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Hepatitis C treatment less effective in urban minority patients

A recent study found that standard hepatitis C therapy is less effective in urban minority patients compared to clinical trials, with lower sustained viral response rates. Researchers attribute this disparity to the complex interaction of genetic variations, environmental factors, and health behaviors in these populations.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMar 25, 2010

Sources of pollution in waterways

A recent study found that stormwater runoff is the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study estimated that stormwater runoff contributes about half of the total PAH load to the harbor. The researchers also identified gaps in data, particularly for stormwater runoff ...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 9, 2010

The most frequent error in medicine

A new study found that nearly a third of patients age 65 and older referred to a specialist do not receive treatment due to failed referrals. The study revealed that only 50% of those referred had the opportunity to receive treatment, highlighting the need for improved health information technology to address this issue.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateFeb 26, 2010

Study: Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas

A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas. The study found lower fatal accident rates and personal injury accidents in counties with high driver d...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateFeb 8, 2010

Computer model demonstrates that white roofs may successfully cool cities

A new study suggests that painting building roofs white could reduce urban heat island effects by 33%, cooling cities by an average of 0.7 degrees F. However, the authors caution that actual use of white roofs would depend on various factors and may not be feasible due to wear and tear.

IU study: Half of urban teen girls acquire STIs within 2 years of first sexual activity

According to a new study, half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. The researchers found that repeated infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis were very common among the participants.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Highlights of NHLBI-supported research presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions

Research highlights from NHLBI-supported studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions include new education strategies for controlling hypertension and findings on a possible link between short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of constricted blood vessels. Two surgical approac...

Carbon monoxide linked to heart problems in elderly

A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.

Fee capitation vs. fee-for-service primary care

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that primary care physicians who adopted a new capitation model for payment had fewer sick patients and less after-hours billing. However, they also had more patients visiting emergency departments and fewer new patients compared to those who opted for an enhanced fee-...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 25, 2009

Can middle class families make urban schools better?

A Temple University study found that middle-class parental involvement in urban education can have a positive impact when parents focus on making the school better for everyone. However, the study also shows that this influence can sometimes be exclusive to their own children's needs at the expense of working-class students.

Middle-school math classes are key to closing racial academic achievement gap

A University of Illinois study suggests that challenging middle-school math classes and increased access to advanced courses can close the racial academic achievement gap. The research found that students who take more advanced math courses in middle school have better academic outcomes and are less likely to fall behind.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateApr 20, 2009

Invasive garden ants as new pest insects in Europe

A new study reveals invasive garden ants (Lasius neglectus) originated from the Black Sea region and are able to thrive in temperate climates. They can spread rapidly through large potted plants and human movement, posing a significant threat to natural biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2008

CU-Boulder study suggests air quality regulations miss key pollutants

A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 24, 2008