A study by Brown University researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure can lead to lower IQ scores and language performance in children. The analysis of over 800 school-age children revealed a significant impact on intelligence, with an average IQ score reduction of 3.26 points.
Researchers trained monkeys to discriminate computer-generated images containing different numbers of objects and respond in ascending order. The study suggests that monkeys share human-like capacity for simple arithmetic, potentially tracing human intelligence to animal origins.
A recent study suggests that El Nino events can be predicted several months in advance, with seasonal averages in the tropics being the most predictable. The research identifies sea surface temperature, soil wetness, vegetation, and snow cover as key factors influencing weather patterns.
Researchers studied 1,200 female crack users, finding that exchangers were four times more likely to have been in substance abuse treatment and twice as likely to be homeless. The study aims to develop effective HIV prevention measures targeting women at risk of exchanging sex for drugs.
The Joint Genome Institute has exceeded its goal of sequencing 20 million base pairs for fiscal year 1998 and is on track to complete the entire human genome project in five years. The JGI's advanced technologies have enabled it to reach rates of over 2.5 million base pairs per month.
Researchers found that brain areas active during eye movements also control visual attention, shifting focus to peripheral areas. This discovery suggests a shared neural basis for these functions, with potential implications for understanding early mammalian cognition and primate social behavior.