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Targeted assistance needed to fight poverty in developing coastal communities

A study published in Royal Society's journal found that marine conservation projects can have unequal impacts on different community groups, such as men vs women or the elderly. The researchers suggest tailoring projects to address these disparities and promote more effective poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 11, 2015

How wind might impact birds' migration routes

A study using 21 years of global wind data found that following optimal routes reduces travel time by 26.5% and increases survival rates. This suggests migratory routes may be under strong natural selection, with potential evolutionary advantages.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 19, 2015

'Happy Meals' bill could improve healthfulness of fast food meals for kids in NYC

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers finds that a 'Healthy Happy Meals' bill could reduce calories, fat, and sodium in fast food meals marketed to children. The proposed legislation requires fast food meals for kids to include a serving of fruit or vegetables and be limited to 500 calories or less.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 31, 2015

This week from AGU: Natural arches, Italian earthquake, Canadian rivers & research papers

Scientists have found a way to detect internal damage in Utah's natural arches that could lead to their collapse. A study also reveals how a 16th-century Italian earthquake changed the course of the Po River over thousands of years. Researchers explore the effects of smaller rivers from Canada's Arctic islands on the North Atlantic.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 12, 2015

Thinking of drinking and driving? What if your car won't let you?

Researchers estimate that installing alcohol ignition interlock devices in all new cars could prevent up to 85% of crash deaths attributable to alcohol-involved motor vehicle crashes. This would save over 59,000 lives and prevent 1.25 million non-fatal injuries. The estimated cost savings would be $343 billion over 15 years.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2015

BGRF announces in silico method to predict effectiveness of cognitive enhancers

The Biogerontology Research Foundation has developed an in silico method to predict the effectiveness of cognitive enhancers. The research uses gene expression data to evaluate activated or suppressed signalling pathways in the brain. This approach can help identify potential geroprotectors that also enhance cognitive function.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2015

Humans at risk from planetary-scale activities

Researchers warn of planetary-scale risks from human activities, citing four processes that have exceeded safe conditions and two that pose serious threats to future human wellbeing. The team's findings indicate that the Earth is entering a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, where the global economic system drives change.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalThe Anthropocene Review·DateJan 15, 2015

Happy-go-lucky CEOs score better returns

Research from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business shows that CEO optimism leads to positive stock price reactions. The study analyzed transcripts of earnings calls and found that managers' natural communication style, particularly their use of positive language, influences market activity.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateDec 11, 2014

HPV vaccine, riskier sexual activity not linked researchers say

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has found that HPV vaccination does not lead to increased risky sexual behavior in young girls. The study followed 260,493 girls and found no significant increase in pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections among those who received the vaccine.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 8, 2014

Drinking age laws have a significant effect on collisions among young drivers

A study by University of Northern British Columbia researchers found that drivers just older than the legal drinking age had a significant increase in motor vehicle crashes compared to those immediately under the restriction. Raising the drinking age to 19 years could prevent up to 583 police-reported collisions per year.

SourceUniversity of Northern British Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 19, 2014