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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 19


Page 19 of 38

Doctors help parents talk with their teens about sex, alcohol

A randomized clinical trial found that interventions targeting parents in primary care pediatric settings can improve communications between parents and teens about sexual health and alcohol use. The study showed an increased frequency of parent-teen communications about these topics in intervention groups compared to the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019

Decoding the scent of a plant

Researchers found that herbivores like cutworm larvae can detect and respond to plant volatiles, triggering an immune response and protecting against parasitoid attacks. This unique ability allows the insects to 'smell' chemicals and counteract, revealing a new mechanism of communication between plants and their enemies.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateAug 16, 2019

Doped photovoltaics

A Chinese-German team developed a way to boost electric conductivity of organic solar cells, increasing their performance. By doping metal oxide interlayer with modified organic dye, both efficiency and stability were improved.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 16, 2019

Scientists assess reliability of multiple precipitable water vapor datasets in Central Asia

Researchers evaluated satellite and reanalysis PWV datasets against radiosonde observations in Central Asia, finding ERA5 and MERRA2 perform better in climatological characteristics and interannual variations. The study provides valuable information for future research on water cycle in Central Asia.

Cannabis-related poison control calls for Massachusetts kids doubled after medical pot legalized

Massachusetts kids experienced a doubling of cannabis-related poison control calls after medical marijuana was legalized, with single-substance exposure increasing 140% and edible products linked to most age groups. The study calls for stronger regulations to prevent unintentional exposure among young children and enhanced efforts to p...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2019

Sensory impairment and health expectancy in older adults

Research found that people with sensory impairments can expect fewer years of remaining life with limited physical function and ADLs. Those with both vision and hearing impairments had the greatest reduction in health expectancy, spending nearly one-third of their life with limitation in physical function.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 15, 2019

Financial abuse of older adults by family members more common than scams by strangers

A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateAug 15, 2019

Trauma begets trauma: Bullying associated with increased suicide attempts among 12-to-15-year-olds

A global study found that bullying victimization is associated with a three-fold increased risk of suicide attempts among young adolescents. The study, which analyzed data from 48 countries, also found that the duration and frequency of bullying are key factors in predicting suicidal behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2019