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Science News for November 5, 2010


Specialization builds trust among Web users

Researchers found that participants trusted specialized technology more than general websites and recommendation agents, with cumulative interaction increasing trust. The study suggests mental shortcuts, such as heuristics, contribute to the perception of expertise and trustworthiness in labeled e-commerce tools.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateNov 5, 2010

Real-time physician electronic alerts reduce unnecessary blood testing in elderly patients

A Kaiser Permanente study shows that electronic alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary D-dimer tests for elderly patients, resulting in a 69.7% decrease in orders. The alerts, which explain the test's inaccuracy in older adults, were implemented in eight primary care clinics and maintained throughout the study period.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 5, 2010

Overweight children have different eating patterns than normal weight children

A recent study found that overweight children in Norway consume more healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish, but also drink more juice and sugary soft drinks than their normal-weight counterparts. The research highlights the importance of balancing food choices with physical activity to manage weight gain.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 5, 2010

Chefs can create reduced-calorie restaurant foods

According to Penn State researchers, 72% of chefs surveyed said they could trim off 10% of calories from meals without customers noticing a difference in taste. Adding water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help reduce calorie counts while maintaining nutrient intake.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity·DateNov 5, 2010

Understanding diabetes at the molecular level

Scientists have identified a crucial protein complex called TORC 2 that plays a significant role in insulin signaling and is linked to both diabetes and cancer. The study found that activating this complex is essential for cells to take up sugar from the blood, and that it may hold potential as a new target for treating type II diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 5, 2010

'Prima donna' protein doesn't work well in pairs

Researchers find that kinesins, powerful cargo-moving proteins, struggle to coordinate their efforts when paired, leading to inconsistent cargo transport. This discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms governing intracellular transport and its link to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 5, 2010