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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 69


Page 69 of 486

The medieval Catholic church's influence on psychology of Western, industrialized societies

A study by Jonathan Schultz et al. reveals how the medieval Catholic Church's marriage policies replaced extended kin networks with nuclear households, contributing to increased individualism and less conformity in Western populations. The researchers controlled for variables such as education and income to support their findings.

Study finds sex bias in bird conservation plans

A new study reveals that conservation plans often overlook habitats used by females, putting declining species at greater risk. Researchers found that female birds face a higher threat to their habitats than males, highlighting the need for inclusive conservation strategies.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 7, 2019

Research reveals potential dangers during skin-to-skin contact for mother and baby following cesarean section birth

Researchers warn of risks in allowing skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns after a C-section, as cardiac activity can interfere with electrocardiogram readings. Both cases involved abnormal heart rhythms triggered by the baby's touch on ECG electrodes, highlighting the need for safe protocols.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateNov 7, 2019

Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateNov 6, 2019

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateNov 6, 2019

FOCUS may lower PE diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vitals

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FOCUS) can significantly lower the likelihood of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis in ED patients with suspected PE and abnormal vital signs. The results suggest that FOCUS can be an important tool in the initial evaluation of these patients.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 6, 2019

Study: Actually, potted plants don't improve indoor air quality

Researchers from Drexel University review a decade of studies on the air-purifying effects of potted plants and find that natural ventilation is far more effective at cleaning the air than plants. To compete with building air handling systems, it would take between 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateNov 6, 2019

VA investigates impact of opioids, sedatives on veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating the impact of opioids and sedatives on veteran health, with a focus on reducing overdose and death rates. The study aims to identify effective treatment strategies for co-prescribing these medications, which have been linked to increased risks of respiratory depression and suicide.

A novel method for analyzing marine sediments contributes to paleoclimate reconstitution

Researchers developed a novel method using quartz and feldspar grains from the Parnaíba River in Brazil's Northeast region. The analysis reveals significant differences in luminescence between samples from headwaters and lower reaches of the river, reflecting changes in precipitation patterns over the past 30,000 years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateNov 6, 2019

NIH-funded study: Placenta imaging method may aid diagnosis of pregnancy complications

Researchers developed a new imaging technique to track maternal blood flow to the placenta, identifying women at risk for complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The study found that women with reduced placental blood flow later developed one or more complications.

Imaging test may help predict the success of labor induction

Researchers tested an imaging technique to assess cervix stiffness before labor induction, finding it can predict successful outcomes and potentially reduce cesarean rates. The study suggests a new ultrasonic assessment method could replace manual evaluation for more accurate information.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateNov 6, 2019

Neuron circuitry from brain signals

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a machine learning model that reconstructs neuronal circuitry by analyzing brain signal spikes, estimating the strength of nerve connections with high accuracy. The findings, published in Nature Communications, have the potential to elucidate how different brain regions process information.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2019