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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 44

How common is sex for boys before age 13?

A study combining US survey data found that 7.6% of male high school students and 3.6% of males aged 15-24 reported having sex before age 13. The prevalence varied across metropolitan areas, with higher rates among non-Hispanic black and Hispanic males.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 8, 2019

Current methods may inadequately measure health impacts from oil, natural gas extraction

Current methods for measuring health impacts from oil and natural gas extraction are insufficient, with studies finding poor health outcomes near operations despite standard health benchmarks not being reached. The authors call for further research on emissions using accurate timeframes and proximity to extraction sites.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateApr 8, 2019

Identifying the grass pollen that gets up your nose

The study reveals that different grass pollens can cause varying reactions in allergy sufferers and people with asthma. By analyzing environmental DNA, researchers identified links between certain pollen types and days with increased asthma attacks or intense hay fever symptoms.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 8, 2019

Mount Sinai researchers develop treatment that turns tumors into cancer vaccine factories

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an innovative approach to cancer immunotherapy by injecting immune stimulants directly into a tumor. This 'in situ vaccination' teaches the immune system to destroy not only the primary tumor but also other tumor cells throughout the body, effectively turning the tumor into a vaccine factory.

Banned pesticides in Europe's rivers

A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 8, 2019

Expanding truck safety outreach program

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is expanding its Sharing the Road program to educate high school students on safe driving practices around commercial vehicles. Through the program, researchers will visit 15 mid-Atlantic high schools and provide hands-on experience for thousands of teen drivers.

These molecules could trap viruses inside a cell

Researchers at Purdue University discovered a molecule called heparan sulfate that can prevent viruses from escaping cells, raising questions about the safety of gene therapy delivery. The study highlights the need to consider how engineered viruses will exit cells to avoid unintended consequences.

SourcePurdue University·JournalVirology·DateApr 8, 2019

Experts issue new recommendations for the diagnosis & treatment of maternal sepsis

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating sepsis in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management. The recommendations are designed to improve care and prevent organ damage caused by sepsis, with a focus on increasing maternal survival rates.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 8, 2019

An EEG to assess a baby's developmental risk?

A two-center study used EEGs to assess the impact of maternal stress on infant brain development, finding distinct patterns in brain activity at just 2 months old. Babies whose mothers reported higher levels of stress tended to have lower power in higher frequency bands and relatively higher power in lower-frequency bands.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 8, 2019

Global warming and systems thinking

A survey of US adults found a positive correlation between systems thinking and climate change beliefs, suggesting that a systemic mindset promotes environmentally conscious attitudes. The study suggests that systems thinking can help both conservatives and liberals address climate change, regardless of their political views.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2019