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Science News Archive January 2003 - Page 2


Page 2 of 8

New study shows urban gay men as likely to be battered as heterosexual women

A comprehensive study of 2,881 gay men in major US cities found that domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic, with HIV-positive individuals and younger men disproportionately affected. The research highlights the need for improved support systems and training for medical professionals to address male-male domestic violence.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 28, 2003

Down by the river

Research found significant species diversity in riparian areas, with up to 40 times more exotic species per plot compared to uplands. Flood frequency also impacts species richness, with decreased numbers of exotic species as flood frequency decreases.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateJan 28, 2003

Teens prefer talking to mom about drug use topics

A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateJan 27, 2003

New protein will help fight inflammation

Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.

Research reveals how strep bacterium evades immune system

Scientists have discovered how the strep bacterium evades destruction by the human immune system, leading to new research on vaccine candidates and therapy interventions. The study found that GAS becomes more resilient to ingestion and killing by PMNs over time or produces factors that alter normal PMN function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2003

Costly tests unnecessary for some miscarriages, University of Pittsburgh geneticist says

A recent study by W. Allen Hogge, M.D., found that nearly 56% of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, with higher rates among women over 35. The study recommends regular karyotyping tests after the second loss and more advanced testing only when no genetic abnormality is found.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 27, 2003

Newly identified gut protein kills bacteria

Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Ang4, produced by Paneth cells in the intestinal lining that can kill certain types of gut microbes. This finding suggests that Ang4 may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 26, 2003

Oxygen deprivation at or immediately after birth may place premature babies at risk for problems

A study found that premature babies with mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during or immediately after birth had significantly lower cognitive and language skills compared to those with no such risk. The researchers suggest that even minor risk of hypoxia may be associated with damage to the brain's periventricular white matter.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 26, 2003

Whose interests does the World Trade Organisation serve?

The World Trade Organisation serves the interests of pharmaceutical companies and wealthy countries, hindering efforts to make affordable medicines available in poor countries. A proposed global deal aimed at increasing access to generic drugs has been rejected due to US opposition, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of the issue.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 23, 2003