Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 19


Page 19 of 37

Baby birds hatch with ability to mimic mom

Researchers found that native wren mothers' calls help their newborns develop distinctive vocalizations for food and bonding. The study, published in pre-print by The American Naturalist, reveals the unique 'B element' call produced by females that is also the nestling's begging call.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Smarter CT scans may approach the level of MRI

A new method using deep learning can provide as much information from brain images taken with CT as images captured with MRI, enhancing diagnostic support for conditions like dementia and other brain disorders. The software has been trained on 1,117 people and shows promise in diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

First genetic causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon discovered

Scientists identified two genes, ADRA2A and IRX1, that predispose individuals to Raynaud's phenomenon. The genes affect the body's ability to regulate blood vessel constriction, leading to white fingers and toes in response to cold or stress. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential treatment options, including th...

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Founder personality could predict start-up success: study

A recent study reveals that start-up founders' core Big Five personality traits significantly differ from the general population and are more important for success than previously thought. Successful entrepreneurs tend to have preferences for variety, novelty, and being the centre of attention, while also exhibiting high activity levels.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Depression, anxiety common among college students

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that depression rates were significantly higher among students who were not the same race as their peers at predominantly white colleges. First-generation students also experienced higher levels of depression compared to non-first generation students. Investing in diversity, equity, a...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateOct 17, 2023

What drives obesity - diets high in fat? Carbohydrates? Actually, it’s everything – and fructose is at the center

A new study led by Richard Johnson, MD, suggests that fructose is the key driver of obesity, bringing together long-incompatible theories on dietary causes. Fructose lowers active energy in the body, triggering hunger and food intake, and fatty foods become the major source of calories driving weight gain.

New research suggests why males and females respond differently to social stress

Researchers found that testosterone plays a crucial role in shaping the brain's response to social stress, with mice lacking testosterone exhibiting exaggerated fear responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding human behavior and may help explain why women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Brain connectivity is disrupted in schizophrenia

Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Researchers test seafloor fiber optic cable as an earthquake early warning system

A new study demonstrates how unused telecommunications fiber optic cables can be transformed for offshore Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems. Researchers used a 50-kilometer cable to sample seismic data at 8,960 channels and achieved an approximate three-second improvement in EEW alert times compared to onshore DAS arrays.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Genomic analysis in snakes shows link between neutral, functional genetic diversity

Researchers found that neutral genetic diversity correlates with functional genetic diversity in Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, suggesting a more efficient approach for species conservation. This discovery has implications for endangered species conservation, as it may not be necessary to sequence entire genomes for all cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

Empathetic cancer clinicians promote psychological well-being in breast cancer patients

A Rutgers study examines how oncology doctors facilitate psychological well-being, finding that providers who show more empathy promote better psychological health among breast cancer patients. The research also highlights the importance of addressing uncertainty throughout the cancer trajectory to facilitate psychological adjustment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2023

Marine bacteria take a bite at plastic pollution

Researchers at Hokkaido University found a bacterium that can break down the eco-friendly polymer polybutylene succinate in marine environments. The discovery of the enzyme PBSase has the potential to improve recycling technologies and develop new marine biodegradable polymers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Scientists present the first set of global maps showing geographic patterns of beta-diversity in flowering plants

Scientists have mapped global patterns of beta-diversity in flowering plants, finding that tropical dry climates exhibit higher levels of beta diversity than wet tropical climates. The study also shows consistent geographic patterns across different metrics of beta diversity.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

Local retail outlets for legal marijuana may be associated with alcohol co-use among high school students: Study

A recent study found that areas with local retail availability of legalized marijuana have higher rates of marijuana and alcohol co-use among high school students. The study suggests that 'greater retail availability may normalize' marijuana use for young people, even if they can't purchase it directly from retail businesses.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2023

New study assesses safety and efficacy of radial access for peripheral artery interventions

A new study assesses the safety and efficacy of radial access for peripheral artery interventions, finding it associated with favorable safety profiles and comparable procedural success rates. Radial access was also found to reduce bleeding complications and improve patient comfort, making it a potential alternative to traditional femo...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateOct 16, 2023

Geotechnical centrifuge modeling for simulating long-term radionuclide migration in large-scale fractured rocks

Researchers from Zhejiang University developed a new method to simulate radionuclide transport in fractured granite, using hyper-gravity experiments and 3D-printed fracture networks. This breakthrough could improve deep geological disposal methods and mitigate the risk of nuclear waste leakage.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Research in the Special Issue of Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncovers previously unexplored cellular mechanisms

Researchers have discovered new insights into microglia-astrocyte communication and its impact on intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as the testicular toxicity of triptolide. Additionally, a study on epicardial cells has identified key gene markers associated with cardiac regenerative therapy strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Rising seas will tighten vise on Miami even for people who are not flooded, says study

A new study finds that four out of five Miami-Dade County residents may face disruption or displacement due to sea-level rise, with lower-income people bearing the brunt. As habitable areas shrink and housing prices rise, only a small number of affluent residents can relocate, while many others are trapped in low-lying properties.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2023

The new robot is taking its first intuitive steps

A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.

Novel hydrogel finds new aptamers, or ‘chemical antibodies,’ in days

Researchers developed a novel method to find high-affinity aptamers, short DNA or RNA molecules that can bond to specific target molecules. The 'hydrogel for aptamer selection' (HAS) method uses a porous polymer network to retain well-fitting aptamers, reducing the time and effort required to identify suitable candidates.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

When one size doesn't fit all

The Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh is launching a personalized learning model to cater to students' unique career aspirations. The program offers one-credit modules and professional development streams in industry, entrepreneurship, and academia to help students forge their own path.