Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 4, 2008


Supplements are not nutritious

A recent study suggests that selenium supplements may not be necessary for most people due to a reduced reliance on the trace element in mammals. This discovery raises questions about the need for supplements and highlights the importance of considering individual factors such as age, sex, and medical needs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 4, 2008

Crowning glory

Researchers found that Bonelike-coated dental implants promoted extensive new bone formation and attachment, improving incorporation into the jaw. One implant was removed due to poor positioning, allowing for detailed analysis of the coating's effects.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomanufacturing·DateApr 4, 2008

E-mail design pays off

A study at Heidelberg University Hospital found that well-designed e-mails increase the use of Internet links and reduce spam. The researchers discovered that a simple trick, such as switching from Courier to Times font, boosted legibility and attractiveness.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 4, 2008

Does raising the terrorism alert level cause undue stress?

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no statistically significant increase in calls with periods of increased alert among New Jersey law enforcement officers. Researchers analyzed call data from a crisis hotline and did not detect a pattern of increased calls corresponding to an elevation in the alert level.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience·DateApr 4, 2008

Inactive kids face 6-fold risk of heart disease by teen years, study finds

A new study found that young children who lead inactive lifestyles are five-to-six times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to heart disease and diabetes. The study tracked the same group of children over time, measuring factors such as body mass, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, to show the importance...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalDynamic Medicine·DateApr 4, 2008

Poses can prevent falls

A nine-week Iyengar yoga program improved elderly females' stride speed, flexibility, and single-leg stance. Participants experienced increased confidence in walking and balance, as well as reduced pain in some cases. The study suggests that yoga can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance and stability.

Clinical trial volunteers mostly indifferent -- but not blind to -- researchers' financial conflicts

A new study found that potential research participants are mostly indifferent to financial disclosures from researchers, but trust decreases when the researcher owns company stock. The study suggests that clearer guidelines for disclosing acceptable financial interests are needed to inform potential study participants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 4, 2008

Lucky squirrels born with 'silver spoon' effect

A study of female red squirrels found that those born into favorable circumstances with abundant food, warmer spring weather, and lower population experienced increased reproductive success and longevity. In contrast, those born into harsher conditions struggled to reproduce and lived shorter lives.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 4, 2008