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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 421


Page 421 of 444

Grassland ecosystems become more resilient with age

A new study analyzing a two-decade long grassland experiment found that plant species complement each other to produce stable biomass at the community level. This 'compensatory' effect is more pronounced in diverse communities, which also show increased stability and resilience over time.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

New soft robots poised to be more agile, controlled

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new system of fluid-driven actuators that enable soft robots to achieve more complex motions. The team's design allows for antagonistic motions and predicts the actuator's possible motions with a single fluid input, resulting in an actuator that can achieve far more complex movements.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJan 23, 2023

Mid-life moderate + vigorous physical activity quota associated with brain power

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that daily moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with mid-life brain power. However, replacing these activities with just 6-7 minutes of sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive performance. The study analyzed data from over 4,4...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

Global study of hypoxia in rivers shows it is more prevalent than previously thought

A recent study compiled over 125,000 river locations across 93 countries, showing that hypoxia in rivers is more prevalent than previously thought. The research found that 12.6% of all locations exhibited at least one hypoxic measurement, with warmer, smaller, and lower-gradient waters being most affected.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

UTHSC team’s COVID data system highlighted as model for public health preparedness, population health surveillance

A UTHSC team developed a unique community-focused COVID-19 data registry, MEMPHI-SYS, to guide public health policies and interventions nationwide. The registry collects demographic information, geographic locations, medical history, and risk factors, providing insights into the spread and presentation of COVID.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJan 23, 2023

Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy

Researchers have developed insect-sized jumping robots capable of navigating tight spaces, with a new study demonstrating two configurations that can successfully jump without manual intervention. The robots use a dynamic buckling cascade process to store and release elastic energy, allowing them to propel themselves upward.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

CHOP researchers develop tool that reduces errors in stem cell transplant reporting

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a custom-built application to automate the determination of engraftment after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The tool has been shown to improve accuracy of reported engraftments, reducing errors in neutrophil and platelet engraftment reporting.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalTransplantation and Cellular Therapy·DateJan 23, 2023

Meat import ban in Africa hurts local population

Researchers analyzed Ghana's chicken market, finding that EU imports depress local prices, harming poor and smallholder households. Higher tariffs would increase domestic prices, but benefits few, while cheap imports improve nutrition for low-income groups.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2023

Researchers find that to achieve long-term sustainability, urban systems must tackle social justice and equity

Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusivity and understanding past policies affecting marginalized communities in urban planning, design, and public policy efforts. The study identified three core focus areas: social justice and equity, circularity, and digital twins, to address environmental issues and infrastructure challenges.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

Dietary nitrate – found in beetroot juice - significantly increases muscle force during exercise

A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Insulin underuse in primary care requires clinicians to remove barriers to patient access

A survey of primary care clinicians revealed that 44% of patients experience cost-related insulin underuse, with those experiencing poor diabetes control not being more likely to report underuse. Clinicians can address this issue by using empathy to discuss cost barriers and increase the likelihood of changing insulin prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Dogs show things to humans but pigs do not

Researchers found that companion dogs, but not pigs, would show their owners the location of a food reward out-of-reach. This suggests that directing humans' attention to interesting locations may not be a universal ability among domestic animals. Dogs and other visually communicative species were more likely to use this behavior.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 23, 2023

Scientists have named regional factors that can affect the spread of COVID-19

Researchers found that regional factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures, population mobility, and household incomes significantly impact COVID-19 mortality rates. The study revealed that high humidity, low average temperatures, intensive migration, and higher incomes are associated with increased mortality.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPopulation and Economics·DateJan 23, 2023

Too little good quality sleep during teenage years may heighten subsequent MS risk

Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateJan 23, 2023

Hospitals without highest stroke care designation may miss them after heart procedure

A Michigan Medicine study found that hospitals with the highest stroke care designation reported significantly higher rates of stroke detection after TAVR. The study suggests that comprehensive stroke centers are better at detecting smaller strokes, but this does not necessarily mean they are finding more strokes overall.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

Can elephants save the planet?

A recent study reveals that elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and storing atmospheric carbon in African rainforests. The loss of forest elephants would lead to reduced carbon sequestration, amplifying planetary warming. With critically endangered populations, conservation efforts must prioritize protecting these...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

Pheasants at risk on unfamiliar ground

Researchers found that pheasants are more likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, with 40% of the birds meeting their demise. The study suggests that experience within an area plays a critical role in determining survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

A recent study finds that choosing a lucky CEO means bad luck for the hiring company

A recent study by Mario Daniele Amore and Sebastian Schwenen found that firms that hire lucky CEOs experience declining results. Lucky CEOs possess greater bargaining power, leading to higher compensation and more attractive job assignments. However, this is associated with poorer company performance and slower growth.

SourceBocconi University·JournalThe Journal of Law Economics and Organization·DateJan 23, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine - Holroyd

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with primary care practitioners and patients to document experiences with digital surveillance of infectious diseases. The study identified five frequently-mentioned concerns, including ambiguity around informed consent and the potential for discrimination against certain groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Primary care plays a role in helping patients with long COVID symptoms by providing holistic, trustworthy care

Researchers found that patients used various therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms, including mind-body medicine, nutritional supplements, exercise, and olfactory training. Many patients need more understanding, recognition, and specific post-COVID health care services, as well as empathy from their doctors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Academic and public health partnership creates data bridge to promote information sharing during COVID-19 pandemic

The authors created a data bridge between primary care and public health stakeholders in Alberta, Canada, to enhance the province's response to the pandemic. The data bridge enabled champions to emerge, trust to evolve, and integrative healthcare practices to take place, ultimately improving community-based responses.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Environment law fails to protect threatened species

Research by University of Queensland finds that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is not effectively protecting threatened habitats. Projects deemed 'significant' or 'not significant' have resulted in similar habitat destruction, highlighting inconsistencies in referral decision-making processes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJan 23, 2023

New brain map reveals secrets of camouflage

Researchers from the University of Queensland created a detailed outline of the cuttlefish brain structure and neuronal network, shedding light on their camouflage abilities. The study reveals that the cuttlefish's brain adaptations reflect their daily life requirements and ecology.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023