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Health-related quality of life in PD patients in northeastern Sicily, Italy

This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 16, 2013

Evolution's toolkit seen in developing hands and arms

A comparative genomics study led by Yale School of Medicine researchers has identified thousands of sequences controlling genes in the developing human limb. These regulatory sequences are active in humans but not in other primates or mice, suggesting they evolved since the human-monkey divergence.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateJul 3, 2013

New keyboard for touchscreens

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed a new keyboard layout called KALQ that minimizes thumb movement and places frequently used letters centrally. Trained users can achieve 37 words per minute, significantly faster than the 20 words on split QWERTY, with improved error correction methods

Afterschool programs evaluated for community support, resources

Researchers evaluated an afterschool program called the Good Behavior Game, finding that high organizational ability and community involvement are key to its effectiveness. The study suggests that combining these elements can lead to improved implementation of evidence-based practices in afterschool settings.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2013

The tales teeth tell

Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Expert suggests tried-and-true strategies to strengthen your relationship

A University of Illinois study highlights the importance of openness, positivity, assurances, shared tasks, and a shared social network in maintaining healthy relationships. Practicing these strategies can lead to increased satisfaction, commitment, and love throughout a relationship.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJan 9, 2013

Acoustic tweezers capture tiny creatures with ultrasound

Bioengineers and biochemists at Penn State developed acoustic tweezers that can manipulate living materials like blood cells and small organisms using sound waves. The device can precisely trap and move cellular-scale objects essential for fundamental biomedical research, offering a cost-effective alternative to optical tweezers.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2012

Ability to estimate quantity increases in first 30 years of life

A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2012

Extra treatment during prolapse repair reduces incontinence rate

A study funded by the NIH found that surgery to support the urethra with a sling reduces incontinence rate, but carries risk of complications such as difficulty emptying bladder and urinary tract infection. The study suggests considering potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to have second procedure at same time as first.

U of I study: Teachers may need training to respond to children's emotions

A University of Illinois study found that teachers often lack training on supporting young children's emotional regulation skills. The researchers suggest that teacher training programs should include strategies for modeling and managing challenging emotional moments in the classroom. By teaching children how to manage their emotions, ...

Letting go can boost quality of life

A study by Concordia University found that breast cancer survivors who can redefined their goals show an overall improvement in well-being. The researchers measured the capacity to adjust goals and found a positive association with more physical activity, emotional well-being, and fewer physical symptoms.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 23, 2012

Violent relationships likely detrimental to good parenting

Research suggests that violent relationships during pregnancy can lead to poor co-parenting skills, with mothers being more likely to exhibit violence than fathers. Common couple violence, characterized by actions like shoving and hitting, can be detrimental to the development of a positive co-parenting relationship.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateMar 2, 2012