Genetic Link to Antidepressant Response Found
Researchers find that depressed and highly
anxious Mexican-Americans with a variant of the CRH gene
had a 70 percent greater reduction in anxiety and a 30 percent
greater reduction in depression in response to two anti-depressants.
(Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 17:00 ET)
Molecular Psychiatry, 16-Dec-2004
—University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health
Sciences
Surprise! Cells Have Second Source of Phosphate
For 50 years, thousands of labs around
the world have studied cells' critical internal communications,
and scientists had assumed the speakers were known. But
now researchers report finding not just a new participant,
but a brand new conversation that has implications for
treating disease and understanding biology. (Embargo expired
on 16-Dec-2004 at 14:00 ET)
Science, 17-Dec-2004
—Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Doctors Must Play New Role in Bioterrorism Era
As the threat of bioterrorism looms, doctors
need training to prepare them to balance hysteria and
suspicion so they catch problems early, Saint Louis University
experts write. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30
ET)
Lancet, Vol. 364, Dec-2004
—Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center
Eating the 'Polymeal' Cuts Heart Disease by 76%
Scientists have discovered the 'Polymeal',
a set of ingredients which cuts the risk of heart (cardiovascular)
disease by 76% and significantly increases life expectancy.
(Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Human Eye Cannot Spot the Offside Rule
The human eye is unable to detect an offside
position during a football match, claims a doctor from
Spain. This may explain why so many offside decisions
are controversial. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at
18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Data Protection Rules May Risk Patient Safety on Wards
Removing patient name boards from hospital
wards because they do not comply with the Data Protection
Act 1998 may risk the safe delivery of care to patients,
argue researchers. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at
18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Tips from the 18-Dec-2004 BMJ
1) Raymond Blanc creates the Polymeal!
2) Does Gollum have schizophrenia? 3) Medical schools
can learn from Thai approach to dissection. (Embargo expired
on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Cinematic Portrayal of Amnesia Is Profoundly Misleading
The way the movies represent amnesia is
profoundly misleading, and gives the general public a
false view of what to expect if they are diagnosed with
the condition, says a paper. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004
at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Magnetic Bracelets Reduce the Pain of Osteoarthritis
Magnetic bracelets reduce pain in osteoarthritis
of the hip and knee, finds a study. Osteoarthritis affects
around 760,000 people in the United Kingdom, producing
over 3 million general practice consultations in 2000.
(Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
BMJ, 18-Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Encouraging
Results of Gene Therapy for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
A UK study provides further evidence that gene therapy
can be effective in creating a functional immune system
for infants with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
(Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 18-Dec-2004
—Lancet
Pacemakers Could Protect Patients with Epilepsy from Sudden Unexplained Death
Results of a UK study highlight how interruptions
to the heart’s rhythm is an under-reported consequence
of epileptic seizures, and that the use of cardiac pacemakers
by some epilepsy patients could play a future role in
protecting against sudden unexplained death. (Embargo
expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 18-Dec-2004
—Lancet
OTC
Treatment for Acne as Good as Antibiotics
Results of a UK study highlight how over the counter (OTC)
benzoyl peroxide lotion is as good as prescription antibiotics
for the treatment of mild to moderate facial acne. (Embargo
expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 18-Dec-2004
—Lancet
Paper of the Year 2004
THE LANCET Paper of the Year 2004 has been
won by Craig Whittington and colleagues’ for their
systematic review of selective serotonin-rein childhood
depression published in the April 2004 issue. (Embargo
expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 18-Dec-2004
—Lancet
'Deep
and Crisp and Eaten': The Scottish Deep-Fried Mars Bar
A letter details a survey of Scottish fish
and chip shops to try and estimate the popularity of the
deep-fried Mars bar. The deep-fried Mars bar was first
identified in Scotland nearly a decade ago, although epidemiological
data about its existence remains scarce. (Embargo expired
on 16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, 18-Dec-2004
—Lancet
Colonoscopy Most Reliable Method for Detecting Colon Cancer
A fast-track study shows that colonoscopy
is the most accurate technique for detecting colon polyps
and cancers. Two other procedures often used to detect
colon cancer -- air-contrast barium enema and the non-invasive
'virtual colonoscopy' Computed tomographic colonography
-- were found to be less reliable. (Embargo expired on
16-Dec-2004 at 18:30 ET)
Lancet, Online, 17-Dec-2004
—Lancet
Link Between Socioeconomic Status/Health Developed
Findings suggest that individuals with
high overall cardiovascular risk in midlife can be identified
by relatively higher risk factors when they are younger
and that young people from families with a lower SES experienced
greatest increases in those risk factors.
