DNA :: Elusive rust resistance genes located
The discovery of a DNA marker for two key rust resistance genes is enabling plant breeders around the world to breed more effective rust resistant wheat varieties.
Season
November/December 2006 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet
This tip sheet provides summaries of the studies published in the November/December issue of Annals of Family Medicine and cover topics such as antibiotic use for rhinosinusitis and sore throat, the impact of the 2004 flu vaccine shortage and other clinical topics.
Consumer :: Why we buy bad gifts for the ones we love most
This holiday season, another woman who loves the rock band No Doubt will receive a plaid skirt that only the band’s singer, Gwen Stefani, could pull off. Another athletic guy will receive an oversize sports jersey — even though off the field he prefers Brooks Brothers. Why are we so terrible at predicting the tastes of the ones we love? A new study explains why familiarity with another person actually makes predicting their tastes more difficult.
Nanotechnology :: Dreaming of a nanotech Christmas – buy nanotechnology
The results of the first large-scale empirical study of how consumers consider risks and benefits when deciding whether to purchase or use specific nanotechnology products will appear in the December 2006 issue of the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The article’s lead author, Steven C. Currall and co-author, Neal Lane, will report their findings at a program at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Workout :: Nike+iPod Sport Kit raises privacy concerns
This holiday season, gift-givers may unwittingly give their favorite athlete a workout accessory that can double as a tracking device. Computer scientists at the University of Washington show potential breaches of privacy related to the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.
Performance of wide receivers, running backs post-ACL injury falls by one third
The good news for NFL players who sustain an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is that they’ll likely play again in the NFL. The bad news is, they’ll return with diminished performance on the field, concludes a study in the December issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Flu :: Painkillers may threaten power of vaccines
With flu-shot season in full swing and widespread anticipation of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, a new University of Rochester study suggests that using common painkillers around the time of vaccination might not be a good idea.
Flu :: Not late to get flu vaccine
It’s not too late to get a flu shot, said Dr. Melinda Rowe, commissioner of the health department, Kentucky.
Ecology :: Biocontrol of wavyleaf thistle being studied in Texas
Wavy leaf thistle was difficult to find along Panhandle highways five years ago. But now the noxious weed can be found moving into pastures, said a Texas Agricultural Experiment Station researcher. Dr. Jerry Michels, Experiment Station entomologist at Bushland, along with Nagendra Earle, a West Texas A&M University graduate student, began looking at controlling the intruding noxious weed with natural controls about two years ago.
GERD :: Fatty foods, alcohol and overeating are triggers for acid reflux
“The holiday season is clearly one of the worst times of the year for patients with GERD,” gastroenterologist Dr. William Chey, of the University of Michigan Health System, said in a prepared statement.