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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 265


Page 265 of 484

New approach to identifying altermagnetic materials

Researchers developed a new method to identify altermagnets using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and theoretically predicted its fingerprint. The approach was successfully applied to manganese telluride (α-MnTe), revealing the material's hidden fingerprint of altermagnetism, which could accelerate spintronics applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2024

The genetic “switches” of bone growth

Researchers at UNIGE have identified 2700 genetic enhancers that regulate genes responsible for bone growth, providing insights into adult height and potential causes of bone diseases. The study suggests that variations in these enhancers could explain differences in human size and potentially contribute to developmental pathologies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJun 14, 2024

High out-of-pocket costs may be barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions, study shows

A study published in JAMA found that high out-of-pocket costs are a significant barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions. The study, which utilized data from a national pharmacy transactions database, estimated that a $10 increase in cost would decrease the rate of filling prescriptions by about 2-3 percentage points.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2024

Global trial confirms benefit of antacids on bleeding prevention for ventilated patients

A global study and meta-analysis confirm pantoprazole's effectiveness in preventing upper GI bleeding in critically ill adults on a breathing machine. The research, led by McMaster University, shows that pantoprazole reduces the risk of clinically important upper GI bleeding but has no significant impact on mortality.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 14, 2024

Improving soil health yields unexpected benefits for farmers

A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·TypeSurvey·DateJun 14, 2024

Quasicrystal metasurface projects holographic images and light patterns simultaneously

Scientists have developed a quasicrystal metasurface that projects holographic images and creates unique diffraction patterns. This innovative design simplifies device design and offers precise control over light manipulation, paving the way for high-resolution thin holographic displays, ultra-fast light-switching devices, and advanced...

Bringing data to life: New interactive dashboard provides analysis and visualization of sickle cell disease prevalence and burden in an entire state

The Indiana Sickle Cell Dashboard presents interactive visualizations of the disease's prevalence and burden across an entire state, offering a comprehensive picture of those living with sickle cell. The dashboard provides rates per 100,000 population, allowing for comparisons between states or areas around the world.

Disparities in the distribution of flood adaptation resources could be curbed by equity-weighting, research suggests

Researchers found that conventional benefit-cost analyses favor affluent communities, while an equity-weighted approach could reduce bias in hazard mitigation funding. This new method has the potential to improve resource allocation for socio-economically vulnerable areas.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2024

How human activities affect groundwater storage?

The study finds a significant negative correlation between human activities and groundwater storage, with temporal analysis revealing long-lasting effects up to seven years. Economically developed regions favor groundwater storage, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

After major traumatic brain injury, more blood transfusions could mean better outcomes

A new study found that a liberal blood transfusion strategy may improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, leading to better functional independence and quality of life. Six months after the injury, patients who received more frequent blood transfusions showed higher levels of recovery and improved quality of life compa...

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Mysterious mini-Neptunes

Four transiting short-period mini-Neptunes orbiting red dwarfs have been discovered, with radii 2-3 times that of Earth and orbital periods under eight days. Their interiors likely contain volatiles and atmospheres, suggesting non-rocky composition.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Exploring the link between brain topological resilience and cognitive performance in the context of aging and vascular risk factors: A cross-ethnicity population-based study

A cross-ethnicity study investigated the relationship between brain topological resilience, aging, and vascular risk factors on cognition. BTR showed negative correlations with age and positive correlations with cognition, and SEM supported pathways where BTR mediated the effect of aging and atherosclerosis on cognition.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 13, 2024

Public more confident connecting increasing heat, wildfires with climate change than other extreme weather events, study finds

A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.

SourceOregon State University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Customised thermal radiation

A team of researchers from TU Wien and the University of Manchester demonstrated the control of thermal radiation by manipulating its topological properties. They created a coating with varying metal layer thickness along the coastline of the British Isles, allowing for localized heat emission at specific points.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Land management and climate change affect ecosystems’ ability to provide multiple services simultaneously

A new study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig found that climate change impacts ecosystems' multifunctionality, affecting soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable land management practices can enhance ecological and economic benefits under current and future climate conditions.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Mono-canalicular lacrimal stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction treatment

Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Ophthalmology Journal·DateJun 13, 2024

More hospitals than ever require staff to get flu shots

A new study reveals that 96% of VA hospitals and 74% of non-federal hospitals mandate influenza vaccination or waivers for staff. This surge is largely attributed to the 2020 Veterans Health Administration directive. The increased mandates aim to reduce flu transmission among patients, as health systems strive to improve patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Public acceptance of adoption and surrogacy methods currently prohibited in UK increases if one or both parents are infertile - study

A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Bioethical Inquiry·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Parliamentary members use simpler language on hot days

A new study analyzing seven million parliamentary speeches reveals that high temperatures lead to a significant reduction in politicians' language complexity. The researchers found that the impact of heat on cognitive abilities has real and immediate consequences for politicians.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

AI can help doctors make better decisions and save lives

A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that real-time machine learning alerts significantly improved patient outcomes by predicting clinical deterioration. The study showed that patients who received AI-generated alerts were 43% more likely to have their care escalated and had a lower risk of death.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Exercise lifts mood for adults with Down’s syndrome

A new study found that physical activity and cognitive training can improve life satisfaction and mood for adults with Down’s syndrome. The Mindsets study involved 83 participants who were assigned to one of four groups for an eight-week period, including a control group, light physical exercise, or BrainHQ activities.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 13, 2024

May I touch you? Being given a choice makes touch more pleasant

Studies found that even minor choices, such as picking a color, can increase the enjoyment of touch. The results suggest that providing patients with perceived control over their treatment may yield greater benefits in clinical settings. This study provides new insights into how choice shapes our experiences on a fundamental level.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAttention Perception & Psychophysics·DateJun 13, 2024

A compound produced by symbiotic bacteria promotes in vitro protein synthesis

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered a compound called diaphorin that promotes protein synthesis in vitro using Escherichia coli-derived components. The study found that diaphorin targets bacterial gene expression systems, improving the growth and substance production ability of E. coli.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Clear stress patterns among children in dental care

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024