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Science News for April 29, 2011


The rewards of doing 'something'

A new review article suggests that people's broader goals of being active or inactive play a significant role in shaping their time spent on various activities. This inclination to do more, even if the task is trivial, can lead to unhealthy behaviors despite specific goals.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateApr 29, 2011

Groundbreaking minimally invasive surgical videojournal launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc.

The new videojournal complements the peer-reviewed monthly publication Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques, publishing fully peer-reviewed surgical and microinvasive demonstrations. The videos can be easily searched and shared to provide education and discussion among surgeons.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateApr 29, 2011

Measles outbreak underscores need for continued vigilance in health care settings

A recent measles outbreak in Tucson, Arizona, resulted in 14 confirmed cases and highlighted the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings. The investigation revealed that the lack of electronic records documenting health care personnel's immunity status led to unnecessary vaccinations and furloughs, resulting in significant ...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 2011

Black cardiac arrest patients more likely to be admitted to hospitals with lowest survival rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that black cardiac arrest victims are less likely to survive when treated in hospitals with a high proportion of black patients. The study analyzed Medicare records and found that only 31% of black patients treated in such hospitals survived, compared to 46% in pr...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateApr 29, 2011

Researchers discover mechanism that could convert certain cells into insulin-making cells

UCLA researchers may have discovered a way to convert non-insulin-producing cells into functional beta cells, which could lead to a permanent solution for diabetes. The study found that chemical tags called methyl groups play a crucial role in maintaining cell identity and converting cells into insulin-secreting beta cells.

New software to support interest in extreme science

The University of Chicago's Flash Center has released a new version of supercomputer code, FLASH 4-alpha, with enhanced capabilities for simulating high-energy density physics experiments. This will enable researchers at universities and national facilities to investigate fundamental properties of matter under extreme conditions.