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Science News for May 9, 2006


Impaired vision common in US

A recent study estimates that 1 in 8 individuals aged 12+ in the US have impaired vision, with a prevalence of 6.4%. The majority can achieve good corrected visual acuity, but disparities exist among certain groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2006

Nature vs Nintendo: Video games or national parks

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found a significant correlation between the rise of video games and internet use, as well as rising fuel prices, and a decline in U.S. national park visits. The study suggests that increased home entertainment activity may be contributing to a decrease in outdoor activities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Environmental Planning and Management·DateMay 9, 2006

Copying nature could save us energy, study shows

A recent study compared how natural 'machines' and man-made technologies overcome similar problems, revealing that only 5% of natural machines rely on energy in the same way. Instead, insects, plants, birds, and mammals use the structure and organization of their body parts and behavior to solve problems.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 9, 2006

How Internet addiction is affecting lives

Internet addiction is increasingly affecting people's lives, leading to negative consequences such as divorce and physical symptoms like cyber shakes. Recognizing this addiction will allow for appropriate treatment, enabling therapists to address technological addictions and their associated issues.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPerspectives In Psychiatric Care·DateMay 9, 2006

Study identifies substances in grapefruit juice that interact dangerously with some drugs

A study led by Dr. Paul Watkins found that grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins, which inhibit an intestinal enzyme and cause interactions with certain medications. Removing these compounds from grapefruit juice eliminates the interaction, suggesting a new approach to managing medication side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 9, 2006

Indoor air purifiers that produce even small amounts of ozone may be risky for health

A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMay 9, 2006

Summer sun safety

A recent study published in Dermatologic Surgery reveals a significant link between summer sun exposure and the development of melanoma. Sun protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing are necessary to prevent skin cancer, despite controversy surrounding current guidelines.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateMay 9, 2006