L.A. Times - Science

New HIV infections in decline

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

There were about 17% fewer new infections worldwide in 2008, compared with 2001, but fewer than half of those infected began treatment, a World Health Organization and UNAIDS report says.

The estimated number of new HIV infections each year has declined about 17% since 2001, but for every five people infected, only two begin treatment, according to a report from the World Health Organization and UNAIDS released Tuesday.

Ban lifted for green-card applicants with HIV

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A two-decade-old rule kept those with the virus out of the U.S. Now such immigrants will be able to visit the country and apply for legal status.

A stamp in Heidemarie Kremer's passport reveals her health status as HIV-positive.

State proposes trading program to cut emissions

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Companies could buy and sell allowances under plan to reduce pollutants 15%.

California officials on Tuesday issued the nation's first blueprint for a broad-based cap-and-trade plan, an innovative and controversial effort to use market forces to control global warming.

The universe's past, in close-up

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Three giant telescopes, many times stronger than any existing today, will allow scientists to study the processes that created the cosmos.

If there were a Guinness world record for making telescope mirrors, Dean Ketelsen would likely win it. Colleagues boast that the onetime Iowa farm boy has ground and polished more square footage of optics than any human being alive.

Vioxx risks could have been identified years earlier

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Studies showed substantial cardiovascular dangers linked to the anti-inflammatory medication almost four years before it was taken off the market, new research finds.

The significant cardiovascular risks linked to Vioxx could have been identified nearly four years before the anti-inflammatory medication was taken off the market, a new study has concluded, but consumers and physicians didn't have access to such information at the time.

Sunken Canadian stern-wheeler is an underwater time capsule

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The A.J. Goddard carried miners in the Klondike Gold Rush, then sank in 1901. Tools were scattered on deck and tongs remained in a forge, said the team of archaeologists that discovered the wreck.

Underwater archaeologists said Monday that they have found a virtual time capsule of life during Canada's Klondike Gold Rush: a sunken Yukon River stern-wheeler so well-preserved that researchers can document the last minutes of the five-man crew as well as their life aboard the primitive cargo-hauler.

Trying to define binge eating disorder

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Many binge eaters do not fit into currently defined and accepted psychiatric illnesses.

Binge eating was long seen by psychiatrists as an unusual symptom of major depression or an anxiety disorder. After all, it seemed sometimes to lessen or yield to antidepressants and psychotherapy -- both aimed primarily at treating depression or anxiety.

Holidays can feed binge eaters' problems

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Food's central place in seasonal celebrations can prove difficult, especially with stress triggers from family or lonely feelings.

Three of the most common and most powerful triggers for binge eaters -- family, food and feelings -- converge at this time of year, making the holidays an especially challenging time.

Binge eating: Is it a form of addiction?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Overeaters describe cravings and benders. Experts are split.

The notion that binge eating is a form of addiction comes up frequently in experts' discussions of the diagnosis.

A desire booster for women?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

An experimental non-hormonal drug appears to help women increase their sexual desire, but will the FDA approve it?

An experimental non-hormonal drug appears to help women increase their sexual desire and satisfaction -- and reduce the distress associated with lack of desire.