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Science News Archive January 2005 - Page 11


Page 11 of 11

Environmental tobacco smoke linked to reading, math, logic and reasoning declines in children

A study found that environmental tobacco smoke exposure is linked to significant declines in reading and math scores, as well as logic and reasoning skills in children. The research suggests that even low levels of exposure can have adverse effects on cognitive abilities, with an estimated 33 million US children at risk.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 4, 2005

Homes need more protection against falls

Falls are a leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the US, with 7% of households reporting a fall requiring medical attention. Homeowners can take steps to prevent falls by installing protective devices such as grab bars, handrails, and safety gates.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 4, 2005

Ancient DNA helps solve the legend of giant eagles

Researchers at McMaster University have used ancient DNA to study the evolution of the Haast's eagle, a giant bird that once ruled New Zealand. The study found that the species is related to one of the world's smallest eagles, with an estimated common ancestor living less than a million years ago.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 4, 2005

USC researchers find evidence that progesterone signaling influences ovarian cancer risk

Researchers from USC found evidence that progesterone signaling influences ovarian cancer risk, particularly two haplotypes (4-D and 4-E) that increase risk by almost 3.5-fold in women who carry them. The study's findings suggest that subtle changes in the progesterone receptor gene may decrease its efficiency, leading to ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 4, 2005

IL-7 wipes out HIV-1 hideouts

Researchers have identified IL-7 as a potent and strain-specific inducer of latent HIV-1 cellular reservoirs in individuals on virally suppressive HAART. The growth factor stimulates HIV-1 activation from resting T cells, suggesting new approaches for HIV treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

JCI table of contents, 3 January 2005

Researchers identified a novel oncogene in Chernobyl residents with papillary thyroid cancer, resulting from the fusion of the AKAP9 and BRAF genes. This study provides evidence that chromosomal inversions are a common molecular lesion in post-Chernobyl thyroid cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Health care costs higher for children with special health care needs

According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their peers. The study found that CSHCN account for 42.1% of total medical care costs and 33.6% of total health care costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

Heart-stopping antibodies

Autoantibodies disrupt calcium ion fluctuations, leading to toxic build-up and cell death in heart cells. Researchers are searching for the binding target of these antibodies to develop a new way to identify women at risk for congenital heart block.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

Jefferson virologists coax HIV out of hiding

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that interleukin-7 (IL-7) can stimulate latent HIV viruses, making them vulnerable to drugs and the immune system. The new technique may lead to improved treatments for HIV infection and could be a step towards complete viral eradication.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Study links sexual behavior, genetic factors to increased risk of kidney infection in women under 50

A recent study by Group Health Research Institute has identified key risk factors for kidney infections in women under 50. The research found that frequent sexual intercourse, recent urinary tract infections, new sex partners, family history of UTIs, and spermicide use are associated with a higher risk of kidney infection.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

The giant eagle of Middle Earth

Researchers at Oxford University extracted DNA from fossil eagle bones to study the extinct Haast's eagle, which was related to a small Australian wedge-tailed eagle. The eagle grew to be massive due to abundant prey and lack of predators.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 3, 2005

Mayo Clinic study suggests no link between autism and immunizations

A Mayo Clinic study analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and found a stable incidence of autism until 1988-1991, then increased with new diagnostic criteria and special education laws. Researchers identified 124 children meeting current diagnostic criteria for autism out of 3,000 with related diagnoses.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005