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Science News for September 22, 2010


Positive behavioral interventions programs found to improve student behavior and learning

Researchers found that adopting School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) significantly improved student behavior and academic achievement. The study, published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, showed that SWPBIS was effective in reducing suspensions and office discipline referrals in element...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateSep 22, 2010

NYC public school students have high levels of access to convenience stores with unhealthy food

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly all NYC public school students have access to convenient, energy-dense foods within a short walk. Small grocery stores and bodegas are common sources of unhealthy food, with higher concentrations near schools attended by low-income and minority students.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010

Clinical trial establishes catheter-based aortic valve replacement as new standard of care for patients

A multicenter study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that transcatheter aortic-valve implantation resulted in significantly lower rates of death among patients who cannot undergo surgery. The procedure demonstrated safety and effectiveness for this life-threatening illness in unsuitable candidates.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2010

Losing your religion deemed unhealthy

A study by Penn State researcher Christopher Scheitle found that people who leave strict religious groups are more likely to report poorer health than those who remain in the group. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 cases and found that only about half of former members reported excellent health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 22, 2010

Smoking during pregnancy may harm the child's motor control and coordination

A new study from Örebro University suggests that smoking during pregnancy can harm a child's motor control and coordination, with boys potentially affected to a greater extent. The study, based on over 13,000 children, found that those whose mothers smoked at least nine cigarettes a day during pregnancy had difficulty completing physic...

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 22, 2010

Amazing horned dinosaurs unearthed on 'lost continent'

Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops and Kosmoceratops, have been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The dinosaurs possess unique horn structures, with short eye horns projecting strongly to the side, and one horn over the nose, making them the most ornate-headed dinosaurs known.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 22, 2010

Could brain abnormalities cause antisocial behavior and drug abuse in boys?

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that brain abnormalities may underlie the development of antisocial behavior and drug abuse in boys. The research found significant differences in brain activity between antisocial boys and their peers, including reduced activity in regions responsible for decision-making and reward process...

Talking while walking puts Parkinson's patients at risk for falls

Researchers at Florida State University found that people with Parkinson's disease alter their gait when asked to perform verbal tasks while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Even healthy adults without a neurological impairment demonstrated similar difficulties walking and talking, highlighting the need for healthcare professiona...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalInternational Journal of Speech-Language Pathology·DateSep 22, 2010

Just 2 drinks slow reactions in older people

Researchers found that two single vodka and orange drinks significantly affected obstacle avoidance test results in senior volunteers. The study showed delayed response times and reduced amplitudes after just one drink, highlighting the negative impact of low-blood-alcohol concentrations on dexterity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateSep 22, 2010

Experience, privacy guide how people choose online news

Researchers found that power users prefer customization to control their information universe, while nonpower users prefer personalized experiences with assured privacy. This study highlights the importance of considering user experience and privacy concerns when designing online news platforms.

SourcePenn State·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateSep 22, 2010

Less pain for learning gain

Researchers discovered that combining practice with additional sensory stimulation can lead to significant learning gains. This approach may reduce the effort required for learning and improve therapies for children with language learning impairments or adults seeking to enhance perceptual abilities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuroscience·DateSep 22, 2010