Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

Researchers identify brain circuits tied to the behavior of schooling fish

Studies in glassfish reveal that vision plays a crucial role in coordinated schooling behavior, with maturity also essential for developing this ability. Researchers discovered that older fish can distinguish between movement patterns of their social partners, allowing them to align their bodies and swim together effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers propose an improvement in the identification of human remains using craniofacial superimposition

A new system for evaluating evidence in craniofacial superimposition uses likelihood ratios to provide quantitative support for forensic experts. The proposed method excels in calibration and discriminating power, offering a tool for integrating and evaluating evidence objectively.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2024

The eyes have it: Visual inspection experience essential for airport security screening

Researchers studied airport security screeners' performance using eye-tracking technology, finding that less experienced screeners rely on slower and weaker strategies. The study suggests that training is essential for critical safety tasks like x-ray screening, and that expertise can be developed in six months of on-the-job experience.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

A hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 17, 2024

The courtship of leopard seals off the coast of South America

Researchers have made groundbreaking insights into the reproductive behaviors of a mysterious apex predator, leopard seals. A two-hour courtship interaction between a male and female leopard seal in Laguna San Rafael, Chile, revealed complexity in their behavior, including in-air calls by females and underwater vocalizations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalPolar Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

New antidote for cobra bites discovered

A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has repurposed a commonly used blood thinner, heparin, as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. The discovery could drastically reduce the impact of snakebites worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cobra species account for most snakebite incidents.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Autoantibodies behind lifelong risk of viral infections

A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says new study

New research from the University of Nottingham found that mental health training for line managers is strongly associated with better business outcomes, including improved staff recruitment and retention, customer service, and reduced long-term mental health sickness absence. The study suggests that providing such training could save c...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Engineering resilience: Advanced FEM enhances earthquake impact assessment

Researchers introduce a velocity-based space-time finite element method to tackle complex dynamics of soil-structure interaction during seismic events, offering superior accuracy and stability in long-duration simulations. This approach can contribute to the creation of safer and more resilient infrastructure, potentially saving lives ...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateJul 17, 2024

BU study: Patients with AD have higher frequency of mental health symptoms which can precede memory problems

A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found a link between AD pathology and emotional behavioral symptoms. Individuals with AD who decline in memory abilities also experience worsened mental health, which may be due to underlying brain changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

New study finds cell donor’s socioeconomic status shapes cancer treatment outcomes

A new study published in PNAS reveals that cancer patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants from donors with lower socioeconomic status experience reduced overall survival and increased transplant-related mortality. The research highlights the profound impact of social inequality on health outcomes, particularly in cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Chinese expert consensus on refined diagnosis, treatment and management of advanced primary liver cancer: 2023 edition

Experts have established a comprehensive guideline for classifying and treating advanced liver cancer in China. The guidelines recommend personalized treatment options based on tumor characteristics, vascular tumor thrombus grade, distant metastasis, liver function status, portal hypertension, and hepatitis B virus replication status.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalLiver Research·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2024

The most endangered fish are the least studied

A recent study published in Science Advances found that the most threatened reef fishes receive less attention from scientists and the public due to commercial value vs. ecological importance. Small fish families like blennies and gobies are underrepresented despite their crucial role in trophodynamics.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2024

Understanding willingness to pay for nationwide wastewater surveillance in Japan

A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.

SourceWaseda University·JournalEnvironmental Science Water Research & Technology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2024

All FODMAPs aren’t created equal: Working toward alternative diets to manage IBS

New studies suggest a simplified, less restrictive low FODMAP diet may be effective for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The alternative 'FODMAP-simple' diet restricts only fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides without restricting other FODMAP groups. This approach may reduce symptoms and improve patient adherence to the diet.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Children living in greener neighborhoods show better lung function

A meta-analysis of 35,000 children from eight European countries has found a robust link between exposure to green spaces and better lung function. Children living in greener neighborhoods had higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), indicating improved airway function.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Key driver for epithelial cancer development identified

A distinct TNF-α signaling program has been identified as a key driver of epithelial cancer development, contributing to cell proliferation and invasion. The researchers found that this program is active in both normal tissues and tumors, but its level of activity correlates with tumor aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Engineered extracellular vesicles enable high-efficient delivery of intracellular therapeutic proteins

Researchers developed an approach to deliver intracellular therapeutic proteins using engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs), bypassing the need for scaffold proteins. This method demonstrated significant activation of interferon signaling and potent antitumor responses in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Smart soil can water and feed itself

A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateJul 17, 2024

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8 week mindfulness course were still reporting more frequent experiences of disembodiment and of unity a year later, in randomized controlled trial examining altered states of consciousness

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8-week mindfulness course reported increased frequencies of disembodiment and unity up to a year after the program. The randomized controlled trial found long-term effects of mindfulness on altered states of consciousness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

Breastfeeding priorities most important to parents

A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024