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Science News for May 27, 2011


TV broadcasting in 3-D

The EUREKA project has developed a new worldwide used standard called CoaXPress, which enables faster data processing and improves the viewing experience for 3D TV broadcasting. The technology adds depth information to existing 2D HDTV images, reducing transmission bandwidth and providing more flexibility for image display.

SourceEUREKA·DateMay 27, 2011

Drug may help overwrite bad memories

Researchers found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, impaired memory recall for negative events in men, but not neutral ones. The study offers hope for future clinical treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder by allowing people to 'write-over' traumatic memories during therapy.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 27, 2011

More money, better health?

A new study from George Mason University found that greater medical spending among Medicare participants leads to improved overall health and survival rates. The research team analyzed data from over 17,000 beneficiaries and discovered a positive correlation between increased medical care spending and better health outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateMay 27, 2011

Arthritis patients taking newer treatments do not have an overall increased cancer risk

A recent study published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) found that arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents do not have an overall increased cancer risk. The nine-year follow-up study showed no significant difference in cancer risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ps...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 27, 2011

Better viewing through fluorescent nanotubes when peering into innards of a mouse

Researchers at Stanford University have developed an improved imaging method using fluorescent carbon nanotubes that allows them to see centimeters deep into a mouse with far more clarity than conventional dyes provide. This breakthrough enables the simultaneous drug delivery and imaging of internal organs in real-time.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2011

Falling on deaf ears

Researchers at UCL discovered 'inattentional deafness' when participants focused on tasks requiring high concentration. In experiments, only 2 out of 10 participants missed the tone when judging colors, but 8 out of 10 failed to notice it during length-discrimination tasks.

The use of placebo in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials may negatively impact patients

A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 27, 2011

When it comes to warm-up, less is more

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 27, 2011

The fallacy of fine-tuning

Stenger examines the concept of fine-tuning in physics and cosmology, arguing that many claims by theists are based on misunderstanding science. He finds evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that God does not exist, exploring standard models of physics and cosmology to support his argument.