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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 279


Page 279 of 484

How can we make good decisions by observing others? A videogame and computational model have the answer

Researchers developed a computational model to understand key decision-making processes, showing how group rewards improve performance. A videogame model inferred sequences of decisions from visual data, revealing the importance of balancing exploration and resource usage in collective behavior.

Gold nanoparticles that selectively emit left-/right-handed light

Researchers found that chiral gold nanoparticles exhibit high selectivity for left- or right-handed circularly polarized light with a dissymmetry factor of approximately 0.7, outperforming previous materials. The findings suggest potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and quantum information using circularly polarized light.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Taking care of caregivers of children with ADHD

A new 13-week group-based parent training program, Well Parent Japan (WPJ), has been shown to be effective in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy, and reducing family strain for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD. The program provides social support and encourages shared learning amongst participants.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Rocky shores of Pacific Northwest show low resilience to changes in climate

Researchers found that sessile invertebrates like mussels and barnacles became more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined. The rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions after the epidemic ended, suggesting low resilience to changes in temperature and predator numbers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Researchers explore the neurobiological basis of child abuse by maltreating mothers

A study using diffusion tensor imaging found reduced white-matter structural features in maltreating mothers' brains, linked to impulsivity and voluntary movement control. The findings suggest potential physiological causes underlying child abuse and represent a crucial step towards developing effective prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 4, 2024

Comparative study on dual vs single cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in obese patients

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 4, 2024

Videoconferencing gets older adults moving as health lessons put to practical use

A 12-week health education program using videoconferencing software showed improved physical activity and adherence to health advice compared to a control group. The study suggests that videoconferencing can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable behavioral changes among older adults, regardless of location or distance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Researchers developed a model that allows a computer to understand human emotions

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Jyvåskilö can predict and respond to human emotions, improving user experience. The model simulates cognitive evaluation processes to assess emotional responses to events, enabling computers to preemptively predict and mitigate negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2024

Surgical site infection rates and other secondary outcomes decrease dramatically at multi-state hospital system through standardized, preoperative, surgical, antibiotic practices

A six-state hospital system reported significant decreases in surgical site infections, mortality, length of stay, and readmissions after implementing a comprehensive SSI prevention bundle. Orthopedic patients showed the most benefit, with a 32.8% reduction in SSI rates.

New test detects more cases of cervical cancer

A new molecular test WID-qCIN detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages than current methods, identifying 100% of invasive cervical cancer and 93% of serious precancerous lesions. The test reduces the need for colposcopy examinations by 40%, improving the effectiveness of screening programs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 4, 2024

Duke-NUS breakthrough discovery identifies first step in allergic reactions, paving the way for new preventative strategies

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified how mast cells release bioactive chemicals after encountering allergens, a critical step in anaphylactic shock. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs to prevent severe reactions and offers new hope for millions with asthma and food allergies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Olivine unlocks the secrets of the Moon’s interior

Researchers investigate partition coefficients of first-transition row elements in olivine and silicate melt to understand petrogenetic processes in planetary basalts. The study reveals the role of Cr-rich cumulates in lunar basalts and implications for reducing conditions in the lunar mantle.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJun 4, 2024

Slow-spinning radio neutron star breaks all the rules

Astronomers from the University of Sydney and CSIRO have detected a slow-spinning neutron star with a period of nearly an hour, breaking all known rules. This discovery provides new insights into the complex life cycles of stellar objects and may prompt a reconsideration of our understanding of neutron stars or white dwarfs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Lived experience should be centered in future mental health research, say people with mental health conditions and their families and carers in nationwide Australian survey

A nationwide Australian survey highlights the importance of centering lived experience in future mental health research. The study, which gathered insights from people with mental health conditions and their families and carers, emphasizes the significance of connections and experiences over individual conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage stroke outcomes improve with early minimally invasive surgery evaluated in clinical trial

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage have better medical outcomes when surgeons perform early minimally invasive removal of a hematoma compared to standard care. The study found improved survival rates and functional outcomes at 180 days for patients who received early surgical intervention.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2024

Managing mental health should be about more than mind

A holistic approach to mental health management involves integrating medication with lifestyle changes, social support, and community engagement. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental factors affecting mental health, emphasizing individual rights and dignity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

How an Indian government policy backfired: the unintended consequences of price regulation of prescription drugs

A new study found that India's Drug Price Control Order in 2013 led to a shift in pharmaceutical firms' marketing efforts, disproportionately affecting prescriptions issued by less formally educated physicians. Sales volumes of regulated drugs declined, while those for unregulated but related drugs increased.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 4, 2024

BTK inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity: the quest for predictive biomarkers and improved risk stratification

Researchers discuss Ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, noting 20-25% of patients experience dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicities. A recent study identifies genetic biomarkers, such as KCNQ1 and GATA4, associated with cardiotoxic events, which may improve risk stratification.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

NRG Oncology abstract considered “best of ASCO” for 2024 shows difference in outcomes for node-negative versus node-positive pancreatic cancer patients when adding chemoradiation to systemic therapy

The NRG-RTOG 0848 clinical study found that adding chemoradiation to adjuvant systemic therapy improves overall survival for node-negative pancreatic cancer patients, but not for those with node-positive disease. Disease-free survival was also improved in both groups.

Flow research on the outskirts of space

A European research team conducted experiments in weightlessness to isolate the classic diffusion phenomenon, closing the gap with experimental validation. The study used a sounding rocket to create a state of almost complete weightlessness, allowing researchers to run their experiments automatically.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024