Science Behind Research Articles

Sugars and Health: The Science Behind the Hype

Sugars and Health: The Science Behind the Hype

There's a Science Behind the Art of Successful Selling

There's a Science Behind the Art of Successful Selling

Science Behind, Around, and After Trees

Science Behind, Around, and After Trees

Examining the Sense and Science Behind Ghana's Current Blanket Fertilizer Recommendation

Despite advancements in geographic information systems mapping, remote sensing, and soil testing technology that can help in approximating soil fertility requirements at specific sites, Ghana, like most countries in Africa, continues to use blanket fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests and experiments that are over a decade old. This could be one of the main reasons why the country continues to record dismal crop productivity growth even after the reintroduction of the fertilizer subsidy program in 2008. If farmers are applying the wrong type and amount of fertilizer on their fields, it is likely that crop productivity growth will continue to stagnate. However, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International, and the International Fertilizer Development Corporation, has engaged in a concerted effort to promote location-specific fertilizer recommendations. This paper was written to help bolster the case and present visual evidence demonstrating why it is important to seriously consider spatial soil fertility variability in Ghana and to promote area-specific fertilizer recommendations. Using geostatistical analysis of soil samples collected from farmer plots in three districts (Tamale Municipality, Savelugu-Nanton, and West Mamprusi in northern Ghana), the paper analyzes spatial variations in soil fertility. The results clearly show that there are variations in soil pH, organic matter content, and available phosphorous even at the community level, supporting the need for Ghana to seriously consider location-specific fertilizer recommendations.

Book Review: Phil Barden, Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy

Book Review: Phil Barden, <i>Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy</i>

Legally Binding Minamata Convention on Mercury: Politics and Science Behind

Mercury is a naturally occurring element having widespread uses globally. It is highly toxic, persists in the environment and has global ramifications on humans, wildlife and environment. Post the dreadful Minamata incident caused due to mercury contamination, there had been international endeavours to address this issue on a global level. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a gallant global effort towards a legally binding instrument to protect human health and the environment from mercury contamination. Political and scientific factors played a major role in shaping the provisions of the Minamata Convention. This article addresses such factors including the rationale of adopting a legally binding approach instead of muchpushed voluntary measures and why did India, despite its active participation in the meetings, which shaped the Convention, refuse to sign it?

The Science Behind Biodynamic Preparations: A Literature Review

Biodynamics is a form of organic agriculture first described in the 1920s by Rudolph Steiner, and practitioners can become certified biodynamic farmers by following specified practices. What distinguishes biodynamic from organic certification is the required use of nine preparations thought to improve soils and increase crop yields. This literature review focuses on the published, peer-reviewed science behind the use of biodynamic preparations, with the goal of providing objective information to extension educators, including Master Gardeners.

The Science Behind Biodynamic Preparations: A Literature Review

Biodynamics is a form of organic agriculture first described in the 1920s by Rudolph Steiner, and practitioners can become certified biodynamic farmers by following specified practices. What distinguishes biodynamic from organic certification is the required use of nine preparations thought to improve soils and increase crop yields. This literature review focuses on the published, peer-reviewed science behind the use of biodynamic preparations, with the goal of providing objective information to extension educators, including Master Gardeners.

The Science Behind Biodynamic Preparations: A Literature Review

The Science Behind Biodynamic Preparations: A Literature Review

Leaving the Debate Over Science Behind: Questions to Consider

In recent years, breastfeeding supporters and some feminists have found themselves in deep disagreement about the legitimacy of biomedical evidence suggesting the superiority of breastfeeding to formula feeding. In this article, I examine the ways in which breastfeeding supporters have relied on such scientific evidence not only to convince women to breastfeed but also to build their case for structural supports that will enable women to do so. Such an approach, I argue, is problematic for both normative and strategic reasons. Calling instead for breastfeeding advocacy based on the autonomy of women, I suggest a number of questions for breastfeeding supporters, feminists, and scholars to consider as they begin to build a feminist approach to breastfeeding advocacy.

Twin Reunions: The Science Behind the Fascination/Twin Research Reports: Altitude and Hypoxia; Twin Pregnancy Outcomes; Space Mission/Media Highlights: Chinese Twins Reunited; Twin Loss Discovered; Hidden Twins; Twin Euthanasia; Twin Savior

A description of the unique qualitative features of reunions between separated monozygotic twins is presented. The scientific implications of these observations are considered with reference to understanding human social behavior in general. This is followed by summaries of twin research on altitude and hypoxia, pregnancy outcomes, and space travel. Finally, recent accounts of twins in the media are noted; in particular, a rare reunion of adult monozygotic male Chinese twins, a novelist's personal discovery of twin loss, two renowned but ‘hidden’ twins, the moving story of an identical Belgian pair, and a twin savior.

