Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 6, 2011


JAMIA reports on people, their information needs and social networks

The May issue of JAMIA features research on protecting provider identities during disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and disparities in internet patient portal use in diabetes. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's information needs and social networks in improving healthcare services.

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 6, 2011

Study finds Filipino children in San Diego County at higher risk for Kawasaki disease

A study by researchers at UC San Diego finds that Filipino children are more likely to develop aneurysms and inflammation of the blood vessels of the heart compared to other Asian and non-Asian backgrounds. The research highlights the need for medical providers to be aware of Kawasaki disease in high-risk populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMay 6, 2011

Chemistry curbs spreading of carbon dioxide

A new study from the University of Cambridge shows that simple chemical reactions can delay or prevent CO2 from spreading in deep saline rock formations. The findings have implications for carbon sequestration methods and may enable engineers to manipulate reaction strength to enhance storage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 6, 2011

Families are 'lovin' it'

A study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that factors influencing children's use of and time spent in fast-food and full-service restaurants include parental work schedules and parenting styles. Fathers who frequently dine out with their kids tend to have a greater impact on their eating habits.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 6, 2011

From a bucket of seawater, new understanding of the ocean

Researchers have discovered a new way to understand the interactions between cells and their environment using single-cell marine organisms. By sequencing the genomes of these tiny microbes, scientists can gain insights into diverse questions such as cancer cell growth rates and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2011

Columbia engineers patch a heart

Researchers at Columbia University have established a new method to repair damaged hearts using a tissue-engineering platform. This breakthrough enables heart tissue to repair itself and has the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, one of the most serious health problems today.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2011

Computers sing to a better tune

Researchers have developed a novel algorithm that uses evolutionary computation to optimize frequency curves for realistic synthetic vocals. The system compares human performances and home in on the most nuanced curve, making it possible to create high-quality, natural-sounding vocal renditions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Knowledge Engineering and Soft Data Paradigms·DateMay 6, 2011