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Repetitive exposure to an opinion can influence as much as exposure to opinions from several people

A recent study found that hearing the same opinion multiple times from one source can have a significant impact on perception, often leading to a false sense of popularity. Researchers examined how individuals estimate group norms and opinions, shedding light on cognitive processes that influence our decisions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 20, 2007

New study: Pycnogenol reduces heart failure

A new study shows Pycnogenol supplementation can prevent damage to the heart caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. The natural pine bark extract enhanced collagen connective tissues in cardiac tissue, resulting in stronger cardiac chambers.

SourceMWW Group·JournalCardiovascular Toxicology·DateMay 16, 2007

Promising new drug for HIV

A new antiretroviral drug darunavir has been shown to be highly effective in treating HIV when used in conjunction with a boosting dose of the existing drug ritonavir. The study found that 61% of patients taking the new drug achieved a ten-fold drop in HIV RNA levels, compared to just 15% of those on the control group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 4, 2007

Making multiple lifestyle changes is beneficial, achievable in lowering high blood pressure

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that participants who made multiple lifestyle changes, such as improving their diet and increasing physical activity, had a greater reduction in high blood pressure than those who did not make any changes. The intervention group that followed the DASH eating plan saw the most signi...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 3, 2006

Cold treatment protects against infant disability and death from oxygen loss

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling newborns to prevent death and injury from oxygen deprivation during birth may reduce infant disability and death. After 18-22 months, 44% of cooled infants developed moderate to severe disabilities or died, compared to 62% of those receiving standard care.

E-mail can be good for you

A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2005

Media violence linked to concentration, self-control

Researchers found that media violence exposure may be associated with alterations in brain function, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is linked to attention and self-control. High exposure to violent media was linked to reduced activity in this area, while low exposure showed increased activity.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Tomography·DateJun 9, 2005

At-risk middle schoolers: A good investment

A three-year course in the stock market and investing resulted in improved attendance and academic performance among at-risk middle school students. The program, which allowed students to buy shares of stock by improving their grades and attendance, showed statistically significant gains in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and applie...

Stimuli and desire linked to help stroke patients

Researchers developed a treatment using a neuroprosthesis that stimulates muscles with electrical pulses, enabling stroke patients to reconnect damaged neuronal connections and restore hand function. After 16 weeks of training, 85% of the treatment group showed progress in reaching and grasping functions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateFeb 14, 2005

Scents and emotions linked by learning, Brown study shows

A study by Rachel Herz at Brown University found that responses to new odors depend on emotions experienced while the odor was present. Participants who played a game and watched a film clip rated the new scent as enjoyable and familiar, whereas those who played a frustrating game rated it as unpleasant.

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative Psychology·DateJan 5, 2005

Enhanced counseling eases depression among people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that enhanced counseling, including individual and family therapy, reduced symptoms of depression among caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. After one year, 29.8% of caregivers in the enhanced group showed significant improvement.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2004

Gaining health while giving back to the community

The study found that Experience Corps volunteers experienced increased physical, cognitive, and social activity, which could lead to improved health outcomes. Volunteers also reported feeling stronger and had a reduced need for canes. In contrast, the control group showed a decline in social activity and an increase in TV viewing.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 6, 2004

Dietary supplement many not lower prostate cancer risk

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a diet rich in whole tomatoes, but not supplements, was associated with longer survival rates and reduced risk of prostate cancer. The study also showed that energy restriction did not offer additional benefits over a balanced diet.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 4, 2003

Heading into difficulty?

Recent soccer heading practices have been found to lead to weaker neurocognitive performance, including decline in cognitive function, verbal learning difficulties, and reduced attention span. Research suggests that even short-term heading may pose a risk factor for long-term brain damage.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Neuropsychology·DateSep 25, 2003