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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 66


Page 66 of 484

UTokyo and NARO develop new vertical seed distribution trait for soybean breeding

Researchers have developed a novel image analysis pipeline called Multi Scale Attention Network (MSAnet) to precisely measure soybean seed distribution and plant architecture in the field. This technique enables breeders to select superior varieties with ideal traits and facilitate genetic analysis, advancing modern soybean breeding.

Long Covid could cost the economy billions every year

A new study found that individuals with Long Covid experience persistent functional impairment and poor quality of life, leading to significant economic burdens on patients and the economy. The study estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid could reach £20billion annually due to productivity losses and working days off.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

New species discovered with refined DNA technology

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered four new species of daisies in South Africa using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. The discovery highlights the importance of integrating traditional observations with modern genetic analysis to better understand plant relationships and biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSouth African Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

When it comes to corporate climate action, a single policy isn’t enough

A study published in PLOS Climate found that single corporate climate policies have limited value for policymakers and investors. Companies with a range of climate policies, however, show an average of over 20% emission reductions. This suggests that a comprehensive policy mix is more effective for supporting climate action.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

Overcoming the obstacles to conservation and development in lakeside communities: insights from recent empirical research at China Agricultural University

Research highlights the importance of human and material capital in promoting sustainable tourism, while acknowledging unequal access to opportunities. The study recommends investing in public infrastructure and financial support for families to ensure equitable benefits.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Plugged wells and reduced injection lower induced earthquake rates in Oklahoma

A new study finds that reducing the depth of wastewater injection can decrease seismic activity, lending further support to this approach. The research suggests that regulatory efforts to backfill some injection wells with cement and reduce volumes have been effective in lowering Oklahoma's induced earthquake rate.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

New guideline provides treatment recommendations for restless legs syndrome

The new clinical practice guideline recommends significant changes in the standard treatment of RLS in adults, emphasizing iron evaluation and supplementation. The guideline also suggests alternative treatments, including alpha-2-delta ligand calcium channel blockers and bilateral high-frequency peroneal nerve stimulation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 13, 2024

We may be overestimating the association between gut bacteria and disease, machine learning study finds

A recent machine learning study suggests that the association between gut bacteria and disease may be overstated. Instead, changes in microbial load were found to be a key factor in the presence of disease-associated microbial species. This discovery challenges current understanding of the gut microbiome's role in disease etiology.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

Two microbe strains can effectively degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, offering potential to treat oily wastewater - such as marine oil spills - and reduce its toxicity

Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2024

Continuous psychological distress in pregnant mothers may be associated with higher epilepsy diagnosis rates in their young kids, per Japanese study of more than 97,000 1-3-year-olds

A Japanese study of over 97,000 1-3-year-olds found a possible link between maternal prenatal psychological distress and increased epilepsy diagnosis rates in their offspring. The research suggests that continuous stress during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to the development of epilepsy in young children.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2024

New discovery may lead to more effective treatment for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new target for treating atherosclerosis by identifying an inflammation-reducing molecule called itaconate. This finding may lead to the development of a new therapeutic approach that mimics the beneficial effects of a low-fat diet without requiring drastic lifestyle changes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Stress is contagious – for animals, too

Researchers found that stress responses can spread to unexposed group members, altering their activity levels and social behaviors. This impact on social cohesion could have profound effects on the fitness of individual members and the dynamics of groups.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 13, 2024

Association for Molecular Pathology publishes joint consensus report on SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance for hospitals and public health laboratories

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published a joint consensus report on SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, outlining key considerations for next-generation sequencing methods. The report provides guidance on pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of NGS-based surveillance programs.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateNov 13, 2024

Anti-fatberg invention could help unclog city sewers

Engineers from RMIT University have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that can help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. The coating reduces build-up of FOG on concrete by 30% and is stable in water, withstanding temperatures up to 850 degrees Celsius.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Research shows managers of firms handling recalls should review media scrutiny before deciding whether to lobby

Researchers found that companies are more likely to strategically refrain from lobbying when receiving negative media coverage of product recalls. Lobbying can reduce costs related to product recalls, but the repercussions to firm reputation appear not to be worth the savings.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2024

Depression rates in LGBTQIA+ students are three times higher than their peers, new research suggests

Research published in the Journal of American College Health reveals that LGBTQIA+ students experience alarmingly high rates of depression. The study, which analyzed data from 483,574 responses to the Healthy Minds Study, found that LGBTQIA+ students were three times more likely to report depression than their cisgender peers.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 13, 2024

On the origin of life: How the first cell membranes came to exist

Scientists have discovered a plausible explanation for the development of early Earth protocells. The researchers found that a spontaneous reaction between two simple molecules could form lipids and create membrane vesicles, paving the way for the emergence of life. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Low-carbon collaborative dual-layer optimization for energy station considering joint electricity and heat demand response

Researchers developed a dual-layer optimization framework that integrates electricity and heat demand response, increasing revenue by 5.09% and consumer surplus by 2.46%. The strategy also reduced carbon trading costs by 5.23% and emissions by 2.54%, promoting environmental sustainability.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas

A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Geology·DateNov 13, 2024

NYC's ride-hailing fee failed to ease Manhattan traffic, new NYU Tandon study reveals

A new NYU Tandon School of Engineering study found that NYC's 2019 ride-hailing surcharge cut overall taxi and ride-share trips by 11% in Manhattan but failed to reduce traffic congestion. The study highlights the importance of accessible transit alternatives in shaping how pricing policies impact travel behavior.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2024

Self-reported screening helped reduce distressing symptoms for pediatric patients with cancer

New research shows that routine symptom screening using a validated tool (SSPedi) can reduce symptom burden and support implementing care pathways for improved symptom management. This study found a clinically meaningful decrease in total symptom score, with 12 of 15 symptoms measured showing significant improvement.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2024

University Hospitals Connor Whole Health uses patient feedback to improve intake experience

The study evaluated the functionality and acceptability of electronic intake forms in an outpatient Whole Health Center. Patients perceived the forms as relevant to their health concerns and valuable for communicating important information to providers. The forms were deemed easy to navigate, with minor suggestions for improvement.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateNov 13, 2024

FRIB research team identifies flaw in physics models of massive stars and supernovae

The FRIB research team has identified a flaw in physics models of massive stars and supernovae, revealing inconsistencies with observational gamma-ray astronomy data. This discovery was made possible by the development of a new experimental method that enabled the team to study short-lived isotopes, including iron-60.

Atlantic corals may be even more at risk of extinction than previously thought, per updated assessment classifying almost 1 in 3 species as Critically Endangered

A recent assessment has classified almost 1 in 3 Atlantic reef-building coral species as Critically Endangered due to the combined effects of climate change and other environmental factors. This increased threat level highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2024