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Southwest Nano Consortium established

The Southwest Nano Consortium brings together six states and northern Mexico to pool resources, encourage collaboration, and host internationally recognized events. The consortium aims to expedite the commercialization of nanotechnology technologies with significant impact on renewable energy, biotech, IT, and other sectors.

Do electronic health records help or hinder medical education?

A recent PLOS Medicine study examines the effects of electronic health records (EHRs) on medical education. Two groups of researchers present contrasting views: one arguing that EHRs may erode physician education due to potential risks, while another highlights opportunities for enhanced clinical skills and patient communication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 11, 2009

Don't follow us, we're lost too

Panicos Demetriades, a renowned economist, argues that the current global financial crisis presents an opportunity for governments to take a more proactive role in finance. He suggests that countries should adopt policies that prioritize the public interest over the narrow interests of financial institutions. This could involve nationa...

Ethanol plants no panacea for local economies, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois researchers warns that ethanol plants can pose significant risks to local economies. The research found that employment gains from ethanol plants are often overstated and that the industry is plagued by uncertainties such as shifts in energy policy, global economics, and changing technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateFeb 16, 2009

Sports technology for para-athletes: Closing the gap

Recent sports technology advancements aim to bridge the gap between able-bodied athletes and para-athletes. Prosthetic innovations like carbon blades have shown significant advantages in sprinting mechanics data, allowing double transtibial amputees to deliver comparable performance levels with lower metabolic costs.

SourceWiley·JournalSports Technology·DateJan 30, 2009

Growing years cut short for toddlers from poor families

A University of Montreal study found that children from poor families are more likely to be shorter than their peers, regardless of genetic factors. The researchers concluded that economic policies should support parents with young children to ensure they have sufficient resources to cover basic needs and promote normal development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 21, 2009

Logical reversal

Reverse logistics allows companies to recycle and remanufacture used products, reducing waste and environmental damage. This process provides companies with a financial return through refurbished goods sales and capitalizes on their 'green' credentials in marketing terms.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development·DateJan 7, 2009

Effective global regulation

A study by Professor Demetriades and colleagues suggests that government-owned banks are a safe haven for depositors when regulatory institutions are perceived as weak. The research challenges the 'political view' of state banks, arguing that privatisation can lead to financial instability and dis-intermediation.

Immigrant children from poor countries academically outperform those from developed countries

Research by Mark Levels and colleagues reveals that economic development in an immigrant's home country positively impacts their child's academic success. Immigrant children from small communities or politically unstable countries face educational disadvantage, emphasizing the need for targeted programs to support their potential.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 30, 2008

Women's access to credit affects efficiency in rural households

A new study reveals that women's lack of access to credit leads to reduced economic output in rural households, with an average loss of 11% efficiency. The research highlights the need for policies addressing women's capital constraints to promote economic growth and efficient resource allocation.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 25, 2008

Road pollution blamed for higher allergy risk in kids

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that traffic-related pollution increases the risk of asthma, hay fever, and eczema in children by more than 50%. Children living closer to roads are at a higher risk due to increased exposure to pollutants and aerosols.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 13, 2008

New study examines the price of democracy when foreign investors 'vote' with their dollars

A new study by University of Minnesota professor Paul Vaaler reveals that foreign investors respond to shifting partisan political tides during election years in emerging-market countries. When the likely swing is to the right-wing, foreign investment projects increase, while left-wing swings lead to a decrease in new investments.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 28, 2008