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Science News Archive October 2005 - Page 7


Page 7 of 16

HIV patients face discrimination from doctors

A study of nearly 2500 HIV-infected adults in the US found that 26% experienced perceived discrimination, with physicians being a major contributor. This discrimination led to reduced access to care and lower ratings for medical quality, highlighting the need for addressing these issues.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2005

Bariatric surgical procedures increase substantially

The number of bariatric surgical procedures in the US has increased substantially, with gastric bypass accounting for over 80% of all procedures. Length of stay decreased, but sociodemographic disparities persist, highlighting the need for equal access to bariatric surgery regardless of sex and socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 18, 2005

Proofreading and error-correction in nanomaterials inspired by nature

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel method for proofreading and error-correction in nanomaterials, utilizing catalytic DNA to detect and remove incorrect particles. This approach mimics nature's accuracy mechanisms in protein synthesis and holds promise for precise control over nanoparticle assembly.

African-American clinic patients' reactions to racism may affect their health outcomes

A study of 42 African-American patients aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes found that those who responded passively to racism tended to have poorer self-rated health, while those who responded actively had better health outcomes. Medical professionals are urged to be more aware of their patients' experiences of racism.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 18, 2005

Other highlights in the October 19 JNCI

Researchers have found that combining the monoclonal antibody C225 with photodynamic therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer resulted in substantial tumor reduction and improved survival rates compared to single-agent treatments. This innovative approach may provide new hope for women diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 18, 2005

Protein involved in 'mad cow' disease

Researchers have identified the PrPC protein as a crucial component in the neuronal metabolism of calcium, shedding new light on the cause of mad cow disease. The study found that prions damage perineuronal nests, leading to neuronal death and disease progression.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalBrain Research·DateOct 18, 2005

Stimulating the brain makes the fingers more sensitive

A short course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) increases finger sensitivity by 15% immediately after treatment, with effects lasting up to two hours. The brain map representing the index finger also enlarges in response to rTMS, corresponding to increased sensory perception.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 17, 2005

Dartmouth researcher tracks how immigrants fit in by studying household configurations

A Dartmouth researcher studied immigrant households to find that generational status, not income, has the most effect on immigrant dispersion. The study challenges current ideas about where immigrants live and suggests that states with multi-generational households may have easier socio-cultural and economic adjustments.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005