Low birth weights are more prevalent among Brazilians with African ancestry and may be attributed to less use of prenatal care facilities and where those ethnic groups live, according to a new study. The study from researchers at the University of Iowa and health analysts in South America also suggests that infants of African ancestry, alone or mixed, were more likely to be born prematurely than those born of European-only stock. The findings could help policymakers decide how best to bridge the difference in infant health among non-European-ancestry races in South America's ...

An infrared look at Tropical Storm 18S by NASA's Aqua satellite revealed wind shear continues to take its toll on the storm and keeps pushing its main precipitation away from the center of the storm. Wind shear is a major factor that can keep a tropical cyclone "down" or unable to consolidate and intensify because it keeps pounding the circulation of winds head on. Strong wind shear has been battering Tropical Cyclone 18S for a couple of days and is expected to continue the next couple of days. On Feb. 26 at 1500 UTC (10 a.m. EST) Tropical Storm 18S was located about ...

Cyclone Rusty has been moving very slow over the last two days on its approach to landfall near Port Hedland in Western Australia, and NASA satellites have observed the storm's increase in power. NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites provided rainfall, cloud height and temperature data that showed Cyclone Rusty intensified as it neared land. Rusty is a large storm and its slow movement means more rainfall, more flooding potential, increasingly rough surf and a longer period of tropical-storm-force winds along the Pilbara coast. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (ABOM) ...

In January 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture passed a series of regulations designed to make school lunches more nutritious, which included requiring schools to increase whole grain offerings and making students select either a fruit or vegetable with their purchased lunch. However, children cannot be forced to eat these healthier lunches. In a new study scheduled for publication in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers determined that small, inexpensive changes to school cafeterias influenced the choice and consumption of healthier foods. Andrew S. ...

WASHINGTON, DC, February 21, 2013 — Same-sex cohabitors report worse health than people of the same socioeconomic status who are in heterosexual marriages, according to a new study, which may provide fuel for gay marriage proponents. "Past research has shown that married people are generally healthier than unmarried people," said Hui Liu, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of sociology at Michigan State University. "Although our study did not specifically test the health consequences of legalizing same-sex marriage, it's very plausible that legalization ...

New research shows the dramatic gap in household wealth that now exists along racial lines in the United States cannot solely be attributed to personal ambition and behavioral choices, but rather reflects policies and institutional practices that create different opportunities for whites and African-Americans. So powerful are these government policies and institutional practices that for typical families, a $1 increase in average income over the 25-year study period generates just $0.69 in additional wealth for an African-American household compared with $5.19 for a white ...

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Same-sex couples that live together report worse health than people of the same socioeconomic status who are in heterosexual marriages, according to a national study that could have implications for the gay marriage debate. Research has shown that married people are healthier than the unmarried. Yet, while gay marriage is gaining support in Michigan and around the country, most same-sex cohabiters do not have the option of legally marrying their partners, noted Hui Liu, Michigan State University sociologist and lead investigator on the study. While ...

WASHINGTON, DC —The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 ("Parity Act") increased access to mental health and substance use services in hospitals, yet consumers continued to pay more out-of-pocket for substance use admissions than for other types of hospital admissions, finds a new Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) report. The report is one of the first of its kind to look at hospital spending, utilization, prices, and out-of-pocket payments for mental health and substance use admissions for those younger than age 65 ...

A novel fabrication technique developed by a University of Connecticut engineering professor could provide the breakthrough technology scientists have been looking for to vastly improve the efficiency of today's solar energy systems. For years, scientists have studied the potential benefits of a new branch of solar energy technology that relies on nanosized antenna arrays theoretically capable of harvesting more than 70 percent of the sun's electromagnetic radiation and simultaneously converting it into usable electric power. But while nanosized antennas that also serve ...

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- If you ask a rat whether it knows how it came to acquire a certain coveted piece of chocolate, Indiana University neuroscientists conclude, the answer is a resounding, "Yes." A study newly published in the journal Current Biology offers the first evidence of source memory in a nonhuman animal. The findings have "fascinating implications," said principal investigator Jonathon Crystal, both in evolutionary terms and for future research into the biological underpinnings of memory, as well as the treatment of diseases marked by memory failure such as ...

Jefferies trader charged in $2 million investment fraud scheme Article provided by Stone Bonner & Rocco LLP Visit us at http://www.lawssb.com As the nation has begun to recover from the effects of the financial crisis, it has become clear that the economic turmoil was caused -- at least in part -- by unscrupulous practices in the mortgage and securities industries. In an effort to prevent similar events from happening again, federal regulators have been cracking down on suspected cases of securities fraud. In January 2013, federal authorities arrested a former ...

Recent recall prompts discussion of product liability Article provided by The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti Visit us at http://www.goldandalbanese.com In December 2012, the maker of the popular magnets Buckyballs officially discontinued the product after a months-long dispute with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The dispute prompts a closer look at consumer product safety and how manufacturers and sellers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Say goodbye to Buckyballs Buckyballs were powerful, rare-earth ...

