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Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Promoting healthy skepticism in the news: Helping journalists get it right An editorial published online November 20 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute discusses the exaggerated fears and hopes that often appear in news coverage of cancer research. The editorial provides guidance for both the media and journals to help alleviate the problem. Contact: Steve Graff Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Dispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third Purchasing prescription drugs in a three-month supply rather than a one-month supply has long been regarded as a way to save money. New research from the University of Chicago quantifies the savings for the first time. Contact: Greg Borzo Public Release: 19-Nov-2009
Poverty measurement in the US: Income transfers alone won't eradicate poverty Government-based poverty intervention through income transfers may skew poverty level measurement in US. Contact: Bethany Carland-Adams Public Release: 19-Nov-2009
Highlighting racial disparities increases coverage and effectiveness of health news As media researchers search for better methods to reach audiences, a new University of Missouri study published in Public Relations Review has found that highlighting racial disparities in news releases increases coverage of health stories in black newspapers, which can improve health outcomes in populations at risk for disparities. Contact: Emily Martin Public Release: 19-Nov-2009
Why Israeli rodents are more cautious than Jordanian ones A series of studies carried out at the University of Haifa have found that rodent, reptile and ant lion species behave differently on either side of the Israel-Jordan border. "The border line, which is only a demarcation on the map, cannot contain these species, but the line does restrict humans and their diverse impact on nature," says Dr. Uri Shanas. Contact: Rachel Feldman Public Release: 19-Nov-2009
ICT fails to accelerate drug approvals Drug approvals are taking just as long as they ever did despite increased expenditure on new information technology at the Food and drug Administration. So says a statistical analysis of approval intervals from 1997 to 2006, published in the International Journal of Electronic Healthcare. Contact: John Kros Public Release: 19-Nov-2009
A brief intervention that works for drivers who persist in driving while intoxicated Researchers comparing the effectiveness of two interventions on driving-while-impaired re-offenders with alcohol problems found that one -- Brief Motivational Interviewing -- was more effective. While both interventions led to significant declines in risky drinking, BMI produced significantly more pronounced and longer-lasting reductions in risking drinking compared to the control intervention. Contact: Thomas G. Brown, Ph.D. Public Release: 18-Nov-2009
Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers at bars and restaurants onto outdoor patios, but a new University of Georgia study in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these outdoor smoking areas might be creating a new health hazard. Contact: Sam Fahmy Public Release: 18-Nov-2009
Research challenges for understanding landscape changes identified Nine research challenges and four research initiatives that are poised to advance the study of how Earth's landscapes change were unveiled today in a new report by the National Research Council. Contact: Jennifer Walsh Public Release: 17-Nov-2009
Pushing the brain to find new pathways Until recently, scientists believed that, following a stroke, a patient had about six months to regain any lost function. After that, patients would be forced to compensate for the lost function by focusing on their remaining abilities. Although this belief has been refuted, a University of Missouri occupational therapy professor believes that the current health system is still not giving patients enough time to recover. Contact: Christian Basi Public Release: 17-Nov-2009
UM Law professor examines the role of corporate lawyers in the court of public opinion In today's world, legal issues and controversies are not only tried in the court of law, but also in the "court" of public opinion. However, corporate lawyers tend to separate legal activities from public relations strategies. In addition, they have often viewed media issues as separate from those involved in providing legal advice. Contact: Elizabeth Amore Public Release: 17-Nov-2009
New research by University of Miami law professor analyzes issues in immigration law University of Miami Law Professor Rebecca A. Sharpless has recently authored a research paper titled, "Toward a True Elements Test: Taylor and the Categorical Analysis of Crimes in Immigration Law." Contact: ELIZABETH AMORE Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
New research provides insights into potential ecological costs and cobenefits of REDD A new paper just published in Global Change Biology examines the potential of a REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) mechanism to provoke ecological damage and/or promote ecological cobenefits. Such analysis is key as negotiations and discussions continue between now and early December when the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change holds its 15th Conference of the Parties, where an agreement on REDD may emerge. Contact: Elizabeth Braun Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
