Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 12


Page 12 of 42

Weight before pregnancy linked with children's neurodevelopment

Research suggests that mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy face a higher risk of compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes in their children, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy may also be crucial for optimal brain development.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity Reviews·DateNov 22, 2017

Intranasal ketamine has more minor side effects than intranasal fentanyl in children with acute pain

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that intranasal ketamine had more minor side effects such as bad taste and dizziness compared to intranasal fentanyl in children with suspected extremity fractures. No significant differences were observed in efficacy or pain relief between the two drugs.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 22, 2017

Bacteria as pacemaker for the intestine

Research at Kiel University has discovered that the bacterial colonization of the intestine controls peristaltic functions. The study found that only a balanced microbiome can regulate tissue contractions, with certain molecules secreted by bacteria intervening in the control mechanism.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2017

Time between pregnancies may affect autism risk

A study published in Autism Research found a correlation between shorter time intervals between pregnancies and increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in second-born children. The researchers suggested that couples planning pregnancy should discuss their options with a trusted doctor or healthcare provider.

SourceWiley·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 22, 2017

Low-salt & heart-healthy dash diet as effective as drugs for some adults with high blood pressure

A study of over 400 adults with prehypertension found that combining a low-salt diet with the DASH diet substantially lowers systolic blood pressure, especially in those with higher baseline readings. The combination diet resulted in reductions of up to 21mmHg in systolic blood pressure, surpassing the effect of prescription drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 22, 2017

Opening windows and doors may improve sleep

A recent study found that opening windows or doors reduces carbon dioxide levels in bedrooms, correlating with improved subjective sleep assessments. Lower CO2 levels also associated with better objective sleep measures, including efficiency and awakenings.

SourceWiley·JournalIndoor Air·DateNov 22, 2017

Towards better understanding of railway ballast

Researchers from CNRS and INSA Strasbourg propose a new mechanism to explain lower-than-predicted vibrations near tracks as train speed increases. They show that a large part of energy is trapped in the heterogeneous ballast layer, leading to accelerated degradation.

SourceCNRS·JournalComputational Mechanics·DateNov 22, 2017

The genome of Leishmania reveals how this parasite adapts to environmental changes

Scientists demonstrate that Leishmania adaptation results from frequent and reversible chromosomal amplifications, which enables the parasite to maintain genetic diversity while selecting for new alleles. This study has important consequences for understanding human Leishmania infection and identifying parasite drug resistance mechanisms.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 22, 2017

Reducing phosphorus runoff

A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateNov 22, 2017

Study examines which adolescents benefit most from sleep interventions

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 22, 2017

New research suggests high-intensity exercise boosts memory

Researchers found that six weeks of intense exercise improved high-interference memory, a type of memory that allows us to distinguish between similar objects. Participants who experienced greater fitness gains also showed increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting the growth and function of brain cells.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 22, 2017

Study examines the effects of a marijuana alternative

Researchers investigated the effects of synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018, finding initial impairments in neurocognitive function and subjective feelings of high. The results suggest that common use scenarios may not be fully represented by the low drug concentrations used in the trial.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateNov 22, 2017

Leaving the house every day may help older adults live longer

A study of community-dwelling individuals aged 70-90 found that leaving the house daily lowered mortality risk, independent of social, functional, or medical factors. Daily outings facilitated exposure to beneficial experiences and allowed resilient individuals to remain engaged despite physical limitations.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 22, 2017

Drug could cut transplant rejection

A diabetes drug that increases the movement of regulatory T cells into human organs may help prevent transplant rejection without side effects. Researchers found that the enzyme glucokinase is linked to increased movement of these immune cells, which act as guardians against organ rejection.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalImmunity·DateNov 21, 2017

Health of people with cystic fibrosis shows positive trends in US and Canada

Research shows cystic fibrosis patients in the US have better nutritional status and faster lung function improvements compared to those in Canada. The study suggests early implementation of newborn screening and quality improvement initiatives may contribute to these positive trends.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Air pollution linked to poorer quality sperm

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that air pollution is associated with poorer quality sperm. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 6,500 men in Taiwan, discovered a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and abnormal sperm shape.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Taking proton pump inhibitors not linked to higher dementia risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found no link between proton pump inhibitor use and increased dementia risk among older adults. The study reviewed data from 3,484 participants aged 65 and older, concluding that developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease was not associated with taking PPIs.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 21, 2017

Nano-watch has steady hands

Scientists at the University of Vienna have developed an incredibly stable nanoscale clock that can maintain its accuracy for extremely long periods. The clock, which consists of a levitated silicon cylinder, has a precision of one millionth of a second over four days.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

Bridging the gap

A team of UCSB researchers has developed a single-step method to convert methane into hydrogen while preventing the formation of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The process uses molten metals and results in a solid form of carbon that can be readily transported and stored indefinitely.