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Dec 29 2024HEALTH

Exploring Parent-Led CBT for Anxious Autistic Kids: What Matters Most?

You might have heard that parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help autistic kids with anxiety. A recent study checked this out. It found that having parents guide their kids through a CBT workbook, with some therapist help, did reduce anxiety and related problems. But the researchers w

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Dec 29 2024HEALTH

Autism and the Brain: How Boys and Girls Differ

Ever wondered how autism affects the brain differently in boys and girls? Let's dig into a study that used a fancy tool called FOCA (FOur-dimensional Consistency of local neural Activities) to check out the brain activity of 64 boys and 64 girls with autism, plus the same number of boys and girls wi

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Dec 28 2024HEALTH

Bird Flu: A Growing Concern in the US

Scientists are worried that bird flu might be changing to spread more easily to humans. The US just reported its first severe case. A woman from Louisiana got very sick after touching sick or dead birds. She's over 65 and has other health issues. So far, 65 people in the US have caught bird flu this

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Dec 28 2024RELIGION

The Dalai Lama Dilemma: What Happens Next?

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is nearing 90 years old. As he ages, the future of his role becomes uncertain. The Chinese government, which controls Tibet, has the power to choose the next Dalai Lama. This could mean the end of the current line of Dalai Lamas. The Dalai La

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Dec 28 2024HEALTH

Friendship and Mental Health: A Two-Way Street in Preadolescence

You might have heard that good friends can help you feel better when you're down. But have you ever thought about how this works the other way around? Researchers wanted to see if feeling good or bad also affects how well you get along with others. They looked at kids in preadolescence, a time when

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Dec 28 2024POLITICS

Finding Common Ground: Massachusetts Lawmakers Unite on Healthcare Bills

In a last-minute agreement, Massachusetts lawmakers decided to join forces on healthcare bills that focus on improving accessibility and affordability. After months of separate discussions, the House and Senate reached a common ground on the weekend before the end of their term. They aim to vote on

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Dec 28 2024HEALTH

2025: Americans' Top Resolutions

As we step into 2025, many Americans are eager to make some changes. A recent survey found that health, exercise, and diet are at the top of most people's lists. This isn't surprising, given that obesity has been a big issue in the U. S. for a long time. But last year, something interesting happened

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Dec 28 2024HEALTH

Xanthine Oxidase: A Key Target in Gout Treatment

Ever wondered what causes gout, that painful arthritis flare-up? It's all about uric acid, and a crucial enzyme called xanthine oxidase (XO). Picture XO as a little worker in our bodies, responsible for producing uric acid from purines like hypoxanthine and xanthine in the final steps of a process c

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Dec 28 2024HEALTH

Moms of Kids with Autism: Stress, Coping, and Seeking Help in Turkey

Research shows that moms with kids who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often feel depressed and hesitate to look for professional psychological help. A study in Istanbul, Turkey, delved into how these moms handle stress, and if their coping strategies affect their willingness to seek help. The s

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Dec 28 2024SCIENCE

How Manta Rays' Fins Evolved for Underwater Flight

Manta rays and their relatives, like the cownose ray, have fins that are uniquely adapted for life in the open ocean. These fins are split into two parts, each serving a different purpose: one for eating and the other for moving. This special adaptation started with the little skate, a distant relat

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