Uncontested divorce may not be as simple as it seems Article provided by The Law Office of Silverman, Vorhis & Doan Visit us at http://www.lawgainesville.com Trends in the legal industry may lead consumers to think that traditional legal services are unnecessary. Uncontested divorce provides a good example of a false notion that legal services can be replaced by a canned, boilerplate process. There are even services that claim to provide the means to complete an uncontested divorce entirely online. While saving money can be a powerful incentive, when dealing ...

Immigration officials have more discretion than in the past Article provided by Law Offices of Matthew H. Green Visit us at http://www.arizonaimmigration.net Since taking office, President Obama's administration has deported approximately 400,000 people each year -- more than any administration since the 1950s. The federal government's Secure Communities program has been controversial, but the Obama administration has been pushing to expand the program nationwide. Despite the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE's claim it would not tear families apart by ...

Credit card debt presents a concern for Colorado residents Article provided by Northern Colorado Bankruptcy Center Visit us at http://www.nocodebt.com In today's economy, it is no surprise that many Americans struggle with debt. Business is still not back to where it once was, and although the economy is improving, there is still a long way to go. Because of these difficult times, it is also no surprise that credit card debt is on the rise. Recent reports The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has released a quarterly report on the nation's debt, and although ...

Fatal accidents are a growing problem in California Article provided by Law Offices of Stephen H. Verchick & Associates Visit us at http://www.verchicklaw.com/ In 2011, the number of fatal collisions dropped to its lowest point in over 60 years. According to a federal transportation data, 32,367 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2011. This figure represents a 1.9 percent decrease from 2010. In spite of this decline, a recent study shows that an alarming number of drivers have fallen asleep while at the wheel; according to a survey conducted by the ...

Surgical errors present a serious risk to patients Article provided by Law Offices of Stephen H. Verchick & Associates Visit us at http://www.verchicklaw.com/ Having surgery is an anxiety provoking situation for many people with medical issues. There are risks associated with all medical procedures and there is no guarantee that something will not go wrong during a surgery. Although advances in technology have made medical procedures safer, human errors, made by either surgeons or other members of the medical team, can cause serious problems for patients. California ...

Texas parents are increasingly dependent on child support Article provided by The Parker Firm Visit us at http://www.parkerandmontgomery.com Given the current state of the economy, many Texans have to make tough decisions regarding their spending habits. With the continuously increasing costs of almost everything, parents are quickly realizing the high expense associated with raising children. Consequently, parents who have primary custody of their children are now more than ever depending on child support payments from the other parent. Who pays and how much? In ...

Get a business valuation during divorce proceedings Article provided by White & White Attorneys at Law Visit us at http://www.thewhiteandwhitelawfirm.com Businesses that are owned by one or both spouses are treated as assets and can be split during divorce proceedings in Tennessee. When a couple is considering divorce, it is important to get a complete and accurate valuation of the family business from a professional appraiser. What is a business valuation? A business valuation is a process in which a business appraiser considers a variety of financial ...

E-prescribing is safer than sloppy handwriting Article provided by Law Offices of Steven I. Kastner Visit us at http://www.kastnerlaw.com MedicineNet.com reports that approximately 1.3 million people are harmed each year following a medication error in the United States. A medication error is defined as "any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer." Such errors are a product of health care procedures, practices and ...

Obtaining Social Security benefits for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Article provided by Law Offices of Lawrence D. Rohlfing Visit us at http://www.californiasocialsecurityattorney.com/ Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes significant fatigue that can debilitate the person. Symptoms of the disorder include pain, weakness, impaired memory or concentration and insomnia. Rest or sleep does not remedy the symptoms associated with the disorder. The condition may worsen with physical or mental activity. The disease can greatly reduce one's ability to complete daily activities. ...

Estate planning is important regardless of age and financial status Article provided by John M. Gasidlo, Esq. Visit us at http://www.ctestatelawyer.com Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy. Unfortunately, for those without an estate plan, the loss of a life can also lead to financial uncertainty. From the rich and famous to the neighbor next door, there are many examples of the struggles that can occur when one dies without an estate plan. John Denver, for example, died in a plane crash during a routine plane ride. His unexpected death left three ...

Social media sites may overreach when looking for sex offenders Article provided by Murphy & Vander Salm LLP Visit us at http://www.mvsllp.com Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have changed the way that people interact. As they become the primary means of communication for the younger generation, some parents and law enforcement officials have become concerned that sex offenders may be using the sites to connect with children and take advantage of them. In response to these concerns, some sites have stepped up efforts to identify and report potential ...

Study finds tired doctors at increased risk for car crashes Article provided by Riley and Fanelli, P.C. Visit us at newdomainname-1640544 Drivers often expect to encounter icy roads, construction zones and other hazards on our nation's roadways. Unfortunately, a new study released by experts with Mayo Clinic has found another danger driver's need to avoid: other drivers. The study focused on medical professionals and found sleep deprived residents were at "significantly increased odds of reporting a motor vehicle incident" than the general population. ...

An overview of child support in Texas Article provided by Piper & Turner, PLLC Visit us at http://www.piperturner.com Whether it is a divorce with children or a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, the financial aspects of the case can become even more important. It is customary that the Court will order a parent to pay some amount of child support to the other parent. This article provides information on several factors that affect a child support award, but parents should contact a knowledgeable family law attorney for information specific to their ...