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Cigarette smoking may cause physical changes in brains of young smokers, UCLA study shows

A UCLA study suggests that young adult smokers may experience physical changes in their brains due to cigarette smoking, which could explain why adults who began smoking at a young age stay hooked on cigarettes. The researchers found that brain structure changes were linked to the amount of smoking exposure and nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2014

Childhood adversity launches lifelong relationship and health disadvantage for black men

A new study by Debra Umberson and colleagues found that black men are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences, leading to poor relationships and health outcomes in adulthood. The study suggests that policies targeting early childhood development may help reduce racial disparities in health.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2014

Will your child be a slim adult?

A novel study found that adults who reported lower childhood experiences related to healthy eating, physical activity, and social connections were more likely to have a slim adult life. Conversely, those with common unhealthy childhood experiences such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and bullying had higher adult BMIs.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Your brain is fine-tuning its wiring throughout your life

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry investigates the relationship between age and neurocognitive performance in 296 healthy volunteers. The researchers found that white matter tracts developed during adolescence and young adulthood are associated with learning, memory, and planning abilities.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2014

Bed bugs grow faster in groups

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that bed bug nymphs develop 2.2 days faster when living in groups than as solitary individuals. This significant difference suggests that social interaction plays a key role in accelerating bed bug development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 8, 2014

Worker wasps grow visual brains, queens stay in the dark

A new study reveals that queen paperwasps have smaller visual processing brain regions than workers, suggesting environmental factors shape caste differences. The research highlights the importance of considering individual brain differences within insect colonies for studying neuroecology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJan 6, 2014

Childhood bullying shown to increase likelihood of psychotic experiences in later life

A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that childhood bullying significantly increases the likelihood of psychotic experiences in later life, affecting victims, perpetrators, and bully-victims. The research suggests early interventions against bullying in primary school could prevent long-term effects on mental health.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 17, 2013

Bonobos stay young longer

A study found that bonobos have higher levels of thyroid hormone T3 until adulthood, unlike humans and chimpanzees. This might impact their social behavior and cognitive development, potentially leading to delayed maturation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateDec 17, 2013

LSUHSC research finds inflammation linked to obesity in adults may be protective in young children

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that pro-inflammatory proteins associated with adult obesity may actually protect young children from insulin resistance. The research team studied obese and non-obese African-American and Caucasian children, aged 7-9, to better understand inflammation's role in developing...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 4, 2013

Breakthrough in adult heart repair

Researchers have made a significant discovery in adult heart repair by identifying the Hippo pathway as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve heart function after a heart attack and reduce the severity of heart disease.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateNov 19, 2013

Movin' on out

A new study from Concordia University reveals that parents and peers are vital for millennials leaving home, providing both practical and emotional support. The research, conducted with 32 emerging adults, found that peers were a key source of information about moving out and adopting strategies for autonomous living.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de la Jeunesse·DateNov 6, 2013

More than just type 1 or type 2: DiMelli study points to different forms of diabetes

Researchers found that autoimmune type 1 diabetes is distinct from type 2, but phenotypic features can't be clearly assigned to specific disease types. The DiMelli study suggests a continuum of forms and mixed diabetes phenotypes, requiring refined criteria for diagnosis and treatment.