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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 15


Page 15 of 37

Parents have critical role in preventing teen drinking

A recent study found that parents have a significant impact on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol, with parental behavior and attitudes being key factors in preventing or delaying underage drinking. The study suggests that parents should discuss alcohol use with their children, set clear expectations, and avoid binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 20, 2017

Native leech preys on invasive slug?

Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJul 20, 2017

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 2017

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston are developing mathematical models to understand how cells in large colonies of bacteria communicate with each other. Their goal is to design colonies that can perform computations and make sophisticated decisions, mimicking the ability of tissues to maintain homeostasis.

Team traces masculinization in mice to estrogen receptor in inhibitory neurons

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified the specific hormone receptors and brain regions responsible for masculinization in mice. The study found that estrogen receptor alpha is essential in inhibitory neurons for male sexual and aggressive behaviors to emerge, while deleting it had no impact on excitatory neurons.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 19, 2017

Holograms taken to new dimension

Researchers have developed a new technology to create inexpensive full-color 2-D and 3-D holograms that are far more realistic, brighter and can be viewed at wider angles than current holograms. The applications for this technology could be wide-ranging, from currency and identification badges to amusement rides and advertisements.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017

Study: Supreme Court decision complicates prosecuting child abusers

A recent national survey of over 200 prosecutors found that the Supreme Court's 2004 decision in Crawford v. Washington has had a limited impact on prosecuting child abuse cases. Nearly 42% of prosecutors reported that the need for child testimony and prosecutions decreased, while insufficient physical evidence was the primary reason f...

Major communication gaps between doctors and home health care nurses revealed

A study by CU Anschutz researchers found serious communication challenges between HHC agencies and physicians following hospital discharge, citing medication list discrepancies, confusion over who wrote patient care orders, and inaccessible hospital records. Improvements in accountability and communication could address these issues an...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2017

How poverty may affect children's behavior

Research found that high-quality parenting reduces disruptive behavior and improves teacher-child relationships in children experiencing homelessness. However, severe poverty may overwhelm parenting's benefits, highlighting the need for interventions targeting both poverty-related risk and child resilience.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateJul 19, 2017

New treatment guidelines for pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS/PANDAS)

A comprehensive treatment framework is presented to guide the management of children with PANS/PANDAS, focusing on psychiatric interventions, infection prevention, and immunomodulatory therapies. The guidelines aim to improve symptom relief, functioning, and adherence to therapeutic interventions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 19, 2017

Sea temperature changes contributing to droughts

A study analyzing sea surface temperatures from 1957-2002 found that fluctuations contributed to persistent droughts in North America and the Mediterranean. The researchers showed that increased variability in ocean temperatures correlated with more extreme land temperature anomalies, leading to prolonged droughts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 19, 2017