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Can predictive analytics help banks, consumers avoid overdraft issues? New study says, yes

A recent study found that data and predictive analytics can help address the issue of bank overdraft fees, which are a significant source of revenue for banks. The researchers developed policy simulations to show that alternative pricing strategies can increase bank revenue while improving consumer welfare.

How common are eating disorders in young children?

A study of 4,500 US children aged 9-10 found an overall frequency of eating disorder diagnoses at 1.4%, with no significant differences between girls and boys. The prevalence of specific disorders varied, including anorexia nervosa (0.1%), binge-eating disorder (0.6%), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (0.7%).

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 26, 2018

Study examines opioid use among Massachusetts adolescents, trends in opioid prescriptions

A recent study in Massachusetts found that adolescent females have a higher rate of non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to males, while receiving insufficient medication for post-overdose treatment. The analysis of public data from 2012 to 2014 revealed that only 8% of adolescents were prescribed medications like methadone or buprenorp...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 13, 2018

Automated detection of sleep states from olfactory brain waves

Researchers create an algorithm that accurately classifies mouse vigilance states into wake, REM sleep, and non-REM sleep based on local brain activity in the olfactory bulb. The study has potential applications in medical and clinical fields, including surgical anesthesia and sleep disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

Getting the most out of atmospheric data analysis

A team of researchers has developed a mutual information approach to interpreting atmospheric data collected over an 18-year period, finding strong correlations between new-particle formation and water content, sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 26, 2018

New technology to allow 100-times-faster internet

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new nanophotonic device that can encode and process data using twisted light beams, increasing bandwidth by up to 100 times. This technology has the potential to revolutionize optical communications and quantum computing research.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2018

Looking and listening for signals of navy test explosions off Florida coast

A team of researchers analyzed seismic and acoustic data from US Navy explosions off the Florida coast to better understand the relationship between local magnitude and charge weight. They found that both types of data can be used to identify underwater explosions, with seismic signals providing clearer evidence.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 16, 2018

Unapproved ingredients in over-the-counter supplements

A study analyzed FDA warnings from 2007-2016 and identified over 700 dietary supplements with unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients. Most of these products were marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of over-the-counter supplements.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2018

How has children's body image changed over time?

The nationwide Chinese survey found that childhood overweight/obesity prevalence increased to 16.8% and children underestimated their weight status at the start of the study by 49%. Children with a higher body image had lower increases in BMI over time.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateOct 5, 2018

Even light drinking increases risk of death

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.

How have mortality rates changed over time for infants, children?

Mortality rates for infants and children in the US have declined significantly since 1999, according to a study analyzing death certificate data. The study found decreases in deaths from sudden infant death syndrome and unintentional injuries among young people, but increases in suffocation and strangulation deaths in infants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 1, 2018

Democrat/Republican divide is worst it's ever been

A new study by Michigan State University finds that party polarization is at its worst level since the early 1970s. The research analyzed publicly available data on who sponsors bills in Congress and found that politicians co-sponsor legislation only about 200 times, viewing nearly half of their colleagues as opposition.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Networks·DateOct 1, 2018