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Yoga provides emotional benefits to women with breast cancer

A randomized study found yoga significantly improved mental health aspects in women with breast cancer, including reduced depression and increased feelings of peace, compared to the control group. The gentle practice provided a wide range of benefits, particularly for those with higher negative emotions and lower emotional well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Home pregnancy tests can lead to better prenatal care

A Michigan State University study found that providing home pregnancy tests to women who have unprotected sex can increase their vigilance about potential pregnancy and lead to better prenatal care. The intervention resulted in women suspecting they might be pregnant almost twice as often and having a pregnancy test more frequently.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2009

MyFitness Planner really moves you

A randomized control trial of 150 healthy adult women showed that MyFitness Planner resulted in increased walking and total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The study found that participants who clicked more links in update emails trended toward greater activity, regardless of socio-economic or education status.

SourceDairy Council of California·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 13, 2009

Fewer deaths with preventive antibiotic use

Researchers found that administering antibiotics as a preventive measure to patients in intensive care units increases their chances of survival, with a reduction of 3.5% in ICU deaths. The study involved nearly 6,000 patients and showed that using antibiotics resulted in fewer deaths compared to standard ICU care.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 31, 2008

Cell movements totally modular, Stanford study shows

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that distinct groups of proteins each control one of four simple activities involved in the cells' collective migration. The study overturns an assumption common in genomics and provides a powerful tool for developing new therapeutics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2008

Are you phonagnosic?

A woman with phonagnosia, unable to recognize her daughter's voice on the phone, undergoes tests that reveal difficulties in recognizing famous actors' voices but not other sounds or music. The study suggests there may be more people with similar conditions, and researchers seek contact from potential sufferers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateOct 27, 2008

Does this make me look fat?

A new study found that teenage girls' peer groups significantly influence their weight control behaviors. Girls who identified with non-conformist peers were more concerned about their weight and appearance, while those who skipped school and got into trouble believed their peers valued thinness and dieting.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJul 1, 2008

University of Denver bullying victimization study

A University of Denver study found that a bullying prevention program reduced self-reported bully victimization among students by 20%, compared to a 10% drop in the control group. The 'Youth Matters' curriculum taught social and emotional skills to help students avoid becoming bullies or victims.

SourceUniversity of Denver·JournalPrevention Science·DateFeb 21, 2008

Old dogs: Prior knowledge affects how consumers accept new information

A study found that prior knowledge can make it difficult for consumers to learn and recognize other positive qualities indicated by the same cues. The researchers used cheese tasting to explore this phenomenon, known as 'protection of prior learning.' The findings have important implications for marketers, policy makers, and consumers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 12, 2008

1-year results of bronchial thermoplasty in refractory asthma

Patients with refractory asthma experienced longer term improvement in pulmonary function, improved quality of life, and reduced rescue medication use after undergoing bronchial thermoplasty. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in corticosteroid use, particularly among those who were able to wean off medication completely.

SourceAsthmatx·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2008

Hydrogen peroxide could cause absorbable sutures to come apart, UT Southwestern researchers report

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hydrogen peroxide decreases the tensile strength of absorbable sutures. In contrast, cleaning with distilled water did not harm their strength. The study suggests that patients using hydrogen peroxide on such sutures may be at risk for weakened healing and hypertrophic scars.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateJul 31, 2007