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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 14


Page 14 of 23

'Tough love' no good for obesity interventions

Researchers found that obese people preferred public health interventions perceived as non-judgmental and empowering. Participants were less likely to view stigmatizing or shaming approaches as effective. Non-commercial techniques, such as personalised care planning and long-term support systems, were also supported.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 14, 2010

Obesity harms women's memory and brain function

A new study found that obesity is associated with poorer memory and brain function in older women, particularly those who carry excess weight around their hips. The research controlled for various health factors and suggests that different types of fat may have varying effects on cognition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 14, 2010

NIH expands national network for transforming clinical and translational research

The NIH has awarded $255 million to nine health research centers to develop ways to reduce the time it takes for clinical research to become treatments for patients. The funding will support the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, which aims to transform discoveries into preventions, treatments, and cures.

Moving polymers through pores

Researchers improved a theoretical model for polymer movement through nanopores, addressing the motion of polymers inside pores and introducing significant increases in total time in the pore. This improvement has potential technological applications in DNA sequencing and biosensors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 13, 2010

In the ring: Researchers fighting bacterial infections zero in on microorganism's soft spots

Scientists have identified a promising target for a strategic hit in bacteria that could help halt reproduction and reduce the spread of infections. The research, led by Dr. Antonio J. Martín-Galiano and professor José M. Andreu, maps out a protein called FtsZ, which is crucial for bacterial cell division.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2010

Ancient birds from North America colonized the South

Scientists studied ancient bird migration and found that northern birds had the ability to cross the land bridge, while southern species were restricted. The study reveals an uneven species migration pattern, with many New World oscine species breeding in South America despite having northern origins.

SourceWiley·JournalEcography·DateJul 13, 2010

Rainbow trapping in light pulses

Researchers at Nanjing University develop a new method to trap a wide spectrum of light, including visible radiation, using a self-similar-structured dielectric waveguide. This breakthrough has potential applications in on-chip spectroscopy, photon processing, and quantum computing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 13, 2010

Success of community interventions for childhood obesity varies depending on the target age group

A recent study found that community-based interventions for childhood obesity were most effective in children under the age of five, slowing down unhealthy weight gain by an average of 1kg over three years. In contrast, primary school-aged children showed a smaller impact on overweight and obesity rates, while adolescents saw mixed res...