News Briefs

A paper reporting how a particular drug affected monkeys’ interest in infants and sexual behavior has received the best paper in psychology-basic science award from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.
       
Dr. Maria L. Boccia, a scientist at UNC’s FPG Child Development Institute, presented the paper recently at the group’s annual meeting.

The study found that a non-peptide oxytocin antagonist crossed the blood brain barrier and was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid when administered peripherally. The compound accumulated in limbic structures, the neuronal circuitry that controls emotional behavior and motivational drives, and reduced the monkeys’ interest in infants and perhaps sexual behavior.
       
"These findings suggest the need for future research to see if oxytocin has the potential to service as a treatment for certain conditions," said Boccia.

Also, she said, the study needs to be replicated with a larger number of subjects.

The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health is a multidisciplinary, academic and scientific organization based in Schaumburg, Ill.

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Dr. Mary Ruth Coleman, a longtime researcher at UNC’s FPG Child Development Institute, has received an award in appreciation of her dedicated service to children.

The National Association for Gifted Children presented the award during its annual meeting earlier this month in Salt Lake City. Coleman’s research focuses on, among other topics, early literacy and cognitive development, children with disabilities and cultural diversity.

The National Association for Gifted Children, based in Washington, D.C., is an organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals and community leaders who address the needs of children with demonstrated gifts and talents, as well as children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.

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Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, an associate professor in the UNC School of Medicine’s department of ophthalmology, is the lead author of a recently published book about retinal diseases in children.

Her book, titled "Pediatric Retina," was published in October by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The book is geared to physicians and other health-care providers and is believed to be the first text to address pediatric retinal diseases.

More information on the book is available at http://www.lww.com.

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News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415