Gene :: Human and chimp genes 6% unique
Approximately six per cent of human and chimp genes are unique to those species, report scientists from the University of Bristol and three other institutions.
Software
Surgery :: Snake-like robot and steady-hand system could assist surgeons
Engineers are designing new high-tech medical tools to equip the operating room of the future, in an effort to help doctors treat patients more safely and effectively and allow them to perform surgical tasks that are nearly impossible today.
Healthcare :: McKesson announces live RFID application for real-time tracking
McKesson, the world’s largest healthcare services, automation and information technology company, today announced the implementation of Horizon Real-Time Location System? , the company?s new radio frequency identification (RFID) solution, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, S.C. Following a comprehensive evaluation period, Spartanburg is using the RFID solution to wirelessly track and electronically record the location history of 550 intravenous (IV) infusion pumps throughout its facility.
Alcoholism :: Brains can recover from alcoholic damage but patients stop drinking soon
As people embark on the festive season’s usual round of drinking they should spare a thought for the damage they are doing to their brains. In particular, new research has revealed that while the brain is able to recover from some of the damage caused by alcohol abuse, the longer alcoholics postpone sobriety the less likely their brains may be to regenerate.
New system will improve interaction between autopilots and pilots
A prototype flight computer has been designed and evaluated which will improve the interaction between an aircraft’s autopilot and pilot.
Brain :: Beyond the book – Software automates access to brain atlases
USC computer scientists have found a cheap, quick and copyright-respecting way to turn existing print brain atlases into multimedia resources. The software, now available in an experimental beta version for free download, is a robust and user-friendly interface that works on all the most popular computer operating systems.
Satellite radar gauges water levels in Louisiana wetlands
Ohio State University researchers have demonstrated that a satellite radar system can be used to gauge water levels in vegetated wetlands. C.K. Shum, professor of earth sciences at Ohio State, and his colleagues hope to develop the technique to aid studies of wetland hydrology — including the role that wetlands play in quelling storm surges caused by large hurricanes.
Surgery :: Computer scientists unravel language of surgery
Computer scientists are building mathematical models to represent the safest and most effective ways to perform surgery, including tasks such as suturing, dissecting and joining tissue.
DNA :: Brown scientists map structure of DNA-doctoring protein complex
Mobile DNA, which inserts foreign genes into target cells, is a powerful force in the march of evolution and the spread of disease. Working with the lambda virus and E. coli bacteria, Brown University biologists have solved the structure of a six-protein complex critical to performing this gene-grafting surgery. The technique they developed could be used to reveal the structure of other critical protein complexes, landing the work on the cover of Molecular Cell.
Auction :: Carnegie Mellon researchers uncover online auction fraud
Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University are using data mining techniques to identify perpetrators of fraud among online auction users as well as their otherwise unknown accomplices.The new method analyzes publicly available histories of transactions posted by online auction sites such as eBay and identifies suspicious online behaviors and dubious associations among users.