Science News for November 1, 2014

More penalties on the way for hospitals that treat the poor? New U-M study suggests so

A new University of Michigan analysis shows that penalties for chronic lung disease will disproportionately affect hospitals caring for poor and minority patients. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address socioeconomic factors contributing to readmissions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 1, 2014

Step towards blood test for many cancer types

A comprehensive review of 19,000 scientific papers identified more than 800 cancer-specific biomarkers that could lead to a single blood test for early detection of many types of cancer. The study aims to develop a screening test from a single blood sample for multiple cancer types.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 1, 2014

Virtual reality promises new applications for sexual offending

Researchers at the University of Montreal are exploring virtual reality as a tool to better gauge sex offenders' reactions and assess therapeutic progress. By testing virtual reality protocols, they aim to validate theories explaining why offenders act on their impulses.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateNov 1, 2014

'Invisible tattoos' could improve body confidence after breast cancer radiotherapy

A pilot study found that invisible fluorescent tattoos can improve body confidence among breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Researchers compared the effects of visible and invisible tattoos on patients' self-esteem, finding that 56% of those with invisible tattoos felt better one month after treatment.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 1, 2014

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.