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Speed limits may not be saving lives

A study published in Review of Policy Research questions the role of speed limits in improving highway safety. Research by Dr. Robert O. Yowell suggests that technical progress, seat belt use, and increased road maintenance contribute more to declining fatality rates.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalReview of Policy Research·DateJun 22, 2005

A poor child may be left behind

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that high-poverty schools often struggle with inadequate educational resources, leading to a significant disadvantage for poor children. In these schools, up to 40% of students fail the writing test and are taught by non-highly qualified personnel.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 14, 2005

Biodiversity works both ways

A recent study published in Ecology Letters explores the complex relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function. The research reveals that both high and low levels of biodiversity can have negative consequences for ecosystem health, with intermediate levels often being the most beneficial.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 10, 2005

It's never too late to start exercising

A seven-year study of over 3,000 black and white men and women aged 70 to 79 found that regular exercise reduced the risk of mobility problems by half. Participants who exercised regularly had lower rates of disability and health decline compared to those who were inactive.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 9, 2005

Eliminating affirmative action would devastate most minority college enrollment

A study found that eliminating affirmative action would lead to a significant decline in acceptance rates for African American and Hispanic students at elite universities. Acceptance rates for these groups would fall by almost two-thirds and one-half, respectively. In contrast, white students' acceptance rates would rise by only 0.5 pe...

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateJun 7, 2005

Higher medicaid payments are good, but not great

States that set higher Medicaid payment rates can enhance the program's attractiveness to potential employees, but moderate rate increases have a limited impact on access and use. Reducing fees by five to ten percent may also be an option when state budgets tighten without serious negative consequences.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJun 2, 2005

Neutrality and the National Security Council adviser

The role of the National Security Council adviser requires balancing brokerage and political advocacy to maintain neutrality. However, in limited forms, advocacy can be beneficial when an underrepresented point-of-view needs to be heard. The adviser's ability to make sound decisions depends on effective processes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPresidential Studies Quarterly·DateMay 19, 2005

Yoga takes a bite out of eating disorders

A recent study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that yoga can help women buffer against negative messages about body image and self-acceptance. The research suggests that practicing yoga may lead to improved mental health outcomes, particularly for individuals at high risk of developing eating disorders.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2005

A hope for oil spill bioremediation

Researchers found that certain populations of bacteria in contaminated coastal waters can degrade crude oil components, particularly polycyclic aromatic compounds. This discovery suggests that indigenous microbiota have evolved to handle the pollution, paving the way for potential bioremediation methods.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 16, 2005

The effects of prenatal cocaine exposure

Research found that prenatal cocaine exposure increases heart vulnerability to ischaemia/reperfusion injury in late adult life, with male hearts being more susceptible. Fetal programming by cocaine abuse and hypoxia also contribute to lifelong cardiovascular consequences.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 12, 2005

Type 2 diabetes may begin with Grandma's diet

A recent study reveals that grandsons and granddaughters of female rats fed an inadequate diet during pregnancy and/or lactation are more likely to become obese and insulin resistant. The research extends previous findings on the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition, now showing a two-generation impact.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 12, 2005

Scientists map the world for nature conservation

A new world map of plant biodiversity has been published, providing a common geographical standard for global nature conservation strategies. The atlas reveals the most species-rich areas on earth, with Borneo's lowland rainforest standing out as the most diverse, containing around 10,000 plant species.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 12, 2005

Why embryos need a good diet

Research suggests that embryonic nutrition can impact health outcomes, with adaptations set in place during fetal development potentially leading to benefits later in life. For example, meadow voles have coats thickened or thinned based on day length exposure in early pregnancy, with no immediate survival value but later benefits.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 12, 2005

How exactly does the brain control breathing?

Researcher Patrice G. Guyenet proposes that central chemoreceptors are located in the retrofacial region of the brainstem, loaded with glutamate, to sense pH changes in cerebrospinal fluid. In contrast, Dr. Richerson suggests that these receptors are found near midline blood vessels to 'taste' blood pH levels.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMay 11, 2005

Genetic testing divides families

A study on genetic testing in families found that individuals with a family history of disease tend to form cliques with those who test positive for a mutation. The timing of disclosure is influenced by the type of disease and perceived need to prepare, highlighting the complexities of sharing genetic information within families.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateMay 10, 2005

Should the mental health evaluator decide child custody?

The authors of a recent article argue that mental health evaluators with adequate forensic training can provide valuable information to judges on custody-relevant issues. However, experts disagree on the role of these evaluations, with some suggesting they should only be used in serious cases of abuse or neglect. The symposium issue of...

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalFamily Court Review·DateMay 10, 2005

More love, more hurt

A recent study by Judith Feeney found that emotional reactions to hurt in relationships are characterized by a sense of personal injury and negative emotions. The research suggests that hurt is elicited by relationship transgressions that damage an individual's core beliefs about themselves or others.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateMay 5, 2005

Drug safety in the doctor's office: Nearly half of patients have lapses in monitoring

A study examining nearly 100,000 patients found that nearly half did not receive recommended laboratory tests to monitor potential drug side effects. The researchers conclude that lapses in drug safety monitoring are common and further research is needed to determine the extent of its impact on actual medical problems.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 5, 2005