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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 12


Page 12 of 24

Imaging techniques may help predict response to head and neck cancer treatment

A study found that combining positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans six to eight weeks after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer can identify patients who will respond to treatment. The test also showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting residual disease and distant metastases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Structured reporting software creates less complete and accurate radiology reports than free text

A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalRadiology·DateNov 16, 2009

Tiny bubbles clean oil from water

A University of Utah engineer has developed a new method to remove oil sheen from polluted water using tiny bubbles created by pressurizing ozone gas. This method, which targets the oil sheen and other pollutants, could be used to clean wastewater discharged into coastal waters and soil contaminated with heavy metals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemosphere·DateNov 15, 2009

MIT scientists pinpoint origin of dissolved arsenic in Bangladesh drinking water

Researchers pinpoint the origin of dissolved arsenic in Bangladesh's drinking water to ponds excavated for village construction and irrigated agriculture. The study suggests that these ponds mobilize organic carbon, leading to arsenic dissolution in groundwater, with rice fields acting as a buffer but also contributing to arsenic levels.

Climate variability and dengue incidence

Research published in PLoS Medicine found associations between local rainfall and temperature with cases of dengue fever, but no significant link with El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Large outbreaks occur every few years in many tropical countries, with temperature and rainfall varying strongly on an annual scale.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 15, 2009

Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit

Research found that couples who use thoughtfulness and reasoning during conflicts show lower stress-related protein levels, suggesting a potential health benefit. The study measured cytokine levels before and after marital discussion tasks and found a correlation between cognitive word use and reduced inflammation.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateNov 13, 2009

Shape perception in brain develops by itself

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that the brain's ability to understand shapes is innate and develops without exposure to modern geometric objects. African tribal people and Western college students both showed greater sensitivity to non-accidental properties of objects, indicating a universal sense of geometry.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2009