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Science News Archive May 2011 - Page 3


Page 3 of 28

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.

Study: Hormone level predicts end of fertility

A study by Dutch researchers has found that a hormone level test can predict when women will reach menopause, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning and career choices. The test uses Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels to determine an individual's predicted age of menopause.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 26, 2011

NASA is making hot, way cool

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed an electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-based thermal control technology that promises to make it easier and more efficient to remove heat from small spaces. The technology, which uses electric fields to pump coolant through tiny ducts, could benefit a wide range of applications, in...

Tinted specs offer real migraine relief, says fMRI study

A new study published in Cephalalgia suggests that precision ophthalmic tints can suppress cortical activation in the brain, reducing migraine symptoms. The lenses significantly reduced discomfort when viewing stressful patterns, with a 70% reduction in distress.

SourceSAGE·JournalCephalalgia·DateMay 26, 2011

Inside the infant mind

Researchers discovered that babies as young as 12 months old can use their knowledge of basic rules to form expectations about new events. A computational model accurately predicts infants' surprise at unexpected events, suggesting they reason by mentally simulating possible scenarios.

Biological circuits for synthetic biology

Researchers aim to create biological circuits using RNA molecules for the engineering of programmable genetic networks. They have successfully eliminated protein requirements and developed a system that can sense RNA input and synthesize output signals, performing logic operations and regulating multiple genes. This breakthrough has si...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2011

Cell brings multimedia to life

The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2011

UK survey shows differences between clinicians treating rheumatology in pregnancy

A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 26, 2011