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Soft drink tax could improve health of the nation

A new study suggests that an excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks can effectively reduce consumption rates, especially among heavy drinkers. The research found that adding a 20 cents per litre tax was more effective than a sales tax of similar levels in lowering consumption rates.

SourceMonash University·JournalHealth Economics·DateMar 1, 2015

I have to walk how many miles to burn off this soda?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that installing calorie-counting signs in stores led to a significant decrease in sugary drink purchases among black adolescents. The study, which lasted six weeks, showed that teens who saw the signs were more likely to choose lower-calorie beverages or smaller sizes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 16, 2014

Broccoli sprout drink enhances detoxification of air pollutants in clinical trial in China

A clinical trial in China found that consuming broccoli sprout beverage daily increased excretion of benzene and acrolein, two known human carcinogens and lung irritants. The study suggests that sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts may activate a protective signaling molecule to adapt to environmental toxins.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJun 16, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

Most students exposed to school-based food commercialism

A study by Yvonne Terry-McElrath and colleagues found that most elementary, middle, and high school students are exposed to food commercialism at school. The percentage of schools with exclusive beverage contracts decreased from 2007 to 2012, but fast food remained available in many schools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 13, 2014

Early uses of chili peppers in Mexico

Researchers have found evidence of chili pepper residues in ancient pottery dating back to 400 BC, suggesting that Mixe-Zoquean cultures may have used chili peppers for multiple culinary purposes. The discovery opens the door for further research into the uses of chili peppers in prehistoric times.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2013

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

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

Kid's consumption of sugared beverages linked to higher caloric intake of food

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that sugared beverages are primarily responsible for increased caloric intakes in children. The research, which analyzed data from over 10,000 children aged 2-18, also showed a link between higher consumption of sugared beverages and consumption of unhealthy foods.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 12, 2013

Physicians' belief about obesity causes impacts advice and care

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that physicians who believe overconsumption of food contributes to obesity are more likely to advise patients to modify nutritional habits. The study analyzed data from 500 US primary care physicians and found a significant correlation between physician beliefs and counse...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2013

Payoff lacking for casino comps

A study by Temple University researchers found that free room giveaways are less profitable than alternative comps such as free travel and parking. In fact, casinos could see an $8.45 return on every dollar spent on their own travel and parking promotions compared to only a $2.51 return on room, food, or beverage giveaways.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism Research·DateOct 2, 2012

New study shows providing non-caloric beverages to teens can help them avoid excessive weight gain

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adolescents who eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages for one year gained less weight than those who didn't. The study showed that providing non-caloric beverages to teens can be an effective intervention to help combat adolescent obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Winning makes people more aggressive toward the defeated

A recent study found that individuals who emerge victorious in competitive tasks tend to display more aggressive behavior towards their vanquished peers. Conversely, losers exhibited no significant increase in aggression against the winners. The research suggests that winning may trigger a surge in aggressive tendencies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 29, 2012

Mixed progress made by US government and schools to improve food marketing influencing children's diets

The US government and schools have made moderate progress in developing nutritional standards for foods sold in schools, but have failed to comprehensively address the issue of food marketing influencing children's diets. The Institute of Medicine recommended that public sector stakeholders support a healthful diet for children and ado...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2012

Weighing the difference: Switching to water, diet beverages can tip the scales

A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that substituting noncaloric beverages, such as water or diet soft drinks, can lead to significant weight loss. Participants who switched to calorie-free beverages lost twice as much weight and had lower fasting glucose levels compared to those who did not make a change.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 13, 2012

Teens choose water when calorie count of sugary beverages is easier to understand

A new study found that providing clear caloric information about sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce their consumption among adolescents. Researchers discovered that physically presenting calories as physical activity equivalents was most effective in decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage purchases among black adolescents.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 15, 2011

Banning sugar-sweetened beverages in schools does not appear to reduce consumption among adolescents

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools reduces in-school access and purchase, but not overall consumption among adolescents. Approximately 85% of students reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week, regardless of policy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 7, 2011

Several abstracts on gout reveal true burden of disease and highlight promising new treatments

A pan-European study found gout prevalence highest in the UK and lowest in France, with lower quality of life scores and more comorbidities. New treatments like pegloticase demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety, with up to 90% complete resolution of tophi and improved patient-reported outcomes.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMay 26, 2011