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Science News for August 27, 2024


How can wealthy nations respond to the baby bust?

A new study analyzes demographic trends, patterns, and consequences of low fertility in high-income countries. Fertility decline poses economic challenges, but a strategic policy response can mitigate most adverse effects. The authors emphasize the importance of designing economies that allow individuals to freely choose their fertilit...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAnnual Review of Economics·DateAug 27, 2024

Mount Sinai Health System researcher receives $4 million grant from NIH to study the role of the mammary gland secretome in metabolic health

A new five-year grant will explore the mammary gland's influence on metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research aims to identify specific hormones produced by the mammary gland, known as mammokines, which may impact obesity and diabetes in mothers and offspring.

KAIST presents strategies for Holotomography in advanced bio research

Holotomography offers a promising approach to biomedical research, providing high-resolution images of live cells and tissues at the organelle level. The KAIST research team has developed core technologies and demonstrated its applications in various fields, including regenerative medicine and cancer research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

The brain’s balancing system

A small group of dopamine neurons in the striatum plays a crucial role in balancing essential brain functions, including reward, cognition, and movement. This discovery could lead to new treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2024

Mizzou researchers explore solutions to help reduce nurse burnout

A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found that giving nurses massages during their shifts can reduce physical aches and pains while improving mental rejuvenation. The study's lead researcher aims to create a healthier work environment where nurses are excited to remain in the profession long-term.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Illinois researchers develop near-infrared spectroscopy models to analyze corn kernels, biomass

The study utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning to provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis. The researchers created a global model for corn kernel analysis, which can predict moisture and protein content with high accuracy across different locations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Risks faced by women using anabolic steroids in Australia

A new study reveals critical insights into the challenges faced by women who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in Australia, highlighting a significant knowledge gap in sports medicine. The research emphasizes the need for tailored harm-reduction interventions and education on AAS use to mitigate risks associated with counterfeit ...

SourceGriffith University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeCase study·DateAug 27, 2024

Menopause Step-by-Step, a new monthly resource addressing key issues about managing menopause

The Menopause Society launches a new monthly series to address the limited education on menopause, aiming to improve healthcare professionals' ability to guide patients. The Menopause Step-by-Step resource provides evidence-based guidance on recognizing and managing common clinical issues during the menopause transition.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

HKU geologists discover hidden magmatism at the chang'e-6 lunar landing site, shedding light on solving fundamental scientific questions relating early evolution of the moon

Researchers have discovered widespread intrusive magmatism in the South Pole-Aitken basin on the farside of the Moon. The study suggests that these magmatic activities played a crucial role in shaping the lunar crust, providing valuable insights into the Moon's early evolution and internal structure.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Biomimetic peripheral nerve stimulation promotes the rat hindlimb motion modulation in stepping: An experimental analysis

A new research paper presents a biomimetic peripheral nerve stimulation method that facilitates regulation of lower limb movements during stepping and standing. The study achieved muscle control via different sciatic nerve branches, verifying the effectiveness of single-cathode extraneural electrical stimulation in promoting lower limb...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 27, 2024

Cutting-edge algorithm improves intracranial EEG accuracy to improve future patient care

A new algorithm has been developed to improve the accuracy of intracranial EEG data, which is critical for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The Automated Bad Channel Detection (ABCD) algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy than human raters, particularly in identifying channels with high-frequency noise.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Defining chronic pain for high-performance athletes with disabilities

A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

The deadly cost of workplace rudeness

Researchers from the University of Florida and Indiana University found that even mild instances of rudeness can dramatically reduce team functioning and trigger defensive responses. The studies recommend implementing solutions to build team member resilience and mindfulness to deal with perceived threatening situations like rudeness.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalApplied Psychology·DateAug 27, 2024

Obesity and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

A recent study analyzing electronic medical records found obese individuals have a 34% increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The research highlights obesity as a significant transmission risk factor for the virus among exposed individuals, regardless of age or sex.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 27, 2024

Event horizon telescope makes highest-resolution black hole detections from Earth

The Event Horizon Telescope has achieved the highest resolution ever obtained from Earth, detecting light from the centers of distant galaxies at a frequency of 345 GHz. This allows for multi-color views of the region immediately outside the boundary of cosmic beasts, revealing new properties about supermassive black holes.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateAug 27, 2024

Generalized splitting-ring number theoretic transform

A research team introduced a new generalized splitting-ring number theoretic transform (GSR-NTT) to accelerate polynomial multiplication. They demonstrated that K-NTT, H-NTT, and G3-NTT can be regarded as special cases of GSR-NTT under different parameterizations, achieving significant speed-ups in lattice-based schemes.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Darwin’s longstanding interest in biological rhythms

Charles Darwin's work on biological rhythms dates back to 1838, when he observed plant leaves closing in response to touch. He also noted seasonal and daily changes in animal behavior, hibernation patterns, and tidal rhythms, demonstrating a profound engagement with chronobiology.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateAug 27, 2024

Pusan National University researchers reveal the causes for Greenland’s abnormal warming

A Pusan National University study reveals that increases in clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation and surface albedo feedback are the dominant factors behind Greenland's surface warming. This finding has significant implications for predicting future climate impacts and preventing further ice sheet melting.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Kamikaze termites protect their colony with the help of a special enzyme. Its secrets have been uncovered by scientists from IOCB Prague

Researchers from IOCB Prague uncover the mechanism behind a unique termite defense, where worker termites sacrifice themselves to kill attackers. The discovery sheds light on the enzyme's durability and functionality in harsh conditions.

Video gaming improves mental well-being, landmark study finds

A pioneering Japanese study found substantial improvements in mental well-being among gamers, with Nintendo Switch ownership leading to 0.60 standard deviations of improvement. The research challenges negative perceptions and highlights the need for a nuanced approach to studying digital media's effects on health.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Brain research: Study shows what your favourite film genres reveal about your brain

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that fans of action films and comedies react strongly to negative emotional stimuli, while those who prefer documentaries or crime films show a weaker reaction. The research suggests that people choose film genres that optimally stimulate their brains.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

Not sure how to stand out as a leader on Zoom calls? It starts with how you communicate, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that virtual team members who receive inspiring responses from others are more likely to be viewed as emergent leaders. To become an effective leader in a virtual setting, it's essential to pay attention to how the audience responds to your message and support others' ideas.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAcademy of Management Proceedings·DateAug 27, 2024

New photoacoustic probes enable deep brain tissue imaging, with the potential to report on neuronal activity and enable better understanding of brain function

Researchers have developed novel photoacoustic probes for neuroscience applications, enabling visualization of neurons in specific brain regions. The probes use a combination of protein and synthetic dye to bind to chemicals and emit sound waves that can be detected by imaging equipment.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Quantitative reconstruction of a “once-in-a-millennium” super rainstorm using daily resolved δ18O of land snail shells

Researchers used land snail shells to quantify a 'once-in-a-millennium' super rainstorm in central China, revealing the relationship between climate background and extreme weather variability. The study demonstrates that fossil snail shells can be used to reconstruct synoptic scale extreme rainstorms under different climate conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 27, 2024