Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 15, 2006


Risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia cut significantly

Researchers found that treating intubated patients with chlorhexidine paste reduced the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia by 65%, while a combination of chlorhexidine and colistin cut the risk by 55%. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a cost-effective approach to prev...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 2006

HIV-1's high virulence might be an accident of evolution

Researchers found that a viral protein helps monkeys resist AIDS symptoms, but HIV-1 lacks this protective function, leading to increased immune activation and disease progression. The study suggests that treatments mimicking the primate immune system might offer a new approach to HIV therapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 15, 2006

Menopausal women don't get enough guidance on treatment options, Stanford survey shows

A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalMenopause The Journal of The North American Menopause Society·DateJun 15, 2006

Racism effects health of Maori in New Zealand

Researchers found that Maori were nearly ten times more likely to experience discrimination than Europeans, leading to poor self-rated health, low mental health, and cardiovascular disease. After controlling for age, sex, deprivation, and racism, the inequalities in health outcomes between Maori and Europeans significantly reduced.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 15, 2006

Stopping inhaled corticosteroid use causes no problems in cystic fibrosis patient users

Researchers found that stopping inhaled corticosteroids in cystic fibrosis patients had no significant increase in lung-related adverse effects. The study showed that replacing the medication with a placebo was safe for most patients, suggesting that it may be possible to lower drug burden and reduce side effects.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 2006

JCI Table of Contents, June 15 2006

Researchers found that AMP production is triggered by sterile wounding of the skin surface, independent of microbial exposure. The study also showed that activation of EGFR leads to increased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and prevents microbial growth in human skin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2006

Growth factor triggers growth of new blood vessels in the heart

The study found that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts increased blood vessel density, offering an alternative to invasive procedures. The researchers believe a drug treatment targeting hedgehog signaling could provide substantial benefit to patients with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 15, 2006

Potentially 1000s of 'brain drain' scientists would help home countries if system to do so created

A study of 60 life science researchers and entrepreneurs from developing countries found a lack of communication and coordination between diaspora members and their home countries. The researchers call for the establishment of mechanisms such as Diaspora Business Initiatives and National Science Corps to facilitate partnerships and col...

Sport should not be used to promote unhealthy behaviour

The 2012 London Olympics will require significant public investment and feature corporate sponsors like McDonald's and Coca-Cola, raising concerns about the promotion of unhealthy behaviors. Dr. Jeff Collin argues that these associations are highly questionable given the significance of obesity as a health problem.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 15, 2006