China: a living lab for epidemiology

Article Abstract:

China, with its stable lifestyle only recently undergoing dramatic alteration due to industrialization, is an ideal epidemiological laboratory since the effects of change can be monitored even as they occur. Moreover, health interventions, if made, will affect one-fifth of the world's people. One of the largest epidemiological studies ever mounted is now in progress; it is a collaborative effort among U.S., British, and Chinese scientists. The study initially focused on investigating the relationship between diet and cancer. But the epidemiological advantages of Chinese society prompted the researchers to broaden their scope. China's large population, the people's lack of mobility (most live their whole lives in their province of birth), and the associated uniformity of diet are some of these advantages. In addition, there is a high level of regional genetic homogeneity, with heterogeneity between regions. Disease incidence shows considerable variation in different areas, sometimes by more than 100-fold. Data analysis so far implicates meat in disease: meat-eating regions showed a large increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Since the introduction of meat, the incidence of the 'diseases of affluence' (heart attacks, cancer, and diabetes) has risen by as much as 50-fold. Low blood cholesterol levels were shown to be associated with reduced mortality from coronary heart disease (disease of the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply the heart with blood) in a linear fashion. The decrease was not linked to a higher cancer incidence, as has been suggested by other research. Chinese people appear to eat much fiber (an average of 35 grams per day) without increasing their incidence of intestinal disease or impairing iron metabolism. The advent of smoking in 1949 brought with it increased deaths from smoking-related illnesses. The political aspects of organizing this massive study are discussed. All data are returned to the Chinese and organized so that counties can make use of their own records. One consequence of the scientists' findings is a recommendation to the World Bank, one of the supporting agencies, that development of a livestock industry should not be encouraged in China. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, China, Analysis, Demographic aspects, Coronary heart disease, Heart diseases, Cancer, Diet, Blood cholesterol, Epidemiological research, Cross sectional studies

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Ecologists look at the big picture

Article Abstract:

New studies on how many people the earth can support consider social and economic factors as well at natural systems. The model produces elastic estimates on carrying capacity that depend on standard of living, making numerical estimates difficult.

Forecasts and trends, Environmental aspects, Population, Human ecology

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Economics: bringing it all home

Article Abstract:

Economist Gary Becker won the 1992 Nobel Prize for his work on applying economic principles to everyday human behavior. His research has broadened the scope of economic studies.

Achievements and awards, Economists, Nobel prizes, Becker, Gary, 1992 AD

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