Social Science and Medicine, forthcoming
—University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health
Sciences
Some Canned Fish Safer for Women in Childbearing Years
In order to meet public health standards
and ensure the safety of infants and developing fetuses,
the U.S. FDA's Action Level for mercury in commercial
fish should be reduced from 1000 parts per billion, according
to researchers’ study.
J. of Food Science
—Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage of Iowa Children
A new report on health insurance coverage
of Iowa children indicates that nearly 90,000 children
in the state are uninsured at some point in the year.
Some programs, however, are available to help families,
and more could be done to expand, as well as educate people
about, options.
—University of Iowa (Health Sciences)
Marine Biotechnology Product Offers Promise as Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Researchers working with Florida red tide
toxin have discovered two new compounds that may treat
mucus build-up associated with cystic fibrosis and similar
lung diseases, improving the flow of mucus through the
respiratory tract and allowing airways to clear more quickly
and efficiently.
Am. J. of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jan-2005
J. of Natural Products, Dec-2004
—University of North Carolina at Wilmington
McGill Researchers Identify New Way to Reduce Cholesterol Levels
McGill researchers have identified a new
therapy that successfully improves cholesterol levels.
This regimen involves consuming plant-based oils and exercising,
and may benefit those at risk of heart disease.
Am. J. of Clinical Nutrition
—McGill University
Microbe's Genome Promises Insight Into Earth's Carbon, Sulfur Cycling
Scientists have sequenced the genome of
the microorganism Silicibacter pomeroyi, a member of an
abundant group of marine bacteria known to impact the
Earth’s ecosystem by releasing and consuming atmospheric
gases.
Nature, 16-Dec-2004
—National Science Foundation (NSF)
Antibody Can Prevent Kidney Damage from Anti-Rejection Drugs
Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular
Center researchers have shown in animals that kidney damage
from drugs used to suppress immune reaction in heart transplant
patients can be prevented.
Circulation: J. of the Am. Heart Association, 21-Dec-2004
—Medical College of Wisconsin
Update on Current Influenza Season, Vaccine Supply in the US
Update on current influenza season and
vaccine supply in the United States.
—Ogilvy Health & Medical Practice, DC
With IVIG Therapy, 3 Transplant Patients Are Resuming Active Lives
According to a recently published study,
an immune-modulating therapy significantly improves kidney
transplantation rates, even among “highly sensitized”
patients whose immune systems have previously prevented
them from being considered for transplants.
—Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Liver Damage from Medicines, Herbals at Center of New Study
Medicines that harm the liver are much
in the news these days, from AIDS drugs to heart medications.
Now, researchers are seeking people whose livers have
been damaged by drugs or herbal remedies, to try to solve
the mystery of why this damage happens.
—University of Michigan Health System
ProfNet Wire: Health & Medicine for 12-16-2004
1) Work Permits for Foreign Nurses; 2)
Flu Vaccine; 3) Exercise with Care; 4) Latinos and Health
Care Disparities in New York City; 5) Cardiac Ablation
Used to Treat A-Fib and more.
—Profnet
J. of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology Will Publish with LWW
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and the
American Association of Neuropathologists have announced
that LWW has been selected to become publisher of AANP's
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology.
—Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Healthcare Association Welcomes New Premier Corporate Partner
The American Medical Group Association(r)
is pleased to announce that Sankyo Pharma Inc. has become
a Premier Corporate Partner of the association. Sankyo
Pharma joins an impressive roster of healthcare organizations
that are working with AMGA to improve the quality of care
delivered to patients through the association’s
medical group members.
