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Science News for June 13, 2024


How human activities affect groundwater storage?

The study finds a significant negative correlation between human activities and groundwater storage, with temporal analysis revealing long-lasting effects up to seven years. Economically developed regions favor groundwater storage, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

After major traumatic brain injury, more blood transfusions could mean better outcomes

A new study found that a liberal blood transfusion strategy may improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, leading to better functional independence and quality of life. Six months after the injury, patients who received more frequent blood transfusions showed higher levels of recovery and improved quality of life compa...

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Mysterious mini-Neptunes

Four transiting short-period mini-Neptunes orbiting red dwarfs have been discovered, with radii 2-3 times that of Earth and orbital periods under eight days. Their interiors likely contain volatiles and atmospheres, suggesting non-rocky composition.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Exploring the link between brain topological resilience and cognitive performance in the context of aging and vascular risk factors: A cross-ethnicity population-based study

A cross-ethnicity study investigated the relationship between brain topological resilience, aging, and vascular risk factors on cognition. BTR showed negative correlations with age and positive correlations with cognition, and SEM supported pathways where BTR mediated the effect of aging and atherosclerosis on cognition.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 13, 2024

Public more confident connecting increasing heat, wildfires with climate change than other extreme weather events, study finds

A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.

SourceOregon State University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Customised thermal radiation

A team of researchers from TU Wien and the University of Manchester demonstrated the control of thermal radiation by manipulating its topological properties. They created a coating with varying metal layer thickness along the coastline of the British Isles, allowing for localized heat emission at specific points.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Land management and climate change affect ecosystems’ ability to provide multiple services simultaneously

A new study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig found that climate change impacts ecosystems' multifunctionality, affecting soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable land management practices can enhance ecological and economic benefits under current and future climate conditions.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Mono-canalicular lacrimal stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction treatment

Researchers found that mono-canalicular Lacrijet stent insertion is a safe and effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children, with success rates unaffected by age or previous failed probing. The study suggests early assessments and stenting as an option for pediatric epiphora management.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Ophthalmology Journal·DateJun 13, 2024

More hospitals than ever require staff to get flu shots

A new study reveals that 96% of VA hospitals and 74% of non-federal hospitals mandate influenza vaccination or waivers for staff. This surge is largely attributed to the 2020 Veterans Health Administration directive. The increased mandates aim to reduce flu transmission among patients, as health systems strive to improve patient safety.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Public acceptance of adoption and surrogacy methods currently prohibited in UK increases if one or both parents are infertile - study

A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Bioethical Inquiry·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Parliamentary members use simpler language on hot days

A new study analyzing seven million parliamentary speeches reveals that high temperatures lead to a significant reduction in politicians' language complexity. The researchers found that the impact of heat on cognitive abilities has real and immediate consequences for politicians.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

AI can help doctors make better decisions and save lives

A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that real-time machine learning alerts significantly improved patient outcomes by predicting clinical deterioration. The study showed that patients who received AI-generated alerts were 43% more likely to have their care escalated and had a lower risk of death.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Exercise lifts mood for adults with Down’s syndrome

A new study found that physical activity and cognitive training can improve life satisfaction and mood for adults with Down’s syndrome. The Mindsets study involved 83 participants who were assigned to one of four groups for an eight-week period, including a control group, light physical exercise, or BrainHQ activities.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 13, 2024

May I touch you? Being given a choice makes touch more pleasant

Studies found that even minor choices, such as picking a color, can increase the enjoyment of touch. The results suggest that providing patients with perceived control over their treatment may yield greater benefits in clinical settings. This study provides new insights into how choice shapes our experiences on a fundamental level.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAttention Perception & Psychophysics·DateJun 13, 2024

A compound produced by symbiotic bacteria promotes in vitro protein synthesis

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered a compound called diaphorin that promotes protein synthesis in vitro using Escherichia coli-derived components. The study found that diaphorin targets bacterial gene expression systems, improving the growth and substance production ability of E. coli.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Clear stress patterns among children in dental care

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

6,000 years ago, men and women had equal access to resources

A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that all members of a Neolithic agropastoral society in Switzerland, including non-locals, had equal access to food resources. The analysis of bone isotopes suggests that this egalitarian society was one of the oldest known in the western part of Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2024

Pair plasmas found in deep space can now be generated in the lab

Researchers at University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics have developed a novel way to experimentally produce plasma 'fireballs' on Earth, generating high-density relativistic electron-positron pair plasmas. This breakthrough enables follow-up experiments that could yield fundamental discoveries about the universe.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Dopamine linked to mentalising abilities

Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered a link between dopamine and mentalising abilities in healthy individuals. They found that altering dopamine levels affected participants' ability to accurately attribute mental states, with implications for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock

Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.

