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The Biggest Loser a big turnoff

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that extreme exercise depictions on TV shows like The Biggest Loser can create negative attitudes towards physical activity. Watching a clip from the show raised participants' worst possible thoughts about exercise, counteracting public health efforts to encourage more active lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateOct 25, 2012

DRI scientist co-authors study outlining vast differences in polar ocean microbial communities

A comprehensive comparison of marine microbial diversity at the poles reveals vast differences between Southern and Arctic oceans. The study highlights the importance of researching Earth's polar regions in the face of climate change, and identifies further research needs to understand sea ice, seasonal shifts, and freshwater inputs.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2012

US edition of bmj.com launched

The BMJ Group has launched a dedicated US edition of bmj.com, prioritizing clinical and journalistic content relevant to US physicians and researchers. The site now features a homepage with direct-relevance articles and channels prioritizing content of interest to US readers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 2, 2012

Uptick in cinematic smoking

A new UCSF study reveals a significant uptick in cinematic smoking, with top-grossing films featuring nearly 1,900 tobacco incidents in 2011. The increase in onscreen smoking targeted young audiences, contributing to the risk of starting to smoke and developing tobacco-induced disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateSep 27, 2012

Disaster is just a click away

A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working on a project to develop improved security warning messages that prompt users to make gut decisions about online safety. They aim to minimize traditional text warnings and icons, instead using visual images to convey the importance and danger level of certain choices.

Social exclusion on the playground

A study by Concordia researcher Holly Recchia found that children's experiences of exclusion are more diverse than previously thought, with some trying to numb negative feelings and others searching for alternatives. The study suggests age-specific interventions to help kids take responsibility for their actions and weigh different goals.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCognitive Development·DateSep 5, 2012

Patient and family engagement key to improved health care

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation's Patient Care Program aims to improve healthcare by engaging patients and their families, reducing costs, and increasing patient safety. The program focuses on eliminating all preventable harms to adult patients in acute-care settings and reconfiguring clinical processes, care teams, and technolog...

Income, 'screen time' affect soda, junk food consumption

A study of 1,800 Canadian preschoolers found that those from low-income neighborhoods were more likely to drink sugary sodas and juice, while spending more time in front of screens. This research highlights the need for action on poverty-related food choices and education as a key factor in promoting healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 22, 2012

Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation welcomes Europace publication of Optim™ lead insulation paper

A new study by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation found that Optim lead insulation paper may not prevent insulation abrasions in St. Jude Medical defibrillator leads, raising concerns about patient safety. The study suggests that patients with these leads should be regularly evaluated for potential failures.

Trust in management key to avoiding correctional staff burnout Wayne State research finds

A Wayne State University researcher found that correctional facility employees who trust supervisors and management are less likely to experience job burnout. Higher trust levels resulted in lower reported burnout characteristics, while trust in management had no bearing on perceived work effectiveness.

Depression linked with increased risk of peripheral artery disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found an association between depression and peripheral artery disease. The researchers discovered that patients who were depressed at the beginning of the study had a higher likelihood of developing PAD during follow-up. Lifestyle modifications such as being more...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 8, 2012

Genomics and African queens

Researchers found striking similarities between Ethiopian and non-African genomes, suggesting a 3,000-year-old genetic exchange. This discovery supports the legend of the Queen of Sheba and her companions, providing insights into human evolution and cultural diversity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

Regional anesthesia reduces complications and death for hip fracture patients

Researchers found that regional anesthesia was associated with a significant reduction in major pulmonary complications and death among hip fracture patients. The use of regional anesthesia versus general anesthesia resulted in a 29% lower adjusted odds of mortality and a 24% decrease in the adjusted odds of any inpatient pulmonary com...