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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 93


Page 93 of 135

REI medical/research briefs

Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2004

Health care providers should be prepared for high prevalence of co-occurring disorders

A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004

Link between caffeine consumption, high blood pressure found in adolescents

A new study has found a significant link between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure in black adolescents. Adolescents who drank the most caffeinated beverages had higher systolic pressures, with black adolescents showing a greater impact. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to explore this relationship.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

When plants need ants' help, bigger is better

Research shows that larger ants are better at carrying seeds far from their mother plants, but invasive species like Argentine and fire ants pose a threat to native plant populations. The study found that smaller ants cannot disperse seeds as efficiently, leading to reduced seedling survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology·DateMay 1, 2004

Hidden cost of depression in seniors: $9 billion in care from spouses, children

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that moderately depressed seniors require significantly more hours of care than those without symptoms. If caregivers were paid for their work, the annual cost would be approximately $9 billion, highlighting the impact of depression on seniors and their loved ones.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2004

Enhanced counseling eases depression among people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that enhanced counseling, including individual and family therapy, reduced symptoms of depression among caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. After one year, 29.8% of caregivers in the enhanced group showed significant improvement.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2004

May 2004 Ophthalmology journal

This May 2004 Ophthalmology journal issue covers a range of topics including refractive surgery, protective eyewear in the military, and ultraviolet absorption of intraocular lenses. Key findings also include higher risk of multiple falls among elderly women with visual acuity loss and patterns of macular edema in patients with uveitis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 1, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (first issue)

A study found that furosemide inhalation alleviated severe breathlessness in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, researchers developed a new model for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 30, 2004

Missing chemical important to air pollution estimates

Researchers at Penn State have found a missing chemical that plays a significant role in ozone and aerosol production in the lower atmosphere. The discovery was made through a two-year study of hydroxyl radical reactivity in a forested area, which found that a temperature-dependent chemical was reacting with the hydroxyl radical.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004

Scientists report how protons induce water cages

Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004