Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Sharp drop in stress hormones may set stage for arthritis, multiple sclerosis after pregnancy

Researchers found that levels of IL-12 and TNF alpha decreased during pregnancy, while cortisol, norepinephrine, and 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3 increased. After birth, these stress hormones surged, possibly contributing to the resurgence of immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 30, 2001

Father's alcohol abuse, depression and other problems shown to impact negatively on children's development

Research finds that fathers' alcohol abuse and depression are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in children, including anxiety and depression. The study also highlights the importance of considering maternal depression when evaluating the effects of paternal alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInfant Mental Health Journal Infancy and Early Childhood·DateJul 12, 2001

Drug protects infants with high-risk heart defect from neurologic and cardiac injury after heart surgery

A new study published in Pediatrics found that allopurinol significantly reduced seizures and cardiac events in infants with high-risk heart defects undergoing heart surgery. The study, led by Dr. Robert R. Clancy, used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and randomized infants to receive either allopurinol or a placebo.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 2, 2001

Study suggests GI physical fitness less than it can be

A recent study found that US military members have lower physical fitness rates compared to civilians, with 37% exercising less than three times a week. However, military members who exercise tend to do so more regularly than civilians, and required physical training is an effective method for increasing overall activity levels.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateDec 21, 2000

American Thoracic Society news tips for November

Research finds Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia cases clustered in San Francisco and Cincinnati zip code areas, highlighting epidemiologic features of the infection. Asthmatic children's susceptibility to ozone pollution is linked to low birthweight or prematurity, with boys showing a greater response.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2000

Arrival of first baby doesn't mean wife's marital satisfaction has to take big nose dive

Research from the University of Washington suggests that building fondness and affection, being responsive to each other's lives, and approaching problems together can help new parents maintain stable or improved marital satisfaction. Despite initial reports of decline, many couples adapt and even strengthen their relationships during ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateOct 23, 2000

UIC to begin prenatal diagnosis study

Researchers at UIC College of Medicine are developing a powerful new prenatal diagnostic technique to detect genetic abnormalities in fetal blood cells. The technique, using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), will identify defects in individual genes and could potentially be used by all women who wish to undergo screening.

Left-handedness is not necessarily the kiss of death

A study of 1,277 elderly people found no correlation between left-handedness and mortality rate. Instead, factors such as pressure to switch hands, gender differences, and adaptation to a right-hand world influenced the prevalence of left-handedness among older adults.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Neuropsychology·DateSep 26, 2000

Children's personality features unchanged by short-term video play; long-term play likely to be governed by combined influences

Research shows that short-term exposure to violent video games has minimal impact on empathy and aggression in children. However, preexisting personality traits and long-term gaming habits are likely to shape behavior. The study found a significant correlation between the child's favorite game and their total aggression score.

Study at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center reports short-term benefit in treating autism with antibiotic agent

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that certain antibiotic agents can improve autism symptoms in some children, particularly those colonized by bacteria producing toxins. The study suggests a possible link between intestinal bacteria and autism, warranting further research for prevention or treatment strategies.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child Neurology·DateJul 17, 2000

UF study: thin may be in for high fashion, but most people find variety of sizes acceptable

A University of Florida study found that most Americans consider mid-range body sizes attractive and socially acceptable. In contrast to the idealized thin figure often seen in media, participants preferred a range of builds from slender to rounded. As people age, they become more tolerant of varying body sizes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJun 13, 2000

Safety education program seems to have little effect

A recent study found that a half-day safety program for kindergarten students showed minimal improvement in basic safety skills. The research compared two groups of children, one that participated in the program and another that did not, but found no significant difference in their scores. This suggests that many safety programs, like ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 14, 2000

Parents pass on religious beliefs more by word than by deed

A recent Purdue University study discovered that parents' influence on their children's religious beliefs is largely shaped by verbal communication rather than actual practice. The research found that students who had open discussions with their parents about religious beliefs were more likely to accurately perceive their parents' views.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateMar 19, 2000

Baboons have voice and communication but not the 'theory of mind' to understand how their communications will affect others

New research suggests that mother baboons do not use their voices to call back to lost infants, contrary to previous assumptions. This lack of 'theory of mind' is believed to be due to the inability to recognize that other animals have thoughts and feelings apart from their own.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2000