Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2024 - Page 26


Page 26 of 39

Book bans as political action

Research finds that banned books feature more characters of color than White authors, and are often children's books or non-fiction about social movements. The study suggests book banning is a symbolic tactic to galvanize conservative voters in competitive electoral districts.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Origins of fast radio bursts come into focus through polarized light

A new study analyzing data from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) found that non-repeating FRBs appear to come from galaxies with modest densities and magnetic fields. This contradicts previous studies focused on repeating FRBs, suggesting a separate population or evolved versions of the same population.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Surprisingly high levels of toxic gas found in Louisiana

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found ethylene oxide concentrations thousands of times higher than EPA estimates, posing significant cancer risks to people living near facilities. The mobile lab measurements revealed alarming levels of the toxic gas in air and soil, highlighting the need for more accurate monitoring tools.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 11, 2024

Shedding light on the origin of a genetic variant underlying fungal infections

A recent study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University researchers suggests that a specific variant of the CARD9 gene prevalent across northern China, Korea, and Japan may have originated from a common ancestor. The c.820dup variant was found to be relatively common in China and has been estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateJun 11, 2024

A CNIC team has created an innovative tool for the reliable and efficient study of gene function

A CNIC team has developed iSuRe-HadCre, a novel genetic tool that enables precise and efficient gene modification in mouse models. This new technology overcomes limitations of existing methods, offering improved efficiency, precision, and applicability in biomedical research.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Developmental supports crucial for young victims of child abuse

A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Human evolution and online morality

The internet exposes users to extreme morally relevant stimuli, causing empathy overload and public shaming. Research is needed on platform design features that sustain attention without inducing negative externalities.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

TLI Investigator Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill co-authors new study revealing cost-effectiveness of pediatric readiness in emergency departments

A new study by Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill reveals that pediatric readiness in emergency departments can decrease child mortality rates by up to 76% while being cost-effective, ranging from $4 to $48 per patient. The research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pediatric care capabilities in emergency settings.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Would astronauts’ kidneys survive a roundtrip to Mars?

A new study found that astronauts' kidneys are 'remodelled' by space flight, with permanent damage and loss of function possible after extended periods. The researchers' findings highlight the importance of kidney health in space travel and may lead to the development of new technologies or pharmaceutical measures to protect astronauts.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Humanitarian organizations showed flexibility and grit during COVID supply chain disruptions: study

During the pandemic, humanitarian organizations showed remarkable flexibility and ingenuity in responding to supply chain disruptions. They sourced supplies from local vendors, secured long-term contracts with reliable suppliers, and leveraged good relationships with governments to continue aid delivery.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalInternational Journal of Operations & Production Management·TypeSurvey·DateJun 11, 2024

How do supermassive black holes get super massive?

A team of researchers used a hybrid approach to track the growth of supermassive black holes, finding that accretion dominated growth in most cases. Mergers made notable contributions, especially for massive black holes over the past 5 billion years.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Reading pleasure and pain from the brain

Using fMRI, researchers analyzed brain activity while participants experienced sustained pain and pleasure induced by capsaicin and chocolate fluids. The study identified common brain regions activated by both experiences and developed predictive models to capture affective intensity and valence information.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Safer virus helps eliminate cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered an attenuated virus that can help eliminate cancer in mice and prevent future tumor development. The therapy works by raising 'red flags' on tumors to alert immune cells to attack them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Should celebrities and influencers turn off their social media comments? A new study suggests they are less persuasive and likable when they do

Influencers who disable social media comments are perceived as less sincere, less receptive to consumer feedback, and incur professional consequences. This behavior can undermine their ability to connect with followers, even when the displayed comments are mostly negative in nature.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 11, 2024

Cosmic leap: NASA swift satellite and AI unravel the distance of the farthest gamma-ray bursts

Recent studies led by Maria Dainotti used machine learning models to measure the distance of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with high precision. The research improved the accuracy of distance measurements, allowing scientists to better understand how stars evolve and how many GRBs can occur in a given space and time. By combining data from NA...

SourceThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 11, 2024

Decline in harmful ozone-depleting greenhouse gases

The study reveals a significant decline in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. HCFC emissions peaked in 2021 and have been decreasing since, with the US National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) measuring a drop of less than 1% between 2021 and 2023.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2024

Heatwaves hit harder for people with disabilities: A Pusan National University study finds increased emergency visits

A Pusan National University study finds that heatwaves significantly impact public health among individuals with disabilities, increasing the risk of hospitalizations by 1.07 times. This results in a substantial economic burden, highlighting the need for well-informed public health policies to address these vulnerable groups.

SourcePusan National University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2024

Switching nanomagnets using infrared lasers

Researchers at TU Graz have calculated that metal phthalocyanine molecules generate tiny magnetic fields when irradiated with circularly polarized infrared light. The team aims to experimentally prove the principle, which could lead to high-precision optical switches for quantum computer circuits.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 11, 2024

Retraction notice of previously press released research

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy has been retracted due to fundamental flaws in the research design and data extraction. The journal BMJ Open announced the retraction after multiple issues were raised following publication.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 11, 2024

Ultra-low dose PET protocol eliminates need for CT, uses dose 50 times lower than current standard

A new ultra-low dose imaging method with long axial field-of-view PET scanners can generate quantitative PET images without the need for accompanying CT scans, reducing radiation exposure to patients. The technique reduces the total effective dose by approximately 50 times lower than the standard PET dose.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 11, 2024

Promising role of antidiabetic drug in cancer control

Researchers found that metformin increases levels of microRNAs miR-2110 and miR-132-3p, targeting genes PIK3R3 and STMN1 to slow down cancer cell growth and division. This study provides new insights into metformin's molecular mechanisms and its potential as a preventive agent for reducing cancer growth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024