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Science News for June 5, 2012


We are drinking too much water

Research suggests that encouraging people to drink more water is driven by market interests rather than a need for better health. A balanced diet and lifestyle are key to weight loss, with fluid intake from unprocessed sources being equally important.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateJun 5, 2012

Keeping up with embryogenesis

A new imaging technology captures unprecedented speed and precision of embryogenesis, enabling quantitative analyses of developmental processes. The SiMView light sheet microscope allows users to track each cell in an embryo as it takes shape over hours or days.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 5, 2012

Higher taxes, smoke-free policies are reducing smoking in moms-to-be

A recent study found that higher taxes on cigarettes and implementation of smoke-free policies are effective in reducing smoking during pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also showed that these policies can help prevent relapse after delivery, with a $1.00 increase in tax resulting in a 4.8 ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 5, 2012

Climate change remains an urgent public health concern

International experts emphasize the need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its substantial health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Encouraging individual actions like walking, cycling, and healthier eating can bring co-benefits for both public health and reduced climate impact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 5, 2012

Complex world of microbes fine-tune body weight

Research reveals that gut microbes fine-tune body weight by extracting energy from food, with changes in diet and environment significantly altering their composition. The study suggests that therapeutic modification of the gut microbiome may offer a promising approach to treating obesity and related health conditions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNutrition in Clinical Practice·DateJun 5, 2012

Calorie-restricted diet keeps heart young

Researchers found that people who restrict their caloric intake for seven years have better heart rate variability, a measure of the heart's ability to adapt to physical activity and stress. This is associated with improved cardiovascular health and may indicate a longer lifespan.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAging Cell·DateJun 5, 2012

Memory, judgment, and neuroeconomics -- News tips from Current Directions in Psychological Science

Recent studies in Current Directions in Psychological Science investigate the role of retrieval-based learning, attention to information in working memory, accurate personality judgment, and the use of neuroeconomic games to examine social decision making in children with externalizing disorders. These findings provide insights into th...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJun 5, 2012

Therapists phone it in and keep more patients

A Northwestern University study found that phone therapy retains more patients and improves depression outcomes compared to face-to-face sessions. The randomized control trial included 325 primary care patients with major depressive disorder and showed that phone therapy reduced dropout rates by 12 percentage points.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 5, 2012

Rural COPD patients receiving vital care thanks to U of A program

A new telehealth program by the University of Alberta helps rural COPD patients in northern Alberta communities. The program uses telehealth technology to conduct pulmonary rehab sessions and provide consultations with pulmonologists, resulting in improved quality of life and increased exercise tolerance after two months.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Respiratory Journal·DateJun 5, 2012

Anxious girls' brains work harder

Researchers at Michigan State University found that anxious girls' brains respond more intensely to mistakes, suggesting a potential link between worrying and brain function. The study may help identify girls prone to anxiety problems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Psychophysiology·DateJun 5, 2012

Milk ingredient does a waistline good

A natural milk ingredient called nicotinamide riboside has been found to protect against obesity in mice. It works by boosting levels of NAD+, a molecular sidekick for SIRT1, which helps with metabolism and longevity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 5, 2012

Splitting the unsplittable

Researchers have successfully split a single atom into its two halves, pulled them apart and reunited them again. This achievement showcases the potential of quantum mechanics in simulating complex systems, such as topological isolators and photo¬synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2012

Health and ethics must be included in future climate change talks

International expert Jerome Singh argues that climate change deliberations must consider the human health implications of climate change, highlighting the need for ethically sound principles to guide policy-making. The author proposes a multi-disciplinary synergized framework incorporating bioethics, public health ethics, and global he...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 5, 2012

How do studies get selected for publication?

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that factors predicting publication success in scientific research differed from those predicting later scientific impact. Accepted abstracts were more likely to be based on basic research, have a large patient number, and be prospective study designs, while full-text publica...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 5, 2012

Dinosaurs lighter than previously thought

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new method to accurately measure dinosaur weight, reducing estimates for a Brachiosaur skeleton from 80 tonnes to 23 tonnes. The team's laser scanning technique provides a more accurate estimate of body mass, suggesting dinosaurs were not as massive as previously believed.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 5, 2012

Rice research IDs vulnerable bridges

A Rice University study identifies over a dozen Gulf Coast bridges at risk of severe damage in a hurricane with stronger winds than Hurricane Ike. The research helps public safety officials plan emergency responses and identify potential fixes for existing bridges.

Short-term risk of shingles recurrence low

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 6,000 individuals found a low short-term risk of developing shingles recurrence among those with healthy immune systems. The study's findings suggest that the risk is low regardless of vaccination status.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 5, 2012

The Obamas and the new politics of race

Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateJun 5, 2012

RIH study: Restricted food intake a predictor of increased suicide attempts in BDD patients

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and Auburn University found a significant association between restrictive food intake and an increased number of suicide attempts in individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study also suggests that those with a history of BDD-related excessive exercise had lower rates of suicide attempts.

SourceLifespan·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateJun 5, 2012