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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 14


Page 14 of 29

Resource-efficient and climate-friendly with sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that sodium-ion batteries have an equivalent climate impact as lithium-ion batteries without the risk of raw material depletion. They identified potential measures to further reduce climate impact, such as developing environmentally better electrolytes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Helping more people get to safety in a wildfire

Researchers have developed a new web-based software platform called Wildfire Safe Egress (WISE) that allows emergency planners to design custom-made evacuation plans. The tool uses data on demographics and road networks to simulate wildfire scenarios and calculate safe evacuation probabilities. By analyzing the Camp Fire disaster, rese...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Study: digital leisure reading does little to improve reading comprehension for students

A new meta-analysis of 25 studies found no significant relationship between digital leisure reading and improvement in reading comprehension among students. Print reading habits are still linked to better comprehension, with a six-to-eight times higher ability for students who read in print compared to digital devices.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateDec 13, 2023

Study overturns conventional wisdom about wild turkey nesting survival

A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

New study sheds light on how the brain learns to seek reward

A recent study published in Nature reveals the complex process of credit assignment in the brain, where dopamine plays a crucial role in linking specific actions to rewards. The research shows that the brain's reward system rapidly alters behaviors through trial and error, fine-tuning actions to improve sequences.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

A study from China reported a high prevalence of high myopia and pathological myopia but a lack of awareness in this patient population. Increased patient education about the disease needs to be emphasized

A study from China found a high prevalence of high and pathological myopia, yet inadequate patient education. The research highlights the need to improve awareness about these eye diseases to reduce adverse outcomes.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Future Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 13, 2023

The pedigree of brain cells

Researchers have mapped the lineage of neural stem cells in the superior colliculus, revealing an exceptional capacity to generate different types of neurons. The study also found that neural stem cells retain their ability to produce any type of neuron until the end of development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Don't say vegan: Americans more likely to choose vegan food if labeled ‘healthy’ and ‘sustainable’

A new USC study suggests that changing labels of vegan food to focus on health and environmental benefits may encourage people to eat less red meat and dairy. By labeling the basket as "healthy" and/or "sustainable," Americans are more likely to choose it, with an increase in sales, according to the research.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Study explores accuracy of computerized ADHD test

A new study has found that the QbTest, a widely used computerized test for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is not accurate enough to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. The researchers emphasize that the QbTest should be used in conjunction with clinical assessment and judgment to arrive at a diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2023

A sugar analysis could reveal different types of cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a way to distinguish different types of structural changes in glycan molecules linked to various cancers. The AI-enhanced method uses mass spectrometry to identify patterns in data sets, providing a precise answer to what will change for a specific disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Discovery of magnetic liquid crystal

Researchers have directly observed a magnetic analog of liquid crystal, known as the 'spin-nematic phase', in a quantum spin system. This discovery was made possible by advancements in synchrotron facility development and has significant implications for quantum computing and information technologies.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

How forests smell – a risk for the climate?

A new study by researchers at Leipzig University and TROPOS found that biodiversity influences the emission of plant odours, which form aerosols in the atmosphere. The team measured BVOCs and BSOA compounds in plots with different tree species and found that species-rich forests emit less of these gases than monocultures.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

UNC researchers reveal prevalence of persistent symptoms in patients with microscopic colitis

A new study finds that 10% of patients with microscopic colitis are unaware of their diagnosis, while 15% of those without the condition were unsure or thought they had it. Despite this, many cases remain symptomatic and undertreated, emphasizing the importance of follow-up appointments and education.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

The Lancet Psychiatry: Mental health care and research must directly confront systemic racism to improve the health and lives of Black Americans

Research highlights the role of racism in producing mental health disparities among Black Americans, calling for community-driven action to reduce inequitable care. The study's findings emphasize the need to address systemic racism as a root cause of poor mental health outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 13, 2023

Advancing clinical trial accessibility: A novel software breakthrough in enrollment efficiency

A joint study by Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University found that teleconsent, a remote consenting method, is the preferred approach for clinical trial participation. This method eliminates travel costs and improves real-time communication between researchers and participants, increasing trust and understanding.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Deep-reinforcement-learning-based robot motion strategies for grabbing objects from human hands

A new robot grasping algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning (RGRL) is proposed to safely grasp objects from users' hands. The algorithm incorporates domain randomization and a multi-objective reward function, eliminating the need for manual labeling of data and reducing computational costs.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateDec 13, 2023

Deaths from heart valve infections drop across U.S. overall, but surged among young adults

A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 13, 2023

Saving endangered species: New AI method counts manatee clusters in real time

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed a new AI method to accurately count manatee aggregations in real-time. The method uses images captured from CCTV cameras and outperforms existing baselines, offering potential ways to aid endangered species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2023

New tool helps gauge trust in government

A new tool from University of Waterloo researchers measures citizens' trust in government and can inform the design and communication of public health initiatives. The tool was validated by surveying participants from diverse communities, finding that low trust in government is linked to conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 13, 2023

Poor diet quality during adolescence is linked to serious health risks

Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2023