Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 14, 2005


Risky business: Consumer risk influenced by level of enjoyment in sequential activities

Researchers from Yale University found that consumers tend to take risks with subsequent decisions when things are going well. Conversely, they opt for reliable options when the evening is off to a bad start. The study suggests that this pattern of choices applies to various goals including enjoyment and health.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2005

The burden of food related ill health in the UK

A recent study found that 37% of health service costs in the UK are attributable to food-related diseases, with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes accounting for most of this burden. The estimated annual cost is £6 billion, double that of road traffic accidents and significantly higher than the cost of smoking.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 14, 2005

Physical activity improves life expectancy and cardiovascular health

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that higher levels of physical activity significantly improved life expectancy and years lived without cardiovascular disease. The study, led by Dr. Oscar H. Franco, analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study and found that moderate to high levels of physical activity i...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

Mental health services underutilized by cancer patients

A study of advanced cancer patients found that 12% met criteria for a major psychiatric disorder, while 28% received treatment and 17% discussed emotional complaints with providers. Notably, over half of those with psychiatric complaints had not accessed mental health services.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2005

Study suggests that aspirin is under-prescribed

Researchers found that only a third of high-risk patients were prescribed aspirin in 2003, despite its cost-effectiveness and recommended use for people with diabetes. The study suggests that physicians prioritize statins over aspirin due to advertising and preference.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

Womb needed for proper brain development

A study of premature babies born at 26 weeks gestation found that certain aspects of brain development were compromised compared to full-term infants. The brains of premature babies showed delayed growth and changes after birth, indicating that early stimulation may hinder normal brain maturation.

Marathon of nano-sprinters

Researchers from Max Planck Institute discovered that a small number of molecular motors can pull cargo particles over long distances. By working together, the motors can overcome their individual limitations and achieve remarkable feats.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2005

Prevent risky behavior in your teen: Get to know their friends in and out of school

Researchers found that sixth-grade students with high antisocial behavior were rejected by peers in the classroom. In contrast, eighth-grade students with similar behavior were accepted by peers outside of school and formed relationships with other antisocial youth. This 'networking' increases risk for already antisocial teens.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 14, 2005

Consumer, meet brand. Brand, meet consumer.

A new study explores the role of relationships between people and products, finding that communal relationships lead to faster recognition of broad features, while exchange relationships facilitate more accurate recognition of detailed features. The research highlights the importance of highlighting expected features in a relationship ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2005

How does Mycobacterium tuberculosis infect the lung?

Researchers found that macrophages from TB patients have high levels of DC-SIGN, a protein that helps Mycobacterium tuberculosis infect lung cells. Infection with TB causes nearby uninfected cells to also express DC-SIGN, making them more susceptible to infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

Speaking Spanglish correctly

Researchers analyze structural constraints in codeswitched advertising to determine what makes a message linguistically correct. The study highlights the significance of grammatical accuracy and provides insights into the rules that govern mixed language marketing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2005

Prescribed walking can improve physical fitness

A randomized trial found that exercise counseling prescriptions for walking can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. The study showed significant increases in maximum oxygen consumption and HDL-C levels in participants who received higher-intensity exercise prescriptions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

Older brains 'rise to the challenge'

Researchers found that older adults increase activation in control-related brain regions and additional frontal brain areas when faced with difficult tasks. In contrast, young adults tend to deactivate certain brain regions. These findings suggest that older adults can adapt to challenging situations, although their brains may respond ...

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Arthritis Foundation introduce pediatric rheumatic diseases CD-ROM

The new CD-ROM provides a wide range of resources, including patient education brochures, professional educational materials, and web links to numerous useful resources. The CD-ROM has been overwhelmingly approved by healthcare professionals, who will use it to better understand and manage childhood rheumatic diseases.

Burning down the brewery

Researchers discovered an ancient brewery with a 1,800-liter capacity at Cerro Baúl, a sacred mountain in southern Peru. The brewery was abandoned and partially burned to the ground 1,000 years ago, along with a final batch of chicha, a fermented alcoholic drink central to the Wari culture.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2005

Timing possible treatments against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have engineered mice to produce amyloid plaques in their brains, finding that treatment with drugs lowering Abeta production can prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment cannot reverse the disease. Early treatment with these drugs may be crucial in slowing or stopping its spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 14, 2005

What's in a name? A lot, says new research about the effect of one's own name on consumer behavior

A recent study found that consumers are more likely to choose a brand with letters similar to their own name. This effect is most pronounced when self-esteem or immediate need for the product are involved. The research suggests that specific conditions, such as threatening situations or relevant needs, influence this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2005

Multilateral initiative on malaria seeks international effort

A new multilateral initiative aims to develop a sustainable malaria research infrastructure in Africa by supporting competitively awarded grants for centers of excellence. Trained African scientists are crucial in assembling interdisciplinary teams and conducting research projects focused on developing better tools to fight the disease.