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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 3


Page 3 of 41

Becker to study Channel Island deer mouse

Becker will investigate evolutionary and conservation genomics in insular Peromyscus populations, uncovering general patterns in isolated wild mammal populations. By sequencing genome-wide loci over 120 years, she aims to extend the utility of islands as natural laboratories for testing genetic monitoring techniques.

Intervention based on science of reading, math boosts comprehension, word problem-solving skills

A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024

Scientists harness the wind as a tool to move objects

Researchers at Aalto University have created a method to manipulate objects with wind, allowing for controlled movement in different directions. The technique uses an airflow field to move objects along desired trajectories, with potential applications in robotics and complex processing tasks.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateApr 29, 2024

Sour Patch adults: 1 in 8 grown-ups love extreme tartness, study shows

A recent study published in Food Quality and Preference revealed that one in eight adults enjoy intensely sour sensations. Researchers found three distinct patterns of response to sourness: a strong negative group, an intermediate group with muted drops in liking, and a strong positive group where liking increased with more sourness.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Tepper School study reveals voter moral justifications for politicians' misstatements

A recent Tepper School study found that both Republican and Democratic voters provide explicit moral justification for factually inaccurate statements from their preferred politicians. This challenge the notion of partisan voters being solely influenced by laziness or bias, instead revealing a preference for 'fact-flouting' as an effec...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateApr 29, 2024

What's new in transportation data at PSU?

Portland State University's transportation data centers, PORTAL and BikePed Portal, have received significant updates with new funding and exciting innovations. The $1.6 million PORTAL funding will support its activities for the next five years, while BikePed Portal has secured $100K in additional funding.

Group sales incentives boost weak brand sales, study finds

New research from UC Riverside finds that group sales incentives are more effective for weak brands than individual incentives. Weaker brands with uncertain sales outcomes benefit from equal commissions among sales team members, whereas stronger brands perform better under individual incentives based on sales volumes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Uptick in NYC transit assault rate during COVID pandemic; has not returned to pre-pandemic levels despite subway safety plan

Researchers found an 84% increase in NYC transit complaints following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, with no return to pre-pandemic levels despite the Subway Safety Plan. The plan's increased police presence led to stronger enforcement of transit policies, but its effect was unclear and may have had unintended consequences.

Fixin’ to be flexitarian: Scrap fish and invasive species can liven up vegetables

A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateApr 29, 2024

T. rex not as smart as previously claimed, scientists find

A new study challenges previous claims that dinosaurs like T. rex were exceptionally intelligent, finding their brain size and neuron counts to be unreliable estimates of intelligence. The researchers argue that relying on single lines of evidence, such as neuron counts, can lead to misleading interpretations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Pandemic fatigue and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect global public health, new 23-country study in Nature Medicine reports

A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Quantum fiber optics in the brain enhance processing, may protect against degenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a quantum effect in biological systems that may help the brain protect itself from degenerative diseases. The effect, called superradiance, occurs when many tryptophan molecules are arranged in a symmetrical network and can absorb and re-emit damaging ultraviolet light particles.

SourceHoward University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

AI algorithms can determine how well newborns nurse, study shows

Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Study reveals higher injury and assault rates among NYC food delivery gig workers dependent on the work

A study by CUNY researchers found that NYC food delivery gig workers are at a high risk of injury and assault, particularly those who rely on gig work for their main income. The study analyzed data from 1,650 delivery workers and found that fully dependent gig workers are 61% more likely to experience injury and 36% more likely to expe...

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Laser imaging could offer early detection for at-risk artwork

Researchers develop laser microscopy technique to analyze pigments in artwork, detecting chemical changes that mark the onset of decay. The technique uses ultra-fast pulses of light to create 3D maps of certain pigments, allowing for nondestructive analysis and early detection of fading.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Physics Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Pathogens, including multi-drug resistant “superbugs”, found on floors, ceilings and door handles of hospital toilets, UK study finds

A new study has found that hospital toilet surfaces in the UK are contaminated with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study reveals that patient toilets were the worst affected, with higher levels of bacteria and fungi found on floors and high surfaces than hand-touch sites.

How can forests be reforested in a climate-friendly way?

A recent study by the University of Vienna found that only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change. Mixed forests are essential for forest ecosystem stability, but limited species options pose a challenge. The selected set of future-proof trees averages three properties, such as carbon storage and animal habitats.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 29, 2024

A celebrity weight-loss drug helps people with HIV fight fatty liver, study shows

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that semaglutide is an effective therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people with HIV. The medication, approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, showed significant reductions in liver fat and improved metabolic markers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

The therapeutic effects of baicalein on the hepatopulmonary syndrome in the rat model of chronic common bile duct ligation

This study explored the preventative role of baicalein in hepatopulmonary syndrome development. Baicalein improved survival rates, reduced angiogenic protein levels, and enhanced glucose homeostasis in HPS rats. It also attenuated pathological angiogenesis in the liver and lungs.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 29, 2024

After 25 years, researchers uncover genetic cause of rare neurological disease

Scientists have identified the genetic mutation that causes SCA4, a progressive neurological disorder. The mutated gene ZFHX3 leads to impaired protein recycling in nerve cells, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking and balancing. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments for both SCA4 and another related form of ataxia.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Antimicrobial resistance prevalence varies by age and sex in bloodstream infections in European hospitals

A new study found that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in bloodstream infections varies by age and sex, with age being a significant factor. The study analyzed data from 29 European countries and found diverse patterns of association between AMR and age/sex for different bacterial species and resistance phenotypes.