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Science News Archive May 2022 - Page 5


Page 5 of 40

A cushy lab life has its evolutionary costs — when it comes to fish, that is

Researchers found that lab zebrafish have lost physiological plasticity, a characteristic that allows organisms to adjust to different environments, over time. This loss affects their ability to perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures, highlighting the costs of domestication.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

When hurricanes strike, social media can save lives

A recent study found that social media is a powerful tool for cities to communicate and collect information during emergencies. The research analyzed data from 23 Florida counties and their use of social media during Hurricane Irma, finding that many counties struggled with managing multiple social media accounts and correcting bad inf...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalDisasters·TypeCase study·DateMay 27, 2022

Women resent compliments about communality at work

New Cornell University research finds that women experience more frustration when praised for collaborative qualities than men, who are expected to be assertive. The study suggests that positive gender stereotypes can backfire and have negative emotional consequences for women in the workplace.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 27, 2022

No 'echo chambers' in Reddit climate debate

A recent study on Reddit climate debates found little evidence of echo chambers, instead revealing a mix of polarized discussions and deliberate debate. The researchers analyzed over 18,000 posts and 267,000 comments from 93,850 users to examine topics, information sources, and community dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Foreseeing risk of a stock price crash

Research suggests that non-GAAP earnings reports can lead to a higher risk of stock price crashes due to information asymmetry and manipulation. Companies use non-GAAP earnings to present a more positive picture, but investors should be cautious when managers have an incentive to mislead them.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateMay 27, 2022

Animals may evolve faster than previously thought

A new study suggests that wild animal populations can adapt more rapidly than scientists previously thought, thanks to a higher genetic contribution to differences in individual survival and reproduction. This rapid adaptation could aid species' odds of survival, but may be hindered by habitat loss and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

New study finds public health messaging could benefit from an ‘autonomy-supportive’ approach

A recent study by Durham University and Illinois Institute of Technology found that controlling message approaches can have negative effects on attitudes towards social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, an autonomy-supportive approach was shown to lower feelings of defiance and increase positive motivation.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022

Judges reduce sentencing when nudged with full social and financial cost of incarceration

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that judges give significantly shorter sentences when provided with the full costs and benefits of incarceration. The research team from Georgia State University recruited 87 Minnesota state judges who were given a fictional case summary with additional details on the negative c...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Standing physician orders had limited impact on guideline adherence in prescriptions to prevent febrile neutropenia

The study found that standing orders significantly raised guideline adherence for patients on intermediate FN risk regimens but did not change the FN rate among patients on chemotherapy at any risk level. Prophylactic CSF use rates were substantially below guidelines for both high-risk and low-risk regimens.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 26, 2022

Where rivers jump course

A global dataset of river avulsions confirms the existence of three distinct regimes: fan avulsions that occur when a river transitions to flatter topography, backwater-scaled delta avulsions found in low-sloping deltas along major waterways, and extreme sediment load delta avulsions triggered by intense flooding and sediment transport.

Molecular profiling identifies new high-risk subtype of pediatric liver cancer

Pediatric pathologists have discovered a new, aggressive subtype of liver cancer in children, characterized by molecular features that don't fit existing classification models. The tumors are less responsive to chemotherapy and have poor outcomes, prompting the development of a diagnostic algorithm to guide specialized treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Study: Medicine for inflammatory bowel disease may protect against severe COVID-19

A recent study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that biologic drugs for inflammatory bowel disease may improve the T-cell immune response in patients vaccinated against COVID-19. This could potentially offer protection against severe disease. The study suggests that these treatments may be used to monitor vaccine and booster outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 26, 2022

New BU study assesses the current status of thyroid hormone replacement therapy counseling in pregnant women, women of reproductive age

A new study found that most currently and previously pregnant women with hypothyroidism received adequate counseling on thyroid hormone replacement therapy during pregnancy. However, approximately one-third of patients who had never been pregnant received counseling, indicating a gap in care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThyroid·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

Drug resistance molecule can spread though bacterial 'communities'

A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

The “fuel of evolution” is more abundant than previously thought in wild animals

A new study has discovered that the raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than previously believed. Researchers found that many populations of birds and mammals can evolve surprisingly fast, with their genetic difference in survival and reproduction being two to four times higher than previously thought.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

Breathing to win: Scientists show importance of screening breathing patterns in athletic populations

A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Visual system brain development implicated in infants who develop autism

Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 26, 2022

New survey illustrates challenges associated with healthcare environmental hygiene in facilities worldwide

A global survey of 51 healthcare facilities from 35 countries found that 98% lacked key components of World Health Organization's multimodal improvement strategies for infection prevention and control. The study results will inform refinement of a self-assessment tool to enhance HEH practices globally, reducing healthcare-associated in...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateMay 26, 2022

Reshaping global policies for circular economy

The circular economy faces challenges in implementing international policies due to spatiotemporal dimensions of environmental risk and variability of global policies. The article proposes ways forward for anthropogenic circularity, including controlling toxic releases, international flow of materials, and harmonization of internationa...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalCircular Economy·DateMay 26, 2022

People must be 'heart' of climate action

The research highlights the importance of social science in engaging people and societies, ensuring a green transition that promotes wellbeing, equity, and fairness. The study suggests that both profound societal change and technical improvements are needed to meet climate goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 26, 2022