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Science News Archive January 2003 - Page 7


Page 7 of 8

Study points to methods for safe drug dispensing via computer

The BCMA system was found to have five unanticipated negative side effects, including automatic removal of medications from patient lists and decreased coordination between doctors and nurses. The study highlights the need for flexible redesign and modification of the system to address these challenges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 7, 2003

HRT reduces diabetes rates in some women

Researchers found that hormone therapy (HRT) significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease and impaired fasting glucose. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests HRT may have metabolic benefits that outweigh the risks for certain high-risk groups.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2003

Study: old age won’t boost health-care costs as much as some have predicted

A new study suggests that living longer will not lead to significantly increased healthcare costs, especially after age 85. The research found that average monthly health-care expenditures decrease for those who survive into their mid-80s or beyond. In contrast, the last two years of life often see steeper rises in health-related costs...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJan 6, 2003

Purdue researchers discover basis for biological clock

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a single protein that sets the length of periods of activity and inactivity within cells, known as the biological clock. The discovery has significant implications for medicine, including minimizing jet lag and determining optimal cancer treatment timing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBiochemistry·DateJan 6, 2003

Viagra risks cut down by one as study finds blood flow in eyes unaffected by sex drive drug

A recent study conducted by Dr. Tim McCulley at Stanford University found that high doses of Viagra preserved the thickness of the eye's choroids layer, supplying blood to the eyeball, with minimal change in blood vessels or flow. However, some individuals with underlying vascular diseases may experience changes in vision due to small ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalOphthalmologica·DateJan 4, 2003

Pasta provides glimpse of earthquake fault friction forces

Researchers created a unique model to study earthquake fault friction forces using angel hair pasta, glass beads, and sand. They found that initial conditions and particle dimensionality have a significant impact on friction, with smooth particles producing different results than irregular ones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 3, 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