http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/disaster_plan/ A scientific view on disaster plans, disaster preparedness and pandemic risk. Read the latest research on this and related topics. en-us Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:05:01 EST Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/disaster_plan/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125100845.htm For rescuers working in remote places working phones and Internet are literally a question of life and death. A team of researchers and businesses in Norway, Spain and Finland decided they need to be equipped with a box with the power to connect them to networks wherever they are. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125100845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123083656.htm Seventy percent of U.K. households always separate their rubbish for recycling, but only 2 percent buy their energy on a green tariff, according to the early findings of a major new annual household survey. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123083656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117190404.htm Rapid influenza diagnostic tests used in doctors' offices, hospitals and medical laboratories to detect H1N1 are virtually useless and could pose a significant danger to public health, according to a researcher. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117190404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115829.htm Three leading scientific organizations specializing in infectious diseases prevention issued a letter to President Obama November 6 expressing their significant concern with current federal guidance concerning the use of personal protective equipment by health care workers in treating suspected or confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065920.htm Human movement is a key factor of dengue virus inflow in Rio de Janeiro, according to results from researchers in Brazil. The results, based on data from a severe epidemic in 2007-2008, contribute to new understanding on the dynamics of dengue fever in the second largest city in Brazil. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105092611.htm Community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami, according to a team of researchers that traveled to Samoa last month. Funded by a National Science Foundation grant, the team collected data to document the impacts of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that occurred on Sept. 29. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105092611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083055.htm Because land use changes are responsible for 50 percent of warming in the US, policymakers need to address the influence of global deforestation and urbanization on climate change, in addition to greenhouse gas emissions, experts urge. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121720.htm The swine flu (H1N1) pandemic has received extensive media coverage this year. In times of heightened health concerns, everyday behaviors like sneezing can serve as a reminder to wash our hands or take our vitamins. But, what if we overreact to everyday sneezes and coughs and sniffles? Can these signals transform healthy discretion into an unreasonable fearfulness about germs and more? Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104152302.htm As flu season approaches, parents around the country are starting to face school closures. But how bad should an influenza outbreak be for a school to shut down? A study by epidemiologists tapped a set of Japanese data to help guide decision making by schools and government agencies. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104152302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144818.htm First responders who were exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants following the 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attacks suffer from asthma at more than twice the rate of the general US population, according to new data. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090657.htm Almost half of adults surveyed in summer 2009 in Hong Kong say they would take up free swine flu vaccination. However, this figure drops to around 1 in 7 if the price they have to pay for the vaccine reaches $26. In the absence of proved efficacy and safety, the figure decreases to less than 1 in 20, according to one of the first studies on behavioral intentions and A/H1N1 vaccination. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095517.htm The proposed Medicare "bundled" payment system for dialysis is likely to reduce government reimbursements for dialysis units in certain regions of the United States and for some types of facilities, according to new research. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026180207.htm In hopes of preventing the next global pandemic and a possible death toll into the millions, researchers have launched an unprecedented international effort to find and control diseases that move between wildlife and people. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026180207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125144.htm Emergency response plans must include knowledge from the people who need to be protected if these plans are to help communities respond effectively to threats, argue researchers in a new editorial. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192204.htm Japanese researchers have developed a computer program which may be able tell from an emergency call if you are about to die. Research shows that a computer algorithm is able to predict the patient's risk of dying at the time of the emergency call. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020192204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162223.htm Research scientists have now linked emergency medical services providers in the field to patients' preexisting health information, a link enabling emergency workers to make more informed treatment decisions and to transport patients to the most appropriate facility. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930172044.htm The assumption is high mortality hospitals have high complication rates. But a new report shows complications are common after major surgery -- about one in six patients. What distinguishes good and bad hospitals is how proficient they are at rescuing patients from those complications. Patients at high mortality hospitals are twice as likely to die from a post-surgical complication. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930172044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm Canadian engineers suggest that research is needed into the risks associated with the growing field of nanotechnology manufacture so that appropriate protective equipment can be developed urgently. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102203.htm Researchers have discovered that, contrary to previous assumptions, older adults are more amenable than younger ones to having a robot "perform critical monitoring tasks that would require little interaction between the robot and the human." Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924112847.htm With America's unemployment rate higher than it has been in decades, many people find themselves looking for jobs. In a new study, researchers focus on what job seekers need to get ahead of the competition. The scientists found that certain planning activities and positive emotions have a large impact on success in finding a job. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924112847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092354.htm A comprehensive study has revealed, for the first time, the impact of swine flu on the health of the general public in Australia and New Zealand. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181223.htm In a city the size of New York, starting a vaccination campaign a few weeks earlier could save almost 600 lives and more than $150 million, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923132958.htm The anticipated onset of a second wave of the H1N1 influenza pandemic could present a host of thorny medical ethics issues best considered well in advance, according bioethicists. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923132958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092658.htm New research offers important insights into the long-term impact of a major disaster on routine surgical services in a hospital. In the study, researchers showed that although Hurricane Katrina resulted in a significant loss of surgical staff and an increase in the number of uninsured patients undergoing operations, greater cost efficiencies were achieved. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923163851.htm H1N1 influenza could slow growth in key industries and stall already-weak GDP growth in the third and fourth quarters of 2009, says one health economist. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923163851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115453.htm A recent commentary suggests that the US should spend roughly $197 million more than it currently does to research the impact of climate change on public health. