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The ethics of research on conscious artificial brains

A team of researchers from Kobe and Kyoto universities proposes an ethical framework for conducting research on conscious brain organoids. The framework assumes that brain organoids already possess consciousness and recommends guidelines similar to those for animal experiments. Key considerations include minimizing the number of organo...

SourceKyoto University·JournalNeuroethics·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 12, 2022

Researchers map lung development after birth into late childhood for the first time

Scientists have constructed a detailed map of lung development after birth, providing insights into the genetic and epigenetic factors that affect lung health. The study used next-generation single-cell sequencing technologies to analyze over 80,000 human and mouse lung cells, revealing clues on how cell types communicate and develop.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Genomics·DateApr 11, 2022

Child abuse investigations may not prevent poor sexual health outcomes in girls

A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

How toddler-mother attachment impacts adolescent brain and behavior

A study found that adolescents with insecure toddler-mother attachment overestimate the trustworthiness of strangers and have reduced brain activity when viewing untrustworthy faces. Securely attached youth, on the other hand, are more open to processing negative social cues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2022

Scientists identify neural disruptions underlying feeding, swallowing disorders in children

A study published in Disease Models & Mechanisms reveals that premature differentiation of pain-sensing neurons and increased mechanosensory neuron production contribute to the development of pediatric dysphagia. The researchers found that disruptions in neural crest cell interactions lead to cranial nerve dysfunction.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Lonely teenagers at greater risk of poor educational outcomes

A new study from King's College London found that lonely teenagers are at a greater risk of poor educational outcomes and negative mental health issues. Participants who experienced loneliness during early adolescence were more likely to finish school with lower grades and experience problems such as depression and anxiety by age 18.

SourceKing's College London·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Connection to racial identity may boost body image in Black youth

A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Naturally healthy: How much do adolescents know about food?

A study found that adolescents' ratings of food products were influenced by naturalness, with simpler judgments on taste components. Experts also applied the same rule, but with more consistent knowledge about food ingredients. The results suggest that nutrition education for adolescents should target their knowledge about food ingredi...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

How do the effects of childhood abuse extend into middle age?

Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2022

Fingerprint patterns are linked to limb development genes

Researchers found fingerprints influenced by genes responsible for limb development, shedding light on phenotypical traits in humans. The study identifies 43 genome regions associated with fingerprint patterns and suggests a link between dermatoglyphic patterns and congenital genetic disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

Employee training pays off with fewer layoffs

Investments in employee training decrease reliance on layoffs during pandemic-induced financial pressures. Banks with higher levels of training made more cuts to expenses in other areas, reducing workforce reductions. Employee training offers stronger job protection when paired with investments in physical capital and technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 6, 2022

UConn study: Improved parenting reduced youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children

A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Breakthrough research on human embryo models paves the way for improving in vitro fertilization success rate and new non-hormonal, user-friendly contraception

Researchers have discovered molecules that could be candidates for contraceptives or fertility enhancers using human blastoid models. These models also show promise in improving the self-organization of stem cells during IVF procedures.

It takes guts to make a heart

Researchers developed a new kind of organoid that grows both heart and gut cells together, mirroring their cooperation in embryonic development. This breakthrough could improve understanding of tissue communication and inform research into congenital disorders.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 2, 2021

When older couples are close together, their heart rates synchronize

A study from the University of Illinois examines how spatial proximity affects relationship dynamics in older adult couples. The researchers found that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in a lead-lag relationship, indicating a complex interplay between physiological responses and interaction patterns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Scientists discover how our brain uses nutritional state to regulate growth and age at puberty

Researchers found that a receptor in the brain detects nutritional state and regulates puberty timing and growth rate, explaining why humans have been growing taller and reaching sexual maturity earlier over the past century. The discovery has immediate practical implications for testing children with growth delays.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021

Air pollution caused 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, new study finds

A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.

SourceBoston College·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2021

A study of skull growth and tooth emergence reveals that timing is everything

A study by Arizona State University researchers reveals that the coordination between facial growth and chewing muscle mechanics determines when adult molars emerge. The study found that human molars come in at a later age due to slow jaw growth and short faces, which creates a mechanically safe space for molar emergence.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

“They do not care about us. They have forgotten us.” New research shows disability organisations were ‘unsung heroes’ of the COVID-19 pandemic

Research shows that people with disabilities were disproportionately excluded from pandemic planning and relief efforts, but representative disability groups provided life-saving support. Disability organisations worked tirelessly without funding to plug gaps, highlighting the need for inclusive disaster responses.

An ancient disaster

Researchers have found conclusive evidence that a massive cosmic airburst destroyed the biblical city of Tall el-Hammam in the Jordan Valley around 3600 years ago. The impact, which is believed to be equivalent to a 12-megaton explosion, was characterized by temperatures exceeding 2,000°C and the formation of melted metals and glass.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021

Learning from a ‘living fossil’

A Spartan-led team has assembled the most complete picture of the bowfin genome to date, revealing striking similarities between bowfin gas bladder development and human lung development. This breakthrough provides a better model for studying human health and disease, with potential implications for understanding evolutionary history.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 30, 2021