Science and Technology News Briefs

compiled by Iabella Chow

	RESISTANT FUNGI CAUSE CONCERN Researchers say deadly fungal infections have developed resistance to all three major classes of drugs used to keep them in check. They say most of the infections strike AIDS or cancer chemotherapy patients but elective surgery patients or accident victims can also become infected in hospital settings. National Cancer institute researchers presented the findings to the annual meeting of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in New Orleans. They noted there are drugs in the development pipeline that show promise in fighting these resistant infections. NEW CHOLESTEROL MEASURE MAY INDICATE RISK Two new studies suggest the size of cholesterol particles should be considered as a risk factor, in addition to the presence of bad cholesterol, as a predictor of heart attacks. The studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association say the size can also help determine treatment methods. KOMODO DRAGONS LINKED TO OUTBREAK Medical investigators have determined komodo dragons caused an outbreak of bacterial poisoning that sickened more than 60 people in Denver. They say the dragons apparently contaminated a wooden railing surrounding their zoo exhibit, infecting children and adults who touched the railing.
The Kimodo Dragon
	FDA HOLDING OFF ON ABORTION PILL APPROVAL The Food and Drug Administration says the abortion pill called RU-486 is safe and effective enough to approve. But the FDA has asked the drug's U.S. sponsors, The Population Council in New York, for more information on labeling and manufacturing before it makes the final decision on approval. "SHOOTER'S BOTULISM" AFFECTS HEROIN ADDICTS Federal researchers warn a potentially lethal form of botulism paralysis is affecting a growing number of heroin users in California. They note ``shooter's botulism'' occurred in 22 cases of ``black tar'' heroin use in 1995...double the 1994 number. ``Black tar'' is a cheap, easy-to-manufacture form of heroin. OZONE HOLE GROWING OVER SOUTH POLE Researchers say shifting winds may widen the ozone hole over the South Pole by as much as 10 percent compared with last year. Writing in the British journal Nature, they say an analysis of balloon measurements shows depletion has been caused by a change of wind in the Tropics from westerly to easterly. DEADLY NEW VIRUS EMERGES IN AUSTRALIA A deadly new virus apparently originating in fruit bats kills horses and humans with ruthless efficiency, according to Australian researchers. The first case of equine morbilli virus in humans was recorded in Brisbane in 1994. The virus has not been confirmed outside of Australia. PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS MISSING SKIN CANCER A study finds many primary care physicians do not recognize deadly skin cancer when they see it more than half the time. The study in the Archives of Dermatology urges skin cancer education programs for the physicians, who are playing an increasing role in evaluating and treating forms of the disease. NEW GUIDELINES FOR ANIMAL TRANSPLANTS The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed new guidelines for transplanting animal organs and tissue into people. To keep transplants from spreading animal diseases, the guidelines call for pre-transplant screening of animals and uniform ways to save samples and monitor people. MEXICAN SEA TURTLES VICTIMS OF UNREST An environmental group says Mexico's olive ridley sea turtle population have been an indirect victim of guerrilla activity along the nation's Pacific coast. The Group of 100 says troops that guarded remote turtle nesting grounds were withdrawn from beaches following a series of attacks by rebels.
The Mexican Sea Turtle
	STUDY EASES PILL CONCERNS Researchers say data from more than 50 studies suggest birth control pills do not increase the long-term risk of breast cancer. The scientists led by Oxford University's Valerie Beral say they found a consistent lack of increase in breast cancer 10 or more years after stopping use of the pill. DRUG SHOWS PROMISE IN DELAYING ALZHEIMER'S SYMPTOMS Baylor College of Medicine researchers say a new drug shows promise in preventing the deterioration of memory and daily functioning for Alzheimer's disease patients. But the researchers stress donepezil hydrochloride, now in clinical trials, does not slow the long-term progress of the disease.
	The FDA Web Page The National Cancer Institute