Statement of ESHRE on the European Commission proposal of viral screening With 900,000 assisted reproduction treatments annually such as IVF and intrauterine inseminations in Europe the Commission's proposal to screen both partners before each treatment could lead to costs of over EUR 140 million annually. These figures do not include the additional overhead costs such as administration, personnel and documentation that the hospitals would have to carry on top of that. The new interpretation of the EU Directive would have substantial implications on the costs of fertility treatments in Europe. Contact: Hanna Hanssen Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
Structured reporting software creates less complete and accurate radiology reports than free text As many software companies work to create programs that will give uniform structure to the way radiological test results are reported, a new study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that such a system does not improve, but rather decreases the completeness and accuracy of the reports. Contact: Jessica Guenzel Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
Carnegie Mellon customizing electric cars for cost-effective urban commuting Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have launched a new community-based approach to electric vehicle design, conversion and operations. The new research project, ChargeCar, will explore how electric vehicles can be customized for an individual's commuting needs and how an electric vehicle's efficiency can be boosted and its battery life extended by using artificial intelligence to manage power. Contact: Byron Spice Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
UT's Kraken named world's third fastest computer, ORNL's Jaguar is No. 1 East Tennessee is now home to two of the world's three fastest computers, according to new rankings released today. The Top 500 list of the world's fastest supercomputers places University of Tennessee supercomputer Kraken in third place, where it also holds the title of world's fastest academic supercomputer, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Jaguar computer took first place overall. Contact: Jay Mayfield Public Release: 16-Nov-2009
Research highlights need to address hemophilia in developing world When modern medicine finds a way to treat a medical condition, people often think that the problem is solved. But we also have to find ways to get that treatment into the hands of those who need it. For example, new research shows that much more needs to be done to help get existing treatment to hemophilia patients in the developing world, and that the current lack of treatment there is costing lives. Contact: Matt Shipman Public Release: 15-Nov-2009
Today's children decide their school and career path early Children as young as 12 have a strong sense of their personal futures and can reflect thoughtfully on what life might hold for them, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and led by Professor Paul Croll of Reading University and Professor Gaynor Attwood of the University of the West of England. Contact: Press Office Public Release: 13-Nov-2009
Does business education have a future in Iraq? Reflecting a new role for the US in the world, Drs. V. Scott Koerwer and Kendall Roth visited Iraq, and may have created a new partnership model for building education systems in other countries. Contact: Christopher Hardwick Public Release: 13-Nov-2009
Study: Nonprofits put brand at risk in corporate partnerships Charities and other nonprofits put their brand at risk when they partner with corporations on social responsibility initiatives. The public easily construes such connections as a seal of approval of the corporation by the nonprofit, despite efforts by nonprofits to dispel such impressions. This according to a study in the Journal of Advertising. Contact: Stacy Landreth Grau Public Release: 12-Nov-2009
Despite some benefit, drug ads can be harmful to your health While the debate over prescription drug advertising persists, a new study released online in the American Journal of Public Health offers guidelines for improving drug ads in order to minimize potential harm and maximize benefits. The study reveals that while there are some benefits from prescription drug direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA), there are significant risks that are magnified by the prominence of DTCA. Contact: Natalia Barolin Public Release: 11-Nov-2009
Expert on terrorism warns about the implantation of radical Islamism in Spain since 3/11 The UGR professor Javier Jordán has analysed the information of the 28 most relevant police actions carried out since March 2004 against the jihadist networks in Spain. Contact: Javier Jordán Enamorado Public Release: 10-Nov-2009
People with less education could be more susceptible to the flu People who did not earn a high school diploma could be more likely to get H1N1 and the vaccine might be less effective in them compared to those who earned a diploma, new research shows. Contact: Laura Bailey Public Release: 10-Nov-2009
Over 2,200 veterans died in 2008 due to lack of health insurance A research team at Harvard Medical School estimates 2,266 US military veterans under the age of 65 died last year because they lacked health insurance and thus had reduced access to care. The researchers pointedly say the health reform legislation pending in the House and Senate will not significantly affect this grim picture. They found that 1,461,615 veterans between the ages of 18 and 64 were uninsured in 2008. Contact: Mark Almberg |