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Public Release: 8-Nov-2009
American Public Health Association MeetingIndiana U. at APHA: Studies about health education for people with ID, stability balls at work The first study examines a curriculum used to help people with intellectual disabilities make good decisions about their health and fitness. People with ID are living more and more independently yet they aren't taught about personal health. The second study examines how the use of a stability ball for an office chair affects leg muscles. It also looks at the influence of handedness. Contact: Amy Bodde
Public Release: 6-Nov-2009
Carnegie Mellon researchers link health-care debate to risk of dying in US and Europe A new Web site, www.DeathriskRankings.com, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon allows users to explore differences in the probability of dying across European countries and the US states for men and women of different ages and races. Contact: Chriss Swaney
Public Release: 5-Nov-2009
 Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicinePhysical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley. 
California Endowment, Kaiser Permanente, NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, American Heart Association
Contact: Kate Schoen
Public Release: 5-Nov-2009
1st Annual Chemical Sciences and Society SymposiumChemists describe solar energy progress and challenges, including the 'artificial leaf' Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks. That is among the conclusions in a newly available report from top authorities on solar energy who met at the 1st Annual Chemical Sciences and Society Symposium. The symposium was organized by the American Chemical Society and other scientific societies. Contact: Michael Bernstein
Public Release: 5-Nov-2009
School Library MonthlyFor improving early literacy, reading comics is no child's play Carol L. Tilley, a professor of library and information science at Illinois, says that comic books are just as sophisticated as other forms of literature, and children benefit from reading them at least as much as they do from reading other types of books. Contact: Phil Ciciora
Public Release: 5-Nov-2009
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical ActivityAll dressed-up and nowhere to go Parents who dress their children in inappropriate clothing could be inadvertently hampering their child's physical activity in childcare settings. The study, reported in BioMed Central's open access journal, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, suggests that inadequate or inappropriate clothing could restrict children's outdoor play. Contact: Graeme Baldwin
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
Minority students earned greater number of academic degrees in fiscal year 2006 A new National Science Foundation report shows an increase in the number of academic degrees awarded to minority students since 2004, the last time such data were published. Contact: Bobbie Mixon
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
Sociology of EducationBenefit of a mentor: Disadvantaged teens twice as likely to attend college Adult mentors give teens a 50 percent greater likelihood of attending college. Mentorship by a teacher nearly doubles the odds of attending college for disadvantaged students. The students who need mentors the most are the least likely to have them. Contact: Joe Hadfield
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
Emerging Infectious DiseasesWhen should flu trigger a school shutdown? As flu season approaches, parents around the country are starting to face school closures. But how bad should an influenza outbreak be for a school to shut down? A study led by Children's epidemiologists tapped a set of Japanese data to help guide decision making by schools and government agencies. The analysis was published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the November issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Takemi Program, Japan Foundation for the Promotion of International Medical Research Cooperation, NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Contact: James Newton
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortTechnologyFrequent flower buyers seek product variety Florists and other retailers who sell flowers are helped by a recent study designed to evaluate the differences in floral consumption across consumer groups. "Showing care to others" was found to be a very important value that strongly influenced flower purchases. Researchers also noted that those who bought flowers frequently (heavy users) are more emotionally stimulated by flowers, leading to them to look for more novelty and variety when purchasing flowers. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceCommon plants can eliminate indoor air pollutants Air quality in homes and offices is becoming a major health concern. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in indoor air emanate from adhesives, furnishings, clothing, and solvents and have been shown to cause illnesses in people. Researchers tested ornamental indoor plants for their ability to remove harmful VOCs from indoor air. The study concluded that simply introducing common ornamental plants into indoor spaces has the potential to significantly improve the quality of indoor air. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceWater-conserving irrigation strategies minimize overwatering, runoff Conserving water and reducing the environmental impact of runoff are two important issues confronting container nursery operations. Current regulations in five states limit water consumption and/or nutrient concentrations in runoff. Researchers investigated whether irrigation scheduling based on daily water use (DWU) -- the combined loss of water from plant transpiration and substrate evaporation -- could conserve water. According to the study, "scheduling irrigation according to plant DWU substantially reduced the amount of irrigation applied." Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceBreeding better broccoli Plant carotenoids are the most important source of vitamin A in the human diet and are considered to be valuable antioxidants capable of protecting humans from chronic diseases including macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigating the carotenoid content of field-grown broccoli discovered that when it comes to breeding broccoli, lutein levels were linked to the plants' genetics; the environment in which the vegetables were grown had little effect on carotenoid production. