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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 5


Page 5 of 44

Menstrual periods are arriving earlier for younger generations, especially among racial minority and lower-income individuals

A new study found that average age at menarche has decreased by nearly a year over the past five decades, especially among Black, Hispanic, Asian, or mixed-race participants. The study also revealed that time to menstrual cycle regularity is increasing, particularly among lower-income individuals.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Inconsistent gaps by race and ethnicity exist in quality of health care under traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans

A new study by George Mason University found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do not equally improve the quality of care across all racial and ethnic groups. The study measured three measures of adverse health events and found smaller gaps in quality of care for Hispanic people versus non-Hispanic White people in MA.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 29, 2024

Babies babble squeals and growls in clustering patterns observable from birth through the first year, suggesting this active vocal exploration is important to speech development

Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Children often exposed to problematic click bait during YouTube searches

A recent study suggests that YouTube's automated video recommendations for children do not always filter out violent or age-inappropriate content, leaving young users exposed to problematic clickbait. Researchers analyzed over 2,800 video thumbnails recommended by the platform and found that many contained disturbing images or messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 29, 2024

Microrespirometric validation of a two-stage process for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from peanut oil and propionate with cupriavidus necator

This study validates a two-stage process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using peanut oil and propionate with Cupriavidus necator. The findings show that peanut oil is the most beneficial carbon source, leading to increased biomass and PHA production.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Chemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 29, 2024

Emotional context in decision-making: Challenging Lewin's motivational conflicts theory

A recent study reviewed and challenged Kurt Lewin's long-standing motivational conflicts theory, finding that avoidance-avoidance conflicts are more challenging in positive and neutral contexts. The results expand our understanding of decision-making conflicts, highlighting the importance of emotional context in resolving these challen...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEmotion·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

USC researchers pioneer new brain imaging technique through clear “window” in patient’s skull

In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Quality over quantity for screen time - study

A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Scientists generate the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates

The study reveals remarkable variation between primate Y chromosomes, showing rapid evolution and previously unstudied regions. The researchers found that over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences aligned to the human X chromosome, while only 14-27% of ape Y chromosome sequences aligned to the human Y chromosome.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

JPMorgan Chase, Argonne and Quantinuum show theoretical quantum speedup with the quantum approximate optimization algorithm

Researchers at JPMorgan Chase, Argonne National Laboratory and Quantinuum show a quantum algorithmic speedup for the QAOA algorithm on the Low Autocorrelation Binary Sequences problem. The team demonstrates a significant step towards reaching quantum advantage, laying the foundation for future impact in production.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers realize controlled synthesis of Au-Ag heterodimer arrays for high-resolution encrypted information

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science created a large-area preparation method for Au-Ag dimer arrays with nanometer-scale resolution due to multipolar coupling resonance. The localized surface plasmonic resonance enables patterned plasmonic arrays to encode complex colors and polarization patterns.

Study finds environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated across northern Eurasia and the Americas beyond Africa

Researchers used climate models, genetic data, and archaeological evidence to understand how environmental conditions shaped early human migration. The study found that ancestors traveled primarily through warm and humid areas with a mix of forests and open spaces for resources and shelter.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

Too much exercise could actually trigger a hot flash

A new study published in Menopause suggests that acute increases in physical activity and temperature may contribute to the experience of hot flashes in midlife women. Researchers found that performing greater amounts of moderate physical activity than usual was related to more subjectively reported hot flashes.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

RNA inhibitor is shown safe and effective in reducing a wide range of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood in Mount Sinai-led clinical trial

A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers shows zodasiran, an RNA inhibitor targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces various types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The therapy also lowers apolipoprotein B, a lipid-transporting protein linked to heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers improve satellite surveillance of emperor penguins

A new study uses satellite imagery in conjunction with phenological and behavioral models to accurately predict the number of breeding pairs and fledging chicks. The estimated counts were compared to a dataset collected over a 10-year period at a colony, highlighting the importance of long-term, systematic time series for understanding...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Talking about a taboo

Researchers investigated how stigma affects women's menstrual health practices in Bangladesh. A study on group discussions found that normalizing the topic of menstruation empowers women to access better menstrual products. Women were willing to pay more for pads and showed increased interest in alternative products after open discussi...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMay 29, 2024

Q&A: How AI affects kids’ creativity

Researchers found that AI tools require support from adults and peers for kids to integrate them meaningfully into their creative practices. The study highlights the need for tailored design approaches that account for children's unique needs and developmental stages.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateMay 29, 2024

New technique from Brown University researchers offers more precise maps of the Moon’s surface

The study enhances shape-from-shading technique to create detailed models of lunar terrain with higher resolutions and faster production speeds. Researchers use advanced computer algorithms to automate the process, resulting in more accurate maps that show subtle features and variations of lunar surface terrain.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers expose new symbiosis origin theories, identify experimental systems for plant life

Researchers challenge single-origin theory of root nodule symbiosis, identifying multiple origins and ideal experimental systems to better understand symbiotic relationships. The findings suggest a lesser role for shared genetic machinery in genetically engineering crop plants to work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

Biobased building materials less sustainable than concrete in South Africa, experts find

Researchers found that mycelium composites, made from fungi and agricultural residues, can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials in countries like South Africa. The technology's overall potential damage on the environment can be mitigated by incorporating alternative energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024