SourceScience Communications·JournalGeothermal Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

Sister hormone of GLP-1 can lead to better weight-loss drugs

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the GIP hormone's role in regulating insulin levels and weight loss. The study, involving over 500,000 individuals, found that inhibiting the GIP receptor may result in weight loss, while activating it without arresting its signal is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

ADHD meds may help pregnant patients control opioid use disorder

Researchers have found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who continue taking their ADHD medications are more likely to adhere to treatment and experience fewer overdoses. Patients who stop taking ADHD medications, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of overdose and emergency room visits.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Neural balance in the brain is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability

A study found that neural balance, measured by the E/I ratio, is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability. Research suggests that as children develop, their E/I ratios decrease, leading to improved performance in cognitive tests.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Advances in techniques used to identify sharks and rays have not prevented trade and increase in extinction risk

Despite improved molecular methods, trade in endangered sharks and rays has continued to rise, with 83% of detected species considered at risk of extinction. Research reveals that DNA sequencing techniques have become more cost-effective but failed to reduce the extent of species threats.

University of Colorado co-leads multicenter randomized trial identifying method of emergency intubation preoxygenation to decrease risk of hypoxemia and cardiac arrest

A multicenter randomized trial identified a noninvasive ventilation method as effective in reducing the risk of hypoxemia and cardiac arrest during emergency tracheal intubation. The study found that this method cut the risk of hypoxemia in half and drastically reduced the risk of cardiac arrest compared to oxygen mask preoxygenation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Short-term loneliness associated with physical health problems

A new study by Penn State researchers found that loneliness can lead to negative health symptoms even for people who don't typically feel lonely. The study used data from over 1,500 participants aged 35-65 and found that reducing feelings of loneliness on a daily basis could result in fewer health issues.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 13, 2024

Climate change: Longer ice-free periods may lead to smaller Hudson Bay polar bear population

Researchers warn that Hudson Bay's growing ice-free period may reduce polar bear survival rates and reproductive success, threatening their population. If global warming exceeds 2.1 degrees Celsius, the ice-free period could extend beyond the bears' safe limit, leading to reduced survival rates.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2024

CHOP-developed adolescent health questionnaire helps doctors and families navigate complex issues

A newly developed adolescent health questionnaire has been successfully adapted across pediatric primary care, increasing discussions about sensitive topics such as tobacco use, sexual behavior, and mental health. The questionnaire has improved data collection rates, with up to 95% of visit records capturing information on these topics.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

The BMJ Commission sets out manifesto for a healthier UK

The BMJ Commission outlines its vision for a healthier UK with recommendations to address the current NHS crisis, including an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility. The commission also prioritizes improving the workforce, addressing public health challenges, and investing in general practice.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 13, 2024

Confronting trauma alleviates chronic pain among older veterans

A study led by UCLA Health found that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) significantly reduces chronic pain among older adults compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. EAET helps patients confront and release traumatic emotions, leading to a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

New study: Outdoor recreation noise affects wildlife behavior and habitat use

A recent study published in Current Biology indicates that outdoor recreation noise can trigger a fear response in wildlife, altering their behavior and habitat use. The research, conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, found that different types of recreation noise, group size, and human presence affected animal responses.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Antimalarial compounds show promise to relieve polycystic ovary syndrome

A study found that plant-derived artemisinins suppress ovarian androgen production in multiple rodent models and human patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The compounds, such as artemether, induce CYP11A1 degradation by targeting the protease LONP1, leading to reduced PCOS biomarkers and improved menstrual cycles.

Shedding light on the state of genetic counseling for hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis

A retrospective study of 202 participants found that only 83 presymptomatic carriers underwent predictive testing, highlighting limitations in current genetic testing methods. The researchers advocate for a comprehensive clinical approach combining genetic counseling, predictive testing, and monitoring, as well as psychosocial support.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAmyloid·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024