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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 15


Page 15 of 44

Social media usage is associated with body image concerns, poor mental health and disordered eating, according to evidence from 50 studies across 17 countries

A scoping review of 50 studies across 17 countries found a strong association between social media usage and body image concerns, poor mental health, and disordered eating. The study suggests that excessive social media use can have negative effects on young people's self-esteem and overall well-being.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMar 22, 2023

A brain-inspired computer model that understands speech like humans

Researchers developed a computer model based on human brain mechanisms to improve speech comprehension. The model extracts multilevel information from ongoing speech and uses non-linguistic knowledge for disambiguating word meanings. This approach is more human-like than existing language models like ChatGPT.

SourceNCCR Evolving Language (National Centre of Competence in Research)·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2023

Fake and extremely biased Twitter content decreased between 2016-2020, but top influencers were more polarized

Research by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found a decrease in fake and extremely biased Twitter content between 2016-2020, but top influencers became more polarized, creating an echo chamber effect. The study analyzed vast amounts of Twitter data to examine the social media platform's influence on U.S. politics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2023

Frequent COVID testing of nursing home staff protected residents, saved lives

A new study found that frequent COVID surveillance testing protected nursing home residents by detecting infected staff earlier, disrupting transmission chains. The research showed that high testing frequency facilities had clinically meaningful reductions in resident cases and deaths, particularly before vaccine availability.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2023

Hidden 'super spreaders' spur dengue fever transmission

A new study by Emory University researchers found that asymptomatic individuals account for a significant proportion (74%) of dengue infections in an Amazonian city. The 'super spreader' spaces, where infected people frequent, are crucial in predicting and controlling outbreaks.

SourceEmory University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2023

A review by Community Care Behavioral Health Organization of UPMC in Psychiatric Services journal confirms Pennsylvania's Medicaid program offers a national model for behavioral-physical health integration

A county-based approach in Pennsylvania's Medicaid program integrates behavioral health and physical health services, resulting in improved access to care and better outcomes. This model has been recognized as a national best practice, with the state ranking among the top three for addressing mental health challenges.

SourceUPMC Health Plan·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 22, 2023

Dedicated protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective than the drug treatment available today for fibromyalgia caused by head injury

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2023

Global warming undermines greenhouse gas sink function of pristine wetlands

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that pristine wetlands are currently a greenhouse gas sink, but this function will be reduced by over half in response to a 1.5-2°C temperature increase. Warming promotes net methane and nitrous oxide emissions from these ecosystems, posing a positive feedback on global warming.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 22, 2023

OSU researchers create artificial enzyme for fast detection of disease-related hormone in sweat

Researchers at Oregon State University have created a portable sensor that can detect cortisol hormone levels in sweat, providing a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for various diseases. The device uses an artificial enzyme to capture cortisol molecules, producing electrical signals that indicate the hormone's presence.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

At least 80% of the world’s most important sites for biodiversity on land currently contain human developments, study finds

A study by researchers from BirdLife International, WWF, and the University of Cambridge found that 80% of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on land contain infrastructure, which is a significant driver of threats to biodiversity. The prevalence of infrastructure in KBAs is likely to increase due to planned developments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 22, 2023

Nine in 10 women enter pregnancy with at least one indicator that risks baby’s health

A recent study published in BJOG found that nearly all women in England (97.5%) have at least one indicator of potential health risks during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for improved preconception care and policies to support women's overall well-being before pregnancy. The research highlights health disparities across different age...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalObstetrics & Gynecology An International Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 22, 2023

New microchip links two Nobel Prize-winning techniques

Physicists at Delft University of Technology have developed a new technology on a microchip combining optical trapping and frequency combs to measure distances with high precision in opaque materials. The technology uses sound vibrations instead of light, offering a simple and low-power solution for applications such as monitoring the ...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateMar 22, 2023

New mosquito species reported in Florida

A new mosquito species, Culex lactator, has been found in Florida, with thriving populations reported in three counties. Scientists are concerned about the potential for this species to transmit diseases, particularly given the lack of research on its disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMar 22, 2023

Is bone health linked to brain health?

A study published in Neurology found an association between low bone density and an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from 3,651 participants and found that those with the lowest total body bone density were 42% more likely to develop dementia than those with the highest bone density over a 10-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2023

Research shows link between child emotional difficulties and family strain during coronavirus lockdowns

A new study found that coronavirus lockdowns led to increased emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, particularly those with families experiencing co-habitation issues. Caregivers in Turkey reported higher levels of worry about COVID-19 infection, yet showed lower family co-existence difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychological Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 2023

Cover crops help mitigate farmer losses

A North Carolina State University study found that cover crop adoption can reduce crop insurance losses due to prevented planting in the US Midwest. Longer term use of cover crops also leads to larger reductions in prevented-planting risk, with a 1% increase translating to nearly $40 million in reduced indemnities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2023

Bilayer PET/PVDF substrate-reinforced solid polymer electrolyte improves solid-state lithium metal battery performance

A bilayer, nonwoven PET microfiber/polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membrane acts as a separator for LIB systems and prevents short circuits. The substrate significantly improves the mechanical and thermal properties of solid polymer electrolytes, enabling cells to operate over 2000 hours.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

How vision begins

The study found that a microscopic change in a protein in the retina occurs within a fraction of a trillionth of a second, triggering the perception of light. This process involves the transformation of a molecule called retinal from its 11-cis form to its all-trans form, which takes just one picosecond.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Fujitsu and Osaka University develop new quantum computing architecture, accelerating progress toward practical application of quantum computers

The new architecture reduces physical qubits required for error correction to 10% of conventional architectures, enabling better performance than classical computers. This breakthrough accelerates progress toward practical quantum computing, with the aim of applying quantum computing applications to various societal issues.