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NSF awards Carnegie Mellon's Jacobo Bielak

Jacobo Bielak has been awarded $1.6 million from the NSF PetaApps program to develop advanced earthquake computer simulations that can improve disaster planning and preparation. The new grant will enable the creation of three-dimensional models simulating how earthquakes impact buildings, bridges, and other critical urban infrastructures.

Putting risk in perspective: Do people make better decisions when they understand average risk?

A new survey from Michigan Medicine suggests that when women are told their risk of breast cancer is above average, they're more likely to take a hypothetical pill and overestimate its benefits. The study highlights the importance of considering individual risk information when making medical decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 13, 2007

UMass Medical School study identifies the best weight-loss plans for heart health

A new study by UMass Medical School researchers found that certain popular weight-loss plans significantly outperform others in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The Ornish, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest due to their emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateOct 1, 2007

Can hemp help the everglades?

A four-year study found that sunn hemp cover crop significantly reduces contamination levels of atrazine and its products in groundwater. The use of sunn hemp can help mitigate the risk of groundwater contamination in Southern Florida, where soil and water conditions indicate potential for leaching from atrazine-based herbicides.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 6, 2007

Progesterone injections do not prevent preterm birth in twin pregnancies

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that weekly progesterone injections did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in women pregnant with twins. In contrast, previous research showed that these injections reduced additional preterm births by one-third in women whose previous babies were born prematurely.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2007

Prevent smoking to reduce risk of erectile dysfunction

A Tulane University study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a significant association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction. The research suggests that quitting smoking may help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction, with estimated 22.7% of cases potentially attributable to cigarette smoking.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 27, 2007

FDA finds no strong link between tomatoes and reduced cancer risk

The FDA review found no strong association between eating tomatoes and decreased cancer risk, but some limited evidence for associations with prostate, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The agency allowed qualified health claims for these four cancers, citing very limited and preliminary scientific research.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007

Smoking associated with lower Parkinson's disease risk

A pooled analysis of data from previous studies suggests that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. Current and long-term smokers had the lowest risk, while those who quit smoking up to 25 years prior to diagnosis also showed a significant decrease in risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJul 9, 2007

Benefits of school-based fitness programs fade after summer

A study of middle school students found that physical fitness gains made during the school year were lost after summer break. The study suggests that exercise interventions should be sustained throughout the year to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 4, 2007

Folic acid supplementation lowers stroke risk

A meta-analysis of eight trials found folic acid supplementation lowers the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, reducing stroke risk by an average of 18%. The study also revealed greater reductions in risk when treatment lasted over 36 months or reduced homocysteine levels by more than 20%.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 31, 2007

U of M study shows physical activity reduces risk of hypertension in young adults

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that young adults who engage in regular physical activity have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure within 15 years. The research found that participants who exercised five times a week and expended 300 calories per session experienced a significant reduction in hypertension risk.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 12, 2007