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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 31

Computer games give a boost to English

A Swedish study found that young people who play interactive computer games for more than an hour a week have a larger English vocabulary compared to those who do not. The study also revealed a major difference between boys and girls in terms of their gaming habits, with girls spending more time on language-related activities online.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalReCALL·DateAug 28, 2014

Breaking benzene

Researchers develop a novel catalyst to cleave aromatic carbon-carbon bonds in benzene at relatively mild temperatures, offering unprecedented mechanistic details on hydrocracking. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and selective production of valuable materials from natural resources.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014

Orphaned children can do just as well in institutions

A three-year study across five low- and middle-income countries found that orphaned children in institutions are as healthy as those in family-based care. The type of residential setting was a poor predictor of child well-being, with country, neighborhood, and community being stronger predictors.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2014

New study charts the global invasion of crop pests

A new study led by the University of Exeter warns that many global crop-producing countries will be overwhelmed by pests within the next 30 years if current trends continue. The research identifies the most invasive pest species, including fungi and nematodes, which are expected to spread rapidly due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 27, 2014

What lit up the universe?

Researchers from UCL and collaborators aim to determine whether numerous small galaxies or rare quasars produce more ultraviolet light. A forthcoming survey will analyze detailed measurements of a million distant quasars to map the neutral hydrogen gas in the universe, revealing its history.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2014

Promising new cancer therapy uses molecular 'Trash Man' to exploit a common cancer defense

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel cancer therapy that leverages the autophagy defense mechanism to induce cell death in multiple myeloma cells. By targeting the p62 protein, the therapy disrupts autophagy and triggers apoptosis, resulting in increased effectiveness compared to t...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 27, 2014

Soda tax for adolescents and exercise for children best strategies for reducing obesity

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that a one cent per ounce excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, combined with physical activity programs and an advertising ban, could effectively reduce childhood obesity. The tax is expected to generate significant revenue for additional obesity prevention a...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 27, 2014

Parents, listen next time your baby babbles

Parents who engage with their infant's babbling can accelerate their child's vocalizing and language learning, according to a new University of Iowa study. Infants whose mothers responded to their babbling showed an increase in developmentally advanced vocalizations and began directing more of their babbling towards their mothers.

Researchers switch emotion linked to memory

The study reveals that the hippocampus can freely associate with either positive or negative emotions, while the amygdala is hard-wired for specific experiences. This flexibility may help explain the success of behavioral therapy for phobias and PTSD, and suggests novel treatments for depression and other disorders.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014

Kessler Foundation scientists study impact of cultural diversity in brain injury research

Researchers emphasize the need for cultural competence in brain injury research and rehabilitation to address growing minority populations and their higher risk of poorer outcomes. Studies highlight persistent health disparities among minorities with acquired brain injury, underscoring the importance of patient-centered interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateAug 27, 2014

Pacific plate shrinking as it cools

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Nevada have found that cooling of the Pacific plate causes horizontal contraction and deformation. The rate of contraction is faster in younger parts of the plate, leading to a predicted 10 times faster contraction than older parts.

SourceRice University·JournalGeology·DateAug 27, 2014