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Science News Archive January 2025 - Page 14


Page 14 of 44

Researchers track sharp increase in diagnoses for sedative, hypnotic and anxiety use disorder in young adults

Researchers tracked a sharp threefold to fivefold increase in diagnosed disorders from recurrent use of sedative, hypnotic and antianxiety medications among adolescents and young adults between 2001 and 2019. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and efforts to target nonmedical use of these drugs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2025

More acidic oceans may affect the sex of oysters

A study found that ocean acidification can shift the sex ratio of oysters towards females, a mechanism known as environmental sex determination. This phenomenon was observed across multiple generations in both hatcheries and natural habitats, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 23, 2025

Likely 50-fold rise in prevalence of gender related distress from 2011-21 in England

A study analyzing primary care data in England found a significant rise in the prevalence of gender dysphoria between 2011 and 2021. The condition affects fewer than 1 in 200 17-18 year olds, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm recorded. Access to timely care is a pressing concern for young people and their families.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025

From root to shoot: How silicon powers plant resilience

Researchers at Okayama University have identified the Shoot-Silicon-Signal protein as a crucial regulator of silicon uptake and accumulation in rice and other grasses. The study highlights the importance of silicon in enhancing plant resilience and productivity, particularly under climate change conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Patients with AMA/anti-sp100/anti-gp210 positivity and cholestasis can manifest conditions beyond primary biliary cholangitis

A study found that patients with AMA/anti-sp100/anti-gp210 positivity and elevated liver enzymes can manifest conditions beyond primary biliary cholangitis. Etiological treatments improved or resolved cholestatic biochemistry in these patients, justifying their initiation over ursodeoxycholic acid therapy.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 23, 2025

London taxi drivers have specialized human mental strategies for expertly navigating their city’s streets, scientists find

Researchers analyzed London taxi drivers' route-planning behavior and found they prioritize high-complexity parts of the city space during offline thinking time. This contradicts previous hypotheses about their decision-making process.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025

New study highlights role of lean red meat in gut and heart health as part of a balanced healthy diet

A recent study from Purdue University reveals that adopting a consistent dietary pattern featuring lean red meat can contribute to gut microbiota balance and support cardiovascular health. The study found that maintaining a balanced diet with lean red meat is more effective in sustaining long-term health benefits.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2025

Offline versus online promotional media: Which drives better consumer engagement and behavioral responses?

A field experiment found that offline promotional coupons resulted in higher redemption rates and greater sales compared to online-only coupons. Cognitive engagement was a key factor in the coupon redemption behavior of consumers. The study highlights the importance of designing targeted promotional strategies for marketers.

SourceSophia University·JournalJournal of Advertising Research·TypeSurvey·DateJan 23, 2025

Methods enhance tornado damage surveys, reducing uncertainties in records

Researchers have introduced cutting-edge approaches to improve tornado record-keeping, including social media trawling, spaceborne photography, and UAV-based surveys. These methods aim to reduce uncertainties in tornado counts and refine intensity estimations, making global damage surveys more accurate, comprehensive, and timely.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 23, 2025

Diamonds are forever—But not in nanodevices

A team at JILA created a tabletop microscope that uses high-energy DUV laser light to create nanoscale interference patterns on a material's surface, allowing for detailed studies of electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. This capability enables the study of materials like diamond with unprecedented spatial resolution.

SourceJILA·DateJan 23, 2025

Major uncertainties remain about impact of treatment for gender related distress

Two pooled data analyses suggest that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy have no conclusive evidence on their effectiveness or impact on mental and physical health. The findings echo the Hilary Cass review, concluding that the evidence is wholly inadequate to gauge the effectiveness of these treatments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 23, 2025

MSU study finds children of color experience more variability in sleep times

A Michigan State University study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in children's sleep patterns, with non-white and multiracial children experiencing more significant variability in bedtime and rise time. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequities to promote healthy sleep equity among all children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 22, 2025

Global research on hydrothermal pretreatment: A green leap for biorefineries

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis reveals a steady increase in global research on hydrothermal pretreatment, with China leading the way. The technology has gained significant attention for its environmentally friendly approach to breaking down lignocellulosic biomass and producing biofuels.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2025

How employee trust in AI drives performance and adoption

A new study published in Journal of Management Studies reveals that employee perceptions of AI performance and feelings towards AI vary, affecting AI performance and adoption. Four different trust configurations were identified, leading to distinct behaviors and a vicious cycle of biased data inputs degrading AI performance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJan 22, 2025

Severe weather and major power outages increasingly coincide across the US

A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Black kids and families are forced to overcome marked disparities in early care and education settings

Early care and education programs perpetuate inequalities against Black children and families, fueled by 'deficit perspectives' that ignore social circumstances. Systemic changes are needed to support teachers in partnering with families, decreasing expulsion rates and promoting resilience among Black children.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 22, 2025