Study: Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.-— A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas where there are fewer licensed drivers, according to a University of Illinois researcher.

Millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system developed

ANN ARBOR, Mich.-- A 9 cubic millimeter solar-powered sensor system developed at the University of Michigan is the smallest that can harvest energy from its surroundings to operate nearly perpetually.

The U-M system's processor, solar cells, and battery are all contained in its tiny frame, which measures 2.5 by 3.5 by 1 millimeters. It is 1,000 times smaller than comparable commercial counterparts.

Electrons on the brink: Fractal patterns may be key to semiconductor magnetism

But in results published Feb. 5 in the journal Science, a Princeton-led team of scientists has observed electrons in a semiconductor on the brink of the metal-insulator transition for the first time. Caught in the act, the electrons formed complex patterns resembling those seen in turbulent fluids, confirming some long-held predictions and providing new insights into how semiconductors can be turned into magnets. The work also could lead to the production of smaller and more energy-efficient computers.

Medicare reimbursement change meant to save money has opposite effect

ATLANTA-Feb. 8, 2009-Increased Medicare payments to physicians for outpatient surgeries for bladder cancer have led to a dramatic rise in the number of these procedures being performed and an overall increase in cost to the healthcare system. That is the conclusion of a new study published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The findings indicate that some Medicare policies aimed at decreasing costs may instead be contributing to an increase in healthcare expenditures.

Financial hardship contributes to diagnosis anxiety

A new analysis has found that women with medium or low levels of income are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depression after being diagnosed with the precancerous breast condition, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study suggests that women with financial hardship may benefit from psychosocial interventions that are designed to accommodate their unique needs.

Research reveals link between beer and bone health

Greedy oil companies could slow emergence of 'green' economics

The entry of oil companies into the realm of renewable energy could present major obstacles for the development of a sustainable economy that is not based on carbon resources, according to a report in the International Journal of Green Economics.

MWC 2010: FlashFind -- lightning-fast search on mobile devices

The suitcases are in the boot, the kids in the back seat – the only thing left to do as you get in the car is to quickly check the holiday route on the navigator. As you wait at the traffic lights, you select your favourite song on the MP3 player, while the passenger next to you sifts through her digital travel guide looking for the main tourist sights. Users of mobile devices like to access information on the go – anytime, anywhere.

Informatics experts contribute to special Health Affairs edition on e-health in the developing world

Winning the war on weight

A Monash University-led nationwide study into the health beliefs and behaviours of obese people has found that the more severely obese a person is, the less likely they feel they can reduce their weight.

The research, funded by the Australian Research Council Discovery Grant Scheme, is the first of its kind in Australia. 141 obese Australians were extensively interviewed to try to gauge how they perceived their weight and ability to manage it.