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Science News for October 12, 2005


BCG vaccine effect against tuberculosis infection and disease

Researchers investigated risk factors for TB infection in 979 children from Istanbul, Turkey. They found that the absence of a BCG scar was a strong, independent risk factor for infection, while its presence reduced the risk by 24%. The study suggests that BCG vaccination also protects against TB infection, opening new avenues for deve...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 12, 2005

NIH launches major program to transform clinical and translational science

The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) program aims to energize clinical and translational science at academic health centers nationwide. The program will foster collaborative approaches, encourage creative research methods, and lead to better patient outcomes through new prevention strategies and treatments.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 12, 2005

NIAID awards $47 million to develop medical countermeasures against radiological, nuclear threats

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $47 million to develop medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear threats. Eight universities have received grants to establish centers for medical countermeasures against radiation, focusing on basic and applied research to develop new products...

Researchers disprove 'fat redistribution syndrome' among men taking HIV drugs

A multi-center study of 425 HIV-positive men found that central fat loss was statistically associated with peripheral fat loss in HIV-positive men on retroviral therapy. Central fat gain was also less among HIV-positive men, with age being the strongest factor associated with increased visceral fat.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateOct 12, 2005

Cold treatment protects against infant disability and death from oxygen loss

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling newborns to prevent death and injury from oxygen deprivation during birth may reduce infant disability and death. After 18-22 months, 44% of cooled infants developed moderate to severe disabilities or died, compared to 62% of those receiving standard care.

Coastal bluffs provide more sand to California beaches than previously believed

Researchers found that coastal bluffs and cliffs are a significant source of sand in Southern California beaches, accounting for half of the sand in the Oceanside Littoral Cell. The study uses laser-scanning technology to quantify bluff erosion with high accuracy, challenging conventional assumptions about beach sand supply.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Coastal Research·DateOct 12, 2005

Black women with early stage breast cancer less likely to receive full course of chemotherapy

A Columbia University study reveals that black women with early-stage breast cancer are two times more likely to die within five years after diagnosis compared to white women. The study found that only 68% of black patients completed all prescribed chemotherapy cycles, compared to 76% of white patients.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 12, 2005

Deep treasure

Researchers will explore the Oculina Bank's deepwater coral reefs, which support dense and diverse populations of fish species and are critical breeding grounds for commercially important populations. The team aims to verify a newly produced high-resolution sonar map and assess the extent of the reefs to inform protection efforts.