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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 76


Page 76 of 484

Breakthrough in energy-efficient avalanche-based amorphization could revolutionize data storage

Researchers developed a new method for amorphizing indium selenide wires, requiring as little as one billion times less power density. The process resembles an avalanche and an earthquake, triggering rapid deformation and linking small areas into larger ones, potentially unlocking wider applications for phase-change memory technology.

Five minutes of exercise a day could lower blood pressure

A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

New analysis uncovers significant decrease in mental health staffing during austerity

The NHS mental health workforce decreased significantly during austerity, with notable disparity in staffing levels across the country. The growth in the mental health workforce appears about half that of the wider clinical workforce, suggesting that ambitions to create a 'parity of esteem' between mental and physical health conditions...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Mental Health Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2024

Salmon frequently mislabeled in Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants

A recent study by Tracie Delgado and colleagues found that 18% of salmon samples from Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants were mislabeled. The researchers called for continued development and enforcement of legislation against salmon fraud to prevent accurate tracking of supply chains and conserve wild salmon.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

Brain stars hold our memories

A study published in Nature reveals that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, play a crucial role in storing and retrieving memories. Researchers found that these non-neuronal cell types work closely with groups of neurons called engrams to regulate the formation and recall of memories.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Balancing quantity and quality: How X/Twitter's algorithm influences our consumption of news

Researchers found that X/Twitter's algorithm presents users with milder and less polarizing information than chronological timeline news. However, this has implications for the use of these platforms to find trustworthy news, as users question its credibility even when coming from legitimate sources.

Cachexia decoded: Why diagnosis matters in cancer survival

A new study from Japan confirms that definitive criteria for lower cachexia prevalence rates are linked to reduced survival rates in cancer patients. The study found that the diagnostic criteria used for cachexia detection can affect reported prevalence and survival outcomes, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 6, 2024

What happens in your brain while you watch a movie

Researchers used fMRI scans to study how the brain responds to complex audio and visual stimuli while watching movies. They identified 24 distinct brain networks associated with specific aspects of sensory or cognitive processing, such as recognizing human faces or bodies, movement, and social interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Nasal swab tests predict COVID-19 disease severity, Emory study finds

Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool called FlowBEAT to measure antibodies in nasal cavities, finding that more than 70% of people with mild or moderate COVID-19 develop protective autoantibodies in the nose. These autoantibodies may play a role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Very early medication abortion is effective and safe

A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2024

Variation in the measurement of sexual orientations is associated with sexual orientation-related mental health disparities

A study found that differences in sexual orientation measurement approaches lead to underestimation of the sexual minority population and their mental health disparities. The research used two survey questions to measure sexual orientation, detecting more respondents as sexual minorities than traditional labels.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2024

Does work-related stress compromise cardiovascular health?

A large multi-ethnic study found that work-related stress was associated with unfavorable cardiovascular health metrics, including lower odds of average and optimal health scores. The study's authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research on stress mechanisms and workplace interventions to improve employee well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 6, 2024

Interstellar methane as progenitor of amino acids?

Research finds that gamma radiation can convert methane into glycine and other complex molecules, potentially playing a role in the origin of life. The study also reveals new strategies for industrial conversion of methane under mild conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024