—American Medical Group Association (AMGA)
Greenland Ice Cores Offer Glimpse of Weather System History
The recent analyses of eight ice cores
drilled from the massive Greenland Ice Sheet may paint
a map researchers can use to uncover the history of a
massive weather machine controlling the climate around
the North Atlantic basin. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004
at 19:50 ET)
American Geophysical Union meeting
—Ohio State University
First Demethylase Molecule Discovered, a Long-Sought Gene Regulator
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that
plays an important role in controlling which genes will
be turned on or off at any given time in a cell. The novel
protein helps orchestrate the patterns of gene activity
that determine normal cell function. Their disruption
can lead to cancer. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at
12:00 ET)
Cell, Online, 16-Dec-2004
—Harvard Medical School
Study Resolves Doubt About Origin of Earth’s Oldest Rocks
Experiments led by Nicolas Dauphas of the
University of Chicago and Chicago’s Field Museum
have validated some controversial rocks from Greenland
as the potential site for the earliest evidence of life
on Earth. (Embargo expired on 16-Dec-2004 at 14:00 ET)
Science, 17-Dec-2004
—University of Chicago
Catastrophic Flooding from Ancient Lake May Have Triggered Cold Period
Imagine a lake three times the size of
the present-day Lake Ontario breaking through a dam and
flooding down the Hudson River Valley past New York City
and into the North Atlantic.
American Geophysical Union
—Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
A New Twist on an Old Nebula
A new investigation of the Helix nebula
reveals that the object has a more complex three-dimensional
structure than previously thought, one that is helping
astronomers understand the death throes of stars.
Astronomical J., Nov-2004
—Vanderbilt University
Desalination Technology Taps Waste Heat from Power Plants
University of Florida researchers have
developed a technology that can tap waste heat from electrical
power plants as its main source of energy, an advance
that could significantly reduce the cost of desalination
in some parts of the world.
J. of Energy Resources Technology
—University of Florida
Researcher Studies Tumor Genome Architectures with Career Award
UCSD postdoc Ben Raphael will use the $500,000
over five years awarded to him by the Burroughs Wellcome
Fund to support his computational approach to analyzing
cancer genomes, including brain, breast and prostate cancer
genomes.
—University of California, San Diego
Science Names Mars Discovery Breakthrough of the Year
Science magazine has chosen the Mars Rovers'
discovery of evidence for the presence of potentially
life-supporting water as Breakthrough of the Year in its
Dec. 17, 2004, edition.
—Cornell University
Joint Field School Publishes Findings from Excavations in Egypt
For 10 years, University of Arkansas students
and professors have been digging up pieces of the past
and changing the way archeologists view life in the Middle
East during the first millennium. Now the U of A and Yarmouk
University in Jordan have published the results of their
initial years of excavation and study.
—University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Palestinian Expert Available To Discuss Impact of Jan Election
Pacific/McGeorge Law Professor and Middle
East Peace Negotiator Omar Dajani available to discuss
impact of imminent Palestinian elections on U.S. efforts
in Iraq and war on terrorism.
—University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law
In-Depth Previews of Supreme Court Cases on the Web
Cornell's Legal Information Institute is
now offering free online analyses of upcoming Supreme
Court cases, before they are argued. Put together by a
team of Cornell law students, they are presented in a
form easy to understand by journalists, high school and
college teachers and students.
—Cornell University
Terps Like Mixing Their Double Majors
Double majors are no big deal anymore.
At the University of Maryland, the number of students
seeking double majors has increased nearly 60 percent
in just 4 years. But it's the majors these students are
choosing that might raise eyebrows.
—University of Maryland, College Park
USF Spin-Out Company Saneron CCEL Wins Federal Award for Cell Therapy
A novel approach to cell therapy has won
a federal award and new patent for a team of researchers
from Saneron CCEL and the University of South Florida.
