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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 25


Page 25 of 41

First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period

A study of ancient sheep mitogenomes from Asıklı Höyük reveals five matrilineages, including one previously unknown lineage, contradicting the assumption of rapid genetic diversity loss during early domestication. High diversity persisted despite a millennium of human interference with sheep breeding.

PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Where have all the right whales gone?

Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Supercool delivery: final section of souped-up neutron source trucks out of Jefferson Lab

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is receiving a major upgrade thanks to US neutron science facility Jefferson Lab. The final cryomodule has been successfully delivered and will double the power capability of the linear accelerator, enabling next-generation neutron science research. This delivery marks the ...

Exoplanets true to size

Researchers have successfully determined the size and atmospheric composition of exoplanet WASP-39b by including a star's magnetic field in model calculations. The study improves upon previous observations by providing a more precise understanding of the planet's signal in light curves.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2024

Inherited predisposition for higher muscle strength may protect against common morbidities

A large-scale study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength have a slightly lower risk for common noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality. This is attributed to their intrinsic ability to resist pathological changes during aging, rather than recovery from acute adversity.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateApr 12, 2024

One of the largest male infertility genetic studies improves molecular diagnostics and personalized management of andrology patients

A large-scale study identified 39 genes regulating spermatogenesis and disease-causing variants in ~12% of men with unexplained infertility; the findings have improved molecular diagnostics and treatment for infertile couples worldwide.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2024

First national study of Dobbs ruling’s effect on permanent contraception among young adults

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, permanent sterilization procedures among young adults increased nationwide, with tubal sterilizations rising twice as high as vasectomies. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on young women, who ar...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Moments of clarity in the fog of dementia

A recent Mayo Clinic study investigated lucid episodes in people living with later stages of dementia, revealing that 75% were reported to have Alzheimer's Disease. The researchers identified distinct patterns or types of lucid episodes, suggesting they may be related to the level of cognition and circumstances surrounding the episode....

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·DateApr 11, 2024

AI model has potential to detect risk of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder

Researchers developed an AI model to analyze short narrative statements from postpartum patients, identifying a large proportion likely to have childbirth-related PTSD. The model's accuracy was demonstrated through analysis of narratives from patients who tested high for symptoms on a questionnaire.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

University of Ottawa team’s work could help supercharge Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity

The University of Ottawa team has developed a large-scale workflow to produce natural killer cells and extracellular vesicles for cancer research and therapeutics. The hollow-fiber bioreactor system can potentially offer new options for drug developers exploring cost-effective ways to develop innovative therapies.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

‘Branded access offers’ dilute parent brand via perceived lack of consumer commitment

A new study by University of Illinois expert Tiffany Barnett White found that branded access offers can damage parent brand image, particularly among hard-core brand adherents. Consumers with high group-brand connections react less favorably to these offers compared to traditional ownership models.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Tropical coral-infecting parasites discovered in cold marine ecosystems

A new study reveals that corallicolids, thought to be only associated with tropical coral reefs, have been found in a variety of creatures in cold marine ecosystems along the Northeast Pacific. The discovery greatly expands our understanding of microbial biodiversity and highlights significant blind spots in current sampling approaches.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

New ways to fine tune electrochemistry

Researchers developed new techniques to study acid-base chemistry at electrified interfaces, revealing the impact of hydrophobic layers and electric fields. These findings offer opportunities for optimizing electrochemical processes and designing novel catalytic strategies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

In the drive to deprescribe, heartburn drug study teaches key lessons

A new study shows that a massive effort to reduce the overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) led to a nearly 30% reduction in prescriptions, but also resulted in some veterans missing out on protective use. The intervention, which imposed limits on PPI prescription size and refills, was carried out in one region of the Veterans Healt...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

New technological breakthrough for fast and efficient 3D imaging of objects

Researchers from the University of Barcelona have designed a new system for fast and efficient 3D imaging of objects, exceeding current technological systems in terms of speed and spatial resolution. The innovation uses intelligent interrogation to reduce image acquisition time, enabling real-time characterization of dynamic processes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024