Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 12, 2003


Concerns over peanut allergy

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a comprehensive review of peanut allergy prevalence, highlighting its severity and early onset. Self-injectable epinephrine remains a cornerstone of peanut allergy management, while new therapies are being developed to address this condition.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 12, 2003

Doctors find patient relationships highlight of profession

A study by Indiana University researchers found that building strong relationships with patients is what brings meaning and fulfillment to a doctor's work. The study highlighted the importance of connection in setting that brings doctors back to their profession despite the challenges of the business of healthcare.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 12, 2003

Gene that controls susceptibility to tuberculosis discovered

Researchers have identified a gene variant, Trl-4, that controls Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in the lung, which may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies. The discovery sheds light on why some infected individuals are able to fight off the infection while others succumb to the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2003

Fetus heart races when mom reads poetry

A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that fetuses can recognize their mother's voice before birth and prefer it after delivery. The research found that fetuses responded differently to their own mother's voice versus a stranger's, suggesting they were learning about language in the womb.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 2003

For best results, stick to one search engine

Researchers found that removing query operators from searches on multiple engines resulted in similar top-ranked results. The 'or' operator was the only marker to significantly change results, while 'must appear' yielded identical results fewer times on MSN than Google and AOL.

Heat zapps bone tumors

A study published in the Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology suggests that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for osteoid osteomas, with all eight patients achieving complete pain relief. The use of CT fluoroscopy enhanced imaging guidance improved precision and success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 12, 2003

Early-life environments shape development of stress behaviors and learning abilities in mice

A study led by Darlene Francis found that early-life environments significantly impact stress behaviors and learning abilities in mice. Mice transferred to high-stress surrogate mothers after birth showed increased stress-reactive behaviors and poorer cognitive performance compared to those raised by low-stress mothers.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 2003

Study shows molecular analysis of early breast cancer lesions may be key to choosing best treatment

Researchers developed new methods for diagnosing breast cancer based on gene expression signatures, correlating with traditional pathological classifications. The study found that early-stage lesions contain molecular signatures reflecting tumor aggressiveness, potentially changing the course of cancer progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2003

Neurology study 'fraught with design flaws,' according to American Chiropractic Association

A recent study found no new information on the relationship between chiropractic neck treatment and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a rare type of stroke. However, experts believe it's physically impossible for a competently performed neck adjustment to cause VAD unless the artery already has a significant pre-existing weakness.

SourceAmerican Chiropractic Association·JournalNeurology·DateMay 12, 2003