touch carts, and journaling. The event promotes scientific exploration by children in local museums and institutions.

Low amniotic fluid no risk to normal birth

A recent study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that babies born with low amniotic fluid at 37 weeks' gestation have normal birth weights and health, challenging conventional wisdom. The study of 262 women showed no significant differences in birth outcomes between those with low and normal amounts of amniotic fluid.