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Science News for July 31, 2014


Parenting skills improve in ADHD parents with medication

Researchers found that medication treatment for ADHD improved parenting skills in adults, leading to reduced negative child behavior and improved parenting practices. Parents who received lisdexamfetamine showed fewer commands, more responsive interactions, and increased praise compared to those on placebo.

SourcePenn State·JournalCNS Drugs·DateJul 31, 2014

Lead in teeth can tell a body's tale, UF study finds

A University of Florida study found that trace amounts of lead in human teeth can provide clues about a person's geographic origin. The discovery could help law enforcement solve cold cases by focusing investigations on specific regions based on the type and amount of lead isotopes present.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 31, 2014

Study finds physical link to strange electronic behavior

A Rice University-led team has found a physical link between magnetic properties and electronic behavior in barium iron nickel arsenide, a key material for high-temperature superconductivity. The study uses neutron measurements to reveal an analogous behavior in the material, providing new clues to understanding this phenomenon.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2014

Symbiotic survival

The Lucinidae family's symbiotic relationship with seagrasses dates back to the Cretaceous period, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-poor environments. This unique partnership provided a rich supply of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which the bivalves consumed and seagrasses benefited from the uptake of toxic sulfide.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJul 31, 2014

Misinformation diffusing online

The study highlights the importance of understanding how social networks facilitate the spread of misinformation. The researchers propose a taxonomy to analyze and mitigate the impact of semantic attacks on human behavior.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateJul 31, 2014

Vets' alcohol problems linked to stress on the home front

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly 14% of reserve soldiers returning from deployment experience alcohol abuse, almost double the civilian population rate. The study highlights the important role civilian life and stress play in cases of alcohol use disorder among National Guard members.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 31, 2014

Women in military less likely to drink than civilian women

A new study published in Armed Forces & Society found that female enlistees and veterans are less likely to drink than their civilian counterparts. The research suggests that the threat of sexual harassment and assault may contribute to this difference, with women potentially abstaining from alcohol to justify their military service.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateJul 31, 2014

Companion planets can increase old worlds' chance at life

Researchers found that an outer companion planet's gravitational pull can generate tidal heating, extending the habitable zone and potentially allowing older Earth-sized planets to host life. The study suggests that discovering such planets may lead to finding inner companion worlds, increasing their chance at hosting life.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 31, 2014

Heavy metals and hydroelectricity

The construction of the Upamayo Dam in Peru's central Andes led to the discharge of Río San Juan waters into Lake Junín, causing widespread contamination with heavy metals. Climate change and mining activities have exacerbated this environmental disaster, highlighting the need for sustainable hydroelectric practices.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJul 31, 2014

NYU CDUHR researchers look at prescription opioid abuse among young adults in NYC

A study by NYU CDUHR researchers found that peer group dynamics play a significant role in facilitating the transition from oral and/or intranasal prescription opioid (PO) use to heroin injection. Nonmedical PO users are at high risk of acquiring HIV and/or HCV through injection and sexual risk behaviors associated with drug use.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateJul 31, 2014

Shrinking dinosaurs evolved into flying birds

Researchers discovered that the theropod dinosaur lineage, which gave rise to modern birds, underwent an unprecedented phase of shrinking and evolutionary innovation. This transformation allowed bird ancestors to adapt to new environments, such as climbing trees and flying, ultimately helping them survive a deadly meteorite impact.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2014

Spin diagnostics

Physicists at the Joint Quantum Institute have developed an MRI-like diagnostic technique for studying large ensembles of interacting quantum spins. The method reveals spin-spin interaction strengths and energies of various configurations, offering insights into complex phenomena like magnetism.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2014

Researchers uncover clues to flu's mechanisms

The study reveals how hemagglutinin protein reconfigures itself as it infects host cells, providing new insights into the path of the flu virus. This understanding could lead to the development of a universal flu vaccine that lasts a lifetime.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2014

Scripps Research Institute scientists find new calorie-burning switch in brown fat

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified a signaling pathway that activates the powerful calorie-burning process in brown fat cells. The study found that a protein called GADD45γ works alongside PGC-1α to boost thermogenesis, offering new possibilities for treating obesity and diabetes.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2014