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Science News for May 11, 2010


Measuring success: Regenstrief helps assess value of investment in health info tech

A new study from the Regenstrief Institute provides a framework for evaluating the costs, effort, and value of health information exchange services. The framework will help track the development and utilization of these services, crucial for understanding their impact on quality of care and patient safety.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 11, 2010

Quantum move toward next generation computing

Physicists at McGill University have developed a cantilever force sensor to measure the energy involved in adding electrons to semi-conductor nanocrystals. This innovation could lead to the development of components replacing silicon chips in computers, increasing speed and reducing size.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2010

What makes a good school principal?

University of Missouri researcher Jason Grissom is leading a study to determine the qualities and skills necessary for effective school principals. The study, funded by a $1 million grant, aims to gather data from K-12 administrators, teachers, and district officials to examine what makes a principal successful.

Traffic density and increased BMI linked

A University of Alberta study found that people living in neighborhoods with high perceived traffic density were more likely to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who didn't. The study also revealed age and socioeconomic status as significant factors, with younger individuals experiencing greater BMI increases.

UT Southwestern researchers find mechanism that may stop E. coli from developing in cattle

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2010

Dinosaur research: Chew and stay small

Long-necked dinosaurs were able to grow extremely long necks due to their unique digestive system, which allowed them to chew and digest food more efficiently. This enabled them to browse their surroundings without having to move their large body weight.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

A safer alternative to laser eye surgery?

A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be a safer alternative to excimer laser surgery for moderate to high levels of short-sightedness. Patients who underwent IOL treatment reported better spectacle-corrected vision and contrast sensitivity, as well as higher patient satisfaction.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

British Indian children have better mental health

A recent study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that British Indian children have substantially lower rates of mental health disorders, with only 3.7% affected compared to 10.0% for White children. This advantage was attributed to factors such as two-parent households and higher academic abilities, suggesting a rea...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2010

Stem cells use GPS to generate proper nerve cells

Researchers at Linköping University discovered a new function that regulates stem cell production of different types of cells in various parts of the nervous system. The study found that Hox genes, similar to a GPS system, guide stem cells to produce specific nerve cells in certain regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 11, 2010

Schizophrenia: Regular exercise guidelines still apply

Exercise programs improved anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, while changes in physical health outcomes were not significant. Regular exercise is recommended for those with schizophrenia, just like the general population.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

Exploring gender differences in colorectal cancer screenings

Researchers found that African American women are more aware of the importance of screening and are more willing to undergo the procedure, while men report barriers such as lack of trust in the healthcare system and fear of the procedure. Despite these differences, both groups recognize the benefits of early detection and prevention.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateMay 11, 2010

Does foreign policy help or hinder global health?

Global health diplomacy is gaining traction in foreign policy circles, with the WHO Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative aiming to integrate health into international agendas. Experts emphasize the importance of diplomatic engagement for addressing global health challenges and advancing national security objectives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 11, 2010

Caffeine reduces mistakes made by shift workers

A new study found that caffeine can help shift workers make fewer mistakes and improve their performance in tasks such as driving and neuropsychological tests. The researchers reviewed data from 13 trials studying the effects of caffeine on shift work and found a significant reduction in errors made by participants.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

DNA could be backbone of next generation logic chips

Duke University engineer Chris Dwyer demonstrates that DNA can be used to create simple logic gates, or switches, using light to excite molecules. This technology has the potential to produce virtually unlimited supplies of these tiny circuits, paving the way for faster and more efficient computing.

SourceDuke University·JournalSmall·DateMay 11, 2010

Bats' echolocation recorded for human exploit

Researchers have recorded and recreated Egyptian fruit bats' echolocation calls, allowing them to apply the technique to human engineering systems. The study will enhance information on robotic vehicles' locations, detecting structural flaws.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 11, 2010

Overtime work is bad for the heart

A long-running study of over 10,000 civil servants in London found that working overtime was associated with a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, controlled for various risk factors and suggested that chronic stress may be a key mechanism behind this association.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 11, 2010