Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 1, 2004


Bar characteristics, women's behavior in bars tied to their risk for bar-related aggression

A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that women who frequent certain kinds of bars and engage in specific behaviors are more likely to experience bar-related aggression. The research, which included 198 high-risk women aged 29, also identified key bar characteristics associated with aggression.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateMar 1, 2004

Gene therapy for a broken heart

Researchers developed gene therapy targeting phospholamban, a protein contributing to heart failure. Studies in rats showed improved heart function and reduced scar tissue formation after treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2004

The hidden impact of SARS

The study highlights the need for greater support and educational intervention during infectious disease outbreaks. Front-line health care workers are at real danger of becoming infected, as seen in SARS cases where 20% of infected individuals were healthcare workers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 1, 2004

Homeless children have high rates of asthma

A study of 740 homeless children in NYC found that 26.9% had a prior diagnosis of asthma and 12.9% reported symptoms consistent with moderate or severe persistent asthma. The authors suggest that high levels of exposure to adverse psychological factors contribute to the severity and undertreatment of asthma in homeless children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 1, 2004

Memories light up the corners of our minds

Researchers at MIT discovered that memories with emotional arousal are remembered by the amygdala, whereas calm memories are processed by the prefrontal cortex. This finding has important implications for understanding how the brain makes memories and may lead to treatments for memory loss and learning impairments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2004

Elective cesarean sections

The Canadian Medical Association Journal explores the trend of elective cesarean sections, highlighting concerns about comparing vaginal birth to planned cesarean delivery. Hannah argues that only a comparison of planned vaginal and planned cesarean births can determine which carries greater risk to mother and baby.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 1, 2004

Minors able to buy nicotine replacement therapy products

A study found that minors can purchase nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products in 81% of attempts, with most sellers not asking for proof of age. The FDA-approved labeling has little effect on actual sales practice, highlighting the need for improved access to NRT for teens.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMar 1, 2004

JCI table of contents, March 1 2004

Researchers develop vaccine that prevents tumor growth in mice, while also reversing cardiac dysfunction through gene therapy. These breakthroughs demonstrate the potential of combinatorial approaches to vaccination and gene therapy for treating neoplastic lesions and heart disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2004

Physics tip sheet #40 - March 1, 2004

Researchers have made significant discoveries in controlling friction at the nanometer scale, developing more resilient network architectures, and precisely manipulating millions of atoms. These advancements hold promise for improving nanoengineering applications and enhancing our understanding of fundamental mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 2004

Targeted antiviral prophylaxis of flu case contacts could successfully contain pandemic influenza

Using targeted antiviral prophylaxis (TAP) on close contacts of suspected flu cases can effectively contain an epidemic, with only 2% of the population becoming ill and a death rate of 0.04 per 1,000 people. TAP is nearly as effective as vaccinating 80% of the entire population, especially when used for eight weeks.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 1, 2004

Viral immunosuppression: Not just a game of hide and go seek

Researchers have identified a dual strategy used by viruses to subvert the immune system, involving the targeting of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of dendritic cell maturation. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of viral immunosuppression, enabling better understanding of immune evasion tactics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2004

Cancer rates in teens and early 20s rising

Researchers found a significant increase in cancer cases among teenagers and young adults, with certain cancers dominating at different ages. The study suggests that environmental risk factors and genetic susceptibility may play a role in the increasing incidence of adolescent and young adult cancer.

Vaccine nips breast cancer in the bud

A new vaccine has been shown to halt HER-2/neu preneoplastic breast cancer lesions through both morphologic and gene expression data. The findings suggest a potential breakthrough in the treatment of this type of cancer, according to a recent study published in JCI Journals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2004