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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 509


Page 509 of 512

Sea-level rise and land subsidence in delta

Researchers analyzed 101 monthly stream and tide gauge records to estimate variations in relative water level in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta from 1968 to 2012. The study found RWL increased by approximately 3mm/year, similar to global mean sea-level increase, leading to estimated maximum land subsidence rates of 1-7mm/year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Commercial weight management groups could support women to manage their weight after giving birth

Women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy benefit from attending commercial weight management groups post-pregnancy, losing around 3kgs by 12 months. The researchers argue that a larger clinical trial is needed to determine the definitive health and cost-effectiveness benefits of such programs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJan 6, 2020

Boys who are bullied online may have more risky sex

A study of US high school students found that peer victimization is associated with depression and risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex and substance use. Cyberbullying, in particular, predicts increased risky sexual behaviors among adolescent boys, particularly when they are depressed.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·DateJan 6, 2020

Ooh là là! Music evokes 13 key emotions. Scientists have mapped them

A study of over 2,500 people in the US and China identified 13 universal emotional responses to music, including amusement, joy, and relaxation. The research provides a framework for understanding how music evokes emotions across cultures and has potential applications in psychology, therapy, and music streaming services.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Processed foods highly correlated with obesity epidemic in the US

A review article published by George Washington University researcher Leigh A. Frame found a strong correlation between processed food consumption and the rising obesity epidemic in the US. The study suggests that limiting ultra-processed foods and increasing whole grain, fruit, and vegetable intake can help combat weight gain.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Gastroenterology·DateJan 6, 2020

A better estimate of water-level rise in the Ganges delta

Scientists provided reliable regional estimates of land subsidence and water-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, projecting 85-140cm rise by 2100. The delta's 200 million inhabitants face significant flooding risks due to climate change, intense monsoon rainfall, rising sea levels, and land subsidence.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Sleep difficulties in children with Autism caused by shallower brain waves -- Ben-Gurion U.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that children with autism have trouble entering deep sleep and exhibit shallow brain waves, leading to severe sleep disturbances. The study suggests that increasing daytime physical activity, behavioral therapies, and pharmacological alternatives may help generate deeper sleep.

Wearable AC

Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Finding a new way to fight late-stage sepsis

Scientists at Ohio State University have created a treatment for late-stage sepsis using nanotechnology to transform donated immune cells into a powerful antibacterial drug. The therapy demonstrated significant improvements in survival rates and bacteria clearance in mouse models of sepsis.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 6, 2020

Collaborative conservation approach for endangered reef fish yields dramatic results

A collaborative conservation approach involving government agencies, researchers, and nonprofits has led to a significant recovery of Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands. The population increased by nearly threefold over 10 years, with rapid growth due to an increase in new, younger fish joining the aggregation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Poplar genetically modified not to harm air quality grow as well as non-modified trees

Research collaboration discovers genetically modified poplar trees can grow and produce biomass without emitting harmful isoprene. The modification allows trees to adjust to climate stress through natural seasonal cycles, retaining their growth potential. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable forest plantations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020