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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 40

Understanding how couples integrate finances

Research from the University of Georgia found that moving in together is not enough to guarantee joint accounts, with factors like net worth, household growth, and income level playing a significant role. Couples who agree on spending and have open conversations about money are more likely to pool their finances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Family Therapy·DateMay 30, 2023

Volunteering, health, and well-being of children and adolescents

Researchers found volunteering associated with higher odds of excellent health and flourishing in children and adolescents, as well as lower anxiety in adolescents and behavioral problems in children. The study used survey data from across the US to explore the relationship between volunteering and child and adolescent health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2023

Humans evolved to walk with an extra spring in our step

A global team of scientists found that the recoil of a flexible human foot arch repositions the ankle upright for more effective walking and running. This discovery could help doctors improve treatments for present-day patients' foot problems, while also suggesting therapeutic avenues for people with rigid arches due to injury or illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Seshaiyer receives funding for Program MASTER: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation for the grand challenges through innovative Training, Education and Research - A SIAM Simons SITE (George Mason University)

Professor Padmanabhan Seshaiyer at George Mason University has received a $34,200 grant to support Program MASTER, a six-week research and learning program in applied mathematics and computational science. The program aims to foster a sense of belonging among students and mentors from across the US.

Source-shifting metastructures composed of only one resin for location camouflaging

Researchers at Shinshu University developed high-performance source-shifters using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, employing inverse design and topology optimization. The optimized structures can reduce the difference between emitted pressure fields to as low as 0.6%, enabling effective acoustic location camouflaging.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2023

That’s not nuts: Almond milk yogurt packs an overall greater nutritional punch than dairy-based

A University of Massachusetts Amherst food science major compared the nutritional values of plant-based and dairy yogurts, finding almond milk yogurt has a significantly higher nutrient density. Plant-based yogurts generally have less total sugar, sodium, and fiber than dairy, but less protein, calcium, and potassium.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 30, 2023

New Jersey Health Foundation awards grants to Kessler Foundation to advance research in brain and spinal cord stimulation methods

Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...

Association between heart attack and cognition

A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 30, 2023

Extracting a clean fuel from water

A low-cost catalyst developed by Argonne National Laboratory can produce clean hydrogen from water at a lower cost, making it an ideal choice for replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new catalyst uses cobalt instead of expensive iridium, significantly reducing the cost and increasing efficiency.

Genetic risk information may help people avoid alcohol addiction

Researchers found that individuals understood genetic risk scores and reported intentions to reduce their drinking if they had high-risk scores. However, the study's authors caution that receiving genetic feedback is just the first step in behavior change, and connecting individuals to resources and support is crucial.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

UK cardiology societies issue joint policy statement to stamp out bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the specialty

The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 30, 2023

Genetic change increased bird flu severity during U.S. spread

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how the current H5N1 avian influenza virus gained new genes and greater virulence as it spread across North America. The researchers found that the virus could severely infect the brains of mammalian research models, a notable departure from previous related strains.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Dual-wavelength lasing: a new tool for steering High-harmonic generation

Researchers have developed a method to generate mid-infrared pulses with dual-wavelength spectral shaping, enabling flexible tunability in both temporal and spectral domains. This allows for enhanced High-Harmonic generation (HHG) control, opening new possibilities for applications such as electron dynamics and light-matter interaction.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

An algorithm for sharper protein films

Researchers have developed an algorithm that can be used to evaluate measurements at X-ray free-electron lasers, improving the precision of protein film analysis. The new method, called low-pass spectral analysis (LPSA), mitigates errors in protein movement reconstruction, allowing for more detailed information to be extracted from data.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Hidden in plain sight: Windshield washer fluid is an unexpected emission source

Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2023

Women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have increased risk of cardiovascular mortality

A study from the University of Bergen reveals that women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also found reduced risk if the second offspring was large.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers confirm the protective effect of hydrogen inhalation on declining brain function under hindlimb unloading conditions and disclose the underlying mechanism

Researchers confirm hydrogen inhalation improves brain function and alleviates pathological damage caused by hindlimb unloading. The study suggests a potential protective measure for astronauts during spaceflight, involving changes in PGC-1α and BDNF expression.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2023

Novel approach significantly improves access, decreases wait times for autism screening

A new training program for primary care pediatricians significantly reduces wait times for autism screening, making it more accessible to children. The developmentally trained clinicians assess patients in a streamlined referral process, resulting in a decrease in average days to initial developmental assessment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023

Junk food may impair our deep sleep

A new study from Uppsala University found that consuming junk food can lead to shallower deep sleep, which can impact hormonal release and brain activity. The researchers monitored the sleep patterns of healthy participants who followed a healthier diet and an unhealthier diet in a randomised order.

SourceUppsala University·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 30, 2023

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Educational program helps medical students better understand the relationship between health and society

A University of Tsukuba program aims to enhance medical students' comprehension of social determinants of health. Over three years, student reports showed progressive improvement in their ability to focus on various aspects of SDH. This study emphasizes the need for increased integration between medical and social science education.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateMay 30, 2023

Specifically designed diets demonstrate a “powerful ability” to prevent tumorigenesis, delay tumor growth and improve existing cancer treatments, CNIO researchers say in a review paper

CNIO researchers review the anticancer effects of various diets, including caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting. They argue that precision nutrition can be used to treat specific cancers based on tumor metabolism and patient characteristics.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 30, 2023