Featured Thoughts, News and Microarticles from the Scientific Community.
Low-level of radiation - is it known that CT is harmful?
Soenke Bartling–Mar 24, 2010
Just a reminder: In hard sciences it is an assumption, BUT it is actually not known that low level of radiation (e.g. as experienced during CT scans (<100 mSv)) is harmful or can cause cancer. Probably it does not. Still, we should avoid radiation whenever possible! (View details)
Imants Vilks–Mar 16, 2010
Robert M.Wald in The Arrow of Time and the Initial Conditions of the Universe (Enrico Fermi Institute and Department of Physics University of Chicago, arXiv:gr-qc/050709 vl 21 Jul 2005) writes: “There is no question that our present universe display...(Read more)
Vital role of aquatic organisms in improving water quality
Sergei Ostroumov–Mar 11, 2010
The key paper analyzed how filter-feeders (molluscs and others) remove cells of phytoplankton and bacteria from water. This plays a gigantic role in making water clear, and ecosystem stable. Author discovered that pollutants slow down this vital activity of filter-feeders, with dramatic consequences.(View details)Soenke Bartling–Mar 10, 2010
DFG counteracts tendency to prefer number of publications over quality of research! Great step of the DFG - Let us hope that this is the start of a policy change! (View details)Individuality and the physical paradigm
Claus Janew–Mar 5, 2010
This blog entry relates to the paper Dynamic Existence. The physical paradigm contains serious distortions or inconsistencies: The Brain is seen as the ultimate "perceiver". But who perceives the brain? The brain again? This is a circle, where my co...(Read more)
Sergei Ostroumov–Mar 8, 2010
A challenge in ecology is the multitude of factors that influence all ecological processes. It is difficult to find a balance when we analyze them. A new theory was created that unified and balanced many physical, chemical and biological factors that work together toward improving water quality.(View details)Sergei Ostroumov–Mar 7, 2010
To implement environmental law, it is necessary to have adequate, clear and precise interpretation (definitions) of the basic ecological terms, including the definition of ecosystem. The standard definition is vague. A new definition was published.(View details)Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients with HIV: A Review of the Current Literature
Josh Matacotta–Mar 2, 2010
Several studies have found that people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a higher rate than that of the general population (Gore-Felton et al., 2001; Kimerling et al., 1999; Martine...(Read more)
New plant species as a potent tool to clean water and to remove heavy metals
Sergei Ostroumov–Mar 4, 2010
This is the first time the phytoremediation potential of a new wide-spread species of plants was discovered. The plant removed the toxic metals cadmium, lead, copper, zinc (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) from water with great efficiency. As a result, water quality improved dramatically with prospect of new technology(View details)Foreign body-induced granulation tissue: A novel source of adult stem cells
Jilpa Patel–Mar 2, 2010
An inert foreign body placed in the subcutaneous tissue induces new tissue that encapsulates the foreign body (called granulation tissue). In a new study published in the journal Translational Research, Dr. Jilpa Patel and her group at the Cook Coun...(Read more)
ResearchGATE is featured in the New York Times
Bertalan Mesko–Feb 27, 2010
While there are more and more entries published in the MasterBlog, ResearchGATE was featured in the New York Times. An excerpt from the report in which founder Dr. Ijad Madisch describes how ResearchGATE was launched: "...Enter ResearchGATE, which it...(Read more)
Introduction to genetic algorithm
Mehran Parhebafieh–Feb 5, 2010
Introduction Genetic algorithm is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm used to solve problems that can't be solved with a mathematic formula. It is inspired by the theory of evolution which uses genes and chromosomes to evolve. The generations...(Read more)
Safe Electronic Health Record Use Requires a Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Dean Sittig–Feb 2, 2010
1: Ability to report safety events related to use 2: Enhanced certification 3: Self-assessment of 8 aspects of the EHR safe use framework have been addressed 4: On-site, in-person accreditation of EHRs as implemented & used 5: National EHR-related adverse event investigation board that reviews incidents.(View details)The Threat of Shampoo to the Biosphere
Sergei Ostroumov–Jan 30, 2010
This paper indicated that components of shampoo pose a dramatic danger and hazard to intimate ecosystem services that are a keystone for the security and stability of the biosphere. Foam from shampoo was found to be of much more environmental hazard than previously thought. (View details)Mamuka Khvedelidze–Jan 31, 2010
Neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory is based on exquisite selection of phenotypes caused by small genetic variations, which is the basis of quantitative trait contribution to phenotype and disease. Here, we propose a new non-Lamarckian theory for a role of epigenetics in evolution.(View details)Endotoxin and cancer: good remarks on TLRs
Mamuka Khvedelidze–Jan 30, 2010
The hypothesis that components of bacteria may retard cancer progression dates back to William B. Coley's therapeutic experiments ("bacterial vaccine") in the 1890s.(View details)Mamuka Khvedelidze–Jan 30, 2010
Over the past decade, immune therapy has become a standard treatment for a variety of cancers. Monoclonal antibodies, immune adjuvants, and vaccines against oncogenic viruses are now well-established cancer therapies. Immune modulation is a principal element of supportive care.(View details)Genetic variation in the Ahsg: one mechanism determining insulin resistance
Anton-Scott Goustin–Jan 28, 2010
My "favorite gene" is on human chromosome 3q27. It encodes a moderate-sized phosphorylated glycoprotein (yes!) which is secreted at a high rate from hepatocytes, into the bloodstream. The gene is called AHSG (in H. sapiens), Ahsg (mouse), or sometime...(Read more)
Academic Search Engine Optimization (ASEO): Optimizing Scholarly Literature for Google Scholar & Co.
Jöran Beel–Jan 13, 2010
Have you ever thought about how to get your scientific article into a top position in Google Scholar's result lists? In our article "Academic Search Engine Optimization (ASEO)" we provide guidelines on how to optimize your research articles for Google Scholar.(View details)Commons, Users, Service Providers - Internet (Self-) Regulation and Copyright
Dennis Jlussi–Jan 25, 2010
On March 17-18, 2010, an international conference with the title Commons, Users, Service Providers - Internet (Self-) Regulation and Copyright will take place in Hannover. The conference is hosted by Prof Dr Axel Metzger (Leibniz Universität Hannover...(Read more)
