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Science News for July 8, 2003


Severe childhood asthma: What are we missing?

Children with severe asthma defy conventional understanding of inflammation-driven disease, showing little to no evidence of ongoing inflammation and permanent changes in lung tissue despite long-term therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and even death.

Abnormal plant shows scientists path to plant, animal development

Researchers at Purdue University have identified nine specific genes that are shut off in plants before they develop from embryos to adults. These genes, part of the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) class, are controlled by a master regulator called PKL, which turns them off to allow plants to develop root and leaf systems. The study's findings m...

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 8, 2003

Blacks more likely to be shot than whites even when holding harmless objects

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that black college students were more likely to be 'shot' by police officers in a virtual reality simulation, even when holding harmless objects. The researchers used the Implicit Association Test to measure unconscious racial biases and stress levels.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 8, 2003

Pre-diabetic adults at increased risk of colon cancer

Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2003