In the wake of a new Institute of Medicine report that shows a disproportionately low federal investment in cancer research among minorities, some researchers are demanding a change. The National Cancer Institute, the nation's largest funder of cancer research, is taking note of the report's recommendations, and has agreed to adjust some…

Describes a process known as parthenogenesis which produces cloned, early-stage embryos and human embryos generated only from eggs. Speculates that this technology puts therapeutic cloning within reach. (DDR)

This paper summarizes what is known about, and research needs on, the transmissibility to sexually abused children of the following sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea, chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus genital warts, condylomata acuminata, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex, and human…

Presents information about the history, biology, and medical aspects of leprosy, including its description in historical documents, its cause and effects, statistics on its prevalence, and various attempts at treatment. Notes that leprosy is one of the few infectious diseases that, although treatable with medication, remains incurable. Contains 30…

In the current climate of concern about the privacy of medical records, the following topics should be addressed in the education of health professionals: the moral grounding of informed consent, the moral and legal obligations of professionals, the promise and perils of genetics research, and responsible research conduct. (SK)

Massage therapy (MT) is an ancient form of treatment that is now gaining popularity as part of the complementary and alternative medical therapy movement. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies that used random assignment to test the effectiveness of MT. Mean effect sizes were calculated from 37 studies for 9 dependent variables. Single…

This ERIC digest discusses ways of effectively banning smoking in schools so that controversies do not continue after implementation of the policy. By advocating a process approach, the document cites steps taken by the Lake Forest School Board to prohibit smoking in and around school grounds. Step one involved committee planning involving…

Indicates that a female patient's trust in, receptivity to, and communication apprehension regarding her physician constitute significant predictors of her (1) likelihood of discussing health care issues, (2) knowledge of gynecological health needs, and (3) feelings toward the gynecologist during examination. Finds that the physician's gender does…

Reviews the controversy regarding water fluoridation in the United States during the last 50 years. Discusses the current status; benefits; and health risks including skeletal fluorosis, kidney disease, hypersensitivity, mutagenic effects, birth defects, and cancer. Presents statistics and anecdotal accounts. (CW)

A course to develop medical students' capacity to read medical journal articles critically is described. The course's background, organization, and aims; faculty members' impressions of the course; and students' responses to an evaluation questionnaire are discussed. (MLW)

A course at George Washington University School of Medicine was evaluated to determine the course's effectiveness, changes in the students' perception of their competence in reading medical literature, the student's knowledge of research study design and statistics, and the effect of the course on the students' journal reading. (Author/MLW)

A study of data from 12 graduating classes of one medical school showed that medical students' choice to pursue funded medical research was independent of undergraduate major, although slightly more nonscience majors than science majors undertook such research. Concern about increasing nonscience medical school matriculants is seen to be…

A survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges used direct contacts with medical faculty members to obtain data on their activities in research. Five specialty groups were identified: medical, surgical, hospital-based specialists, behavioral specialists, and basic scientists. (MLW)

A statement adopted by the Executive Council of the Association of American Medical Colleges addresses the issues of accountability, investigation, and discipline in cases of research fraud and misconduct. Guidelines are given for institutions to develop policy and procedures for detecting and responding to alleged fraud. (MSE)

Described is a new approach to investigative physiology based on computerized transaxial tomography, in which visualization and measurement of the internal structure of the cardiopulmonary system is possible without postmortem, biopsy, or vivisection procedures. Examples are given for application of the Dynamic Spatial Reconstructor (DSR). (CS)