Flinders University researchers carried out a systematic review to examine the links between the use of diet and fitness apps and the risk of users becoming obsessive about weight loss, body image, calorie counting, and excessive exercise.

The research found that those who use health and fitness apps regularly were more likely to have problematic habits related to food and exercise.

Greaux Healthy—a public service initiative powered by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in partnership with the State of Louisiana—is proud to announce the release of the Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to equip healthcare providers with practical, evidence-based guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity and its related comorbidities.

 

Developed in alignment with the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines, the toolkit synthesizes the latest scientific evidence and real-world strategies to support pediatric care in all potential healthcare settings across Louisiana. This free resource offers a quick reference for evaluating obesity, as well as actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.

University of Texas at Arlington research projects contributed $59 million to the national economy in 2024—an increase of 39% from 2023, according to a new report from the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS). UTA has invested heavily in research infrastructure, purchasing cutting-edge scientific equipment and technology, such as North Texas’ most advanced gene sequencer and a super-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging machine for the Clinical Imaging Research Center. The funds also support collaboration with other research organizations. 

A new study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research (JICR) showed that a specific retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA (RAR) induces innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.

An interdisciplinary study led by Kyushu University combining political science and psychology shows that individuals who view the world through a "friend or foe" mindset are more likely to perceive outsiders as a threat. They tend to believe more in conspiracy theories, and hold more negative attitudes toward international relations. Researchers hope to contribute insights that lead to more effective conflict management and lasting peace.

AI is reshaping workplaces, particularly in retail. Researchers explored how AI service quality impacts retail employees’ innovation, job fit, and satisfaction. Findings show when employees perceive AI as reliable and empathetic, they are more likely to engage in innovative behavior. AI’s adaptability also plays a crucial role in enhancing service quality. While reliability strongly supports innovation, transparency and responsiveness had less influence than expected. Empathy in AI systems was found to have a significant positive effect on employee innovation, creating a more engaging work environment. The study underscores AI’s potential to drive service innovation in retail.