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Science News for March 28, 2008


Are teenage brains really different?

The adolescent brain experiences increased connectivity and integrative processing, with gray matter peaking in childhood and declining thereafter. These changes enable increased executive functioning, novelty seeking, and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 28, 2008

Uncovering the mechanisms of lightning varieties

A team of researchers has developed a unified theory of lightning discharges, explaining how different types of lightning form. The study reveals that blue jets and bolts from the blue are triggered by specific charge imbalances in clouds, with the height of the cloud influencing their formation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 28, 2008

How dangerous is boxing for the brain?

A study of 42 amateur boxers found microhemorrhages in three cases, a potential precursor to Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, the differences were not statistically significant, leaving conclusive statements unclear. Further research on professional boxers is planned to assess intensive exposure to blows.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateMar 28, 2008

Firing photons makes advance in space communication

Researchers have successfully fired photons back and forth between a space satellite and a ground-based station, demonstrating the possibility of a secure quantum communication channel. The achievement marks an important step towards global communication via satellites using quantum mechanics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 28, 2008

Early living together, marriage and parenting benefits some young adults

A Penn State study found that early living together, marriage, and parenting can have positive benefits for some young adults, particularly those from low-income families. The researchers compared depressive symptoms between those who made an early family transition and those who did not, and found few differences between the two groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 28, 2008