—University of South Florida
Race
May Affect Weight and Fitness Level
Race may play an important role in determining
a person’s obesity and fitness levels, shows a new
study. The study found that African-American patients
had a higher level of obesity and a lower exercise capacity
compared to Caucasian patients. (Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004
at 17:00 ET)
CHEST, Dec-2004
—American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
News Briefs from the Journal Chest, December 2004
News briefs from the December issue of
the journal CHEST highlight how mental distress affects
asthma patients; how a new model can accurately predict
lung cancer; and how antitobacco legislation reduces smoking
rates and deaths. (Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 17:00
ET)
CHEST, Dec-2004
—American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
Anger, Negative Emotions May Trigger Stroke
Anger and other negative emotions may be
triggers for ischemic stroke, according to a study. (Embargo
expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 16:00 ET)
Neurology, 14-Dec-2004
—American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
More Centenarians in Switzerland than Any Other European Country
More people live to be 100 in Switzerland
than anywhere else in Europe, and the country is one of
the world leaders in the longevity stakes, reveals research.
(Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
J. of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
High Pressure Work Deadlines Boost Heart Attack Risk Six-Fold
A high pressure work deadline boosts the
chances of a heart attack within the next 24 hours by
a factor of six, reveals research. (Embargo expired on
13-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
J. of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Men Seem to Stop Trying When They Remarry
Men seem to stop trying when they remarry,
suggests research. They put on weight and cut down on
exercise. (Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
J. of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Parasitic Worms May Offer Effective Treatment for Crohn's Disease
Parasitic worms, or helminths, may be an
effective treatment for the chronic inflammatory bowel
disorder, Crohn's disease, suggests a small study. (Embargo
expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 18:10 ET)
Gut, Dec-2004
—British Medical Journal
Nearsighted Children May Benefit from Rigid Contact Lenses
New research suggests that rigid gas permeable
contact lenses may help slow the progression of nearsightedness,
or myopia, in young children. (Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004
at 16:00 ET)
Archives of Ophthalmology, Dec-2004
—Ohio State University
Imaging Technique Helps Researchers Probe Lung Vessel Changes
A team of researchers from the Medical
College of Wisconsin, Marquette University and the VA
Medical Center-Milwaukee has introduced a promising new
technique to study the arteries of the lungs and their
role in pulmonary hypertension.
J. of Applied Physiology, Dec-2004
—Medical College of Wisconsin
Scientists Hunt for 'Secret X' to Treat Liver Cancer
A Purdue University study has shown that
a protein the hepatitis virus instructs chronically infected
liver cells to produce - known as the X protein - under
certain conditions instructs precancerous infected liver
cells to die. The discovery could be harnessed as an anticancer
therapy.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
—Purdue University
Research Points to New Theory Driving Evolutionary Changes
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical
Center at Dallas have used canine DNA to identify a genetic
mutation mechanism they believe is responsible for rapid
evolutionary changes in the physical appearance of many
species. (Embargo expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 17:00 ET)
PNAS
—University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
at Dallas
Baby Songbirds and Human Infants Learn Sounds in Similar Ways
Rockefeller University scientists have
found that zebra finches, songbirds native to Australia,
use infant-like strategies to learn their song. Which
strategy they choose, or what combination of strategies,
seems to depend on what their siblings are doing. (Embargo
expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 17:00 ET)
PNAS, 13-Dec-2004
—Rockefeller University
Strange Ocean Wave Patterns Raise Questions about Beach Erosion
Engineers studying beach erosion discovered
unexpected wave behavior in the water along an east coast
shoreline. The finding could ultimately cause researchers
to re-examine ideas about beach erosion and the repair
of beaches that are damaged by tropical storms. (Embargo
expired on 13-Dec-2004 at 19:50 ET)
American Geophysical Union meeting
—Ohio State University
Gene Vaccine for Alzheimer’s Disease Shows Promising Results
UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
researchers have found a way of stimulating the immune
systems of mice to fight against amyloid proteins that
cause the devastating plaques that are characteristic
of Alzheimer’s disease.
Archives of Neurology
—University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
at Dallas
Carbon Nanotubes Yield a New Class of Biological Sensors
Nanotechnology researchers at the University
of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated a tiny,
implantable detector that could one day allow diabetics
to monitor their glucose levels continuously-without ever
having to draw a blood sample.
