Culture

Children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) perform the same as their peers on academic tests at all ages from grade 3 to 12, according to a new University of Iowa study.

The study in the journal Human Reproduction found that children who were conceived by IVF actually scored better than age- and gender-matched peers on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Iowa Test for Educational Development (ITBS/ED), which seems a little silly of them to highlight - unless they are contending IVF makes kids smarter.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Developing language skills appears to be more important for boys than girls in helping them to develop self-control and, ultimately, succeed in school, according to a study led by a Michigan State University researcher.

Just about everyone has a story about being trapped in the wrong job, flip-flopping careers in search of one that fits, or just wasting time with the guidance counsellor.

Imagine the impact of a new system that would easily and accurately identify individual strengths, point people toward occupations in demand, estimate the likelihood that they would be good at them and help determine whether they would enjoy them. It would be the human resources equivalent of speed-dating, but with a higher chance of going home happy.

Thirty years ago, and a quarter of a century after randomized trials had become widely accepted, Archie Cochrane reproached the medical profession for not having critical summaries of all randomized controlled trials. At that time, there were about 14 reports of trials published per day.

There are now 75 clinical trials and 11 systematic reviews of trials published every day, with no signs of slowing. How will researchers cope with the volume and the continued poor quality of many of these studies, ask a group in PLoS Medicine.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.---A new University of Michigan study finds that college women with roommates who weigh more than average gain less weight during their freshman year than women with slimmer roommates: half a pound versus 2.5 pounds. That compares to the typical freshman weight gain of 2.5-to-6 pounds---much less than the mythical "Freshman 15."

Community Health Workers can safely and effectively provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities by dispensing amoxicillin to children with non-severe pneumonia and artemether-lumefantrine to children with malaria (after using rapid diagnostic tests). Furthermore, these activities result in a significant increase in the proportion of appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia and in a significant decrease in inappropriate use of antimalarials.

At a time when new transfer arrangements mean children in Northern Ireland will no longer be formally assessed in science at age 11, researchers at Queen's University have found overwhelming support for science assessment in primary schools in England and Wales. The study, which was conducted by researchers at Queen's School of Education on behalf of the Wellcome Trust, is the first study to look at the attitudes and concerns of children and parents on the way science is assessed in primary schools in England and Wales.

Washington, DC – Findings from an animal study suggest that obese women can reduce their increased risk of endometrial disease if they take vitamin D supplements, say researchers at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mixed-use neighborhoods that combine residential and business development may help lead to lower levels of some types of violent crime, a new study suggests.

The results were just as true in impoverished neighborhoods as they were in more affluent areas, offering one possible way of improving blighted areas, according to the researchers.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In the last two weeks, news media have covered stories on an Angus beef recall, oil-tainted Gulf shrimp and salmonella-infected eggs.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that such headlines affect consumer spending. New research from Michigan State University demonstrates how these announcements indeed cause consumers as well as food industry professionals to make purchasing decisions.

GAINESVILLE, FL—A new trend shows native wildflowers are becoming more popular with consumers. The wildflower seed industry has experienced gains in popularity over the past 30 to 40 years and is considered to be a maturing, highly competitive market. In Florida, for example, a 2005 survey estimated sales of native plants in the state totaled almost $316 million.

HOMESTEAD, FL—Florida's lucrative avocado industry could face a serious blow from a duo of deadly new invaders. Together, the invasive fungus called "laurel wilt disease" and the redbay ambrosia beetle, which carries laurel wilt, represent a significant economic threat to the industry. According to a report published in HortTechnology, direct losses from the invasion could range from $183 million to a remarkable high of $356 million. "The impact on the local economy would be catastrophic", noted Dr. Edward A.