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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 24

CCTA: Cost-effective, noninvasive alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the evaluation of significant CAD

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization, reducing costs by $789 per patient and radiation exposure by minimal amounts. The study suggests that CCTA can effectively triage patients with low CAD risk, potentially eliminating the need for cardiac catheterization.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 21, 2010

Long-distance journeys are out of fashion

Research on blackcap birds found that strong directional selection for lower migratory activity leads to the evolution of partial migratory populations and finally, to non-migratory birds. This reduction in migration distance saves energy and time, allowing birds to occupy better breeding territories and produce multiple broods.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2010

Student research team sequences genome of bacterium discovered in Virginia Tech garden

A team of Virginia Tech students sequenced the genome of a previously unknown bacterium isolated from the university's garden. The nonpathogenic strain belongs to Pseudomonas syringae and has similarities to closely related pathogens, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential for controlling devastating diseases like snap...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateApr 21, 2010

Children who lose a parent to suicide more likely to die the same way

A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 21, 2010

Cane toad accelerometry and more

This study uses accelerometry to measure the energy expenditure of cane toads, revealing a higher metabolic rate than previously thought. The research provides valuable data for predictive models to optimize control efficiency in invasive species management.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

Do pressures to publish increase scientists' bias?

A new study analyzes over 1300 papers and finds that researchers based in more productive US states are more likely to report positive results, suggesting a bias towards 'publishable' findings. The results raise concerns about the impact of academic competition on scientific quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2010

University of Nevada School of Medicine physiology professor earns $1.2 million grant over four years to study motility of internal anal sphincter muscle

Professor Kathleen Keef is awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Health to investigate the control of motility in the internal anal sphincter. This research has significant implications for fecal incontinence, affecting millions of Americans and leading to various quality-of-life issues.

New solar concentrator design

Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 21, 2010

Knowledge is power in Penn State blood pressure study

A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.

Association of fiber and colorectal cancer risk differs depending on dietary assessment method

Researchers found a significant association between high fiber intake and reduced colorectal cancer risk when using food diaries, but no association was found with food frequency questionnaires. The study suggests that accurate measurement of dietary components remains a challenge in studies of diet and cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 20, 2010

Carbon nanotubes boost cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Yale University found that carbon nanotubes cause T cell antigens to cluster in high concentrations, stimulating the body's natural immune response. This breakthrough could improve current adoptive immunotherapy for cancer treatment by increasing T cell proliferation.

SourceYale University·JournalLangmuir·DateApr 20, 2010

Who is at risk for MRSA?

Long-term elder care residents, HIV-infected and hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of carrying MRSA in their noses. The study found varying quantities of MRSA, with some individuals having as few as 3 colonies and others up to 15 million.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 20, 2010

An artificial eye on your driving

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed advanced algorithms to enhance camera systems in cars, enabling faster detection of pedestrians and other moving objects. The system can recognize people from other vehicles and create a model that reacts almost instantly, potentially doubling down as a tool for autonomous vehicles.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateApr 20, 2010