A new study suggests that having higher muscle mass could be linked to a lower risk of diabetes. The finding that more muscle mass is beneficial is consistent with what's already known about muscle, fat and metabolism, said Daniel Rubin of the School of Medicine's Division of Endocrinology. "Extra fat has bad effects, but more muscle has good effects. These data are also consistent with data we see on exercise, that it helps decrease diabetes risk, and that a lack of exercise and weight gain increase risk," he said.

Fruits for the Spirits, a farmers' market at 23rd and Berks streets in North Philadelphia, has brought together more than farmers. The market is a collaboration between Temple's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Korman Communities, Project H.O.M.E. and Fresh Grocer. Steve Korman, CEO of Korman Communities, is funding the project. Fresh Grocer provides the produce at wholesale price, but the market even discounts that. The aim: to build community ties while instilling healthy eating habits.

The Institute of Medicine recently identified eight preventive services that could improve women's lives and should be covered by health insurance plans at no cost to the consumer. Deborah Nelson, professor of public health at Temple, said that co-pays can often provide a financial barrier to health care. "For example, there is a group of women who have a higher mortality rate for cervical cancer, and an HPV test can help close that gap.

Past research in the area of consumer behavior has tended to focus on the unconscious influence of role models and celebrities on adolescents and the influence of children on family purchases. But a new study by Temple marketing professor Ayalla Ruvio broadens the existing mimicry literature by uncovering the factors that lead mothers to intentionally copy, or "doppelgang," their daughters' style. "It's far more profound than simply buying the same products or brands," says Ruvio. "It's about intentionally wanting to have the same identity."