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The risks of H7N9 infection mapped

A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·DateMay 3, 2013

Birds may spread, not halt, fever-bearing ticks

A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateNov 29, 2012

For the rooster, size matters

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered two 'pleiotropic' genes influencing comb size, bone growth and egg production in domestic chickens. The study reveals the genetic basis for the correlation between comb size and increased egg-laying.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2012

Inherited epigenetics produced record fast evolution

Researchers at Linköping University discovered epigenetic factors driving rapid changes in genome function, leading to diverse breeds of domestic fowl. The study found that domestication resulted in heritable epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, which may explain the swift evolution of domesticated chickens.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 29, 2012

Identifying poverty levels requires accurate measurements

A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.

The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that people tend to overestimate their willingness to engage in embarrassing public performances. However, inducing immediate emotions can help reduce this illusion of courage. The research has practical implications for understanding human behavior and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateJan 17, 2012

Wildlife access critical to children's health

Researchers discovered a powerful connection between loss of wildlife access and micronutrient deficiencies in children. Losing access to wildlife induces a 30% relative increase in anemia prevalence among pre-adolescent children. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Crowdsourcing nutrition in a snap

PlateMate's calorie estimates have proved accurate like those of trained nutritionists and more so than users' logs. The research was presented at the 24th ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, a leading conference on human-computer interaction.

Poultry farms that go organic have significantly fewer antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that organic poultry farms have lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria compared to conventional farms. This suggests that removing antibiotics from large-scale U.S. poultry farms can lead to immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 10, 2011