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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 427


Page 427 of 444

Solved: The secret to long lived leaves

A study published in Science Advances reveals that the lifespan of a tree leaf is determined by environmental factors such as climate and soil conditions. The researchers found that evergreen conifers make longer-lived leaves in colder climates, while deciduous trees produce shorter-lived leaves in warmer environments.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

New paper offers best practices for LGBTQ+ field scientists and mentors

A new paper provides evidence-based strategies to create safer experiences for marginalized gender and sexual identities in ecological field research. The authors recommend comprehensive protocols, safety plans, inclusive housing policies, and affirming healthcare to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

New study showed how people interacted with chatbots during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study analyzed nearly 20,000 conversations between online users and a chatbot called SimSimi to understand user interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that daily chats with the chatbot mostly led to positive emotions and reduced negative moods during lockdowns.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Mummified crocodiles provide insights into mummy-making over time

A study of 10 mummified crocodile remains discovered in an undisturbed tomb at Qubbat al-Hawā offers new insights into pre-Ptolemaic mummification practices. The unique preservation style suggests a different approach to carcass evisceration and resin use compared to other archaeological sites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Reducing total calories may be more effective for weight loss than intermittent fasting

A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 18, 2023

Increase in marine heatwaves expected to affect organisms at bottom of food chain, study suggests

Researchers found that larvae of the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab survived less in warmer water and underwent physiological changes due to higher acidity. Marine heatwaves will be harmful to species and those that feed on them, with potential economic losses to fisheries. Further research is needed to understand the effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·DateJan 18, 2023

New research shows humans impact wolf packs in national parks

A recent study found that human-caused mortality triggers instability in wolf packs in national parks, decreasing the chance of pack persistence and reproduction. Wolves living outside park boundaries are at a higher risk of being killed by humans, with poaching being the most common cause of death.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Separation leads to significant but temporary gender differences in parent-child time

A study by sociologists from Trinity College Dublin and UNED Madrid found that parental separation results in significant but temporary increases in gender inequalities in parent-child time. After separation, mother-child time doubles while two-parent time declines threefold, with father-child time remaining low.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·TypeSurvey·DateJan 17, 2023

Forest landslides’ frequency, size influenced more by road building, logging than heavy rain

A long-term study of forest landslides in the Pacific Northwest reveals that management history has a greater impact on landslide frequency and severity than rainfall. The research, led by Oregon State University, found that decades of road building and logging practices affected flooding, landslides, and erosion patterns.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Study explores effects of resistance training in older adults at the cellular level

A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Exposure to World Trade Center dust exacerbates cognitive impairment in an animal model of Alzheimer’s

Researchers found that mice exposed to WTCPM dust exhibit impaired spatial recognition and memory, as well as changes in genes related to immune-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a peripheral-brain immune inflammatory 'cross-talking' mechanism that may increase cognitive decline risk.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2023

New molecular blocker halts breast cancer metastasis

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have discovered a new molecular blocker that successfully halted breast cancer metastasis by targeting the Pyk2 and cortactin interaction. The study's findings provide significant hope for fighting breast cancer, as the blocker inhibited metastasis formation in breast cancer-bearing mice.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalOncogene·DateJan 17, 2023

Intelligent Computing: The state of the art

The field of intelligent computing has made significant progress, focusing on autonomous perception, information gathering, analysis, and reasoning. Key findings include the need to develop more flexible systems that can accommodate diverse forms of intelligence through computing.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateJan 17, 2023

Modified CRISPR-based enzymes improve the prospect of inserting entire genes into the genome to overcome diverse disease-causing mutations

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital created a new class of technologies called CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs) to overcome diverse disease-causing mutations. The optimized approach improves product purity and genome-wide specificity, offering a potential solution for inserting entire genes into the genome.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023