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Science News for September 17, 2018


Researchers find children experience concussion symptoms three times longer than adults

Concussion symptoms in children under 13 typically last three times longer than in adults, according to a comprehensive review published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Active recovery, including academics and athletics, has emerged as a standard treatment, promoting progressive return to school and sports, whil...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateSep 17, 2018

Household cleaning products may contribute to kids' overweight by altering their gut microbiota

A Canadian study found that frequent use of household disinfectants alters the gut microbiota in infants, leading to higher body mass index scores and increased risk of childhood obesity. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaners may reduce this risk due to healthier maternal lifestyles and eating habits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 17, 2018

Scientists locate parent lightning strokes of sprites

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics in China used a long-baseline lightning location network to track more than 30 red sprites. The study found that most sprite-producing cloud-to-ground strokes occurred during the mature stage of an asymmetric mesoscale convective system, with locations typically within 10 km.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

After 150 years, a breakthrough in understanding the conversion of CO2 to electrofuels

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the conversion of CO2 to electrofuels, shifting from trial-and-error to rational catalyst design. They found that CO2 activation begins with one common intermediate, carboxylate CO2, which is attached to the surface with C and O atoms.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

New world record magnetic field

Scientists have recorded a massive 1,200 tesla magnetic field generated indoors, surpassing the strength of modern MRI machines and the Earth's magnetic field by millions of times. This achievement could pave the way for new discoveries in solid-state physics and nuclear fusion research.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateSep 17, 2018

UCLA researchers develop mechanism for characterizing function of rare tumor cells

Researchers at UCLA have created a quick and effective mechanism to measure how circulating tumor cells perform functions that drive disease, such as producing proteins that degrade tissue. The new approach enables scientists to understand how tumor cells act, rather than just what they are made from.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

Study IDs why some TB bacteria prove deadly

Researchers found that a single mutation in TB bacteria makes them resistant to antibiotics and elicits a weaker immune response, leading to higher mortality rates. The study suggests that the same approach may not work for drug-resistant TB strains.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 17, 2018

Witnessing violence in high school as bad as being bullied

A longitudinal study by researchers found that witnessing school violence in Grade 8 increases the risk of psycho-social and academic impairment in Grade 10. The study also revealed that bystander effects were similar to being victimized, with minor forms of violence predicting increases in social anxiety and depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateSep 17, 2018

Either too much or too little weight gain during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes in children aged 7 years

Research by Professor Wing Hung Tam and colleagues found that excessive or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic problems in children aged 7, including higher blood pressure and poor blood sugar control. The study suggests balancing weight gain to minimize adverse outcomes while co...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 17, 2018

Updated Estimates of frequency of adverse childhood experiences

A new study finds that people from black, Hispanic, and multiracial backgrounds, those with lower education levels and income, and the unemployed are more likely to have experienced childhood trauma. The most common adverse childhood experiences include emotional abuse, parental separation, and household substance abuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 17, 2018

Customized bio-synthetics

University of Konstanz chemist Professor Stefan Mecking has developed a method to synthesize tailor-made bio-synthetics by precisely determining the length of molecular chains. The newly synthesized material exhibits an extraordinary layered structure with great potential for application in high-tech membranes, such as batteries and wa...

Do rock climbers seek out high-risk climbs?

A study found that rock climbers seek out sites with more single-pitch routes, better landscapes, and lower median difficulty to reduce injury risk. The results suggest that decreasing injury risk generates significant welfare gains for climbers, with estimated values ranging from $18 to $327 per site.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateSep 17, 2018

New blood test detects early stage pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a new blood test that can detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages with 96% accuracy, providing a potential breakthrough for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The test uses an antibody microarray to identify specific immune-regulatory proteins and cancer-associated antigens.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 17, 2018

Thinking beyond yourself can make you more open to healthy lifestyle choices

A new study published in PNAS found that engaging in self-transcendence tasks can increase receptivity to health messages and lead to increased physical activity. Participants who reflected on values bigger than themselves showed greater brain activity in reward regions compared to those who focused on their own least important values.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

What recipes produce a habitable planet?

A cross-disciplinary team led by Rice University will investigate the formation of life-essential elements in rocky planets during their early evolution. The CLEVER Planets project aims to understand how these elements survive turbulent periods and ultimately lead to habitability, with a focus on rocky worlds beyond our solar system.

The gene code of growing limbs

Researchers identified six main combinations of five Hoxd genes involved in digit development in mice, providing a higher resolution and clarity in understanding how architect genes orchestrate the rhythm of development. This study offers a new perspective on limb patterning motifs and could pave the way for future genetic work.

Resynchronizing neurons to erase schizophrenia

Researchers at UNIGE successfully resynchronized neurons to correct desynchronization in neural networks, suppressing behavioral symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, offers promising results for a new therapeutic approach targeting defective inhibitory neurons.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 17, 2018

New school of thought: In-class physical exercise won't disrupt learning, teaching

Researchers found that two-minute bursts of in-class exercise breaks increased daily physical activity for elementary children without affecting math performance. Teachers reported that the breaks were doable and didn't disrupt learning, with most students returning to class work quickly after breaks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine·DateSep 17, 2018