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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 15


Page 15 of 41

Maynooth University study reveals impact of homework on student achievement in maths and science

The study found that daily homework assignments were most effective for improving mathematics achievement, while science performance benefitted from homework assigned three to four times a week. Short-duration homework tasks lasting up to 15 minutes were shown to be just as effective as longer assignments.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

‘Alarming rise’ in suicidality among Black youth in Chicago’s South Side

A new study led by Case Western Reserve University finds a significant increase in suicidality among Black youth on Chicago's South Side, attributing it to factors such as bullying, community violence, and neglectful parenting. The study also identifies authoritarian parenting as a protective factor against suicidality.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

How do coexisting animals find enough to eat? Biologists unlock insights into foraging habits in Yellowstone

Researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology tools and GPS tracking data to determine the dietary habits of different animal species in Yellowstone. They found that feeding behaviors depend on body size, with smaller species diversifying their diets in summer and larger animals competing for resources in winter.

SourceBrown University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

Gaining insights into the chemical basis of aversive learning

Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Researchers discover gene variants that determine speed of graying in horses

A study published in Nature Communications found that the number of copies of a small DNA sequence within the gray coat gene determines how fast a horse turns gray and whether it becomes white or gray. Horses with two copies of the duplication have slow-graying genes, while those with three copies develop into fast-graying horses.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateSep 19, 2024

Adhesive comes unglued on command

A new type of mussel-inspired adhesive has been developed that can be deactivated 'on command' through oxidation, allowing for efficient repair and recycling. The biobased adhesive loses its stickiness without becoming dramatically hydrophobic, making it easier to remove.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

What’s for dinner? Scientists unearth key clues to cuisine of resident killer whales

Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

485 million-year temperature record of Earth reveals Phanerozoic climate variability

A new reconstruction of Earth's temperature history over the past 485 million years reveals a wider range of climate variability than previously understood. The study suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide has been the primary driver of climate changes during this period, with temperatures varying more dynamically than thought.

New computational insights using Marcus theory to unlock the potential of photocatalysis

Computational insights from ICIQ researchers apply Marcus theory to estimate free-energy barriers in energy transfer processes, enabling the prediction of EnT barriers and facilitating advances in photocatalysis. The asymmetric variant of the Marcus theory provides more accurate barriers for sensitization of alkenes.

New prostate biopsy technique lowers infection risk

A new prostate biopsy technique, transperineal biopsy, has been shown to lower the risk of infection compared to traditional biopsies. The PREVENT trial found no infections among men who underwent the transperineal procedure, while those with traditional transrectal biopsies had a 1.6% infection rate despite receiving antibiotics.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 19, 2024

Breakthrough in hydrogen research

Researchers have developed a new method for efficiently separating hydrogen isotopes using porous metal-organic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to the production of highly pure deuterium and tritium, essential for pharmaceuticals and nuclear fusion, in a cost-effective way.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Cooler heads prevail: New research reveals best way to prevent dogs from overheating

Researchers found that teaching dogs to voluntarily dunk their heads in water is the most effective method for rapidly cooling them down after exercise. The study also highlighted the importance of constant access to water and shade for outdoor pets.

SourceAmerican Veterinary Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

New study warns high serum magnesium levels in septic patients linked to increased mortality

A new study found a significant association between high serum magnesium levels and increased 28-day mortality in septic patients globally. Elevated serum magnesium levels are associated with poor outcomes, potentially through mechanisms such as hemodynamic instability and impaired neuromuscular transmission.

Disturbed clocks: How eating and exercise influence the timing of our internal clocks

A study shows that eating and exercise can shift the timing of our internal clocks, with the liver clock responding to food intake and the muscle clock requiring a combination of both. This research has implications for metabolic problems like type 2 diabetes and suggests that timing of exercise may also be important.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNeurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms·DateSep 19, 2024

How do we process visual information quickly in complex environments?

Researchers have discovered differences in temporal dynamics of visual processing during brief fixation periods, which could improve understanding of visual information in dynamic environments. The study reveals that the visual system is better at localizing changes at the foveal level initially but improves peripheral detection as fix...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

Zeroing in on the genes that snakes use to produce venom

Scientists developed VenomCap to analyze venom genes in snakes, shedding light on snake evolution and developing effective treatments for deadly snake bites. The technique enables quicker analysis of thousands of venom-making genes, paving the way for improved antivenom development and global public health.

SourceField Museum·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 19, 2024

Are cows pickier than goats?

A 175-year-old experiment by Carl Linnaeus shows pigs are pickiest eaters, eating 32% of plant species, while cows and horses rank lower, with goats preferring legumes and grasses. The study also reveals animals generally struggle to avoid toxic plants.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Decoding 'Chachi' citrus: unveiling the secrets of flavorful phytonutrients

A study has deciphered the genetic controls of flavonoids in Citrus reticulata 'Chachi', providing new insights into its flavor and health benefits. The research highlights the importance of early developmental phases in flavonoid biosynthesis, with key compounds showing significant declines as the fruit matures.

New study charts how Earth’s global temperature has drastically changed over the past 485 million years, driven by carbon dioxide

A new study reveals that Earth's surface temperature has varied more greatly over the past 485 million years than previously thought. The study, co-led by the Smithsonian and University of Arizona, confirms that carbon dioxide is strongly correlated with global temperatures across geological time.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

Vulnerable patients have a decreased mortality risk when treated at commission on cancer-accredited hospitals

A new study found that vulnerable patients treated at Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals had a 9% lower mortality rate and were more likely to receive guideline-based care. This is attributed to CoC accreditation requirements for treatment guideline adherence, community engagement, and addressing barriers to care.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 19, 2024

Insights into South African population history from 10,000-year-old human DNA

Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from the Oakhurst rock shelter in southern Africa, finding that the oldest genomes are genetically similar to San and Khoekhoe groups living today. The study reveals a long history of relative genetic stability until around 1,200 years ago when newcomers introduced new cultures and languages.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 19, 2024

Can captive tigers be part of the effort to save wild populations?

A new study from Stanford University provides a tool for conservationists and law enforcement to protect captive tigers and prosecute wildlife crimes. The researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of privately held tigers in the US, finding that many are a mix of wild tiger ancestry, but also reflect characteristics of the illegal trade.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2024

Activity in brain system that controls eye movements highlights importance of spatial thinking

The superior colliculus, a brain region traditionally thought to control eye movements, also plays a crucial role in complex cognitive tasks like visual categorization and decision making. Research from UChicago shows that activity in this region is more involved than previously thought in guiding cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Study confirms fibrosis as a prognostic indicator in the most common breast cancer, and opens the way to antifibrotic drug treatments

Researchers confirm that fibrosis in HER2-negative breast tumors is associated with an adverse prognosis and better treatment outcomes with nintedanib. A new test, MeCo Score, analyzes gene activity related to fibrosis and indicates the effectiveness of supplementing chemotherapy with antifibrotic therapy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024