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925115453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923151728.htm Eight maternal and child health information providers urged pregnant women to be vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. The organizations partnered to issue a joint statement because the H1N1 virus has proven to be especially dangerous to pregnant women. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923151728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095659.htm A new report shows that osteoporosis is a serious and growing problem throughout Asia. Gathering data from 14 Asian countries, regions or territories, "The Asian Audit" is a landmark report examining epidemiology, costs and burden in individual countries as well as collectively across the region. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204459.htm A new study indicates most of the world's low-lying river deltas are sinking from human activity, making them increasingly vulnerable to flooding from rivers and ocean storms and putting tens of millions of people at risk. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921161800.htm Restricting elective surgeries, limiting incoming transfers and enhancing the efficiency of the discharge process helped one major hospital reduce capacity before a relocation without interrupting emergency or trauma services, according to a new report. Similar principles could help hospitals absorb patients in the aftermath of a disaster, the authors observe. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921161800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134825.htm According to a recent report, only 6 percent of US hospital emergency departments are fully equipped to properly care for children. With high rates of novel H1N1 (swine) flu expected this winter, the time to address these deficiencies is immediate. In a joint policy statement, pediatric health specialists provide recommendations for appropriate equipment, training, medications, and policies for pediatric emergency care. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191603.htm Sixty percent of the causes of unintended incidents in the emergency department that could have compromised patient safety are related to human failures, according to a new study. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917191603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm Levels of chloride, a component of salt, are elevated in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern United States, according to a new government study. Chloride levels above the recommended federal criteria set to protect aquatic life were found in more than 40 percent of urban streams tested. The study was released today by the US Geological Survey. Elevated chloride can inhibit plant growth, impair reproduction, and reduce the diversity of organisms in streams. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910114143.htm When a terrorist bomb explodes, a tornado rips through a town, a hurricane devastates a region, or wildfires ravage homes and businesses, plastic surgeons are not typically atop the list of emergency responders. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910114143.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071704.htm The public health measures taken in response to swine flu may be seen as alarmist, overly restrictive, or even unjustified, says one U.S. expert who argues that our plans for pandemics need to take into account more than the worst case scenarios, and calls for a new framework for thinking about epidemic disease. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082711.htm Patients who ask their doctor about information they have read on the Internet, or webs that better inform them of their diagnosis, are no longer a rarity. A study undertaken by Spanish researchers reveals the advantages and disadvantages of online medical enquiries. Some 31% of doctors believe that the Internet complicates their relationship with patients and undermines their credibility. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142732.htm Prevention of H1N1 influenza virus through vaccination must be our top priority if disease patterns in the northern hemisphere follow those in the southern hemisphere this fall, according to experts. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812092134.htm As flu season draws nearer along with the potential for resurgence in H1N1, leading infectious diseases doctors, hospital epidemiologists, and infection preventionists urge officials to base recommendations for the public and healthcare workers on scientific knowledge and frontline experience gained from the outbreak this summer. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812092134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810122131.htm Researchers have found that support for government-sponsored health insurance for individuals under age 65 remains virtually the same regardless of how the plan is described or how involved the government would be. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810122131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024823.htm A newly completed study of public reaction to the Sept. 11 attacks concludes that people in positions of power, from government officials to managers working on Wall Street to military personnel, tended to interpret the events in more abstract terms and with more certainty and positivity than ordinary individuals. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807091019.htm Giving people a sense of being in control is an important element in health messages, according to researchers. The research looked at how language used in policy messages and media coverage affects the public perception of health threats. The report warns that lyrical and over-emotional language may be counter-productive when issuing warnings and advice about pandemics and hospital infections. Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807091019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706113700.htm Few people changed their behavior in the early stages of the swine flu outbreak, according to a new study. But the results do support efforts to inform the public about specific actions that can reduce the risks from swine flu and to communicate about the government's plans and resources. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706113700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724091141.htm Experts in intensive care and anaesthesia have predicted that the current swine flu pandemic could overwhelm critical care beds and ventilators in England, with hospitals on the South East Coast, and in the South West, East of England and East Midlands being worst hit. The research suggests that demand for critical care beds could outstrip supply by up to 130 per cent, with up to 20 per cent excess demand for ventilators in some regions. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724091141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724102911.htm Approximately 1 in 6 public health workers said they would not report to work during a pandemic flu emergency regardless of its severity, according to a new survey. The new study suggests ways for improving the response of the public health workforce. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724102911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134227.htm Mathematical modeling can help inform public health policy in outbreaks such as the H1N1 pandemic, write members of the Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modeling Team in Canada. These models are useful tools for simulating plausible scenarios, developing control strategies and identifying important areas for immediate research. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073841.htm US cities are starting to plan ways of coping with climate change, says a new report. Flooding of subways and other infrastructure caused by extreme weather and sea level rise, shortages of food, water and energy, and health and economic risks are among concerns of city planners in 18 US cities surveyed, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, West Palm Beach, Portland and Las Vegas. Many are also implementing carbon reduction programs for municipal activities as a prelude to leading citizen CO2 reduction efforts. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093617.htm A new study gives state and local health departments get mixed marks for efforts to convey information about the H1N1 virus to the public using their Web sites immediately after US officials declared a public health emergency in April. While most state health departments posted information about the outbreak within 24 hours of the federal announcement, just one-third of the local health departments studied did the same. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171612.htm Contrary to common belief, Brazil's policy of protecting portions of the Amazonian forest from development is capable of buffering the Amazon from climate change, according to a new study. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171612.htm