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Science News for February 9, 2006


The Valentine's Day candy dish

A study by Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink found that women eat significantly more Hershey Kisses when they are in clear containers on their desks, but fewer when they are six feet away. This suggests that the temptation factor plays a role in overeating, and that making food less visible can lead to reduced consumption.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 9, 2006

One of the nation's first 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging devices for human studies planned at UT Southwestern Medical Center

The new Bill and Rita Clements Advanced Medical Imaging Building will house a 7-Tesla magnet, enabling high-resolution imaging of small anatomical structures in the living human brain. This technology is expected to accelerate research into new diagnostic tests and treatments for neurological and metabolic illnesses.

Many new immigrants to US change diet -- and not for the better

A new study by Ilana Redstone Akresh found that 39% of US immigrants reported significant changes in their diets, resulting in increased junk food and meat consumption. This can lead to negative health outcomes, as those who consume more junk food have higher BMI and lower levels of education, English proficiency, and social integration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Migration Review·DateFeb 9, 2006

New position stand issued on the female athlete triad

The Female Athlete Triad combines disordered eating, absent menstrual periods, and bone loss, particularly affecting elite athletes struggling with eating disorders. The International Olympic Committee's new position statement prioritizes athlete health over performance.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateFeb 9, 2006

Survey links altruism and romantic love

A survey by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found a positive correlation between altruistic love and happiness in marriages. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,300 people, also revealed that married individuals tend to score higher on altruistic love questions than unmarried individuals.

The future of nutritional genomics is collaboration

Collaborative research in nutritional genomics aims to develop new diagnostic tests, identify nutrient needs, and create more nutritious foods. The international consortium seeks to address health disparities by involving diverse cultures and protecting individual biological information.

SourceTufts University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2006

JCI table of contents, February 9, 2006

Researchers discovered that elastin fragments in mice lungs trigger emphysema. Additionally, a study found that pericyte dysfunction allows tumors to spread by forming leaky blood vessels. Another study identified female mice lacking IBP protein, which makes their T cells resistant to death and contributes to lupus-like disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 9, 2006

Culture shapes the winner

A study analyzing media coverage of Olympics found that Japanese and American views on winning differ significantly. In Japan, winning is attributed to a combination of athlete's attributes, background, and social experience. This difference reflects cultural products such as television, which influence how people perceive the world.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 9, 2006