Williams said the constantly elevated levels of cortisol in working moms could result in health problems by suppressing the immune system and also heightening the impact of the other hormones. In questionnaires, the working mothers reported significantly higher levels of home strain than women without children, although the levels of job stress were about the same in both groups. While other studies have found that increased social support can help reduce stress levels, the Duke team found that social support did not offset the effects of having a child. Tens of thousands of Americans, many of them in the military, were given nasal radium treatments years ago, a treatment that may increase their risk of developing cancer and other medical problems today. One scientist's quest to bring this to light has finally led to government promises to investigate and help those affected.
Anxiety disorders can wreak havoc with family life, but help is available.
Molecular biologists at the University of Colorado have developed the first map of human chromosome 18, including genes associated with several forms of cancer. There's new evidence about the harm of second-hand smoke. In the near future, stitches for most wounds could be a thing of the past. Doctors find an adhesive closes wounds more quickly and helps them heal as well. Researchers identify a defect in heart cells that may explain why the muscle loses its ability to pump blood in people suffering from hypertension and perhaps other types of heart failure.