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16 new Priority Programmes

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has established 16 new Priority Programmes, investigating fundamental scientific questions in emerging areas of research. The programmes cover various disciplines and have a total budget of €89 million for the first three-year period.

U of I study: Couples, pay attention to your relationship work ethic

A University of Illinois study recommends that couples adopt a relationship work ethic that equals or surpasses their professional one, focusing on active listening and quality time. The research found that couples who attended an Intentional Harmony workshop improved significantly in managing work-partner role conflict and reported re...

Smartphone app aids college-age women in abusive relationships

The 'One Love My Plan' smartphone application provides college-age women in abusive relationships with personalized safety plans and confidential resources. The app, developed by University of Missouri researchers, aims to connect young women with existing services and provide immediate strategies for helping themselves or friends.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Technology in Human Services·DateFeb 18, 2014

Predicting cardiovascular events in sleep apnea

A large cohort study found that time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, sleep time, number of awakenings, and periodic leg movements are associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict CVD risk based on sleep study scores, but it requires validation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

War on lionfish shows first promise of success

A new study confirms that reducing lionfish numbers by 75-95% can allow rapid recovery of native fish biomass and aid larger ecosystem recovery. Native species such as Nassau grouper and yellowtail snapper increased by 50-70% on reefs where lionfish were kept below threshold densities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJan 22, 2014

Low national funding for LGBT health research contributes to inequities, analysis finds

A study analyzing NIH-funded studies between 1989 and 2011 found that only 0.5% of funded studies focused on LGBT health, with significant gaps in representation and research areas. The authors recommend increasing funding for evidence-based interventions to reduce health inequities among LGBT populations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 15, 2014

What your candles and TV screen have in common

Researchers discovered that paraffin wax molecules align similarly to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, revealing a new connection between seemingly disparate products. This finding has significant value for the plastics industry, which relies heavily on injection moulding processes.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 14, 2014

Hang up or hold on?

A recent study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business professors provides a more accurate approach to modeling caller patience than ever before. This insight can help call centers design better systems, fine-tune existing ones and negotiate smarter contracts for outsourcing services.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 13, 2014

The Lancet research series

The Lancet research series aims to increase value and reduce waste in biomedical research by setting clear priorities, improving research design and conduct, and enhancing regulation and management. The series proposes metrics for stakeholders to monitor the implementation of recommendations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 2014

Hong Kong study shows lower survival rates after second hip fractures

A Hong Kong-based study found that 75% of second hip fractures occurred within 4 years of the initial fracture, with female patients experiencing a higher incidence. The study also revealed lower survival rates after a second hip fracture, with median survival times of 3 years and 8 months compared to 4 years and 10 months after the fi...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateDec 14, 2013

Insomnia linked to mortality risk

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a link between insomnia symptoms and higher mortality risk in men, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep and non-restorative sleep. The study, published online in Circulation, followed over 23,000 men for six years and found modest increases in cardiovascular-related death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateNov 20, 2013

Can putting your child before yourself make you a happier person?

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that more child-centric parents experience higher happiness and a sense of purpose from having children. This contradicts popular media claims, suggesting that prioritizing children's well-being can actually improve parental well-being.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 31, 2013

More than one-third of populations worldwide may have low levels of vitamin D, study shows

A systematic review reveals that over one-third of the world's population may have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D values were higher in North America compared to Europe and the Middle-East. The review highlights the need for further research and public health measures to improve vitamin D status, particularly in high-risk groups su...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 4, 2013

Review outlines best practice standards for coordinator-based fracture liaison services

The report provides 13 key standards for effective coordinator-based FLS services, which have been shown to close the treatment gap and manage high-risk patients. Implementing these standards can help healthcare providers identify and treat patients at risk of secondary fractures, reducing future fracture risk and associated costs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateAug 27, 2013

Mapping out how to save species

Researchers pinpoint high conservation priority areas worldwide, revealing stark differences with existing protected zones. The study's findings highlight the need to reassess global knowledge of conservation resources to effectively protect vertebrate species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2013

Implementation research and child diarrhea

A global expert group recommends increased focus on implementing known interventions to combat childhood diarrheal diseases. Oral rehydration solutions and zinc supplementation are also emphasized for further research development. The report aims to inform Global Action Plan for Diarrhoea and Pneumonia efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 14, 2013

New review sets international standards for best practice in fracture liaison services

A new report sets 13 achievable standards for best practice in implementing fracture liaison services worldwide to identify and treat patients at high risk of secondary fractures. The initiative aims to provide essential resources, establish mentoring programs, and promote global recognition for fracture liaison services.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 22, 2013