Science Blog - Science news straight from the source

What is the public option?

Eugene Jacquescoley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:26:36 +0000

The US Senate begins the debate on health care reform withhin the next couple of weeks, I thought it useful for readers to understand what one of the primal points...public option. What is it? Why has it stirred so much controversy?

Burned out, depressed surgeons more likely to commit more major medical errors

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:25 +0000

Surgeons who are burned out or depressed are more likely to say they had recently committed a major error on the job, according to the largest study to date on physician burnout.

New computer-developed map shows more extensive valley network on Mars

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:15 +0000

DeKalb, IL -- New research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the Red Planet once had an ocean.

Straightening messy correlations with a quantum comb

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:14 +0000

Quantum computing promises ultra-fast communication, computation and more powerful ways to encrypt sensitive information. But trying to use quantum states as carriers of information is an extremely delicate business. Now two physicists have shown, mathematically, how to gently tease out unwanted knots in quantum communication, while keeping the information intact.

Research reveals exactly how coughing is triggered by environmental irritants

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:13 +0000

Scientists have revealed how environmental irritants such as air pollution and cigarette smoke cause people to cough, in research published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Drug side effects a key factor in reduced quality of life for kidney transplant patients

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:05 +0000

People who have kidney transplants need longer-term support than most friends, relatives or even healthcare professionals realise, according to a study of 160 patients published in the December issue of the UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Research and legislation should go hand in hand, as much as possible

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:01 +0000

Carlos María Romeo Casabona is Director of the Interuniversity Professorship in Law and the Humane Genome at Deusto University and the University of the Basque Country. The Professorship is largely made up of jurists but also has other experts such as researchers in the fields of molecular biology, medicine and even specialists in ethics.

Flaxseed oil and osteoporosis

BJS — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:58 +0000

Animal studies suggest that adding flaxseed oil to the diet could reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and women with diabetes, according to a report to be published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health.