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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 39


Page 39 of 203

U of I scientist does nutritional detective work in Botswana

University of Illinois scientist Karen Chapman-Novakofski conducted a nutritional study in Botswana, revealing that the elderly lack variety in their diet and have limited access to milk, fruits, and vegetables. The research aims to inform policy changes and support healthy eating habits for this vulnerable population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateOct 25, 2007

Primates in peril

The report highlights the devastating impact of habitat loss, hunting, and climate change on primates, with 114 species threatened with extinction. The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates list reveals that these animals are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance, making their survival critical for the health of our planet.

Bird flu finds children's lungs faster

Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can infect children's cells more easily than adults' due to the widespread distribution of sialic acid receptors in children's lower respiratory tract. This may explain why avian H5N1 viruses can infect human upper respiratory tracts despite lacking traditional receptors.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRespiratory Research·DateOct 24, 2007

Gauging parent knowledge about teens' substance use

Detailed statistics show that 82% of parents accurately evaluated cigarette smoking, 86% accurately reported alcohol use, and 86% accurately reported marijuana use. However, only 72% accurately reported illicit drug use. Parents can use this knowledge to help themselves cope with teenage substance use.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateOct 24, 2007

University ranking systems seriously flawed

A study in BMC Medicine critiques university ranking systems for being misleading and invalid, citing discrepancies between top lists from Shanghai and Times Higher Education. The authors argue that such flaws can harm science and education, highlighting the need for global collaboration to standardize data.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 24, 2007

New research about critical care

A new study found that the implementation of eICU tele-intensivist program in hospitals provided positive outcomes, including a decrease in mortality, ICU and hospital length of stays. Another study suggested that rural hospitals can save money by using tele-intensivist programs to reduce patients' hospital length of stay.

New research about gender differences

Asthma diaries found to improve self-efficacy and reduce doctor visits in women with severe asthma. Research also links iron deficiency to increased coughing in women and neck size to sleep apnea severity, especially in women. Furthermore, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction is found in pre-menopausal women with obstructive sleep a...

New sleep medicine research

Research studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients experience poor bedtime behaviors, fragmented sleep affects cholesterol levels, and first-night comfort determines CPAP compliance. Additionally, nightshift nurses are more likely to experience sleepiness despite receiving the same amount of sleep as dayshift counterparts.

Intergroup attitudes among youth addressed by leading development and social psychologists

A recent issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Development explores how cross-group friendships affect intergroup attitudes in children and adolescents. The findings suggest a positive relationship between dual identity and positive intergroup attitudes, highlighting the importance of promoting social inclusion.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateOct 24, 2007

Location, location, location

A study in Ecological Applications finds that cluster development reduces habitat loss, but the placement of housing developments around sensitive areas like lakeshores can exacerbate environmental effects. The researchers suggest that clusters must be located away from these areas to reduce impacts.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 24, 2007

New research about cough

A new study has found a strong association between iron deficiency and idiopathic cough in women. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women who suffered from chronic cough and were iron deficient, finding that these symptoms were strongly linked to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.

Screeners' hands quicker than eyes

Researchers found that screeners are more accurate in visual searches when allowed to correct their choices, but errors rise for rare targets. The study suggests improving airport security and cancer screening by addressing execution errors and perception issues separately.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 24, 2007