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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 28


Page 28 of 39

Autonomous imaging robot plays a crucial role in assessing embryos’ response to environmental change

The LabEmbryoCam is a robotic instrument that autonomously monitors embryonic development in aquatic species, providing insights into how environmental conditions impact early life stages. The open-source instrument enables scientists to track key features such as heart rate and growth in large numbers of embryos simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalHardwareX·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

A pioneering study of 192 Brazilian patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma identified genetic variants associated with the disease. The researchers found that 6.25% had pathogenic germline variants in genes predisposing to pancreatic cancer, and 13% had variants in genes associated with limited or previously unknown associations.

Outcomes worse for patients who develop pressure sores after acute spinal cord injury

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are associated with poorer neurological outcomes and reduced motor function in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury. The findings suggest that preventing pressure ulcers can help protect these patients and lead to improved medical care.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2024

Getting a grip on health norms

A groundbreaking study has established the world's largest and most geographically comprehensive international norms for handgrip strength, covering 2.4 million adults from 69 countries. The new norms enable global peer-comparison, health screening, and surveillance across the adult lifespan, helping clinicians identify people at risk ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2024

DOE partners with UK’s DESNZ and Tokamak Energy Ltd. to accelerate fusion energy development through a $52M upgrade to the privately owned ST40 facility

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with the UK's Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and private fusion company Tokamak Energy Ltd. to upgrade the privately owned ST40 facility for $52 million. This collaboration aims to advance fusion science and technology needed for a future fusion pilot plant.

Record-low Antarctic sea ice can be explained and forecast months out by patterns in winds

Researchers at the University of Washington used a global climate model to simulate how ocean and air temperatures affect sea ice in the Southern Ocean. They found that warm Southern Ocean conditions and patterns in winds can explain 70% of the record-low winter sea ice extent in 2023, with similar predictions made for 2024.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2024

NRL hosts NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara

Loral O'Hara, a NASA astronaut, visited the Naval Research Laboratory to share her 200+ day mission aboard the International Space Station. She discussed her daily routine, scientific research, and the challenges faced by the crew, highlighting the importance of space exploration for advancing human knowledge.

Entrepreneurs who take funding from close family and friends are more likely to pursue lower-risk growth options

New research from Indiana University finds that accepting funding from family and friends can lead entrepreneurs to make more conservative venture growth decisions. This 'funding-source-induced bias' can result in anticipated guilt, prompting founders to prioritize lower-risk strategies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

High heat is preferentially killing the young, not the old, new research finds

A new study reveals that 75% of heat-related deaths in Mexico occur among people under 35, contrary to the assumption that elderly individuals are more susceptible. Young adults and small children are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as outdoor labor, limited access to air conditioning, and developing immune systems.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2024

Oxygen redistribution in the brain

A team at Zhejiang University developed a novel strategy for early detection of high-altitude hypoxic brain injury using changes in oxygen content in brain regions over time. They found that brain regions with higher tolerance for hypoxia received less oxygen to support supply to more important areas.

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

Rice researchers examine why people remember certain things and not others

Researchers Fernanda Morales-Calva and Stephanie Leal explored the three Ws of memory - what, where, and when - to understand why people remember certain things. They found that emotional content, personal significance, repetition, and attention can influence memory retention. The study highlights the importance of considering individu...

SourceRice University·JournalCognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 6, 2024

UT Health San Antonio study links genetic changes to social behavior differences in autism, schizophrenia

A UT Health San Antonio study found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Tbx1 deficiency was associated with decreased brain volume in the amygdala and surrounding cortical regions, affecting desire for social interaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Whiteness as a fundamental determinant of health in rural America

A recent study labels whiteness as a fundamental determinant of health in rural America, highlighting unique factors that contribute to poorer health outcomes. Rural white Americans face higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer compared to their urban counterparts due to limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic disparities.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 5, 2024