The research shows that prenatal exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) is associated with slower brain maturation during the first month of life. Myelination is a key process in brain maturation, in which myelin coats neuronal connections and makes them more efficient for transmitting information. Newborns of mothers exposed to higher levels of fine airborne particles during pregnancy show slower myelination at this very early stage of life. Both a slowdown and an excessive acceleration of brain maturation can be harmful for the child.

In 2009, the US National Research Council called on law enforcement personnel to standardize the collection and analysis of forensic evidence. Here, scientists tested whether the latest training standard for canine detection of explosives is predictive of real-world performance. They tested 56 teams over 19 trials, including both standardized assessments and real-world scenarios. Performance in both types of trials was correlated, validating the new standard. However, the trials proved difficult: none of the teams currently met the officially required benchmarks. The authors recommend that canine teams should have access to a wider range of explosives for training to improve compliance.

A UNLV-led team of researchers has co-opted a common kitchen spice to create a new class of cannabidiol (CBD)-like medicines that show powerful seizure-reducing effects — offering a safer, more affordable, and more effective treatment for childhood seizure disorders than existing frontline therapies. Caraway seeds — a seasoning commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, and also known as meridian fennel — are the key ingredient behind researchers’ method.