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What predicts the quality of children's friendships? Study shows cognition, emotion together play

Research suggests that children's attribution biases and emotional intensity are linked to the quality of their friendships. Children with hostile biases may engage in negative interactions, while those with benign biases may exhibit pro-social behavior when emotions are intense.

Research compares mouse and human kidney development

Recent studies have compared human and mouse kidney development, revealing deep conservation of certain processes but also significant differences in gene expression and cell structures. The findings provide new insights into the processes directing cells to form functional kidney structures and may help guide emerging stem cell techno...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 15, 2018

Maintaining tiger connectivity and minimizing extinction into the next century

A recent study by National Centre for Biological Sciences reveals that high traffic roads and densely populated urban areas hinder tiger movement in Central India. Simulations show that protected corridors delimited by the NTCA can mitigate this impact, highlighting the need for informed development plans that consider biodiversity and...

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 11, 2018

Afterschool program environments linked to academic confidence and skills

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that afterschool programs with positive, responsive, and organized environments can have significant academic benefits for students. The study examined the role of afterschool classroom environment in terms of academic outcomes for youth with and wi...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders·DateNov 6, 2017

Healthy lifestyle reduces cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes, NIH study shows

Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and found that adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and not smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after gestational diabetes. Women who failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle had a 43-percent-higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Pumas living near human development expend more energy

A study found that pumas in developed areas are more active at night, expending 10-11% more energy daily. This increased activity affects their ability to hunt and feed their young, highlighting the importance of conservation strategies in human-dominated landscapes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2017

Japanese children learn to write through rhythm

Researchers found that Japanese children's handwriting development involves distinct temporal patterns of movement, which differentiate subtle features of each symbol. This process is linked to an air writing phenomenon in Chinese character-based cultures, suggesting a unique approach to learning the hiragana script.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateJun 30, 2017

Pregnancy diet high in refined grains could increase kids' obesity by age 7

A National Institutes of Health study found that children born to women with gestational diabetes who consumed high amounts of refined grains during pregnancy were twice as likely to be obese at age 7. The study controlled for factors such as physical activity and vegetable consumption.

Vision keeps maturing until mid-life

The visual cortex develops until late 30s or early 40s, contradicting previous expectations that it matures in first few years of life. This discovery extends the timeline by 4.5 years, challenging current understanding of brain function and sensory areas development.

Reasons for eczema susceptibility uncovered

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 4, 2017

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Too much TV can impact primary school readiness for kids from low-income families

A Concordia study found that watching TV for more than two hours a day negatively impacts kindergarten readiness, particularly among children from lower-income families. The study suggests limiting screen time, especially in middle- to lower-income households, is crucial for early academic skills and executive functioning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2017

The glorification of history may give rise to a willingness to fight in a war

The World History Survey found correlations between historical beliefs and war willingness, with determinist views associated with higher aggression. Western countries tend to reject such views, while Asian nations and lower-developed countries accept them more. In contrast, developed countries with individualistic cultures oppose figh...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAsian Journal Of Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2017

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans

Scientists have discovered a new long RNA molecule, XACT, which accumulates with XIST on active X-chromosomes in human embryos. This finding explains why XIST is unable to trigger X-chromosome silencing until later stages of development. The research also reveals that XACT restrains XIST activity before chromosome silencing occurs.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 15, 2016