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceHybrid bluegrasses analyzed for use in transition zone The transition zone can be one of the most challenging places to maintain high-quality turfgrass; changeable growing conditions in these regions often prove too hot or too cold. Finding turfgrass that thrives in these challenging environments can be perplexing for turf management professionals and homeowners alike. Bred for their ability to tolerate heat and drought, two hybrids "Dura Blue" and "Thermal Blue" were found to outperform traditional bluegrasses in transition zone areas. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortSciencePlentiful poinsettias without PGRs Poinsettia, a holiday favorite, is produced using plant growth regulators (PGRs) to achieve their desired height, but the high cost of PGRs, environmental use restrictions, and increasing pressure from consumers are driving researchers to explore new alternatives. Argentine researchers recently completed a study to determine if manipulation of red and far-red light ratios can be a successful alternative to the use of PGRs. Results indicate that the new approach is effective and environmentally beneficial. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceOrganic weed control options for highbush blueberry Weeds are a widespread problem for the blueberry industry, particularly in young plantings when bushes are not fully established and most susceptible to competition. Weed control is even more of a challenge for growers of organic products, including organic highbush blueberry. Researchers investigated using mulches of pine needles, manuresawdust compost, and seafood waste compost for weed control. Results indicate pine needles were the most effective mulch in suppressing weed growth. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceTension on the grapevine Predictions of grape yields are extremely important to juice processors and wineries but until recently, forecasting yields has relied on expensive and labor-intensive hand-sampling methods. However, a new approach, Trellis Tension Monitor has been developed that works by detecting weight change on trellised grapevines as the vine and grapes grow. Using 10 commercial vineyards, researchers found that TTM produced more-accurate estimates of yield than previous methods. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortSciencePowerful pumpkins, super squash Carotenoids, the family of yellow to red pigments found in pumpkins and tomatoes, plays an important role in human health by acting as sources of provitamin A or as protective antioxidants but identifying and quantifying carotenoids hasn't been simple. Florida researchers investigated whether color analysis can be used to predict carotenoid content. Results indicate the new method "will be successful, easy to implement, and inexpensive." Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortScienceConserving historic apple trees Many apple varieties common in the United States a century ago can no longer be found in today's orchards and nurseries. But some historic apple trees still survive in abandoned farmsteads and historic orchards throughout the US. Now, scientists interested in conserving these horticultural treasures have set out to identify and catalogue them, working to discover if the last remnants of historical trees may still be alive in American landscapes. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
HortTechnologySurvey finds horticulture grads prepared for green jobs Iowa State Profesors wanted to find out how their recent Horticulture graduates were faring in the workplace so they distributed a survey to employers who hired recent ISU horticulture graduates. Results showed that 52.5 percent of employers felt graduates were "more than adequately" to "exceptionally well" prepared for the position for which they were hired. Strong personal skills were listed overwhelmingly as the most important, followed by science and industry skills and other skills. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
Journal of Psychology Research and Behavior ManagementWhat is unique in the brain of an Arabic speaker? "The cognitive disparity between the two languages is similar to the difference between a native and a second language. This offers an explanation for the objective and day-to-day difficulties that confront Arabic-speaking students when attempting to learn to read the nonspoken language," the researcher explains. The new study has been published in the Journal of Psychology Research and Behavior Management. Contact: Rachel Feldman
Public Release: 4-Nov-2009
GastroenterologyGastroenterology/hepatology societies release report evaluating fellowship training curriculum Due to the increasing complexities of treating digestive diseases, allowing gastroenterological trainee physicians the opportunity to develop enhanced abilities and experiences in specific disease areas or procedures will be a great benefit to patients, according to a "Report of the Multisociety Task Force on GI Training." Additionally, GI training programs need to measure the achievements of trainees based on specific defined competencies rather than the duration of training alone. Contact: Aimee Frank
Public Release: 3-Nov-2009
HortTechnologyReflective film can boost profits for apple growers It's long been known that consumers choose apples based on fruit color. Apple producers recognize that clear days and cool nights are ideal growing conditions for apples to develop bright red colors. Scientists in Spain examined the effects of covering orchard floors with reflective films on fruit color, fruit quality, and profitability. The research showed that the use of films increased fruit size and color and can result in increased profits for apple growers. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 3-Nov-2009
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural ScienceSun or shade: Pecan leaves' photosynthetic light response evaluated Pecan, the most valuable nut tree native to North America. Effective management of the tree canopy is of vital interest to pecan growers, who commonly use pruning techniques to increase photosynthesis and flowering on trees. Researchers at Texas A&M University have provided baseline information relevant to improving management of the orchard light environment, and can be used by commercial pecan producers for developing new, effective canopy and crop management practices. Contact: Michael W. Neff
Public Release: 3-Nov-2009
Pedagogisk Forskning i SverigePreschoolers challenge stereotypical gender roles According to research from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, a preschooler's gender determines how he or she is treated and responded to in play and learning activities, and when the children's possibilities become expanded, it is usually a result of the children's and not the teachers' initiative. Contact: Torsten Arpi
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