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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 31

Hazelnuts improve infant formula

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new infant formula using hazelnut oil that better mimics the structure of human milk. This design improves the digestion and absorption of essential fatty acids, including DHA and ARA, which are crucial for infant development.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2012

Early physical therapist treatment associated with reduced risk of healthcare utilization and reduced overall healthcare costs

A study found that early physical therapist treatment for low back pain was associated with reduced risk of subsequent healthcare utilization and lower overall healthcare costs. Patients who received early care from a physical therapist had lower rates of surgery, injections, and opioid use, as well as reduced medical costs.

Phone contact with nurses linked with better outcomes for women with gestational diabetes

Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 25, 2012

Most occupational injury and illness costs are paid by the government and private payers

Workers' compensation insurance is not used enough to cover workplace illnesses and injuries. Nearly 80% of these costs are paid by employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other disability funds. The resulting low premiums provide little incentive for companies to promote workplace safety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012

Tongue analysis software uses ancient Chinese medicine to warn of disease

Researchers developed a computer software that combines ancient practices with modern medicine by analyzing images of the tongue, indicating potential health issues. The software distinguishes between tongues showing signs of hot or cold zheng, which is associated with various symptoms such as fever, chills and loose stool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012

Wells Fargo fosters environmental conservation through University of Miami's RJD program

The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.

A mating dance with Popeye arms

A research team at Bielefeld University is studying how female locusts prefer males with the most powerful swellings on their front legs. The study aims to understand the evolution of sexual ornaments and their role in mate selection, which may be linked to an animal's health.

Copy of the genetic makeup travels in a protein suitcase

Researchers at the University of Bonn have visualized the transport of messenger RNA from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm using a highly sensitive light microscope. The study reveals that the process involves brief collisions with the nuclear membrane and quality control checks, resulting in only about every fourth successful export.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2012

Relationship between social status and wound-healing in wild baboons

A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues found that high-ranking male baboons recover more quickly from injuries and are less likely to become ill than other males. Social status is a better predictor of wound-healing than age, highlighting the complex interplay between social context, physiology, and im...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2012

Childhood cancer scars survivors later in life

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that childhood cancer survivors experience increased anxiety, depression, and depressive symptoms due to persistent hair loss and disfigurement. The study's findings highlight the long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on quality of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 24, 2012

Male fertility genes discovered

A recent study has identified more than 40 genetic regions influencing fertility in Hutterite men, which may shed light on unexplained cases of male infertility. The research also found nine genetic regions impacting sperm quality in non-Hutterites.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 24, 2012

Gene therapy can correct forms of severe combined immunodeficiency

A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

A new strategy for developing meningitis vaccines

Researchers identified glycerophosphate oxidase as a critical protein for bacterial progression to the brain. A vaccine against this protein protected mice from invasive pneumococcal disease, offering a new approach to immunizing against S. pneumoniae.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

Cyber exercise partners help you go the distance

A new study from Michigan State University reveals that exercising with a moderately capable virtual partner can significantly boost motivation, with women cycling twice as long when working with a partner. The results suggest the gains observed over six hour-long sessions could be sustained on a longer-term program of exercise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 24, 2012

Positive words: The glue to social interaction

A study published in EPJ Data Science found that words with positive emotional content are more frequently used in online communication, enhancing social relations and facilitating interaction. This positive bias is linked to the use of less informative words for emotional expression.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateMay 24, 2012

Gourmet butterflies speed north

A new study found that warmer summers have allowed the Brown Argus butterfly to shift its diet to wild Geranium plants, enabling it to expand its range in Britain at a rapid rate. Over 20 years, the butterfly has spread northwards by 79km, becoming common in southern England.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2012