Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2003 - Page 10


Page 10 of 10

Adopting some osteopathic traits might help M.D.s boost their patient communication skills

A study found that osteopathic physicians were more likely to use patients' first names, explain medical conditions, and discuss social and emotional impacts of illnesses. Osteopaths also asked patients more questions about their concerns, while allopaths focused on the scientific basis of treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateSep 2, 2003

Mouse, stripped of a key gene, resists diabetes

Researchers have discovered an engineered mouse that can eat a high-fat diet without gaining weight or developing diabetes. The mouse lacks the SCD-1 gene, which affects fat production and glucose regulation. As a result, muscle cells are more sensitive to insulin, enabling them to absorb glucose and regulate blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2003

Terrible hours and more...

A historic conference at the U.S. Naval Academy brought together experts on underwater rescue and salvage, including survivors of notable submarine accidents like USS SQUALUS and USS TANG. The accounts of these men are now transcribed in a new book that explores some of the most daring undersea missions of the last century.

JCI Table of Contents

A comprehensive study on anthrax lethal toxin reveals that human infection is not caused by septic shock but rather hypoxia-induced liver failure. The findings suggest that existing therapies for cytokine-mediated sepsis will not be effective in treating anthrax, highlighting the need for new approaches to treatment.

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

Hot pepper chemical links tongue to heart

Researchers discovered that 'hot pepper' receptors on the heart trigger symptoms of heart attack and may lead to new treatments for angina pectoris. The study found that these receptors cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure, leading to chest pain.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateSep 1, 2003

Study shows brain activity influences immune function

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that individuals with greater activity in the left side of the prefrontal cortex had a stronger immune response against disease. The researchers measured brain activity and immune function in 52 individuals between 57-60 years old, and found a positive corre...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2003

Dual action anthrax vaccine more effective

A new vaccine targets both the anthrax bacterium and its toxins, demonstrating improved effectiveness in mice tests. The dual-action approach also holds promise as a therapeutic vaccine to help those already infected control the bacteria over time.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2003