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Science News for September 4, 2023


Assessing the massive costs of biological invasions to the world

A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 4, 2023

Brain cells living on the edge

A paper published in Nature Communications shows that when neurons are given task-related sensory input, they change how they behave and support the critical brain hypothesis theory. The researchers used DishBrain, a collection of 800,000 human neural cells, to demonstrate near-critical network behavior emerges when the neural network ...

SourceCortical Labs·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Measurement of skeletal muscle mass using the bioelectrical impedance technic in athletes

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba evaluated bioelectrical impedance for estimating skeletal muscle mass in athletes, finding a strong correlation between skeletal muscle mass and impedance indices. This method also effectively estimates intracellular water levels, making it a promising tool for accurate body composition assess...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 4, 2023

The art of wandering in vertebrates: new mapping of neurons involved in locomotion

Researchers have identified a conserved brain region in vertebrates essential for initiating forward movement. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) stimulates reticulospinal neurons to control finer details of movement. Mapping this circuit could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

THE LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH: Experts warn 'green growth' in high income countries is not happening, call for 'post-growth' climate policies to meet Paris targets

A study found that high-income countries' emission reductions fall short of Paris Agreement targets, with many needing to reduce emissions by 30 times faster than achieved. Experts call for a post-growth approach to decarbonize and achieve urgent social and ecological goals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateSep 4, 2023

Pharmacy discount card programs like Amazon Prime and GoodRx gold could save patients millions of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for commonly prescribed generic medications

A nationally representative study found that at least one out of five prescriptions for commonly prescribed generic medications were cheaper through Amazon Prime or GoodRx Gold discount cards compared to actual out-of-pocket payments made by patients. The findings highlight the disproportionately higher frequency of out-of-pocket payme...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 4, 2023

Most species are rare. But not very rare

Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2023

Thai comprehensive Health Improvement intervention can increase the physical health of people with early psychosis

The Thai-HIP intervention has been shown to increase the physical health of people with early psychosis by addressing various health issues such as poor dental health, physical inactivity, and diet. By involving family members in care planning, the program ensures better adherence to the planned physical health program.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 2023

Conservation gardening: Green spaces in Germany could contribute far more to biodiversity conservation

A recent study has developed an app providing lists of native, declining species suitable for gardening, increasing public engagement. The research found that over half of threatened species are commercially available and prefer dry soils, offering a promising approach to reversing biodiversity decline.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2023

Farms that create habitat key to food security and biodiversity

Research finds that smaller farms with varied crop types and forest patches support many bird species typically found in forests, even as populations decline in forests. Diversified farming can be crucial for preserving biodiversity and its benefits, including ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2023

Better cybersecurity with new material

Researchers at Linköping University develop a new type of quantum random number generator based on perovskite light emitting diodes, providing improved randomness and security. The technology has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 4, 2023