Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

Study examines ethical dilemmas of medical tourism

A new study published in Developing World Bioethics argues that Argentinean fertility clinics are increasingly marketing themselves to international health care consumers offering all-inclusive packages with fixed prices for fertility treatments, citing non-accredited clinics as a concern for consumer safety and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDeveloping World Bioethics·DateOct 7, 2009

Surgeons' unanimous consensus: Needle biopsy is gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis

Surgeons agree that percutaneous needle biopsy is the best practice for initial diagnosis of breast abnormalities, offering equivalent accuracy and reduced risk of scarring. The procedure has been shown to provide detailed information about tumor characteristics, aiding in therapeutic decision-making before surgical intervention.

SourceHoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 7, 2009

Heartburn drugs deemed safe for fetuses according to Ben-Gurion University researchers

A large cohort study found no significant risks of major congenital malformations associated with H2 blocker exposure during pregnancy. The study involved 1,148 infants exposed to H2 blockers and 84,823 unexposed infants, showing no increased risk of perinatal mortality or birth complications.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 7, 2009

October seismology tipsheet

The October issue of BSSA features a review on strong ground motions, suggesting that the current global record reflects only a small sample of what is physically possible. Additionally, researchers explore the correlation between toppled columns and earthquake source determination in archaeoseismology.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 7, 2009

Genetic effects of radiation

A massive international study is examining potential genetic consequences of reproductive organs exposed to curative therapy by drugs or radiation. Scientists aim to determine if radiation treatment increases birth defects, stillbirths, and specific conditions like Down syndrome in offspring.

$11.5 million cervical cancer grant awarded to a collaborative patnership that includes UAB Cancer Center

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center has won an $11.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to explore groundbreaking cervical cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The grant will focus on next-generation human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for cervical cancer prevention and test therapeu...

Banking on outlier detection

Researchers developed a simple computer model that can predict specific outcomes for a given bank with minimal data demands. The model uses Locally Weighted Scatter Plot Smooth to identify potentially troubled banks by comparing their performance with similar peers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Operational Research·DateOct 7, 2009

October 2009 Lithosphere highlights

Recent studies uncover new insights into the Miocene structural reorganization of the South Tibetan detachment, eastern Himalaya, and its implications for understanding continental collision. Additionally, researchers have developed a one-dimensional modeling approach to quantify dip and velocity of continental subduction from high-pre...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateOct 7, 2009

African-American lung cancer patients may have different response to new cancer-fighting drugs

Researchers at University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that African Americans with non-small cell lung cancer have a lower frequency of drug-sensitizing genetic mutations, which may impact response to EGFR inhibitor drugs. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on ethnicity and genetic variation.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 7, 2009

NIH grant will boost electron microscopy at Brandeis

A $2.2 million NIH grant will enhance the lab's ability to rapidly detect protein clumps in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases using a new high-resolution electron microscope. This technology will also enable researchers to study molecular motors in flagella, leading to a better understanding of these diseases.

iPhone the body electric

Researchers at the University of Utah developed three new iPhone apps to help scientists, students, and doctors study human anatomy and analyze medical images. AnatomyLab allows users to dissect a cadaver in 40 layers, while ImageVis3D Mobile enables interactive 3-D visualization of large data sets.

CD4 cell count key predictive risk factor for both AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers in patients with HIV

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that immunodeficiency increases the risk of multiple cancers in HIV patients. Lower CD4 counts were linked to higher risks of certain cancers, while antiretroviral therapy reduced this risk. Effective cancer screening programs are recommended for HIV-positive individuals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateOct 7, 2009