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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 30

Resilience in trying times -- a result of positive actions

A new study by John Helliwell and colleagues found that communities with better social capital and pro-social behaviors are more resilient during crises, leading to improved happiness. The research suggests that social trust and quality social networks play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of economic shocks.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJun 12, 2013

Swiss ball improves muscle strength and walking performance in ankylosing spondylitis

A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.

Laws help limit junk foods in schools

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that laws and district policies limiting sugar content in foods reduced sweets sales to 32.3% of schools. The availability of sugar-sweetened beverages decreased significantly, with only 3.6% of schools with a ban compared to 13.1% without one.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 12, 2013

Infants express non-verbal sympathy for others in distress

Researchers found that 10-month-old infants preferentially reach for the victim rather than the aggressor in an animated sequence test. This suggests that infants may exhibit rudimentary sympathy toward others in distress based on their evaluation of roles in interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2013

Turtles watch for, snack on gelatinous prey while swimming

Researchers found that loggerhead turtles rely on sight to identify and move towards gelatinous, floating prey like jellyfish and other organisms. They can snack on these low-energy foods approximately twice every hour, suggesting they may rely on such prey for energy more than previously thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2013

Moving iron in Antarctica

A new study at Georgia Tech suggests that diatoms stuff more iron into their silica shells than needed, limiting its availability and reducing productivity. This can negatively affect the ecosystem, including plankton production and competition for iron.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2013

Hot flashes before menopause? It can happen

A study of 1,500 women reveals that hot flashes and night sweats can occur before menopause, particularly among white women, Asian women, and those with certain dietary habits. The findings shed light on the complex factors influencing midlife symptoms and provide reassurance for women experiencing unexpected hot flashes.

Hands-free talking and texting are unsafe

A new study by the University of Utah found that hands-free devices can overload drivers' attention and impair their ability to drive safely. The study used advanced metrics to assess driver mental workload and reaction time, revealing a five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018

NYC-style cap on soda size would target the overweight, not the poor

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health suggests that restricting large sugar-sweetened beverages in food service establishments would primarily affect overweight individuals, including teenagers. The proposed restrictions aim to reduce obesity, which is linked to excess calories from sugary drinks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2013

Caregiving dads treated disrespectfully at work, new study finds

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that caregiving dads are treated disrespectfully at work due to non-traditional gender roles. The study suggests that employees who violate traditional gender norms, such as men doing less caregiving and domestic tasks, face harassment in the office.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateJun 11, 2013

Training and advising pediatricians in antibiotic usage improves compliance with Rx guidelines

A study by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that educating pediatricians about appropriate antibiotics for common respiratory infections led to a significant decrease in broad-spectrum prescribing. This intervention improvedRx guideline compliance, resulting in better antibiotic use and potentially reduced resistance.

Mount Sinai researchers provide 1st prospective characterization of a genetic subtype of autism

Researchers from the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai identified common clinical symptoms of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, including severe to profound intellectual disability, seizures, and low muscle tone. The study provides important guidance for developing a standardized assessment methodology for this disorder.

Tillage and reduced-input rotations affect runoff from agricultural fields

Researchers compared nutrient and sediment loss from no-till, conventional tillage, and reduced-input rotation watersheds, finding that no-till reduces soil erosion but may increase dissolved phosphorus. Reduced-input rotations strike a balance between conventional tillage and no-till, but led to higher levels of soil loss.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 11, 2013