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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 174


Page 174 of 484

Video gaming improves mental well-being, landmark study finds

A pioneering Japanese study found substantial improvements in mental well-being among gamers, with Nintendo Switch ownership leading to 0.60 standard deviations of improvement. The research challenges negative perceptions and highlights the need for a nuanced approach to studying digital media's effects on health.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Brain research: Study shows what your favourite film genres reveal about your brain

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that fans of action films and comedies react strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while those who prefer documentaries or crime films show a weaker reaction. The research suggests that people choose film genres that optimally stimulate their brains.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Not sure how to stand out as a leader on Zoom calls? It starts with how you communicate, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that virtual team members who receive inspiring responses from others are more likely to be viewed as emergent leaders. To become an effective leader in a virtual setting, it's essential to pay attention to how the audience responds to your message and support others' ideas.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAcademy of Management Proceedings·DateAug 27, 2024

New photoacoustic probes enable deep brain tissue imaging, with the potential to report on neuronal activity and enable better understanding of brain function

Researchers have developed novel photoacoustic probes for neuroscience applications, enabling visualization of neurons in specific brain regions. The probes use a combination of protein and synthetic dye to bind to chemicals and emit sound waves that can be detected by imaging equipment.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Quantitative reconstruction of a “once-in-a-millennium” super rainstorm using daily resolved δ18O of land snail shells

Researchers used land snail shells to quantify a 'once-in-a-millennium' super rainstorm in central China, revealing the relationship between climate background and extreme weather variability. The study demonstrates that fossil snail shells can be used to reconstruct synoptic scale extreme rainstorms under different climate conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 27, 2024

KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2024

Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy, pharmaceuticals

Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Why children can’t pay attention to the task at hand

Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain

Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.

SourceAalto University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 26, 2024

Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

A recent study found that 26 highly trained community scientists in Pennsylvania were more effective at documenting bee diversity than thousands of users of the photo-based app iNaturalist. The volunteers collected over twice as much biodiversity data, including new species and county records, through a collections-based program.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Could psychedelic-assisted therapy change addiction treatment?

A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2024

What microscopic fossilized shells tell us about ancient climate change

Researchers analyzed fossilized shells to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels during two hyperthermals, finding a close link between the two. The study provides insights into carbon cycle feedback mechanisms and sensitivities critical for predicting anthropogenic climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Game-changing needle-free COVID-19 intranasal vaccine

A next-generation COVID-19 vaccine has been developed using a live attenuated intranasal approach, inducing strong memory responses and long-term protection. The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern and is highly effective against major SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Progress on early diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is critical due to its progression from normal cognition to dementia. Non-cognitive signs like behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, and sensory impairments may indicate cognitive decline. The review highlights the potential of blood-based biomarkers and gut microbiome in early diagnosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024