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Coffee reduces breast cancer risk

A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research found that coffee consumption is associated with a lower incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. The research, which adjusted for other lifestyle factors, suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protective effects against this type of breast cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 10, 2011

Coffee, energy drinkers beware: Many mega-sized drinks loaded with sugar, MU nutrition expert says

Many mega-sized coffee and energy drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, posing health risks to consumers. According to Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, these large drinks can lead to excessive calorie and sugar consumption, increasing the risk of weight gain and related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Extension·DateFeb 3, 2011

Robotic gripper runs on coffee ... and balloons

Researchers created a universal gripper using ground coffee and a latex party balloon, which conforms to objects rather than being designed for specific ones. The gripper works by pressing down on the object with the balloon and then releasing it, allowing for seamless grip and release.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2010

Percolating a solution to hexavalent chromium

Researchers found that coffee husks can adsorb almost 50 milligrams of hexavalent chromium per gram, with two-thirds of the absorbed chromium recoverable. The use of coffee husks presents a viable and cost-effective part of a waste-management strategy due to their availability, safety in storage, and lack of protein.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateOct 12, 2010

Natural pest control saves coffee berry

A previously unknown predatory thrips species, Karnyothrips flavipes, has been identified as a predator of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei. This discovery could have significant implications for integrated pest management in coffee-producing countries.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 25, 2010

Michelangelos make smart lovers

A new international review of seven papers on the Michelangelo phenomenon reveals that partners who affirm and support each other's ideal selves experience better relationships and increased happiness. The study shows that close partners sculpt one another's traits and skills, promoting goal achievement and personal growth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateDec 16, 2009

Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize winners 2009

Pramod Kumar Aggarwal and Carlos Clemente Cerri are the winners of the 2009 TWAS Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize, recognized for their groundbreaking research on climate change's impact on agriculture. Their work aims to enhance understanding of climate change's effects on food supplies and develop innovative strategies to mitigate ...

SourceTWAS·DateOct 20, 2009

Duke physicists see the cosmos in a coffee cup

Researchers found that the 'caustic curve' shape, seen in sunlight reflections on water or boat hulls, is connected to gravitational lensing effects in distant galaxies. The discovery could enable scientists to map dark matter clumps using caustic violations.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Physics·DateApr 14, 2009

Coffee cultivation good for diversity in agrarian settlements but not in forests

Research shows that coffee cultivation under shade trees can preserve forest plant and animal diversity in areas with deforestation. In contrast, growing coffee in forests leads to a decline in species richness of forest birds. This study highlights the importance of sustainable land use practices in conserving biodiversity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 19, 2009

Shade coffee benefits more than birds

Researchers found shade coffee farms support widespread dispersal of native trees, preserving genetic diversity and sheltering native wildlife. The study highlights the ecological benefits of traditional agriculture in promoting biodiversity and connecting habitat patches.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2008

Speed matters for ice-shelf breaking

Scientists have derived a simple law to predict where icebergs will calve off from parent ice sheets. The rate of spreading, width, and thickness of the ice shelf are key factors in this process, accounting for most observed variability.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2008

Java gives caffeine-naive a boost, too

Women who don't drink coffee can experience a significant caffeine boost, improving mental alertness and heart rate, according to new research. The study found that consuming a large cup of coffee had more than enough caffeine to induce these changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNutrition Research·DateAug 26, 2008

Too many choices -- good or bad -- can be mentally exhausting

A study by researchers from the American Psychological Association found that people experience mental fatigue and decreased productivity when faced with numerous choices. In experiments involving 328 participants, those who made choices had trouble staying focused and completing tasks compared to those who didn't make decisions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 14, 2008