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Physical activity, school performance may be linked

A systematic review of studies suggests that physical activity is positively related to improved academic performance in children. The findings support the idea that exercise may help cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing stress, and improving mood.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 2, 2012

Tort reform reduces lawsuit risk; establishes framework for quality improvements

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that comprehensive tort reform in Texas resulted in an 80% decrease in surgical malpractice lawsuits and a significant reduction in associated costs. The study, which spanned 18 years, showed that the prevalence of lawsuits dropped from 40/100,000 operations to ...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 23, 2011

Academic medical center finds significant amount of inappropriate CT and MRI referrals from primary care physicians

A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2010

New research on multiracial adoption questions current practices

A new study suggests that transracial adopted children of mixed race need early and ongoing experiences within their origin's cultural communities to build healthy cultural identities. The research emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded relationships over cultural artifacts in identity development.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Process·DateFeb 17, 2010

Meat for sex in wild chimpanzees

Researchers found that male chimpanzees who share their food with females can mate more often than those who don't. Sharing meat over long periods of time doubles a male's mating success, while females increase their caloric intake without incurring energetic costs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2009

Wild chimpanzees exchange meat for sex

Researchers found that females copulate more frequently with males who share meat with them, compared to those who never share. This suggests that sharing meat with females improves males' mating success and may be a long-term strategy for securing mates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 7, 2009

Consumers stop buying as number of options increase

A study published in Psychology & Marketing found that when people have too many similar options, they are more likely to leave a store without making a choice. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon, known as the 'choice overload effect,' can affect people's ability to decide in certain situations.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateMar 11, 2009

Physically fit kids do better in school

Researchers found a significant relationship between students' academic achievement and physical fitness in an urban public school district. Students who excelled in fitness tests also performed well on standardized math and English tests.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJan 28, 2009

Web site design affects how children process information

A recent study investigates the influence of website design on children's information processing and finds that age significantly affects this relationship. Younger children (ages 7-9) prefer a map to promote search accuracy, while older children (ages 10-13) use a content list more effectively.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJan 14, 2009

Sweepstakes are for the lucky, not every customer

A belief in luck was not sufficient to entice consumers to a lucky draw over other sales strategies, according to researchers Gerard Prendergast and Edmund Thompson. Consumers who personally feel lucky are more likely to participate in lucky draws.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateNov 12, 2008

Bullying common in cyberspace

A study of 1,454 youth found that 72% experienced cyberbullying, with online incidents often accompanied by in-school bullying. Most victims kept the abuse secret, fearing parental restrictions on internet use.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 2, 2008

Academic research leaders meet with NIH's Zerhouni

Academic leaders express frustration with restricted access to research, citing difficulties in accessing articles from NIH-funded science. A six-month delay is seen as sufficient to address concerns about publishers' costs, while a compromise between the academy and publishing industry is proposed to ensure open access.