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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 35


Page 35 of 36

Screen time not harmful for academic skills of preschoolers

A recent study by Ohio State University found that low to moderate levels of screen time do not negatively impact preschoolers' language, literacy, and math skills. However, high levels of screen use at nighttime were linked to smaller gains in social skills, particularly for those who used more than two hours of media daily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Scientists reveal the remote atmospheric signals ahead of an intense Siberian High and how their impacts differ

Researchers identify three distinct teleconnection patterns that precede intense Siberian High events, impacting surface air temperatures in East Asia. The Scandinavian, West Pacific, and Polar-Eurasian patterns trigger varying cold anomalies with distinct timing and persistence.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 4, 2023

The Ising on the cake

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2023

Escaping exploitation with nowhere to go: Barriers in accommodating survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery

The research found that immigration status and inability to secure an ongoing income are significant barriers for human trafficking and modern slavery survivors to access accommodation. The wait time for social housing is often more than 10 years, and strict guidelines limit eligibility.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAnti-Trafficking Review·TypeSurvey·DateJul 4, 2023

Endometriosis linked to reduction in live births before diagnosis of the disease

A new study published in Human Reproduction found that women with endometriosis are more likely to experience a reduction in live births before receiving a definitive diagnosis. The research, which included over 18,000 women with surgically-confirmed endometriosis, showed that the number of first live births among these women was half ...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Finding the solution to the global environment and economic crisis with the commons as a business model!

The study found that open innovation-based business models, created through stakeholder participation in the commons, drive continuous economic and social innovation and sustainable growth. The 'Comedy of Commons' concept, developed by Elinor Ostrom, is applied to explore the evolution of the commons as a business model.

Meet a team of scientists working to prevent interplanetary pollution that could pose a threat to life on Earth and other planets

An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 4, 2023

Potentiating cancer vulnerability to ferroptosis: Off-targeting effects of DHODH inhibitors

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered that DHODH inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis by inhibiting ferroptosis suppressor protein-1 (FSP1), not DHODH itself. This finding confirms the crucial role of FSP1 in ferroptosis surveillance and opens up new avenues for developing effective cancer therapies.

Similar to humans, elephants also vary what they eat for dinner every night

A new study reveals that elephants' dietary habits are more varied than previously thought, with individual preferences playing a significant role. The research used DNA metabarcoding to analyze fecal and hair samples from two groups of elephants in Kenya, finding that even family members may eat different plants on the same day.

SourceBrown University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Apex predator of the Cambrian likely sought soft over crunchy prey

Researchers reveal that Anomalocaris canadensis was likely a speedy swimmer targeting soft prey in the open water, rather than pursuing hard-shelled creatures on the ocean floor. The study's findings contradict previous assumptions about the predator's feeding behavior and highlight the complexity of Cambrian food webs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 4, 2023

Mitigating the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty: The role of fintech in enhancing commercial banks' risk-taking

A Chinese study found that fintech development effectively reduces the negative effect of macroeconomic uncertainty on commercial banks' proactive risk-taking behavior. The study also revealed that commercial banks with high capital adequacy ratios exhibit a weaker response to the mitigating effect of financial technology.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 4, 2023

Long COVID not caused by COVID-19 immune inflammatory response, new research finds

Researchers at University of Bristol found that Long Covid is not caused by an immune inflammatory reaction to COVID-19. Instead, persistent immune activation and inflammation may persist for months after COVID-19, correlating with severe disease. The study suggests a new direction for understanding and potentially treating this debili...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

Gadusol: Nature's sunscreen

A new study reveals that fish produce a chemical sunscreen called Gadusol to protect their eggs from UV radiation, which is essential for their survival. The compound, encoded in the DNA of female fish, prevents damage and mutations caused by UVR exposure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2023

“Digital twin technology” advancement: Analyzing battery characteristics in virtual space for optimal design recommendations

Researchers developed a novel battery electrode degradation diagnosis technology using digital twin technology, accurately diagnosing internal structure changes in virtual environments. This breakthrough innovation aims to identify root causes of performance degradation and offers precise measurements of electrochemical properties.

Three things to know: Climate change’s impact on extreme-weather events

Researchers investigated climate change's effect on extreme weather events like wildfires and found a 'worst-case' scenario could lead to significant increases in intensity, frequency, and duration. The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures, including emission reductions and adaptation strategies, to build resilience.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2023

Perceiving the smell of lemon, geranium or eucalyptus: a study on the electrical signals behind human olfaction

Researchers from SISSA have measured the electrical activity of cells in human olfactory epithelium, revealing a complex communication process between neurons and support cells. The study also explores reactions to various odorant molecules and sets the stage for investigating anomalies related to COVID-19's impact on smell.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

Synthesis of a glycan hairpin

A collaborative work led by CIC bioGUNE successfully designed and synthesized a carbohydrate sequence capable of folding into a stable secondary structure. The glycans were generated using an automated synthesizer, which rapidly prepared the scaffold, revealing potential new properties for sugars in medicine, catalysis, or nanotechnology.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 3, 2023

New brain circuit for epilepsy uncovered

A new study by investigators from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that lesions associated with epilepsy are connected to a common brain network, suggesting the brain connections disrupted by the lesions are key. This discovery may have clinical implications for predicting epilepsy risk and targeting treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Satellite-based disaster early warning systems can improve evacuation measures in remote Asian communities

Researchers assessed the effectiveness of current early warning systems and presented a case for utilizing satellite-based QZSS-EWS to improve these systems. Implementing such technology alone is insufficient, requiring policymakers to undertake subsequent policy and practical actions to upgrade these systems.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

AI and CRISPR precisely control gene expression

A new study by researchers at NYU and the New York Genome Center combines deep learning with CRISPR screens to control human gene expression. The model predicts on- and off-target activity of RNA-targeting CRISPRs, enabling precise gene controls for developing new therapies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 3, 2023

Understanding the regulation of apicoplast gene expression in the malaria parasite

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified ApSigma, a nuclear-encoded apicoplast RNA polymerase σ subunit that coordinates gene expression with the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum and host circadian rhythm. Melatonin is shown to increase apicoplast transcription and expression of the apSig gene.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

Study shows Kant’s influence on Georges Canguilhem, who anticipated concepts current in medicine today

French philosopher Georges Canguilhem was influenced by Immanuel Kant's ideas on 'technique', 'technical activity' and 'practice', which shaped his conception of medicine. Canguilhem prioritized the egalitarian principles symbolized by the French Republic's motto, emphasizing the importance of social well-being in health.