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Science News for January 2, 2003


Task force issues new diet counseling recommendations

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive diet counseling for at-risk adult patients to reduce fat and increase fruits and vegetables. Effective counseling involves multiple sessions and interactive materials, with studies showing significant changes in eating habits and some health benefits.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 2, 2003

What are 3-D spider webs for?

Researchers found that three-dimensional spider webs reduce predation by mud-dauber wasps, allowing spiders to thrive in safer environments. This escape from predation is accompanied by a significant increase in spider species diversity and abundance.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 2, 2003

Pitt research shows early lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency

A new study by Dr. Needleman found that convicted juveniles had significantly higher levels of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls. The researchers suggest that childhood lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency, leading to increased aggression and antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateJan 2, 2003

Nicotine - Worse than we thought?

Research reveals nicotine activates Akt survival pathway, undermining programmed cell death in lung cancer cells. This finding may lead to re-evaluation of quitting-aids' benefits.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, January 2, 2003

Researchers found that nicotine stimulates lung epithelial cells to activate a molecular pathway promoting cell growth and survival. This activation undermines the body's natural defense mechanism against cancer. The study suggests reconsidering the risk-benefit ratio of nicotine-based quitting aids.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2003

'Dark energy' dominates the universe

Researchers conclude dark energy is the dominant form of energy in the universe, contradicting observations of distant supernovae. The accelerating expansion of the universe can be explained by the presence of negative pressure in a vacuum, supporting the existence of dark energy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2003

Palm leaves act like flowers

Researchers discovered that palm leaves emit specific floral notes to attract pollinating weevils during the flowering season. This finding suggests a shift in flower-to-leaf function in plants, opening new questions about pollination system evolution.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 2, 2003

Patients complain more about paperwork than care

A recent study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that patients are more likely to complain about administrative issues related to their health plans, rather than problems with medical care. The study revealed that patients who complained were five times more likely to have their concerns successfully resolved.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateJan 2, 2003

Drug advertising in medical journals can be misleading

The study found that nearly half of promotional claims were not supported by corresponding references, with the most common error being recommending treatment to a different patient group than those assessed in the reference study. Doctors should be cautious when assessing advertisements claiming greater efficacy, safety, or convenience.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 2, 2003

Wetlands clean selenium from agricultural runoff

Researchers found that man-made wetlands in California's San Joaquin Valley can remove up to 69.2% of selenium from agricultural drainage water, converting it into non-toxic dimethyl selenide. The unique ecosystem of the wetlands acts as a bio-geo-chemical filter, trapping selenium in sediment and utilizing plant roots to metabolize it.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 2, 2003

Evidence for orangutan culture

Researchers discover evidence of culturally transmitted behaviors in orangutans, dating back 14 million years. The findings push back the origins of cultural transmission in apes, suggesting a stronger link to human culture.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJan 2, 2003