Exploring the Science Behind Sex and Gender Differences in Cognitive Abilities

Exploring the Science Behind Sex and Gender Differences in Cognitive Abilities

The Science Behind Pre‐Columbian Evidence of Syphilis in Europe: Research by Documentary

This article discusses the presentation of scientific findings by documentary, without the process of peer review. We use, as an example, PBS's "The Syphilis Enigma," in which researchers presented novel evidence concerning the origin of syphilis that had never been reviewed by other scientists. These "findings" then entered the world of peer-reviewed literature through citations of the documentary itself or material associated with it. Here, we demonstrate that the case for pre-Columbian syphilis in Europe that was made in the documentary does not withstand scientific scrutiny. We also situate this example from paleopathology within a larger trend of "science by documentary" or "science by press conference," in which researchers seek to bypass the peer review process by presenting unvetted findings directly to the public.

Debunking the Science Behind Attention-Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder as a “Brain Disorder”

This article is a reaction to the following three statements that were included in a brochure published by Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association (APA) and Celltech Pharmaceuticals:“ADD/ADHD is generally considered a neuro-chemical disorder.”“Most people with ADD/ADHD are born with the disorder, though it may not be recognized until adulthood.”“ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, a difficult family environment, poor teaching or inadequate nutrition.”The article reviews research that contradicts the statements and concludes that the statements are not adequately supported by scientific evidence.

The Science Behind Hyponatremia and Its Clinical Manifestations

Body sodium, water, and extracellular fluid volume are tightly regulated by neural, humoral, and renal mechanisms to maintain osmolality in extracellular fluid and to maintain normal intravascular volume. This is accomplished by controlling sodium content in extracellular fluid. In the normal physiologic state, total body water (which accounts for ~60% of body weight) is distributed among three compartments: intracellular, interstitial, and intravascular spaces. About two thirds of total body water is intracellular fluid. Potassium is the major intracellular cation, and sodium is the major extracellular cation. Body water content and plasma osmolality are tightly regulated by the action of arginine vasopressin on renal tubules. A wide variety of disease states are associated with a nonosmotic response of arginine vasopressin, also known as the antidiuretic hormone. Determination of the serum sodium concentration is the most direct measure of hyponatremia. The vasopressin V(2)-receptor antagonists are effective aquaretic agents and correct hyponatremia in several hyponatremic disorders.

Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines and Physics and Technology for Future Presidents: An Introduction to the Essential Physics Every World Leader Needs to Know : Richard A. Muller

<b> <i>Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines</i> </b> and <b> <i>Physics and Technology for Future Presidents: An Introduction to the Essential Physics Every World Leader Needs to Know</i> </b>: Richard A. Muller

CGM—A Technology in Evolution

Diabetes Technology & TherapeuticsVol. 11, No. 2 EDITORIALCGM—A Technology in EvolutionJay S. SkylerJay S. SkylerSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:16 Jan 2009https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2008.0140AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "CGM—A Technology in Evolution." , 11(2), pp. 63–64FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited ByNewer Modalities in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Technology21 February 2019Diabetes Technology Update: Use of Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Hospital23 June 2018 | Diabetes Care, Vol. 41, No. 8Factory-Calibrated Continuous Glucose Sensors: The Science Behind the Technology Udo Hoss and Erwin Satrya Budiman1 May 2017 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 19, No. S2Newer devices and improved formulations of inhaled insulin8 December 2014 | Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, Vol. 12, No. 6Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Insulin-Treated Patients in Non-ICU Settings13 August 2014 | Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Vol. 8, No. 5Wearable and implantable pancreas substitutes20 September 2012 | Journal of Artificial Organs, Vol. 16, No. 1Neural Network Incorporating Meal Information Improves Accuracy of Short-Time Prediction of Glucose ConcentrationIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 59, No. 6Insulin Analogs and Glycosylated Hemoglobin Target of Less Than 7% in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials Katherine Esposito, Maria Ida Maiorino, Giuseppe Bellastella, Paolo Chiodini, and Dario Giugliano25 May 2011 | Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Vol. 9, No. 3Can technological solutions for diabetes replace islet cell function?27 October 2014 | Organogenesis, Vol. 7, No. 1Pulmonary Formulations: What Remains to be Done? Jeffry G. Weers, John Bell, Hak-Kim Chan, David Cipolla, Craig Dunbar, Anthony J. Hickey, and Ian J. Smith6 December 2010 | Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, Vol. 23, No. S2Initiation of Prandial Insulin Therapy with AIR Inhaled Insulin or Insulin Lispro in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial Jorge L. Gross, Masako Nakano, Gildred Colon-Vega, Ramon Ortiz-Carasquillo, Jeffrey A. Ferguson, Sandra Althouse, Janet A. Tobian, Pierre-Yves Berclaz, and Zvonko Milicevic22 September 2009 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. s2Safety and Efficacy of AIR Inhaled Insulin Compared with Subcutaneous Insulin in Patients Having Diabetes and Asthma: A 12-Month, Randomized, Noninferiority Trial Ernesto Ang, Mary K. Lawrence, Cory R. Heilmann, Jeffrey A. Ferguson, Janet A. Tobian, David M. Webb, and Pierre-Yves Berclaz22 September 2009 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. s2Insulin Delivery via Lungs—Is It Still Possible? Satish K. Garg and William C. Kelly22 September 2009 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. s2The Future of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Satish K. Garg26 May 2009 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. S1Continuous Glucose Monitoring: An Overview of Its Development Jay S. Skyler26 May 2009 | Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. S1BENEFITS OF THREE-MONTH CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING FOR PERSONS WITH DIABETES USING INSULIN PUMPS AND SENSORSBiomedical Papers, Vol. 153, No. 1 Volume 11Issue 2Feb 2009 Information© 2009 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Jay S. Skyler.CGM—A Technology in Evolution.Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics.Feb 2009.63-64.http://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2008.0140Published in Volume: 11 Issue 2: January 16, 2009PDF download

