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Gene activity in the brain depends on genetic background

A new study found that gene activity patterns in the brain differ significantly among individuals with varying genetic backgrounds. The study, published in PNAS, mapped gene expression across 49 genes in seven genetically distinct mouse groups, revealing localized differences in gene activity.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2010

Alcohol taxes can reduce death rates among chronic heavy drinkers

A new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that increasing alcohol taxes can significantly reduce death rates from diseases caused by chronic heavy drinking. The study analyzed data from 1969 to 2004 and estimated that adjusting for inflation, would save around 1,500 Floridian lives per year.

SourceBurness·DateAug 9, 2010

8 global health agencies call for better global health data

Global health agencies urge stronger collection, analysis, and use of health data to evaluate the impact of health programs and policies. The eight agencies propose four actions to strengthen health data collection, including increasing investments in health information and developing a common data architecture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 25, 2010

Surgical quality program is a strong tool for assessing outcomes for high-risk procedures

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the ACS NSQIP is a powerful tool for assessing outcomes of uncommon, high-risk surgical procedures like pancreatic necrosectomy. Patients undergoing this procedure had better outcomes than predicted, with lower mortality rates and less postoperative morbidity.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 10, 2009

Banking on outlier detection

Researchers developed a simple computer model that can predict specific outcomes for a given bank with minimal data demands. The model uses Locally Weighted Scatter Plot Smooth to identify potentially troubled banks by comparing their performance with similar peers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Operational Research·DateOct 7, 2009

Off the shelf maps help mitigate volcanic hazards

A team of volcanologists developed a new program to quickly and accurately predict areas at high risk for lethal hazards from volcanic eruptions. The program uses existing GIS data to create maps that outline potential surge damage, enabling decision-makers to evacuate or put people on high alert.

SourcePenn State·JournalBulletin of Volcanology·DateJan 21, 2009

No convincing evidence for decline in tropical forests

A study by Dr Alan Grainger found no convincing evidence for a decline in tropical forests over the past 40 years. Despite local evidence of deforestation, long-term data is plagued by errors and inconsistencies that raise questions about predictions of species extinctions and global climate change.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2008

Homeschool numbers growing, tracking difficult

A study on the geography of education found that homeschoolers represent a significant segment of the education universe, estimated at 20% of privately-schooled population in the US. The number of homeschoolers has grown in states with low to moderate regulation, but data is still limited due to varying reporting requirements.

Anti-rollover device for tractors

A team of researchers designed a protective structure to reduce tractor rollover accidents, resulting in improved agricultural worker safety. The 'Estrema' programme calculates necessary structures for various types of tractors, with enhanced models approved for use in the agricultural sector.

Keep genome data freely accessible

The Lancet editorial advocates for free access to genome data, highlighting its benefits in accelerating research on diseases such as SARS. This open-access policy promotes international cooperation, trust, and altruism, offering a compelling alternative to bioweapons.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 23, 2004

Are NICE guidelines too passive?

A study found that NICE guidelines on surgical procedures had no significant impact on the adoption of recommended practices. In contrast, an increase in non-cement prostheses for hip replacements was reported after the guidelines were issued. The researchers suggest using more active dissemination methods to promote effective uptake.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 6, 2004