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Science News for July 16, 2009


Doctors angry about BNP campaign tactics

A letter to The Lancet criticizes the British National Party's use of a white doctor in their election campaign, which could have influenced voters and damaged relationships with ethnic minority patients. The authors argue that doctors' neutrality should not be used to promote political parties.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 16, 2009

Military model shows why defeating insurgent groups like Taliban is so difficult

A new study in Operations Research journal highlights the difficulty of defeating insurgent groups like the Taliban, citing the crucial role of timely and accurate military intelligence. The model shows that even good intelligence may only contain the insurgency, not defeat it, and that the government's best option is to achieve a cont...

Serum bile acid profiling for inflammatory bowel disease characterization

BA profiling in IBD patients showed decreased levels of certain BAs, while UC patients with liver and gallbladder diseases exhibited increased primary and secondary BAs. The study also found accelerated detoxification activity in IBD patients and a significant increase in primary and secondary BAs in UC patients with extraintestinal ma...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 16, 2009

Obesity raises risk of complications in pregnancy, study shows

Expectant mothers who are obese are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from chest infections and more than twice as likely to experience headaches and heartburn compared to women of a healthy weight. Obese pregnant women also face increased risks of carpal tunnel syndrome, symphysis-pubis dysfunction, and higher treatment costs.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJul 16, 2009

Less trouble at mill, thanks to earthworms

Using earthworms and animal manure, researchers have successfully converted textile mill sludge into a nutrient-rich compost. The composting process changes the physical and chemical properties of the material, making it suitable for plant growth.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateJul 16, 2009

Is a society with smokers profitable?

A recent study reviews economic arguments for tobacco control policies, finding that taxes can justify interventions due to market failures. However, the study concludes that a society with smokers is not necessarily economically ineffective, and that measures like taxes and restrictions on consumption may increase net welfare gains if...

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Salud Pública·DateJul 16, 2009

Caltech, JPL scientists say that microbial mats built 3.4-billion-year-old stromatolites

Researchers from Caltech and JPL found evidence that ancient stromatolites were built with the help of equally ancient microorganisms, providing insight into the earliest record of life on Earth. The discovery may also provide a new avenue for exploration in the search for signs of life on Mars.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2009

Higher speed limits cost lives

A long-term study found that repealing the National Maximum Speed Law in 1995 resulted in approximately 12,500 deaths due to increased speed limits across the US. The study suggests that reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could save lives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 16, 2009

University of Guam scientist mite study

Dr. G. V. P. Reddy's research aims to eliminate toxic insecticides by introducing a predatory mite and applying biopesticides, improving eggplant farming in Guam. The study will inform growers of the risks associated with conventional methods and promote ecologically sound IPM practices.

Technology is key for biofuel success

A new study emphasizes the importance of technological advancements in the conversion of biomass to biofuels. By analyzing the US corn stover supply chain, researchers found that conventional technologies alone cannot achieve cost-performance goals, highlighting the need for improved equipment efficiency and new supply system designs.

SourceSpringer·JournalCellulose·DateJul 16, 2009

Quantum goes massive

Researchers have successfully cooled LIGO mirrors to near absolute zero, enabling the observation of quantum mechanical behavior at massive scales. This breakthrough suggests that interferometric gravitational wave detectors can also become sensitive probes of macroscopic quantum mechanics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 16, 2009

Active video games a good alternative for kids

Researchers found that active video games can burn calories comparable to moderate-intensity walking, making them a safe and valuable means of promoting energy expenditure in children. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that substituting screen time with physically active games can help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 16, 2009

Cost-effective strategy to screen second primary colorectal cancers in cancer survivors

A decision-analytic model suggests that more frequent and strict colonoscopy recommendations can be cost-effective strategies for screening second primary colorectal cancers in male cancer survivors. The most vulnerable population aged 40 years old may benefit from COL5, while the general population aged 50 years old may follow COL10.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 16, 2009

Solar cycle linked to global climate

Research by NSF-funded scientists reveals a scientifically feasible link between the 11-year solar cycle and ENSO, influencing climate variability globally. The study suggests that maximum solar activity can drive La Niña-like events with similar impacts on global temperature and precipitation patterns.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 16, 2009

Enhancement of pancreatic cancer on dynamic CT: Does it correlate with angiogenesis and fibrosis?

The study found that tumors with strong angiogenesis showed high enhancement in the arterial dominant phase, while those with fibrosis had a negative correlation. Dynamic CT features related to angiogenesis can be modified by intratumoral fibrosis, which may impact treatment with anti-angiogenesis agents.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 16, 2009