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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 266


Page 266 of 484

6,000 years ago, men and women had equal access to resources

A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that all members of a Neolithic agropastoral society in Switzerland, including non-locals, had equal access to food resources. The analysis of bone isotopes suggests that this egalitarian society was one of the oldest known in the western part of Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2024

Pair plasmas found in deep space can now be generated in the lab

Researchers at University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics have developed a novel way to experimentally produce plasma 'fireballs' on Earth, generating high-density relativistic electron-positron pair plasmas. This breakthrough enables follow-up experiments that could yield fundamental discoveries about the universe.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Dopamine linked to mentalising abilities

Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered a link between dopamine and mentalising abilities in healthy individuals. They found that altering dopamine levels affected participants' ability to accurately attribute mental states, with implications for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock

Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.

SourceScience Communications·JournalGeothermal Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

Sister hormone of GLP-1 can lead to better weight-loss drugs

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the GIP hormone's role in regulating insulin levels and weight loss. The study, involving over 500,000 individuals, found that inhibiting the GIP receptor may result in weight loss, while activating it without arresting its signal is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

ADHD meds may help pregnant patients control opioid use disorder

Researchers have found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who continue taking their ADHD medications are more likely to adhere to treatment and experience fewer overdoses. Patients who stop taking ADHD medications, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of overdose and emergency room visits.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Neural balance in the brain is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability

A study found that neural balance, measured by the E/I ratio, is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability. Research suggests that as children develop, their E/I ratios decrease, leading to improved performance in cognitive tests.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Advances in techniques used to identify sharks and rays have not prevented trade and increase in extinction risk

Despite improved molecular methods, trade in endangered sharks and rays has continued to rise, with 83% of detected species considered at risk of extinction. Research reveals that DNA sequencing techniques have become more cost-effective but failed to reduce the extent of species threats.

University of Colorado co-leads multicenter randomized trial identifying method of emergency intubation preoxygenation to decrease risk of hypoxemia and cardiac arrest

A multicenter randomized trial identified a noninvasive ventilation method as effective in reducing the risk of hypoxemia and cardiac arrest during emergency tracheal intubation. The study found that this method cut the risk of hypoxemia in half and drastically reduced the risk of cardiac arrest compared to oxygen mask preoxygenation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Short-term loneliness associated with physical health problems

A new study by Penn State researchers found that loneliness can lead to negative health symptoms even for people who don't typically feel lonely. The study used data from over 1,500 participants aged 35-65 and found that reducing feelings of loneliness on a daily basis could result in fewer health issues.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 13, 2024

Climate change: Longer ice-free periods may lead to smaller Hudson Bay polar bear population

Researchers warn that Hudson Bay's growing ice-free period may reduce polar bear survival rates and reproductive success, threatening their population. If global warming exceeds 2.1 degrees Celsius, the ice-free period could extend beyond the bears' safe limit, leading to reduced survival rates.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

CHOP-developed adolescent health questionnaire helps doctors and families navigate complex issues

A newly developed adolescent health questionnaire has been successfully adapted across pediatric primary care, increasing discussions about sensitive topics such as tobacco use, sexual behavior, and mental health. The questionnaire has improved data collection rates, with up to 95% of visit records capturing information on these topics.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

The BMJ Commission sets out manifesto for a healthier UK

The BMJ Commission outlines its vision for a healthier UK with recommendations to address the current NHS crisis, including an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility. The commission also prioritizes improving the workforce, addressing public health challenges, and investing in general practice.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 13, 2024

Confronting trauma alleviates chronic pain among older veterans

A study led by UCLA Health found that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) significantly reduces chronic pain among older adults compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. EAET helps patients confront and release traumatic emotions, leading to a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

New study: Outdoor recreation noise affects wildlife behavior and habitat use

A recent study published in Current Biology indicates that outdoor recreation noise can trigger a fear response in wildlife, altering their behavior and habitat use. The research, conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, found that different types of recreation noise, group size, and human presence affected animal responses.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Antimalarial compounds show promise to relieve polycystic ovary syndrome

A study found that plant-derived artemisinins suppress ovarian androgen production in multiple rodent models and human patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The compounds, such as artemether, induce CYP11A1 degradation by targeting the protease LONP1, leading to reduced PCOS biomarkers and improved menstrual cycles.