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Forensic familial search methods carry risk of certain false matches

Research finds that DNA-based familial search techniques can mistakenly identify second cousins and half-siblings as siblings, with a 3-18% chance of error for first cousins and up to 42% for half-siblings. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary investigations and exacerbate ethical concerns surrounding the use of these methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2013

ACS NSQIP® data is more accurate than administrative data for tracking 30-day hospital readmissions

A new study found that the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) is more accurate than administrative data for tracking 30-day hospital readmissions. The study analyzed colorectal surgical patients and found that 30% of readmissions could be prevented with accurate tracking, potentially ...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 18, 2013

New database to speed genetic discoveries

PhenoDB is a new online database that enables clinicians to document cases of unusual genetic diseases, which can then be analyzed by researchers. The database captures standardized information about a person's phenotype, including symptoms and family history, to help understand the genetic variations involved.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHuman Mutation·DateMar 18, 2013

The Joint Facial and Invasive Neck Trauma (J-FAINT) Project, Iraq and Afghanistan 2003-2011

A new study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery concludes that additional training in managing face and neck injuries and improvements in body armor could be beneficial. The majority of injured service members had mild to moderate injuries, with females being at higher risk of survival.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateMar 5, 2013

A privacy risk in your DNA

Researchers developed an algorithm that can identify last names using Y chromosome data, compromising individual privacy. The study highlights the risk of revealing personal information through genetic data, calling for better encryption techniques and legislation to protect participants' identities.

The science of neurosurgical practice

The January issue of Neurosurgical Focus explores the science of neurosurgical practice, shifting priorities from medical discoveries to patient safety, quality of care, and economic implications. Professional societies have launched a national practice data collection platform, N2QOD, to advance quality and outcomes.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalNeurosurgical FOCUS·DateJan 1, 2013

Bird watching brings new discoveries

A recent study used bird watching records to build the first bird watching database in China, finding new national-level records and a trend of species moving to higher latitude and elevation regions. The database provides valuable data for scientific research on ecosystem health and biodiversity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateDec 31, 2012

Fast food menu options double; calorie counts remain high

A study by Temple University found that fast food menus have doubled in size, but calorie counts have changed little between 1997 and 2010. The average calorie content of foods offered by major U.S. fast food restaurants remained stable, while entree salads and sweetened teas became increasingly popular additions to the menus.

SourceTemple University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 13, 2012

Computer program can identify rough sketches

Researchers from Brown University developed a computer program that recognizes sketches as they're drawn in real time, with around 56-percent accuracy. The program uses a large database of sketches to teach a computer how humans sketch objects, enabling better sketch-based interface and search applications.

Photographic cholesterol test

Researchers in India have developed a non-invasive approach to determine total cholesterol levels using image processing and a database of known cholesterol levels. The test uses a digital camera to capture the back of a patient's hand and compares it with images in a database for accurate cholesterol readings.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateAug 17, 2012

Researchers map path to quantum electronic devices

Duke University researchers create a mathematical formulation to unlock the data stored in a database of potential TI ingredients, providing specific recipes for searching for TIs with desired properties. This breakthrough enables efficient alloys creation and discovery of new classes of systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 13, 2012