May 2012 Current Events: Disasters & Science News

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Here are the key events in Science and Disasters news for the month of May 2012.

6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Italy (May 20): A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hits the northern region of Emilia Romagna, killing at least five people. Dozens more are injured and many historic buildings are damaged. At least 3,000 people are left homeless. A 5.1 magnitude aftershock causes further damage to the region.
New Data Finds Prostate Cancer Screenings Harmful (May 21): A government task force concludes that the prostate specific antigen blood test, also called the P.S.A. test, is more harmful than beneficial. The task force reports that one man in every 1,000 who takes the P.S.A. test may avoid death due to the screening, but one man for every 3,000 will die prematurely due to complications from prostate cancer treatment. The findings are met with resistance, especially from various medical groups, especially prostate cancer advocacy groups.

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