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Science News for October 5, 2007


Got calcium? UWM researcher finds that food labels confuse consumers

A recent study found that current food labeling leads to under-consumption of calcium, a crucial nutrient for osteoporosis prevention. Researchers discovered that consumers struggle to translate %DV to milligrams, and even doctors often make incorrect calculations. However, providing simple guidelines can help individuals better naviga...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateOct 5, 2007

Nanofabrication method paves way for new optical devices

A new fabrication technique using soft lithography has enabled the mass production of plasmonic metamaterials, which exhibit exceptional optical properties due to their unique structure. The technique allows for scalable manufacturing and can produce materials with high-quality transmission behavior, focusing light in microscale patches.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 5, 2007

Study: diabetic neuropathy costs billions per year in lost work time

A recent study found that workers with diabetic neuropathic symptoms lose an average of 1.4 hours per week due to health-related lost productive time, resulting in $3.65 billion annual costs. Those with diabetes without symptoms still experience a higher likelihood of unemployment compared to their non-diabetic counterparts.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 5, 2007

BSSA tipsheet for October 2007

Researchers identify correlation between 3D basin geometry and observed shaking in previous earthquakes, leading to improved construction and seismic hazard assessments. A new tool for evaluating site conditions is also proposed, which could aid in risk assessment for earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 5, 2007

Human rights violations widespread in eastern Burma

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that over half of households in displaced areas experienced human rights violations, leading to high mortality rates, infectious morbidity, and malnutrition. The survey revealed a five-fold increase in death risk among children under five years old in households with multiple human rights abuses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 5, 2007

Fair play in chimpanzees

In a study, chimpanzees were confronted with a simplified version of the ultimatum game. Unlike humans, they accepted any nonzero offer, whether it was unfair or not. The researchers conclude that chimpanzees do not show a willingness to make fair offers and reject unfair ones.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2007