Science News for October 31, 2015

Email, text or web portal? Study probes patients' preferences for receiving test results

Patients prefer receiving test results through password-protected websites or portals, with non-HIV STI and genetic test results being highly preferred. Only half of participants signed up for available patient portals, highlighting a need for improved doctor-patient communication.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateOct 31, 2015

Astrosat's Soft X-ray Telescope sees first light

The Soft X-ray focusing Telescope (SXT) onboard Astrosat successfully saw its first light on Oct. 26, 2015, after the camera door was opened at 06:30UT. The telescope's mirrors were aligned perfectly to image a single point, and data quality is excellent.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·DateOct 31, 2015

Ancient pollen reveals droughts between Sierra Nevada glacier surges

Pleistocene-era sediment samples contain pollen from desert plants, indicating severe droughts occurred between glacial periods. These droughts may have led to the extinction of large mammals like mammoths.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 31, 2015

Heat-activated 'grenade' to target cancer

New liposome technology allows for targeted delivery of cancer drugs, using heat-activated triggers to control release. This innovative approach could reduce collateral damage and improve treatment efficacy.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateOct 31, 2015