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Science News for January 21, 2005


Gendered age differences expected among Oscar nominees

Researcher Anne Lincoln found that female Academy Award nominees tend to begin their acting careers at a younger age than male nominees. By analyzing the average age of Oscar nominees from 1928-2001, she discovered historical trends suggesting women start earlier, which may explain the gendered age disparity between winners and nominees.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychological Reports·DateJan 21, 2005

DNA molecules used to assemble nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a method to assemble nanoparticles using DNA molecules, enabling targeted delivery of drugs and contrast agents to cancer cells. The approach uses dendrimers, star-like synthetic polymers that can carry multiple molecules, and allows for rapid synthesis and self-assembly of nanoparticle complexes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJan 21, 2005

Study shows drugs such as Vioxx and Celebrex were widely over-used long before recent problems

Researchers analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics to show that COX-2 inhibitors were frequently prescribed to patients at low risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The study found a rapid nationwide shift away from older, inexpensive drugs with better established safety and efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 21, 2005

Severity of liver disease not a reliable indicator of quality of life

A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver disease severity does not accurately predict quality of life, suggesting alternative methods should be considered for organ allocation. Patients with end-stage liver disease experience impaired quality of life, but this is not correlated with MELD scores.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 21, 2005