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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 18


Page 18 of 29

Study: Women-led groups were key to food security during COVID-19 in India

A new study found that women-led self-help groups in Odisha, India played a crucial role in maintaining food security during the COVID-19 lockdowns by procuring fresh produce from farmers and selling it to local markets. The groups also provided training and support to their members, enabling them to start their own businesses.

Caffeine highs and lows footballers should be aware of

Research by Staffordshire University found that caffeine can improve short pass accuracy but negatively affect decision-making and long pass accuracy. The study suggests that coaches may need to adjust training strategies to account for caffeine's effects on young soccer players.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2023

Study: Extreme rainfall increases ag nutrient runoff, conservation strategies can help

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that extreme rainfall leads to significant spikes in nutrient concentrations, particularly after ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches of precipitation. However, agricultural management practices such as cover crops can lower nutrient levels in water and persist until the end of the growing season.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·DateDec 11, 2023

Holidays crank up kilos for Aussie kids

Research shows that Australian children are at risk of excessive weight gain and declining fitness during school holidays. The two-year study found that body fat increased at a faster pace and aerobic fitness declined faster than in-school periods. Promoting physical activities during holidays could help address unhealthy weight gain.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeCase study·DateDec 11, 2023

Public bodies “overwhelmed” at having to implement human rights laws, study warns

A new study warns that public bodies in England and Wales are 'overwhelmed' by the task of implementing human rights laws, with staff placing greater weight on implementation than on understanding the laws themselves. The research suggests that those who view equality and human rights law as malleable are more likely to trust individua...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRecht der Werkelijkheid·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2023

KAIST introduces eco-friendly technologies for plastic production and biodegradation​

Researchers at KAIST have developed eco-friendly technologies for producing plastics and processing waste plastics using microorganisms. The team presented the latest microorganism-based technologies that can produce plastics from renewable biomass resources and decompose waste plastics, contributing to a circular economy.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Genetic “protection” against depression was no match for pandemic stress

A study of first-year college students reveals that pandemic stress triggers a rise in clinical depression, even among those with genetic factors that previously shielded them. The research identifies potential predictors of psychological resilience and provides a tool to identify at-risk students for targeted support.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2023

Alaskan allies: Communities unite to protect the areas they love

The University of Illinois initiative brings Denali neighbors together in an online discussion forum to share views on protected area conservation and land management. The study finds that engaging diverse stakeholders leads to collaborative dialogue and thoughtful discussions, despite differing priorities.

Have researchers found the missing link that explains the mysterious phenomenon known as fairy circles?

A new study by Prof. Ehud Meron and colleagues proposes that pairing spatial patterning and phenotypic changes is the missing link to understanding fairy circles. The researchers found that combining plant-level phenotypic changes with population-level spatial patterning can result in resilient ecosystem responses to water stress.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023

Mass General Brigham researchers develop ‘potent and specific’ compounds to curb cancer growth

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a new class of proteasome inhibitors that specifically target the β2 active site in cancer cells. The newly synthesized compounds effectively inhibit multiple myeloma cell growth and show promise for reducing therapeutic resistance and side effects when combined with existing drugs.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

If a piece of Turkey gets stuck in your throat this Christmas, there is no point in trying to free it with Cola

A study published in the BMJ Christmas Issue investigated the effectiveness of cola in loosening stuck food in the oesophagus. The results show no significant improvement, with only 61% of patients experiencing relief on their own. Cola use was found to have no side effects or complications.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2023

Patients with a common form of acute myeloid leukemia report better quality of life when treatment includes new drug quizartinib

A new study led by Dr. Mikkael Sekeres found that patients with a common form of acute myeloid leukemia reported better quality of life when treated with quizartinib, which targets the FLT3-ITD mutation. The study also showed minimal side effects and improved survival rates compared to those who didn't receive the drug.

Defusing a ‘ticking time bomb’: Groundbreaking research offers early clues to stomach cancer development

Researchers identified 26 'driver genes' that play a pivotal role in the transition to stomach cancer, providing a critical window for early detection and targeted prevention. The study's findings offer new insights into the mechanisms governing the transformation of intestinal metaplasia into stomach cancer.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Inclusive content, peer support, media information literacy can combat health misinformation spread to adolescents on social media

A new commentary in JAMA Pediatrics recommends improving adolescents' media information literacy skills and promoting inclusive content to combat health misinformation spread on social media. This approach aims to harness the potential of social media as a tool for positive connections and mental well-being.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 11, 2023

Just say no to that invitation

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people often overestimate the negative ramifications of declining an invitation, but the actual effects are much less severe. The researchers conducted five experiments with over 2,000 participants and discovered that individuals tend to exaggerate the degree to whi...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 11, 2023

New tool to analyze blood platelets holds major medical potential

A novel technique to test platelet function within a person's blood sample is faster, easier and more precise than methods currently in use. The technology has the potential to assess the effects of antiplatelet drugs on individuals and gain a clearer picture of bleeding risks for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Real world data shows impact of immunotherapy in populations underrepresented in clinical trials, according to JNCCN study

A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 11, 2023

Pots full of history

Prehistoric pottery production discovered to be linked to hunter-gatherer communities, not solely farming, and influenced culinary traditions in Europe. Analysis of pot residues reveals information on cooked products and food processing methods.

SourceNicolaus Copernicus University in Torun·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2023

Don't say "vegan"

A national food choice experiment found that labeling a meat-free and dairy-free food basket as 'vegan' or 'plant-based' leads to lower appeal, whereas labels like 'healthy' or 'sustainable' result in higher preference. This study suggests using these alternative labels can encourage healthier and more environmentally sustainable eatin...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

A URV study analyzes how the green transition affects competition and concentration in the business market

The study finds that a lack of investment in sustainable processes can lead to market concentration and reduced competition. However, when all companies invest in green transition, prices increase but overall benefit is maximized due to consumer willingness to pay more for environmentally friendly products.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023

New study shows Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced PTSD and anxiety in frontline nurses during COVID-19 pandemic by more than half over a 3-month period

A study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduced PTSD, anxiety, and burnout in frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technique improved flourishing by 15% and decreased symptoms by more than half over a 3-month period.

SourceTranscendental Meditation for Nurses·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2023