Two studies a decade apart in England show fewer mental health inpatients are experiencing delayed discharge from hospital, although finding accommodation on discharge is a greater problem.

Abstract: We have compared phylogenies and time estimates for Y-chromosomal lineages based on resequencing ?9Mb of DNA and applying the program GENETREE to similar analyses based on the more standard approach of genotyping 26 Y-SNPs plus 21 Y-STRs and applying the programs NETWORK and BATWING. We find that deep phylogenetic structure is not adequately reconstructed after Y-SNP plus Y-STR genotyping, and that times estimated using observed Y-STR mutation rates are several-fold too recent. In contrast, an evolutionary mutation rate gives times that are more similar to the resequencing data. In principle, systematic comparisons of this kind can in future studies be used to identify the combinations of Y-SNP and Y-STR markers, and time estimation methodologies, that correspond best to resequencing data.

At the 61st ASMS conference, Bruker introduces exciting new High-Definition capabilities in proteomics and biomarker research. Patented low-noise Captivespray nanoBooster™ ionization coupled with record high-speed digitization Qq-TOF technology and steered by intelligent acquisition software defines complex samples more sharply than ever before.

At the 2013 American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference, PerkinElmer Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and the environment, introduced the AxION iQT gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometer.

Brain-training computer games may help restore memory and competency to forensic psychiatry patients in state mental hospitals, researchers say.

It is most commonly used to spice up Indian cuisine, but scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have discovered turmeric could be used to help solve crimes.

The last few years have seen the emergence of a new drug problem in so-called "bath salts"-actually "designer stimulants," packaged and sold in ways that skirt drug laws. A review and update on these designer drugs is presented in the June Journal of Addiction Medicine, the official journal of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Abstract: Allele frequencies and population statistics of 15 forensically-important STR loci were estimated for seven populations residing in the State of Kuwait. The populations were: Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, Egyptian, Iranian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, and Indian. All loci were highly polymorphic. After correction, only one locus in one population sample (Saudi Arabian) showed departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The populations cluster (MDS Plot) generally with geographic distance and substructure effects for even these seven diverse populations is Fst

Geography plays a role in whether patients in California have elective operations such as joint replacement, weight loss surgery and gallbladder removal, according to a new study. The California HealthCare Foundation study showed wide variations in patient surgeries across the state (Gorman, 5/22).

Lebanon is a relatively small country with a surface area of 10,452km2 located on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The Lebanese population, of around four million, has been shaped by many civilizations namely Phoenician, Roman, Persian, Babylonian, Islamic and Christian, followed by both Ottoman and French influences . These civilizations have had a profound impact on the cultural, religious and genetic levels. As a result, the Lebanese population is at present characterized by 18 religious communities which are unevenly distributed over the country and live in a relative isolation (). Due to the geographic isolation and to certain cultural and/or religious practices, marriages take place within the same religious community at an average rate of 88% . In addition, the consanguinity rate ranges from 31 to 36% . Moreover, Lebanon has experienced many wars, most recently the civil war from 1975 to 1990. Wars triggered additional segregation based on religious belongings promoting further endogamous practices. The high endogamy and consanguinity rates have shaped the genetic structure of Lebanese communities . A genetic study of the population of Lebanon is therefore fundamental for a coherent and satisfactory evaluation of evidence in criminal and civil cases.