Tuesday, January 12, 1999
Community Briefs
Astronomers identify two nearby galaxies
Astronomers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, have
characterized two nearby dwarf galaxies discovered in 1998,
identifying them as members of the Local Group of galaxies that
includes the Milky Way. Eva Grebel, a Hubble postdoctoral fellow,
and Raja Guhathakurta, an associate professor of astronomy and
astrophysics, confirmed earlier suspicions that the newly
discovered galaxies are companions of the Andromeda spiral
galaxy.
The researchers, who presented their findings today at the
American Astronomical Society meeting in Austin, Texas, also
characterized the ages and chemical compositions of the stars in
the two dwarf galaxies. Studying these relatively small, dim
galaxies provides valuable information about the Local Group of
galaxies and contributes to astronomers’ understanding of how
galaxies evolve. Dwarf galaxies are thought to serve as building
blocks from which larger galaxies are assembled.
UCLA opens cancer clinic for pets
Earlier this month, the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology
joined forces with local veterinarians to provide radiation therapy
for dogs and cats suffering from cancer.
Blending veterinary medicine with radiation oncology, this
facility is unique to Southern California.
"Statistics demonstrate that cancer is a leading cause of death
in both cats and dogs," said Maura O’Brien of the VCA West Los
Angeles Animal Hospital.
Services provided by the new facility could save the lives of
hundreds of dogs and cats each year, including those with cancers
not responding to other conventional treatments.
The facility is located off Weyburn Avenue between Veteran and
Gayley Avenues. Pet owners interested in setting up appointments or
consultations for their cats and dogs should call (310)
473-2951.
Minorities at higher risk for disease
In a survey of 36,004 California residents, researchers at the
University of California at San Francisco and the California
Department of Health Services found that significant variations in
cardiovascular risk factors exist between different ethnic and
racial groups, and regions in California.
"The results reveal where the state stands in dealing with the
major contributors of the leading cause of death in California –
heart disease," said Jeannie Gazzaniga, PhD, epidemiologist,
Institute for Health and Aging, UCSF School of Nursing, and lead
author of the study.
The new report profiles statewide and regional rates for five
cardiovascular disease risk factors during the thirteen-year period
between 1984 and 1996 including high blood pressure, diabetes,
weight, physical activity and smoking.
Researchers identified health conditions and behaviors based on
36,004 California adult residents’ responses to survey questions on
a variety of health behaviors.
"We identified high risk groups statewide and within each of the
10 regions of the state. The report tells us where to direct our
prevention efforts," added Gazzaniga.
"We know that the same risk factors operate among all race and
ethnic groups. The variation of risk factor prevention between
groups and regions may be explained in part by differences in
access to health care and inadequate resources and delivery of
prevention programs targeting high risk groups," she said.
Mark Alexander, PhD, assistant director of the UCSF Medical
Effectiveness Research Center, who conducts research regarding
health disparity among various racial and ethnic groups, said that
the study highlights the persistent inequities in health outcomes
for African Americans and Latinos in California.
Compiled from Daily Bruin staff reports.
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