Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2004


America's teens: Growing up and out

A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.

Statins could reduce stroke risk by a third

A recent five-year study found that simvastatin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of ischemic strokes by 30%, while having no adverse effect on hemorrhagic strokes. The study also shows a substantial reduction in combined major vascular events among patients with cerebrovascular disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 4, 2004

Discoveries reveal that gene regulation is bipolar

Researchers found that gene regulation is bipolar, with a small set of genes relying on the TATA box for proper function, while most genes rely on the TFIID complex. This discovery provides clues about how to understand gene function and regulation in yeast and potentially applicable to human genetics.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2004

Brain Centre gives Wales a world lead

The new centre will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study brain processes involved in everyday mental tasks. Research at the centre may lead to improved treatments for conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.

2005 global tuberculosis targets may be out of reach

The World Health Organization's (WHO) global tuberculosis control strategy, DOTS, is facing challenges in meeting its 2005 targets. A significant case-detection gap exists between estimated annual incident cases and reported cases under the DOTS strategy. The WHO recommends four key actions to address this issue, including equipping na...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 4, 2004

Family discipline, religous attendance cut levels of later violence among aggressive children

The study found that protective factors such as high academic achievement and strong community ties can foster pro-social behaviors and prevent antisocial behavior. Additionally, good family management practices were shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of violence among aggressive youth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateMar 4, 2004

Hopkins researchers find MRI useful tool in diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases in children

A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that gadolinium-enhanced MRI (G-MRI) was highly accurate in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, with 92% accuracy for ulcerative colitis and 96% accuracy for Crohn's disease. This non-invasive diagnostic tool could replace conventional tests like colonoscopy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMar 4, 2004