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Science News Archive January 2011 - Page 16


Page 16 of 22

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

Nursing home closures concentrated in poorest areas

A new study by Brown University researchers finds that nursing home closures are concentrated in poor, urban areas, leaving millions without choices for long-term care. The closures have been attributed to changing Medicare payment policies and the increasing bifurcation of society into rich and poor.

SourceBrown University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 10, 2011

Study shows a serious risk of side effects when having latent tuberculosis therapy over age 65

A new study published in CMAJ found that people over 65 undergoing latent tuberculosis infection therapy are at a higher risk of severe adverse reactions requiring hospitalization. The study provides age-stratified estimates of the risk of these events, accounting for comorbidities and similar health events in the general population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 10, 2011

New hope in fight against Huntington's disease

Researchers from the University of Leicester and international partners have identified potential new therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease using cutting-edge genetic techniques. The study found that flavonoids can prevent cell death in yeast, suggesting a possible new treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 10, 2011

Why we need better drug monitoring

A commentary highlights the shortcomings of Canada's current drug surveillance system, citing the off-label use of recombinant activated factor 7 (rFVIIa) as a case in point. The authors emphasize the need for improved collaboration between payers, insurers, and manufacturers to ensure safe monitoring of high-risk drugs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 10, 2011