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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 152


Page 152 of 484

Laughter may be as effective as drops for dry eyes

Researchers found that laughter exercise improved dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs, such as ocular surface discomfort and tear break-up time, comparable to eye drops. Laughter therapy also showed benefits in mental health scores.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 11, 2024

One of world’s fastest ocean currents is remarkably stable, study finds

A recent study has found that the Florida Current, a key component of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), has remained remarkably stable over the past four decades. The researchers used measurements from a decommissioned submarine cable and hydrographic surveys to correct for changes in the geomagnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

New look at stroke response: Mobile physicians

Researchers found that bringing specialists to rural patients through mobile physicians provides faster treatment and better outcomes for stroke cases treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The study's findings suggest that transferring physicians can significantly prolong patient transfer times due to complexity and coordination issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

How do human and dog interactions affect the brain?

New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 11, 2024

Risky play in childhood exercises an ancestral need to push limits

Dartmouth anthropologists argue that jungle gyms and monkey bars are essential for childhood development, allowing children to build resilience and confidence through risk-taking play. The research cites fossil evidence showing early humans spent extensive time in trees, and modern nonhuman primates exhibit similar climbing skills.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 11, 2024

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases postpartum depression risk for at least three years, study finds

Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

“Fussy” molecules prefer one direction over the other

Scientists from Osaka University have created a new class of materials, called chiral bifacial indacenodithiophene-based π-conjugated polymers, that can selectively interact with electrical currents in different polarities. These films exhibit strong spin polarization, making them promising for applications in spintronics and clean ene...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Turning seawater into fresh water through solar power

Researchers have designed an energy-efficient device to produce drinking water from seawater using solar power, addressing the critical need for clean water in coastal nations. The new technology can continuously desalinate water without major maintenance, producing up to 20 litres of fresh water per square meter.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2024

Researchers achieve efficient electro-oxidation of glycerol to formate under room temperature

A new Cu-doped NiCo alloy catalyst has been developed for efficient electro-oxidation of glycerol to formate, achieving high selectivity and activity at room temperature. The catalyst reduces the energy barrier and increases the Faraday efficiency for formate production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 11, 2024

Light pollution a new Alzheimer’s risk factor

New research from Rush University Medical Center finds an association between outdoor light exposure at night and Alzheimer's disease prevalence in those under 65. The study suggests that higher nighttime light intensity may disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake pattern, leading to increased inflammation and disease risk.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

Microorganisms can travel long distances in the troposphere

A recent study by ISGlobal found a vast range of viable bacteria and fungi transported by air masses from northeast China to Japan, some potentially pathogenic to humans. The research team identified over 266 fungal and 305 bacterial genera in aerosol samples, including species resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Revolutionary tubular scaffolds boost stem cell-driven bone regeneration in skull defects

Scientists from Sun Yat-sen University developed groundbreaking tubular scaffolds made from electrospun membranes that enhance bone regeneration in critical skull defects. The scaffolds mimic natural bone structures and provide an optimal microenvironment for adipose-derived stem cells to thrive, accelerating healing.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Rapid control of blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes can reverse the risk of their children developing obesity, US study finds

A new US study found that rapidly controlling blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of their children developing obesity. The study analyzed data from over 258,000 women and their children, revealing a strong correlation between maternal blood sugar control and childhood obesity risk.

Throat problems could impair autonomic nervous system's ability to regulate blood pressure

Researchers found that patients with throat symptoms had reduced baroreflex sensitivity and higher resting heart rates compared to those without symptoms. The study suggests that throat problems can have a significant impact on autonomic nervous system function, potentially leading to long-term survival risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 11, 2024

Groundbreaking achievement: NSF Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope produces its first magnetic field maps of the sun’s corona

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope successfully produced its first detailed maps of the Sun's coronal magnetic fields, a breakthrough in solar physics. This achievement enhances our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth's technology-dependent society, which is crucial for safeguarding infrastructure.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024