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Science News for September 6, 2005


Academy and Tekes launch new funding programme

The Academy of Finland and Tekes have launched a new funding programme to strengthen key areas of science and technology in Finland. The programme aims to build longer-term international research cooperation by hiring top foreign researchers, who will work as part of the Finnish research community.

Results of the ELISA II trial

The ELISA II trial found that triple antiplatelet (AP) therapy reduced enzymatic infarct size and improved epicardial coronary artery flow in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). Triple AP therapy also showed a trend towards better event-free survival at 96 hours and 30 days after randomization.

Displaced songbirds navigate in the high Arctic

Researchers found that displaced songbirds in the high Arctic use a combination of geomagnetic and solar cues to adjust their orientation. The study suggests that birds may rely on declination to determine longitudinal position, allowing them to navigate despite challenging conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2005

Recent improvements in prostate cancer outcomes may be result of shift in classification

A study found that nearly 60% of prostate cancer specimens received higher Gleason scores than original assignments, suggesting that pathologists are more likely to assign high scores to contemporary tumor samples. This 'Will Rogers phenomenon' may lead to a false sense of therapeutic accomplishment and skew mortality rates.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 6, 2005

Hand sanitizer gel works

A randomized trial found that hand sanitizer reduced the incidence of secondary GI illnesses by 59% in families with day care children. Families who used hand sanitizer also showed a lower risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses, although this effect was not statistically significant.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 6, 2005

Odd behavior and creativity may go hand-in-hand

A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that individuals with schizotypal personalities are more creative than normal or fully schizophrenic people. They also use the right side of their brains more heavily to access creativity. This is supported by research showing a disproportionate number of schizotypes and schizophren...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateSep 6, 2005

'Batch reading' mammograms lowers recall rates

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that batch reading mammograms results in lower recall rates and accurate cancer detection. The research analyzed 9,522 screening mammograms, with 1,538 interpreted by batch reading, showing a 20.1% to 16.2% decrease in recall rates.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 6, 2005