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Science News for September 29, 2010


Feeding prior to eye exams reduces stress in premature infants

A recent study in the Journal of AAPOS found that feeding premature infants one hour before their retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination unexpectedly reduced stress levels. The researchers also discovered that this practice did not increase vomiting or gastric aspirates, contrary to current practice.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateSep 29, 2010

New invention saves energy, health, climate

The 'Cleanair' system reduces building energy consumption by up to 25%, saving CO2 emissions and improving indoor air quality. Lab tests have proven its effectiveness in removing various pollutants, including particles, viruses, and volatile organic compounds, making it a game-changer for asthmatics and overall health.

Maternal diet high in trans fats doubles risk of excess body fat in breastfed babies, study finds

A University of Georgia study suggests that mothers who consume a diet high in trans fats double the likelihood that their infants will have high levels of body fat. Infants whose mothers consumed more than 4.5 grams of trans fats per day while breastfeeding were twice as likely to have high percentages of body fat.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 29, 2010

Impending death for paper coupons?

A University of Arizona research team found that digital coupons are often difficult to use due to technical issues with redemption and cashier knowledge. The study suggests that a more convenient and user-friendly experience is needed to make digital coupons successful.

Blueberries help fight artery hardening, lab animal study indicates

A recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture found that blueberries can help prevent the growth of atherosclerotic lesions in arteries. The research involved feeding 30 young laboratory mice diets spiked with freeze-dried blueberry powder for 20 weeks, resulting in a significant reduction in lesion size.

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Scientists have discovered that red light influences the regulation of nectar secretion in extrafloral nectaries of plants like Lima beans. This process involves the phytochrome protein and affects the binding of plant hormone jasmonic acid to isoleucine.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2010

Purifying proteins: Rensselaer researchers use NMR to improve drug development

Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to understand and improve an important protein purification process. The study validated the effectiveness of multimodal chromatography, a method that separates proteins from their surrounding materials using molecular glue.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2010

Not just an innocent bystander

Researchers found that free heme released from red blood cells during infection causes organ failure, but hemopexin can neutralize its toxic effects. Administering hemopexin improves survival rates in mice and may predict mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 29, 2010

CEO's fate in hands of external constituents

A study by Rice University found that investment analysts' negative stock recommendations increase the probability of CEO dismissal. The researchers analyzed panel data on S&P 500 companies from 2000 to 2005 and found a significant impact of downgrades on CEO turnover decisions.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateSep 29, 2010

NIH awards Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center grants

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital and two other centers will explore new treatment strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating disease affecting children and young adults. The goal is to identify existing drugs that can inhibit muscle fibrosis and develop non-invasive imaging techniques to assess muscle damage.

A downside to work flexibility?

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that having more schedule control at work can lead to blurring of boundaries between work and family life. Researchers found that individuals with partial or full schedule control experienced less negative consequences in terms of work-family multitasking activities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateSep 29, 2010

Less than half of essential workers willing to report to work during a serious pandemic

A recent study found that less than half of essential workers are willing and able to report to work during a serious pandemic. Motivation to work is tied to workplace safety measures, trust in employers, and past experience. Employers can increase worker willingness by providing resources and support for personal obligations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 29, 2010

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher among global team investigating genetics of height

A global team of scientists, led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine researcher Robert Kaplan, has identified hundreds of gene variants that influence adult height. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 184,000 people worldwide, proves the effectiveness of genome-wide association studies in explaining observable traits.

Children's well-being and varying degrees of family instability

Research indicates that children experiencing multiple family living arrangements during childhood may face negative effects on their well-being. Family instability can impact a child's physical and emotional health in the short- and long-term, according to Susan L. Brown's new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateSep 29, 2010

Surprising stress for caregivers

A study of 58 caregivers found that a lack of understanding and help from friends and relatives is the biggest cause of stress. Caregivers reported signs of anxiety and depression due to common problems such as criticism, social isolation, and difficulty sustaining themselves and their families.