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Science News Archive April 2008 - Page 18


Page 18 of 22

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen in long-term resistance training increases muscle mass/strength

A study by physiologists at Ball State University found that daily dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen increased quadriceps muscle mass and strength gained during three months of weight lifting. The findings suggest a positive effect on the metabolic response to resistance exercise, allowing for enhanced protein synthesis in muscle.

Salivary diagnostics, the 'magic mirror' to your health ... at your personal computer

The Salivaomics Knowledge Base (SKB) is an in silico saliva diagnostic atlas mapping salivary proteome and transcriptome to human chromosomes. The database includes profiles from healthy individuals and oral cancer patients, allowing for comparisons between groups. Future expansions will include other cancers and diseases.

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

High-flying moths don't just go with the flow

Scientists have found that migratory moths use various strategies to control their flight direction and speed, including selecting favorable wind directions and compensating for wind drift. These findings provide the first conclusive evidence for a compass mechanism in nocturnal insect migration.

Continuous oral contraceptives better at easing pain, bleeding

Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2008

Traders who sell short stocks are well-informed

Researchers found that short selling activity is widespread across large and small NYSE stocks, accounting for at least 12.9% of trading volume. Short sellers can identify overvalued stocks and profit by anticipating price declines, indicating they are extremely well-informed.

SourceWiley·DateApr 3, 2008

Active living in diverse and disadvantaged communities

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 3, 2008