Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 13, 2004


Growth study of wild chimpanzees challenges assumptions about early humans

Researchers found that wild chimpanzees have a slower rate of tooth development compared to captive animals, challenging assumptions about hominid growth patterns. The study suggests that modern humans are not as different from Homo erectus as previously thought, and that a larger body size does not require a longer time to grow.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2004

Hormone replacement therapy should start early

A Cornell University-Stanford University meta-analysis of 30 clinical trials found that women starting HRT within two years of menopause had a lower total mortality risk. The study also showed significant reductions in hip fractures and recurrent urinary tract infections, but no change in breast cancer deaths.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2004

Africans take anti-HIV meds at a higher rate than many anticipated

In a study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, researchers found that African participants took on average 91-94% of prescribed HIV medications. The study, which followed 34 participants over 12 weeks, used multiple adherence measures and observed high rates of viral suppression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 13, 2004

Comparing primate genomes offers insight into human evolution

A recent study published in PLOS Biology compared the genomes of humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans to identify variations in gene copy numbers. The researchers found over 1,000 genes with changes in copy number, with humans showing the highest number of increased copy numbers, particularly in brain-related genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 13, 2004

Vioxx in high doses causes hypertension

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that chronic high-dose consumption of Vioxx raises blood pressure and increases the risk of serious heart problems. A substantial number of patients continue to receive high doses of the drug, despite evidence suggesting its potential harm.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateJul 13, 2004

Will the insured sacrifice to help cover the uninsured? New study suggests yes

A new study by Michigan Medicine suggests that insured individuals are willing to make sacrifices to help cover the costs of the uninsured. When given the opportunity to discuss their concerns and priorities in a group setting, many participants chose to cover both adults and children, with 76% opting for some form of coverage. The res...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2004

First medical test on CD gets good results

Engineers at Ohio State University have developed a patent-pending technology that automates the ELISA biochemical test on a compact disc, significantly reducing the time required for manual testing. The CD-based system detects a sample of rat antibody in just one hour, using only one-tenth the usual amount of chemicals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2004