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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 18


Page 18 of 36

Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Early-stage lung disease could be detected with advanced imaging tech

A new study reveals that phase-contrast X-ray imaging can visualize smallest airways and their obstructions, potentially detecting early-stage lung disease. This technique could provide better resolution and contrast than conventional radiography, enabling subtle pathological changes to be seen.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Mining at key hydrothermal vents could endanger species at distant sites

Researchers warn that deep-sea mining near hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough could harm species hundreds of kilometers away due to interconnected ecosystems. Key vents should be protected for conservation, with some vent sites identified as crucial hubs for maintaining connectivity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

For god’s sake: Baylor researchers develop a new model to predict smartphone use during church services

A new model developed by Baylor researchers can help church leaders understand the factors associated with decisions to use smartphones during church services. The study found that individual behavior is more important than what others think, and demonstrated how smartphones can be an easy and useful tool enhancing the worship experience.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 15, 2023

Music beats beeps: Researchers find redesigned medical alarms can better alert staff and improve patient experience

A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Targeted prenatal therapy for mothers and their babies addresses longstanding gap in health equity

Targeted RNA therapy aims to treat pre-eclampsia by delivering mRNA to placental cells, reducing maternal blood pressure and restoring fetal circulation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 15, 2023

Novel technique distinguishes between types of oral bone lesion based on MRI scan image texture

Researchers used MRI scans and texture analysis to differentiate between two types of benign oral bone lesions, ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. The study found that certain pixel and voxel organizational parameters in the MRI images were statistically significant, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Purple vegetables and tubers have antidiabetic properties

Acylated anthocyanins found in purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by affecting glucose transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism. These compounds also maintain gut microbiota homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

The faster El Niño decays, the fewer typhoons occur the following summer

A recent study found that faster El Niño decays are associated with lower typhoon frequencies in the following summer. Researchers discovered a stronger anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific, driven by tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, as a key mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 15, 2023

Hospitality and real estate sectors have highest rates of common mental health problems, study finds

Common mental health problems, such as depression, are prevalent in the hospitality and real estate sectors, with significant gender disparities found across various industries. The study highlights the need for industry leaders to address underlying issues contributing to higher rates of mental health problems among female workers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

How the brain's immune system worsens epilepsy

Researchers have definitively linked the brain's immune system to worsening epilepsy, identifying a chain of events that causes seizures to worsen. The study suggests repurposing anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants could help control epilepsy progression.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Researchers identify compounds that could lead to an on-demand, short-term contraceptive for men

In a mouse study, researchers have identified a potential non-hormonal contraceptive that men can take before sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. The compound temporarily disables an enzyme essential for sperm maturation, rendering sperm immobile and preventing fertilization.

Cystatin C shows promise as an additional biomarker to calculate kidney function and stage chronic kidney disease

A study found that cystatin C-based eGFR was strongly correlated with creatinine-based eGFR and that 27% of patients would be classified as having a more severe chronic kidney stage based on cystatin C test results. The use of cystatin C can lead to changes in CKD staging, which can impact clinical management.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalKidney Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Sensory cells taste cerebrospinal fluid to fight brain infections

Researchers discovered that sensory cells in the spinal cord's central canal can detect bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid and trigger an inflammatory response to fight brain infections. These 'taste' receptors recognize bitter substances, such as those from Streptococcus pneumoniae, and increase cytokine production to combat pathogens.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

Scientists find world’s oldest European hedgehog

A team of scientists found a 16-year-old European hedgehog in Denmark, exceeding the previous record by seven years. The discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that inbreeding reduces lifespan. The study's results provide valuable insights into the basic life history of hedgehogs and may improve conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimals·DateFeb 14, 2023

The roar and crackle of Artemis 1

Researchers measured noise levels at locations around the launch pad, finding maximum sound levels exceeded predicted values by nearly 20 decibels. The study's findings will help validate and improve existing noise prediction models to protect equipment and surrounding environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateFeb 14, 2023

Marshall University study shows daily, consistent parental reading in the first year of life improves infants’ language scores

A recent study by researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine found that daily reading improved language development in infants 12 months and younger. Infants who received consistent daily reading started showing improvements in language scores as early as nine months of age.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 14, 2023

Whale warning as clock ticks towards deep-sea mining

Researchers warn of significant risks to ocean ecosystems and cetaceans from commercial-scale deep seabed mining. The study highlights the need for urgent research to assess potential impacts on cetaceans, which are highly sensitive to sound and already facing multiple stressors like climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2023