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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 20


Page 20 of 30

'It's not nutritious until it's eaten'

A study found that making one lunch line a convenience line with healthy grab-and-go foods increased sales of nutritious options by 18% and decreased consumption of unhealthy foods by nearly 28%. This approach helped students take more milk, leading to a share of healthier foods increasing from 33% to 36%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 10, 2012

Medical center-based farmers markets improve health

A study by Penn State researchers found that medical center-based farmers markets contribute to greater wellness in surrounding communities while adding public health value. The markets provide a sustainable supply of healthy foods, enable community wellness partnerships, and empower local economies.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2012

New avenue for treating colon cancer

Researchers have identified an imbalance in the HNF4A gene variant as a potential biomarker for colon cancer. The study suggests that certain genetic variations may make individuals more susceptible to the disease, and drugs targeting Src kinase activity could potentially prevent or treat it.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2012

Aid missions get cutting-edge assistance from ONR

The Office of Naval Research has developed a web-based tool suite called TRACS to help first responders rapidly coordinate resources during disasters. The tool takes data from the United Nations' ReliefWeb and displays it on a map-based diagram showing the locations of various resources, such as food, shelter, and health supplies.

Study finds pregnant women with prior cesarean choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor

A study found that pregnant women with a prior cesarean section often choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor, regardless of their own knowledge on the risks and benefits. The majority of these women opt for an elective repeat cesarean over a trial of labor, despite its higher success rate. Lack of education and provider p...

Scripps research scientists identify most lethal known species of prion protein

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified a single prion protein that causes neuronal death similar to 'mad cow' disease, with toxic effects up to 10 times more potent than larger prion species. The study opens new avenues for exploring neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2012

Amazing skin gives sharks a push

Researchers found that shark skin's denticles boost swimming speed by creating a turbulent flow pattern around the body, reducing drag and increasing propulsion. The unique arrangement of denticles on the skin surface enhances fluid dynamics, leading to a significant improvement in swimming performance.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Genetic risks for type 2 diabetes span multiple ethnicities

A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Diagnosing developmental coordination disorder

A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.

How the zebra got its stripes

Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

New prenatal genetic test is much more powerful at detecting fetal abnormalities

A nationwide study has found that chromosomal microarray testing detects additional genetic abnormalities in about 1 in 70 normal karyotype samples and 6% of cases with structural abnormalities. The new test may soon replace standard karyotyping for prenatal testing, providing more information on potential disorders.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 9, 2012