Cholesterol-Lowering Drug May Reduce Exercise Benefits for Obese Adults, MU Study Finds

May 15, 2013

Statins, the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide, are often suggested to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease in individuals with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of medical disorders including excess body fat and/or high levels of blood pressure, blood sugar and/or cholesterol. However, University of Missouri researchers found that simvastatin, a generic type of statin previously sold under the brand name “Zocor,” hindered the positive effects of exercise for obese and overweight adults.  Full Story
Related Media:   photo

New MU Survey Will Help Evaluate and Teach Students News Literacy

May 15, 2013

A crucial role of journalism is educating the public about important events and issues. However, impactful journalism requires consumers who are “news literate,” meaning they possess the ability to think critically about what they read and watch. Evaluating the level of an individual’s news literacy has long been a challenging task for educators and media researchers. Now, Stephanie Craft, an associate professor in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, along with former University of Missouri School of Journalism doctoral students Seth Ashley, who is now on the faculty at Boise State University, and Adam Maksl, who is now on the faculty at Indiana University Southeast, has developed a survey to measure news literacy and tested it with a key population demographic: teenagers. She says this survey instrument can be a helpful tool in teaching teens critical thinking skills regarding information they are exposed to through the media.  Full Story
Related Media:   photo

Recent Headlines

• Male Testosterone Levels Increase When Victorious in Competition Against Rivals, but Not Friends, MU Researchers Find
• Trying to be Happier Works When Listening to Upbeat Music, According to MU Research
• New MU Astrophysics Program Will Help Prepare Students for a Wide-Variety of Career Options
• 5,292 Graduates to Receive Degrees During MU’s Spring Commencement Ceremonies
• MU Researchers Develop App to Help Save Farmers’ Lives
• MU Expert Analyzes Fossil of Great Ape
• MU’s First African-American Professor Passes Away
• Encountering Connections May Make Life Feel More Meaningful, says MU Psychologist