ScienceBlog.com

Health

Nanoscale 'stealth' probe slides into cell walls seamlessly, say Stanford engineers

A nanometer-scale probe designed to slip into a cell wall and fuse with it could offer researchers a portal for extended eavesdropping on the inner electrical activity of individual cells. Everything from signals generated as cells communicate with each other to "digestive rumblings" as cells react to medication could be monitored for up to a week, say Stanford engineers.

Apr 1, 2010

Health

Researchers quantify benefits of minimally invasive removal of hard-to-reach tumors

CINCINNATI -- A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure holds promise for safely removing large brain tumors from an area at the bottom of the skull, near the sinus cavities, clinical researchers at the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute (UCNI) at University Hospital have found.

Apr 1, 2010

Health

Donor kidneys from Hepatitis C patients needlessly denied to patients with that infection

More than half of donor kidneys in the United State infected with hepatitis C are thrown away, despite the need among hepatitis C patients who may die waiting for an infection-free organ, Johns Hopkins research suggests.

Apr 1, 2010

Health

Study shows partial lung removal favorable over full removal as treatment for lung cancer

Research published in the April edition of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology sought to compare the outcomes of a sleeve lobectomy and a pneumonectomy procedure, in order to determine which is a more acceptable standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Apr 1, 2010

Health

New mums beat the blues and increase wellbeing with physio exercise, study reveals

In a world first study of its kind, 161 postnatal women with no previous depressive symptoms were divided in two separate groups to test the effect of a physiotherapist-led exercise and education program on wellbeing.

Apr 1, 2010

Technology

Disadvantaged students reap most financial return from college education, study finds

With the college admission season upon us, teens across the country are glued to college websites in hopes of learning whether they have been admitted to their school of choice.

Apr 1, 2010

Health

Evidence-based medicine theory can be applied to frequent flying says US professor

When New York-based Professor Leslie Citrome sets off for his latest conference or speaking engagement, he isn't just armed with a stack of medical journals and his passport. He makes sure he packs a calculator and notebook as well!

Mar 31, 2010

Health

More than one-quarter of elderly patients lack decision-making capacity at death

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- More than one in four elderly Americans lacked the capacity to make their own medical care decisions at the end of life, according to a study of 3,746 people to be published April 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Mar 31, 2010

Technology

Spray application rate, equipment affect pest management in greenhouse ivy plants

MERELBEKE, BELGIUM -- In Belgium, ornamental plants account for almost 0.46 billion euro in sales, or about 34% of total horticultural production output. For growers, finding ways to control pests in production facilities is more difficult as the availability of authorized plant protection products becomes more regulated.

Mar 31, 2010

Health

Where's my genome sequence? Almost 10 years after the human genome was drafted, many genomics goals remain unrealized

The first sequenced drafts of the human genome were announced 10 years ago this June. President Bill Clinton remarked at the time that, "genome science will have a real impact on all of our lives." Although hopes were high, neither he nor the researchers involved promised magical genomic cures or personalized genomes for everyone by 2010.

Mar 31, 2010

Earth & Environment

Reservations about Toxic Waste: Native American Tribes Encouraged to Turn Down Lucrative Hazardous Disposal Deals

Dear EarthTalk: Some time ago there were issues with Native American tribes storing nuclear waste on their land, something that was both unhealthy to the communities and caused considerable controversy among tribal leaders. Where is this issue today? --M. Spenser, via e-mail

Mar 31, 2010

Earth & Environment

Competing Catastrophes: What's the Bigger Menace, an Asteroid Impact or Climate Change?

If you ask the average person whether in the long run it is climate change or an asteroid/comet impact that's expected to kill more people annually, you'll undoubtedly get some confused replies. Those asteroid movies are scary, but there are no verified instances of an asteroid strike killing any humans, are there?

Mar 31, 2010

Health

Static over Statins: Should Young People Without Cholesterol Problems Take Statins?

An estimated 20 million Americans take statins, making these cholesterol-lowering drugs the most widely prescribed class in the world. In coming years, these numbers are only expected to increase. In June 2011 the full patent for Pfizer’s blockbuster Lipitor (atorvastatin) will expire, making the drug significantly more affordable.

Mar 31, 2010

Health

This Really Won't Hurt a Bit: Wireless Sensor Promises Diabetics Noninvasive Blood Sugar Readings

For many diabetics, the unpleasant chore of drawing blood several times a day in order to check blood glucose levels is a part of life. Efforts to develop devices that can test blood glucose without the need to repeatedly prick fingers have faltered thus far due to questions about accuracy as well as complaints about skin irritation.

Mar 31, 2010