A study from Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain says cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability may play a large role in improving academic performance in children.

Three areas of physical fitness were examined individually and combined: cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength and motor ability. Analyzing 2,038 Spanish children’s data from the UP & DOWN Study, the researchers analyzed physical fitness, body composition and academic performance in the children ages six to 18.

To assess cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability, the children performed shuttle runs. Strength was tested by hand grips and long jumps.

Cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability were the most connected to improved school performance, both solely and combined. Children with lower levels of these two capacities also had lower school grades. Muscle strength, however, was not associated with academic performance.

Researchers conclude more effort should be placed in schools on promoting physical fitness, as well as coordination, agility and speed.

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Sourced from: medicalnewstoday.com, Cardio, motor fitness appear to boost kids’ academic performance

Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London have found common genes in people who smoke pot regularly and those with schizophrenia.

Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the study monitored 2,082 people who smoke pot and their genetic profiles, particularly genes that are related to schizophrenia. People who had the schizophrenia genes were more likely to smoke pot—and more frequently—compared to those who did not have the genes.

The researchers also looked at 1,000 pairs of twins and found similar patterns. Sets of twins that smoked pot had the greatest number of schizophrenia-related genes. Twin pairs where only one twin smoked pot had a moderate level of schizophrenia-related genes. Pairs where neither twin smoked had the lowest risk of schizophrenia-related genes.

One of the researchers said that the relationship between marijuana and schizophrenia may be more complex than originally thought and that more research is needed to better understand any possible link between smoking pot and mental health.

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Sourced from: livescience.com, Cannabis Habit and Schizophrenia May Have Genetic Link