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UF survey: Florida consumer confidence jumps in December

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians rose three points to 69 in December, reflecting a cautious optimism in the economy, according to a recent University of Florida survey. Though the latest figure is only one point below the level set in December 2010, it also marks the highest rank in the past nine months.

Filed under Business, Florida, Research on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

UF, Moffitt researchers find blood cancer may be more common than realized

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A group of life-threatening blood disorders collectively called myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, may occur four times more often than reported by national cancer registries, according to new research from the University of Florida based on data from Medicare claims.

Filed under Gender, Health, Research on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Hellbender salamander study seeks answers for global amphibian decline

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new study co-authored by University of Florida researchers on the endangered Ozark Hellbender giant salamander is the first to detail its skin microbes, the bacteria and fungi that defend against pathogens.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Monday, December 19, 2011.

New breakthrough shows promise for affordable plastic solar energy cells

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida researchers report they have achieved a new record in efficiency with a prototype solar cell that could be manufactured using a roll-to-roll process.

Filed under Engineering, Environment, Research on Monday, December 19, 2011.

UF researchers develop first method to accurately measure zinc in humans

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Zinc is an essential nutrient, but until now, there has not been an effective way to measure it in our bodies, say University of Florida researchers.

Filed under Health, Research on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

UF researchers document caterpillars that mimic one another for survival

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In the world of insects, high risk of attack has led to the development of camouflage as a means for survival, especially in the larval stage. One caterpillar may look like a stick, while another disguises itself as bird droppings. Though crypsis may have its advantages, University of Florida researchers uncovered some of the most extensive evidence of caterpillars using another strategy previously best-known in adult butterflies: mimicry.

Filed under Environment, Research, Sciences on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

Study aims to prevent underage drinking in American Indian communities

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Institute for Child Health Policy in partnership with Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Services has received a $4.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study ways to prevent underage drinking.

Filed under Health, Research on Monday, December 12, 2011.

Satellite imagery helps researchers track, potentially control, disease

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Using satellite images to measure nighttime light levels streaming from West African cities could prove to be an important new tool in fighting the spread of measles, according to a new study.

Filed under Health, Research on Thursday, December 8, 2011.

UF veterinarians hope new gene chip will help detect, treat West Nile virus in horses and humans

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A new “gene chip” developed at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine sheds light on brain response in horses infected with West Nile virus and could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat both equines and humans, researchers said.

Filed under Health, Research, Veterinary on Wednesday, December 7, 2011.

High blood pressure may point to hidden health problems for kids in the ER

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More than half of children admitted to an urban Florida pediatric emergency department had elevated blood pressure, according to a study published in the journal Pediatric Emergency Care.

Filed under Health, Research on Thursday, December 1, 2011.