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Science News for April 29, 2012


Huge study finds brain networks connected to teen drug abuse

A large study of 1,896 14-year-olds found differences in brain networks that precede drug use and are associated with impulsivity. The findings suggest that certain teenagers are at higher risk for drug experimentation due to their brain's structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 29, 2012

Apartment dwellers often subjected to neighbors' tobacco smoke

Research shows that nearly one-third of apartment dwellers report smelling tobacco smoke in their buildings, with children being more vulnerable. A smoke-free building is crucial to protect shared indoor air, and residents receiving government housing subsidies are more likely to experience exposure.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

2 drugs better than 1 to treat youth with type 2 diabetes

A combination of two diabetes drugs, metformin and rosiglitazone, was more effective in treating youth with recent-onset type 2 diabetes than metformin alone. The study found that adding intensive lifestyle intervention to metformin provided no additional benefit.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2012

Fight or flight: Violent teens may be following parents' lead

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that adolescent violence can be attributed to parental attitudes and behaviors. Teens who fight often model what they see adult relatives do, highlighting the importance of involving parents in prevention programs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

TV alcohol advertising may play role in underage drinking

A recent study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found a significant link between recognition of TV alcohol advertisements and underage drinking. The study showed that 59% of underage youths previously drank alcohol, with those familiar with TV ads more likely to engage in binge drinking.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

Teen-led study highlights dangers of texting and driving

A teen-led study using simulators found that texting while driving poses significant risks, with drivers making more mistakes when their phones are in view or hidden. The research suggests that there is no 'safe' way to text and drive, emphasizing the need for stronger laws and education.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

Single nanomaterial yields many laser colors

A new prototype technology demonstrates all three primary laser colors coming from one material. This breakthrough could lead to making products such as high-performance digital displays that employ a variety of laser colors.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 29, 2012

Breastfeeding is associated with a healthy infant gut

A new study published in Genome Biology reveals that breastfeeding leads to a wider range of beneficial microbes in the infant's gut compared to formula feeding. The research also shows that breastfed infants' immune systems have developed to cope with the differences, promoting intestinal stability and defense against pathogens.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 29, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Orangutans harbor ancient primate Alu

Researchers have identified an ancestral Alu element in orangutan genomes, which has uniquely multiplied within the species. This discovery provides insights into primate evolution and diversity, with implications for understanding speciation processes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMobile DNA·DateApr 29, 2012

A middle-ear microphone

Researchers have created a tiny, prototype middle-ear microphone that can be implanted in the ear to avoid problems with current cochlear implants. The device has been successfully tested in cadavers and aims to reduce size and improve sound detection abilities for future human testing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 29, 2012

Familiarity with television fast-food ads linked to obesity

A new study finds that adolescents and young adults who recognize TV ads for quick-service restaurants are more likely to be overweight. The researchers surveyed 3,342 youths ages 15 to 23 years and found that those who recognized more ads were over twice as likely to be obese compared to those who recognized few ads.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Bioluminescent technology for easy tracking of GMO

A new bioluminescent real-time reporter (BART) technique combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detects genetically modified crops at 0.1% GM contamination levels, surpassing EU limits. This approach simplifies DNA extraction and detection, providing a field-ready solution for monitoring GMOs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateApr 29, 2012

Mom's stress during pregnancy can affect baby's iron status

Research suggests that maternal stress during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to lower iron levels in newborns, which may result in physical and mental delays. The study found a significant correlation between mothers' stress levels and their babies' cord-blood ferritin concentrations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012

Being left out puts youths with special needs at risk for depression

A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that youths with special health care needs are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression if they feel left out or bullied by their peers. The study found that ostracism was the strongest predictor of increased symptoms, highlighting the need for clear polici...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Driven to distraction

Researchers found a link between compulsive cell phone use and increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. A study showed that anticipating calls or messages can be an additional source of distraction contributing to crashes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 29, 2012