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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 456


Page 456 of 484

American College of Radiology releases joint statement on the use of AI tools in radiology

The American College of Radiology has issued a joint statement with four other radiology societies to address the development and use of AI tools in radiology. The statement emphasizes the need for increased monitoring of AI utility and safety, advocating for collaboration among developers, clinicians, purchasers, and regulators.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 25, 2024

International consortium identifies biomarkers that improve prediction accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes

A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

African smallholder farmers benefit from reduced crop losses and higher incomes from a novel pest alert service

Smallholder farmers in four African countries experienced reduced crop losses and higher incomes after receiving pest alerts generated using earth observation data. The Pest Risk Information Service (PRISE) project demonstrated a positive impact on farmers' livelihoods, with benefits more pronounced for male-headed households.

SourceCABI·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Total organic carbon concentrations measured over Canadian oil sands reveal huge underestimate of emissions

A recent study by Megan He and colleagues finds that traditional methods for estimating pollution in the Canadian oil sands can be severely inaccurate, with actual emissions exceeding industry values by up to 6300%. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive monitoring of organic carbon emissions from oil sands operations.

These male marsupials give up sleep for sex

Researchers found that male antechinus reduce their sleep by 3 hours per night for 3 weeks to focus on mating and reproduction. The study suggests that the marsupials may have a unique ability to thrive with reduced sleep, but the exact mechanisms behind this adaptation are unclear.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

How does climate change affect eczema?

A recent study published in Allergy found that climate change has negative effects on atopic dermatitis, including increased inflammation from air pollution and stress from droughts. The researchers called for further research to address the impact of multiple climatic factors on eczema incidence and prevalence.

SourceWiley·JournalAllergy·DateJan 24, 2024

The more the merrier: Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Furry fruit improves mental health – fast

A study published in The British Journal of Nutrition found that kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14-16 days. Vitamin C intake also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent, improving mood until day 12.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2024

Death rate higher than expected for patients with functional, nonepileptic seizures

A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Recovering lossless propagation: HKU physicists overcoming optical loss in polariton system with synthetic complex frequency waves

A research team led by HKU physicists has introduced a solution to address optical loss in polariton propagation using synthetic complex frequency waves. This approach enables more efficient light-based devices, improved accuracy in sensors and imaging techniques, and enhanced nanophotonic circuits.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Galápagos penguin is exposed to and may accumulate microplastics at high rate within its food web, modelling suggests

A study in PLOS ONE suggests that Galápagos penguins may accumulate microplastics at a high rate within their food web, with the excretion rate playing a key role. The research uses modeling to simulate microplastic movement through the Galápagos penguin ecosystem and highlights the potential for biomagnification across trophic levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Alarming levels of persistent chemical (PFAS) contamination found in small coastal ecosystems, urgent action needed

A new study reveals high concentrations of PFAS in micro-estuaries, posing significant risks to the environment and human health. The research emphasizes the need for targeted environmental management strategies to protect these critical ecosystems.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Pusan National University's breakthrough in muscle regeneration: Nanotech scaffolding supports tissue growth

Researchers develop nanofibrous matrices containing MXene nanoparticles to aid in muscle regeneration. The study reveals molecular mechanisms behind the effects of MXene nanoparticles on muscle growth, suggesting a promising avenue for treating volumetric muscle loss and muscle-related ailments.

SourcePusan National University·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Do different plant-based diets affect pregnancy and birth outcomes?

Women following vegan diets during pregnancy may face increased risks of preeclampsia and lower birth weights compared to omnivorous mothers. A recent study found that micronutrient intake was lower among vegans but no major differences were observed when supplements were considered.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJan 24, 2024

A virus that infected the first animals hundreds of millions of years ago has become essential for the development of the embryo

Researchers discover a virus, MERVL, plays a critical role in embryonic development by regulating gene expression and ensuring smooth transition from totipotency to pluripotency. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and artificial embryo creation.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Women and people of color remain “invisible” as most people pick white men as their heroes, study shows

A study found that most people in Britain and the USA choose white men as their heroes, with women and people of color often being overlooked. Only 1 in 4 Britons and 1 in 5 Americans said they had a heroine, highlighting a persistent gap between prominent white male heroes and forgotten heroines.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Politics Culture and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2024

UCF Rosen College study reveals economic impact of Florida’s red tide on tourism

A new UCF study found that the 2018 Florida red tide bloom caused $2.7 billion in losses to tourism-related businesses, with low concentrations having a significant economic impact. The research highlights the importance of risk management tools for individuals and businesses affected by harmful algae blooms.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Gene behind heart defects in Down syndrome identified

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL have identified a gene that causes heart defects in Down syndrome, a condition resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Reducing the overactivity of this gene partially reversed these defects in mice, setting the scene for potential future therapies.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Infants born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress

A new study finds that infants born full-term to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop respiratory distress compared to uninfected infants. Vaccination prior to infection was found to be protective, reducing the risk by half.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Atmospheric pressure changes could be driving Mars’ elusive methane pulses

Researchers simulated how methane travels through underground fractures and is released into the atmosphere, predicting pulses just before Martian sunrise in the northern summer season. This corroborates previous rover data suggesting daily methane level fluctuations. The study informs the Curiosity rover's ongoing sampling campaign.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Simple steps can cut snakebite deaths

A new study finds that most people take steps to prevent snakebites, but the measures taken don't always reflect evidence-based advice. Promoting locally practical methods could save many lives, especially in rural areas where snakes are more common.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJan 24, 2024

Mass General Brigham study highlights varied risk of persistent COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients

Researchers found that patients with severe immunosuppression, such as those with hematologic malignancies or organ transplants, were most likely to have chronic, prolonged infections. In contrast, patients with mild immunosuppression had similar viral shedding dynamics to non-immunocompromised participants.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 24, 2024

People with suicidal thoughts help each other through tough times

Researchers found that people with suicidal thoughts use closed peer groups on Danish social media to navigate the healthcare system and receive emotional support. These online communities provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and connect with others who understand their experiences.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMental Health & Prevention·TypeCase study·DateJan 24, 2024

A study of how Americans die may improve their end of life

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed Medicare records to identify nine distinct end-of-life care trajectories among older Americans. The study found that nearly all patients followed one of these paths in their last three years of life, with significant variations by sociodemographic and health-related factors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Women farm owners more apt to binge drink

A study by University of Georgia researchers found female farmers report higher levels of stress and are more likely to binge drink when they do consume alcohol. The pattern holds true for those who own or manage farms, where women face unique challenges in male-dominated industries.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 24, 2024