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Science News for October 8, 2010


Neurons cast votes to guide decision-making

Researchers found that certain neurons represent accumulation of evidence to a threshold and others represent evidence itself, driving decision-making. The study offers potential insights into psychological disorders, such as ADHD, where impairments in decision-making occur.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPsychological Review·DateOct 8, 2010

Taking a fresh look

A new study by Northwestern University researchers uses complex systems and computer modeling to better understand educational policies. The approach, which treats education as a complex system, has been applied to school choice and student tracking, revealing promising results in understanding policy implications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2010

Large variations exist in end-of-life care in the intensive care unit; doctors must guard against subtle institutional pressures to withdraw life support

The article discusses the variations in end-of-life care in intensive care units (ICUs) and the need for clinicians to be aware of subtle institutional pressures and adapt their approach to individual patients. Key findings include differences in family involvement, communication styles, and attitudes toward withdrawing life support ac...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 8, 2010

Obese workers cost workplace more than insurance, absenteeism

A new study by Duke University researchers estimates the total value of lost job productivity due to health problems among U.S. full-time employees with obesity, which exceeds medical expenditures. The per capita cost of obesity is as high as $16,900 for obese women and $15,500 for obese men.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 8, 2010

Critical/intensive care: Huge investments needed for increasing demand in rich and poor countries; UK has one of lowest numbers of intensive care beds per head in developed world

The UK faces a critical care crisis with one of the lowest numbers of intensive care unit beds, leading to concerns about its ability to cope with large-scale disasters. Increasing demand driven by ageing populations and lack of effective interventions will require huge investments for high-income and poor countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 8, 2010