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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 11


Page 11 of 30

Parenting and home environment influence children's exercise and eating habits

A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity highlights the critical role of parenting style and home environment in shaping children's physical activity levels and dietary habits. The researchers found that a healthy home environment and parental role modeling are essential for promoting healthy behaviors in kids, ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 18, 2013

City slicker or country bumpkin

Researchers found that urban-born blackbirds waited longer to approach new objects and tended to avoid unfamiliar ones compared to their rural counterparts. This suggests that urbanization may have an underlying evolutionary impact on the development of distinct personalities in birds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 2013

Getting enough sleep could help prevent type 2 diabetes

A study by LA BioMed found that men who get more sleep on the weekend can improve their insulin sensitivity, reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, conducted over six months, involved 19 non-diabetic men who slept an average of 6.2 hours per night during the week and caught up on sleep on weekends.

Tackling a framework for surgical innovation

Researchers propose a new framework for evaluating surgical procedures and implantable devices using clinical trials, observational databases, and registries. The framework aims to address the current lack of evidence-based research in surgery and device fields, where innovative techniques need to be evaluated.

Free perks and upgrades: Could they actually embarrass consumers?

A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers who receive unearned preferential treatment, such as free samples or upgrades, are less satisfied than those who do not. The authors suggest that companies should consider reaching consumers privately when giving away rewards to avoid social discomfort.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2013

Immunity mechanism discovered

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that platelets actively search for specific bacteria and seal them off from the body, reducing the risk of infection. This mechanism is crucial in combating harmful bacteria like MRSA, which can lead to serious conditions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 18, 2013

Exposure to high pollution levels during pregnancy may increase risk of having child with autism

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution while pregnant were up to twice as likely to have a child with autism. The study examined data from over 116,000 nurses and found associations between air pollution and autism risk in children.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 18, 2013

ACS NSQIP® data is more accurate than administrative data for tracking 30-day hospital readmissions

A new study found that the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) is more accurate than administrative data for tracking 30-day hospital readmissions. The study analyzed colorectal surgical patients and found that 30% of readmissions could be prevented with accurate tracking, potentially ...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 18, 2013

Social media initiative may help increase organ donations

A new social media initiative helped boost organ donor registration rates in the US, with a 21.1-fold increase on the first day of the campaign. The study suggests that social media can be an effective tool for tackling public health problems related to communication and education.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 18, 2013

Iodine in bread not enough for pregnant women

A study from the University of Adelaide found South Australian women are mildly iodine deficient despite the inclusion of iodized salt in bread. Women taking an iodine supplement during pregnancy received healthy levels of iodine, while those not taking a supplement suffered from deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNutrition Journal·DateJun 18, 2013