LA Times Science Files for 2007/05/25

These are items compiled by staff of the LA Times.

• ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
  Common chemicals pose danger for fetuses, scientists warm
  

  In a strongly worded declaration, many of the world’s leading environmental scientists warned Thursday that exposure to common chemicals makes babies more likely to develop an array of health problems later in life, including diabetes, attention deficit disorders, prostate cancer, fertility problems, thyroid disorders and even obesity. By Marla Cone, Times Staff Writer.

• ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
  Cancer risk rises for those near rail yards
  

  Residents who live in the shadow of Southern California’s booming rail yards face cancer risks from soot as much as 140% greater than in the rest of the region, according to new studies by state air regulators. By Janet Wilson, Times Staff Writer.

• FOOD SAFETY
  Firm recalls frozen fish from China; toxin is found in tests
  

  Hong Chang Corp. of Santa Fe Springs said Thursday that it was recalling frozen fish from China that might have been mislabeled and could contain puffer fish, which carries a potentially deadly toxin. By Ronald D. White, Times Staff Writer.

• MEDICINE
  Diabetes gets her best shot
  

  As someone diagnosed with diabetes at 16, Angie Ramos is part of a generation whose members could become the first in recent history to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. By Mary Engel, Times Staff Writer.

• ENTOMOLOGY
  After 17 years, the cicadas are back and ready to
  

  breed Millions of the bugs are emerging across the Midwest, to the horror of party planners and the delight of hungry wildlife. By P.J. Huffstutter, Times Staff Writer.

• WILDLIFE
  Pigeon club members face U.S. charges
  

  Area hobbyists kill thousands of hawks and falcons annually, wildlife officials allege, because some raptors attack their birds. By Joe Mozingo, Times Staff Writer.

• WHALE WATCH
  Scientists will try spraying water near wayward whales
  

  SACRAMENTO – Scientists attempting to return two humpback whales to the ocean said they would try a new technique today: using a fireboat to spray water near the pair. By Eric Bailey, Times Staff Writer.

• REGGIE ALERT
  Alligator clipped: They say they’ve got Reggie
  

  A 6 1/2 -foot alligator believed to be Reggie – the elusive reptile that has been the subject of a closely chronicled “gator watch” since being illegally let loose in 2005 – was captured and subdued by city workers Thursday afternoon on dry land beside Lake Machado in Harbor City. By Steve Hymon and Ashraf Khalil, Times Staff Writers.

• OBITUARIES
  Tod H. Mikuriya, 73; psychiatrist who championed legal
  

  medical marijuana Dr. Tod H. Mikuriya, a psychiatrist who was a leading figure in California’s medical marijuana movement, died from complications of cancer Sunday at his Berkeley home, his family said. He was 73. By Valerie J. Nelson, Times Staff Writer.