Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 20


Page 20 of 28

Opening peer review may increase accuracy

The study found that open peer review fosters cooperation between reviewers and authors, leading to higher accuracy. Non-anonymous open review systems reward good reviewers, whereas traditional closed reviews do not.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2011

Fecal occult blood testing effective in colonoscopy screenings

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is more effective than guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) in colonoscopy screenings, increasing attendance and diagnostic yield while reducing false positives. FIT is also cost-effective and clinically beneficial for d...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 9, 2011

Stanford team trains computer to evaluate breast cancer

A Stanford team developed a machine-learning-based method called Computational Pathologist (C-Path) to analyze breast cancer microscopic images, outperforming human evaluations. The model assesses 6,642 cellular factors and identifies structural features that matter in predicting patient survival.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 9, 2011

Accelerating robotic innovation

Researchers from Rice University and two other universities are developing a new generation of design software to accurately predict robot physical behavior. This tool will enable designers to find key flaws on a computer before building a prototype, reducing expenses and increasing innovation.

Birds help keep vineyards pest-free

Researchers found that installing nest boxes in California vineyards increased avian species richness by over 50% and nearly quadrupled insectivorous bird density. The results suggest an effective method for vineyards to protect their crop while promoting avian conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2011

Methane may be answer to 56-million-year question

New calculations by Rice University researchers suggest that the ocean may have stored as much methane hydrate 56 million years ago as it does today. This could have released massive amounts of carbon, causing drastic climate change. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the impact of methane hydrates on global climate.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 9, 2011

Protecting predator and prey when both are in trouble

A new study suggests that Chinook salmon populations must increase significantly to sustain the growth of Southern Resident killer whales, currently facing decline. The research, published in PLOS ONE, provides a detailed model for managing both species' conservation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2011

Lipid blocks influenza infection

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a natural lipid, POPG, that inhibits influenza infections in cell cultures and mouse models. The molecule suppresses inflammatory responses, viral propagation, and cell death associated with influenza infection.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateNov 9, 2011

Groundbreaking study quantifies health costs of climate-change related disasters in the US

A recent study published in Health Affairs reveals that climate change-related events in the US resulted in $14 billion in health costs, 21,000 emergency room visits, and nearly 1,700 deaths. The analysis highlights the need for effective partnerships to mitigate public health damage and reduce health risks.

Can metals remember their shape at nanoscale, too?

Physicists from the University of Constance used computer simulations to study shape memory materials down to the nanoscale. They found that the material's atomic-scale crystal structure shifted as the temperature increased, triggering a structural phase transition.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 8, 2011

How do we manage the demand for global health education?

Global health training programs should be evaluated by the quality of experience for trainees from all settings and by the incremental improvement in in-country care, infrastructure, and research. Investments in human resources are crucial to discovering and delivering innovations in prevention and treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

Studies reveal potential of HPV vaccine to substantially reduce incidence of cervical cancer and suggest screening programs could be modified

A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 8, 2011

Benefits of working from home depends on family demands

A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateNov 8, 2011

Cooking in the classroom to fight childhood obesity

A study found that cooking programs like Cooking with Kids integrate nutrition education with academic subjects, strengthening students' understanding of content and developing social skills. The program helps students develop good food habits and treats them respectfully, preparing them for adulthood.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 8, 2011