Παρασκευή 24 Ιανουαρίου 2014

ScienceDaily: Living Well News

ScienceDaily: Living Well News


Can walking the dogs show who's the leader of the pack? Dogs' paths during group walks could be used to determine leadership roles, social ranks and personality traits

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:20 PM PST

Dogs' paths during group walks could be used to determine leadership roles and through that their social ranks and personality traits, say researchers. Using high-resolution GPS harnesses, scientists tracked the movements of six dogs and their owner across 14 30-40 minute walks off the lead. The dogs' movements were measurably influenced by underlying social hierarchies and personality differences.

Are developing heart valves sensitive to environmental chemicals?

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 01:18 PM PST

Exposure to environmental endocrine disrupters, such as bisphenol A, which mimic estrogen, is associated with adverse health effects. Bisphenol A is commonly found in plastic bottles and plastic food containers. New research from on the effects of these chemicals on zebrafish shows that embryonic heart valves could be particularly in danger.

Gap in life expectancy between rural, urban residents is growing

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 12:47 PM PST

A new study finds that rural American residents have experienced smaller gains in life expectancy than their urban counterparts and the gap continues to grow.

National plan for preventing healthcare-associated infections shows progress

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 11:20 AM PST

Independent evaluators have found that measurable progress in reducing the rates of some targeted HAIs has been achieved under the umbrella of a national plan to prevent HAIs that was developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Obesity in mothers alters babies' weight through brain rewiring

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 09:55 AM PST

Obese mothers are more likely to have children with metabolic disorders, but the underlying reasons for this effect have been unclear. A new study reveals that the offspring of mouse mothers on a high-fat diet are predisposed to obesity and diabetes because of abnormal neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. The findings suggest that mothers who consume a large amount of fat during the third trimester may be putting their children at risk for lifelong obesity.

Detecting sickness by smell

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

Humans are able to smell sickness in someone whose immune system is highly active within just a few hours of exposure to a toxin, according to new research published.

Female students anticipate lower salaries than male counterparts

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:56 AM PST

University students have remained optimistic about their job prospects throughout the economic downturn. But earnings expectations vary, with female students anticipating lower salaries than male counterparts – a reflection of a "gender pay gap" that exists in the labor market – while ethnic minorities expect a higher income.  Also, work placements undertaken during a course lead to an expectation of higher salaries. 

World's dangerous neighborhoods produce aggressive children

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 02:06 PM PST

Across the globe, children growing up in dangerous neighborhoods exhibit more aggressive behavior, says a new study that is the first to examine the topic across a wide range of countries. The effect may be indirect: dangerous neighborhoods may influence parents' behavior, and harsh parenting practices may in turn promote aggressive behavior in children.

Researcher finds anonymity makes a difference with online comments

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

In a newly published study, a researcher outlines a significant correlation between anonymity and civility.

Exposure to cold temperatures can help boost weight loss

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:38 AM PST

Regular exposure to mild cold may be a healthy and sustainable way to help people lose weight, according to researchers. On the flip side, that means our warm and cozy homes and offices might be partly responsible for our expanding waistlines.

New study examines patterns of cancer screening in Appalachian women

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:34 AM PST

A new study shows that women who never or rarely screen for breast cancer are also unlikely to receive screening for cervical cancer. The study also identified four key barriers independently associated with the lack of these cancer screenings in Appalachian women.

Study: 39 percent of unemployed Americans seeking work for 6+ months

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST

Thirty-nine percent of unemployed Americans are experiencing long-term unemployment in the wake of the 2008 recession, which is more than double the percent unemployed more than six months but actively seeking work in 2007, according to new research about trends in long-term unemployment since the recession.

Who’s to blame for obesity? Policy makers, the food industry, or individuals?

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:24 AM PST

Fast food restaurants take a lot of heat for the rise in obesity in the United States, but is it really their fault? A research survey revealed that most people believe individuals are to blame for their own obesity – not restaurants, grocery stores, farmers, or government policies. One implication from this research is that creating and enforcing public policies to help reduce obesity and/or encourage healthier food choices may not be as effective as policy makers would like.

Half of hospitalized adults over 65 need surrogate decision-makers

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:24 AM PST

Nearly half of hospitalized American adults age 65 and older require decision-making assistance from family members or other surrogates because the patient is too impaired to make decisions independently, according to a new study.

Olive oil component investigated for breast cancer prevention

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:24 AM PST

A major component of olive oil, hydroxytyrosol, is the subject of a study of women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

New poll finds diabetes top health concern for Latino families

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:41 AM PST

A new poll was released recently on the views of Latinos in America about their health and health care, communities, financial situation, and discrimination in their lives.

Small towns team up to power down

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:25 AM PST

Building on success in Chestertown, Md., the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College is partnering with four more towns on the Eastern Shore to help them significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Obese children more susceptible to asthma from air pollution

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 06:19 AM PST

Obese children exposed to high levels of air pollutants were nearly three times as likely to have asthma, compared with non-obese children and lower levels of pollution exposure, report researchers.

Study links intimate partner violence, risk of HIV

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 06:19 AM PST

Researchers have found a definitive link between violence among intimate partners and an increased risk of HIV infection.

Deaths higher for heart attack patients at night, weekends

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 06:18 AM PST

Mortality is higher, and emergency treatment takes longer, for heart attack patients who arrive at hospital during the night or at weekends compared with regular hours, finds a new study.

New web-based course to prevent excessive weight gain may improve health in young adults

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 06:14 AM PST

The transition from adolescence to adulthood presents individuals with many challenges. Perhaps none are as important as those relating to health and quality of life. Being mildly to moderately overweight during this period substantially increases the likelihood of obesity at age 35 to 37. To prevent weight gain and promote healthy decision making, researchers developed a tailored, theory-based, web-delivered course to prevent excessive weight gain in young adults.

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