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Science News for January 11, 2011


Pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine effective in 2009-10 flu season

A European study funded by the ECDC and coordinated by EpiConcept found that one dose of the pandemic flu vaccine provided good protection against H1N1 influenza, particularly in people under 65 and those without chronic conditions. The authors suggest that future studies should focus on the new trivalent vaccine for the 2010-11 season.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

Looking good on greens

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that consuming fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids can produce a healthier golden glow. Eating more portions per day can result in a more attractive skin color, as people tend to prefer this appearance over suntans.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateJan 11, 2011

New method for reporting solar data

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method for reporting solar data, allowing policymakers and businesses to understand solar resources. The method presents solar data in a geographic information system (GIS) format, providing daily, monthly, and yearly averages.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJan 11, 2011

Family, friends, social ties influence weight status in young adults

A recent study published in Obesity found that young adults with social connections to overweight friends and family members are more likely to have higher weight status. Researchers also discovered that these individuals who had close relationships with people trying to lose weight themselves were more motivated to do the same.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity·DateJan 11, 2011

Nanodisk gene therapy

Researchers have created a new type of nanoparticle called nanodisks, which can carry genetic material and enter cells quickly without losing its potency. These nanodisks offer a promising alternative to traditional gene therapy vectors, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 11, 2011

Trapped sunlight cleans water

Researchers developed a planar microfluidic reactor that harnesses sunlight to break down contaminants in water using photocatalysis. The technology has shown dramatic improvements in efficiency, with plans to scale up the process for industrial water treatment applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJan 11, 2011

10-year roadmap for reaching public health education goals

The Healthy People Curriculum Task Force aims to promote integrated, seamless approaches to education for health, with a focus on interprofessional prevention education. The task force outlines key objectives to increase the inclusion of core clinical prevention and population health content in health professions education.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 11, 2011

Winter sports threaten indigenous mountain birds

The growth of winter tourism in European mountain ranges is threatening the population of indigenous bird species, including the Capercaillie. A recent study found that Capercaillie droppings showed a marked increase in stress hormone levels closer to locations with winter recreation activity.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateJan 11, 2011

Acne bug could be the cause of your infections

Recent research suggests that P. acnes within the body may be the cause of infections, contradicting previous assumptions about contamination from skin. This oversight could lead to incorrect diagnoses and complications if treated with the wrong bug.

SourceWiley·DateJan 11, 2011