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| Vol. 20, No. 3 |
| February 15, 1998 |
 Scientists Discover More About Biological-Clock Genes A second gene that helps regulate the body's wake-sleep cycle has been identified by scientists at Baylor College of Medicine. This finding yields more clues to how light affects the body's biological-clock genes. The second gene complements, but does not duplicate, the function of another gene identified by the same group of researchers. The finding gives drug researchers another clue for developing better treatments for jet lag and other sleep problems and for regulating hormone secretion and other body functions that occur during a 24-hour cycle. The study was reported in the Dec. 26 issue of the journal Cell. -- From Baylor College of Medicine New Treatment for Arthritic Knees A new treatment for arthritis that strikes knees can help some people return to a more active lifestyle. "Arthritic knees tend to be missing a natural fluid that protects the joint," says Dr. David Lintner, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine. "Now there is evidence that replacing this lubrication provides at least temporary relief from arthritis." The Food and Drug Administration recently approved two gel-like substances designed to be injected in the knee to substitute for the body's natural fluid. "With the injections, you can have relief that lasts six months, perhaps more, without taking anti-inflammatory medications," Dr. Lintner says. This can help people increase their activity - one of the keys to preventing arthritis. Exercise, such as walking and bicycling, helps build muscles in the legs, which support and protect the knee. -- From Baylor College of Medicine Fat Gram Counting Better Than Food Record, Study Shows Counting fat grams is more effective than keeping food records, according to a study conducted by researchers at The DeBakey Heart Center at Baylor College of Medicine. "For years, dietitians have used the food record rating system to calculate how much total fat patients eat," says Dr. William Insull, professor of medicine and director of the Lipid Research Clinic at Baylor and The Methodist Hospital. "Fat gram-counting is a simpler alternative and is less time-consuming for both the dietitian and the patient." Dr. Insull and registered dietitian Donna S. Roy collaborated with a research team of dietitians and recruited 78 study participants who were randomly assigned to a fat gram-counting group and food record rating group led by dietitians to test the effectiveness of both methods. "We found no significant differences in dietary adherence in the two groups," Dr. Insull says. "The patients in the fat gram- counting group were just as well-instructed as the other group." -- From The DeBakey Heart Center Fatty Acid and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Link Studied Researchers are studying a fatty acid found in breastmilk and fish oil to see if it might improve symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Theoretically, the fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA), through its effects on brain cell membranes, may affect "neurologic wiring." If so, then dietary DHA supplementation might reduce the need for medication as a method of treatment. The study, being conducted at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, looks at 50 children, between ages 6 and 12, who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The children are given three capsules of DHA, or a placebo per day for four months.
-- From the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center New Immunization Law in Effect As of January 1, a new law requires many insurance companies and HMOs to provide immunizations to children under age 6 with no co-payment, deductible or coinsurance requirement. The Texas Department of Insurance estimates that more than 4.8 million Texans have HMO coverage or insurance affected by this new law. For more information, call the Texas Department of Health at 1-800-252-9152. -- From the Texas Department of Health
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