Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 8, 2008


New statistical technique shows more informative picture of survival

Researchers have developed a new method for presenting clinical trial survival data that includes all participants, overcoming the limitations of traditional Kaplan-Meier plots. This new approach provides a more accurate representation of treatment effects, enabling physicians and patients to better understand clinical trial results.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 8, 2008

Marketing the South: Commercial mythmaking and reshaping of popular memories

A study by Craig Thompson and Kelly Tian investigates the interrelationships between commercial mythmaking and the reshaping of popular memories in the South. The researchers focus on two prominent New South mythmakers who seek to ideologically reconstruct the historical legacy of antebellum, confederate, and segregationist South. They...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008

Multiple skin cancer risk behaviors are common among US adults

A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center reveals that most American adults engage in multiple behaviors increasing their exposure to UV rays, including infrequent sun protection and indoor tanning. The study found that younger adults, men, Caucasians, smokers, and those with fair skin are more likely to engage in these high-risk behaviors.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 8, 2008

An 'attractive' man-machine interface

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have created a new technology that uses magnetic fields to control cellular signaling, mimicking the binding of drugs or hormones. This innovation has the potential to lead to finely-tuned but noninvasive treatments for various diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 8, 2008

Carrot cake study on sugar in type 2 diabetes

A new study found that overweight type 2 diabetes patients who consumed moderate amounts of sugar from carrot cake experienced no adverse changes in blood glucose levels. The study, conducted over 24 days, showed improved insulin sensitivity and balanced energy intake.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateJan 8, 2008

Hope Diamond's phosphorescence key to fingerprinting

A team of researchers from Penn State, Naval Research Laboratory, and Smithsonian Institution used spectroscopic analysis to determine that all blue diamonds have a red phosphorescent component. This unique property allows for the identification of individual blue diamonds, distinguishing them from synthetic or altered stones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateJan 8, 2008

Stimulating the appetite can lead to unrelated impulse purchases

Researchers discovered that appetitive stimuli can induce a shared state in consumers, leading them to choose smaller, sooner options in unrelated domains. In experiments, women were more likely to splurge on clothing after smelling chocolate chip cookies, and made unplanned purchases when exposed to the scent of a cookie-scented candle.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 8, 2008

Rural patients less likely to receive organ transplants

A study published in JAMA found that rural patients are less likely to be wait-listed for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, with disparities of up to 15% in transplantation rates. The researchers suggest that differences in disease burden or access to specialty care services may contribute to these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 8, 2008

New treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2008