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Washington State University


Wildlife crossings potentially save millions annually in Washington state

A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.

SourceWashington State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateAug 30, 2022

Eye test could screen children for autism

Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Deep economic divide found even among employed people during COVID-19

Researchers examined precarity in employed adults and found that most fell into two categories: those doing well financially and those struggling. The study highlights the need for organizations to consider the long-term consequences of using precarious work arrangements, which can lead to a less healthy and less productive workforce.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 11, 2022

AI predicts infant age, gender based on temperament

A new study uses machine learning to analyze temperament data from 4,438 babies to classify their age and gender. While algorithms struggle to distinguish between infants under 48 weeks old, accuracy improves as they age, suggesting that gender differences in infancy become more apparent around this time.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2022

Cash transfer proposal has downsides for child poverty

A Washington State University study suggests that a cash transfer proposal would increase poverty among single-mother families and triple the number of children living in deep poverty. The Family Security Act aims to cut child poverty by providing monthly payments, but its effects on single mothers' labor supply and income are uncertain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEconomic Modelling·DateApr 12, 2022

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows promise for opioid addiction treatment

A pair of studies published by Washington State University scientists found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help individuals with opioid addiction reduce their methadone dose and better manage pain and withdrawal symptoms. The treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, resulting in significant dose reduct...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Researchers find a new way to measure flying baseballs

A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Natural gas flares likely source of respiratory illness spike

Researchers at Washington State University found a causal link between natural gas flaring and increased hospital visits for respiratory health in North Dakota. The study estimated that a 1% increase in flared natural gas increases the hospitalization rate by 0.73%, highlighting the significant impact of flaring on human health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2022

Cameras reveal snowshoe hare density

A new study by Washington State University researchers has developed a camera-trapping method that accurately estimates the density of snowshoe hares and potentially other unmarked small mammals. The method, validated through a large-scale field test, shows promise as an inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to live-trapping.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Trust in government linked to work attitudes

A recent study found that people with high levels of trust in government are more likely to have better workplace attitudes, adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and experience greater psychological well-being. The study suggests that communicating clearly and transparently can bolster trust at all levels.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2022

Core strength could help dogs avoid knee injuries

A study of over 1,200 agility dogs found that core strength exercises and balance activities can lower the risk of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. Dogs that engage in high-level agility events and flyball are at higher risk, while those with certain breeds and age factors may also be more prone to injury.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 17, 2022

Social support may lower American Indians’ risk of cardiovascular disease, death

A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Co-occurring droughts could threaten global food security

A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022