LBNL director Chu to head DOE

Physicists reacted with elation to President-elect Barack Obama’s selection of Steven Chu to be secretary of the Department of Energy. If confirmed by the Senate, Chu, a Nobel laureate physicist and director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory since 2004, will become the first working research scientist to head DOE since the agency’s inception in 1977.Chu, a staunch supporter of renewable energy and a forceful advocate of urgent actions to curb global warming, shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing methods that use lasers to cool and trap atoms. At LBNL, he has built up the lab’s portfolio of R&D in carbon-neutral alternative-energy and energy-saving technologies. With other national laboratories and universities in the San Francisco Bay area, Chu, 60, organized the Joint BioEnergy Institute, one of three DOE-funded centers that are conducting basic research to lower the cost of producing ethanol and other renewable fuels from a variety of biomass. He also was instrumental in bringing together the University of California, Berkeley; LBNL; and the University of Illinois into a BP-funded collaboration known as the Energy Biosciences Institute.Speaking at a 15 December press conference at which Obama announced his nomination, Chu said he believes “the US and the world can and will prevail over our economic, energy security, and climate change challenges.” Obama said Chu has been “working at the cutting edge of our nation’s effort to develop new forms of energy,” noting that “the scientists at our national labs will have a distinguished peer at the helm.” Obama added that his selection of Chu “should send a signal that my administration will value science, we will make decisions based on the facts, and we understand that the facts demand bold action.”“My reaction is hooray,” said Nobelist Burton Richter, retired director of SLAC. “He’s a great scientist and a very good administrator,” he said, adding that from Chu’s interactions with Silicon Valley businesses, he also has a good understanding of how industry works.“It’s the finest appointment to that position that has ever been made,” said Richard Muller, a physics professor at UCB and author of Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines (Norton, 2008). “He has the management experience, the political finesse, and solid scientific credentials.” Under Chu, said Muller, LBNL has developed “the most diverse set of energy and environmental research projects in the US.”“He’s a wonderful scientist and is passionate about energy,” said Mildred Dresselhaus, institute professor at MIT and a former director of DOE’s Office of Science. “We will need some national and world leadership on energy. A few individuals can make a big difference there.”All three applauded Obama’s selection of a scientist for a post that has typically gone to individuals with little or no background in physical sciences. Previous secretaries have included an economist, lawyers, former members of Congress, a retired admiral, and a dentist. An exception is the outgoing secretary, Samuel Bodman, who holds a doctorate in chemical engineering. Chu will vault from managing a lab with a budget of around $600 million and 4000 staff to an agency with annual expenditures of more than $23 billion and more than 100 000 federal and contractor employees. About two-thirds of the department’s budget goes for nuclear weapons maintenance, environmental cleanup of cold war–era weapons production, and disposing of spent nuclear fuel from the nation’s commercial nuclear industry.“I hope he will have some time left over for science,” cautioned Richter, who said DOE lab managers are hopeful that Chu may “rein in the bureaucracy overload” at the department and restore a partnering relationship that Richter said once existed between the agency and the labs. Today’s relationship is more arms-length; DOE treats the labs as it might if it was making a purchase from a supplier. “That’s not healthy,” he said.The selection of Chu is in line with Obama’s campaign promises to spend $150 billion over 10 years on clean energy R&D and to increase the amount of energy from renewable sources to 10% of total US energy supplies by 2012 and 25% by 2025. As a member of the National Research Council committee that wrote the 2006 Gathering Storm report, Chu has emphasized the report’s call for the creation of an “advanced research projects agency-energy” office within DOE. ARPA-E would fund high-risk projects that could lead to new clean energy technologies and big gains in energy efficiency (see Physics Today, June 2006, page 27).Obama also named former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Carol Browner to a new White House post that will coordinate energy and climate change policy throughout the federal government.ChuPPT|High resolution© 2009 American Institute of Physics.

Adverse Events: Learning the Science Behind the Art

Adverse Events: Learning the Science Behind the Art

Some Science for Today's Electorate

Physics for Future Presidents . The Science Behind the Headlines. By Richard A. Muller . Norton, New York, 2008. 380 pp. $26.95, C$29.50, £15.99, €21. ISBN 9780393066272. The author provides a nontechnical primer on the science that must be taken into account when considering some key issues that presidents (and the electorate) must deal with: terrorism; energy; nuclear weapons, power, and wastes; space; and global warming.