Nature Materials, 12-Dec-2004
—National Science Foundation (NSF)
Revolutionary Microscope Technology
A microscope using technology invented
by Vitaly Vodyanoy of Auburn University's College of Veterinary
Medicine enables medical and other researchers to observe
living cells in extremely fine detail and without the
delays or extra steps for processing typical of current
high-technology microscopes.
American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting
—Auburn University
Historic Himalayan Ice Dams Created Huge Lakes, Mammoth Floods
Ice dams across the deepest gorge on Earth
created some of the highest-elevation lakes in history.
New research shows the most recent of these broke through
its ice barrier between 600 and 900 AD, causing massive
torrents of water to pour through the Himalayas into India
from Tibet.
American Geophysical Union fall meeting
—University of Washington
ProfNet Wire: Technology for 12-13-04
1) Increasing Sophistication of Spam; 2)
Password Management Tips for Security Administrators;
3) Nothing Good Can Come from a Cell Phone Directory;
4) There Must Be An Opt-In for Cell Phone Directory.
—Profnet
Hudson's Bay Company Fur Trapping Policies Set Stage for Modern Environmental Struggles
Some of the Pacific Northwest major environmental
struggles may have their origins in the sometimes conflicting
policies of the Hudson's Bay Company, the dominant outside
force in the region during the early years of the 19th
century, according to a study for the National Park Service.
—University of Washington
Women Like Women More than Men Like Men
Even though men are often perceived to
be at the top, especially in the corporate world, new
gender research shows that men are not generally the preferred
gender. This new research shows that when adults' automatic
attitudes are measured, they have more positive feelings
about women as a group.
J. of Personality and Social Psychology, Oct-2004
—Purdue University
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Money
New research from Saint Louis University
finds pro-tobacco contributions speak louder to Democrats,
but Republicans get more money.
Am. J. of Preventive Medicine
—Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center
Baby Boomers Look to Alma Mater as They Face Challenges in Retirement Years
Baby boomers are looking to their alma
mater as an important resource to both recharge and reconnect
as they prepare for new challenges during retirement,
including mentoring opportunities and career retraining,
according to a survey.
—Barnard College
“They’re Back!” Tips for Surviving Your Student During the Holiday Break
It’s that time — college students
arriving home in droves for the Holiday season —
some for the first time since starting college just a
few months ago.
—Grinnell College
Season's Readings for All!
If you're looking for last minute holiday
gifts, and books are high on the list, here are some answers
to What makes a good read? A group of writing faculty
at Williams College weigh in with their lists of good
reads to will help you put Merry Christmas in the bag.
—Williams College
New England School of Acupuncture Welcomes Ted Kaptchuk
Dr. Ted Kaptchuk will begin teaching classes
at the New England School of Acupuncture this spring.
—New England School of Acupuncture
Growing Cities in Arid Regions
The School of Architecture is organizing
the second international symposium on "Cities in
Arid Regions" in collaboration with several international
partners. Topics to be addressed include how cities in
arid regions must deal with pressures created by rapid
growth and scarcity of resources.
—University of Arizona
Future Bright for Maryland's Grads
The University of Maryland will celebrate
the graduation of more than 2,600 students who are applicants
to receive bachelor and advanced degrees during commencement
ceremonies on Saturday, December 18, at the Comcast Center.
Maryland Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen is the
featured speaker.
—University of Maryland, College Park
Ultimate Triumph of Style Over Substance
Cars provide transportation, food sates
hunger. But do you drive a used junker or a new hybrid?
A UA professor’s recent work suggests the widespread
‘branding’ of objects as a way to convey information
about the user has pushed consumers to give greater consideration
to the symbolism an item conveys than to its actually
utility.
Academy of Marketing Conference
—University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
ProfNet Wire: Business for 12-13-04
1) Foreign Tax Havens; 2) Buying Tickets
on Bankrupt Airlines; 3) China's Lenovo to Buy IBM's PC
Division; 4) Online Retailers Lose Customers Because of
Faulty Search Functions; 5) Consumers Look for Speed and
Reliability When Shopping Online and more.
—Profnet
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