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Science News for March 20, 2012


Checks and balances for medical practitioners?

A USC Marshall School of Business study found that video capture and automated systems can significantly reduce medical errors by minimizing the tendency to operate outside normal procedures. The research suggests that technology can overcome human tendencies to cover up mistakes, but training is essential to improve interpretive errors.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMar 20, 2012

Wayne State creating Detroit's innovative wireless networking and apps through NSF grants

Wayne State University researchers are building an experimental wireless networking infrastructure with a $300,000 NSF grant to explore applications such as smart grids, transportation, and healthcare. The network will utilize WiMAX technology and be connected to the NSF's Global Environment for Network Innovations backbone.

Canadian Journal of Cardiology publishes new atrial fibrillation guidelines

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 20, 2012

Better organic electronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have provided the first experimental determination of the pathways by which electrical charge is transported in organic thin films. By chemically modifying these films, they show improved conductance and pave the way for future organic electronic devices with better performance.

How the smell of food affects how much you eat

Research published in BioMed Central's Flavour journal found that strong smells associated with food lead to smaller bites, suggesting aroma could regulate portion size. The study suggests a possible link between bite size and flavor sensation, potentially aiding weight loss by reducing intake per bite.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFlavour·DateMar 20, 2012

How cost effective are US cancer prevention services?

A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that US cancer screening services are less cost-effective than those in the Netherlands, despite conducting three to four times more screenings. Despite similar mortality rates, practical cost savings depend on how preventive services are implemented.

SourceWiley·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 20, 2012

New evidence links Alzheimer's disease and diabetes

Research suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, with defective insulin signaling potentially impacting cognitive function. Studies show that treating Alzheimer's disease with anti-diabetic drugs can normalize insulin signaling and improve cognitive function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Ethical considerations of military-funded neuroscience

Neuroscience research with military funding sparks debate over scientific validity and consequential ethical considerations. Dual-use applications include brain-computer interfaces and neuromodulation technologies that may enhance or suppress neurological capacities in soldiers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

Low-calorie diet may be harmful for bowel disease patients

Research suggests that calorie-restricted diets can impair immune systems and increase mortality in mouse models with colon cancer. The findings contradict previous research on obesity's impact on inflammatory bowel diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the association between body fat percentage and immune responses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 20, 2012

Friendly to a fault, yet tense: Personality traits traced in brain

Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2012

Test to improve peanut allergy diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 20, 2012

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 20, 2012

Collaboration rapidly connects fly gene discovery to human disease

A study discovered mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase gene that cause neurodegenerative disorders in both fruit flies and humans. The findings suggest that antioxidants may counteract the negative consequences of these mutations in flies, raising hope for potential therapeutic approaches in human patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

A camera that peers around corners

Researchers at MIT Media Lab have developed a new imaging system that can produce recognizable 3-D images of objects outside its line of sight by using femtosecond laser pulses and analyzing reflected light. The system has potential applications in emergency response, vehicle navigation, and medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 26, 2012

Research published in JCI suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting potential new therapeutics for treatment. The studies found that defective insulin signaling is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease and that treatment with a new anti-diabetic drug normalized insulin signaling and improv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Is there good research evidence for health systems interventions?

The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012