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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 13


Page 13 of 32

Military analytics expert says billions in supply chain efficiency reduce Pentagon cuts

A former Army colonel argues that improving supply chain alignment can help the Defense Department reduce costs by tens of billions of dollars. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) conference highlights the use of advanced analytics and operations research to address pressing military challenges.

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