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WVU research shows government regulation of jobs hinders workers and consumers

West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy·DateMar 4, 2024

The anti-acne medicine isotretinoin, which can cause defects in a developing fetus, is now used by almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age, according to analysis of German database of 25 million

A population-based study in Germany reveals almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age are prescribed isotretinoin, a medication linked to fetal defects. The study found a significant increase in isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies, highlighting the need for better monitoring and guidance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

Incheon National University researchers propose a web 3.0 streaming architecture and marketplace

Incheon National University researchers developed a web 3.0 streaming architecture that reduces delay, improves user experience, and ensures transparency and fairness for real-time services. The proposed system uses Inter-Planetary file system (IPFS) to enable blockchain-based peer-to-peer data storage and caching.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Services Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Independent dispute resolution of no surprises act financially unviable for radiology

A study found that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network claims for hospital-based specialties, particularly radiologists. This could undermine patient access to in-network care due to limited bargaining power.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Ancestors of primates lived in pairs

A study published in PNAS found that 70 million years ago, primates' ancestors mostly lived in pairs, with only 15% opting for solitary lifestyles. This flexible pair-living ancestor likely offered benefits such as easier reproduction and thermoregulation.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024

T cells tackle new 'Pirola' SARS-CoV-2 variant

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that most T cells can still target epitopes on the new Pirola variant, suggesting people may be able to mount a response against it. The study's findings provide positive news in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the importance of vaccination with updated vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

About 20% of patients listed as alive in their electronic health records were actually deceased according to California data

A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Most-cited scientists: Still mostly men, but the gender gap is closing

The gender gap among top-cited scientists is narrowing, with women now representing 32% of top-cited authors in certain fields, according to a study analyzing 5.8 million international scientific authors. However, significant disparities remain, and efforts to address promotion pathways for gifted female researchers are still needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

Realistic talking faces created from only an audio clip and a person’s photo using NTU Singapore computer program

Researchers developed DIRFA, an AI-based program that generates realistic videos with facial animations synchronized to spoken audio, showcasing improvements over existing approaches. The tool has potential applications in healthcare, education, and entertainment, enhancing user experiences.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalPattern Recognition·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Is the US reporting system for vaccine safety broken?

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US is not meeting its standards, with reports of serious adverse events being missed or ignored. The system relies on voluntary reports from doctors and patients, but staffing issues and conflicting information have led to frustration among those who file reports.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 9, 2023

Buzz around new centralized pollination portal for better global bee data

The BeeBCD project brings together over 18 million bee occurrence records to improve accuracy and accessibility of species data worldwide. This consolidated dataset will support future plant and crop production, as well as scientific communications, and inspire more reporting from under-reported regions such as Asia and Africa.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2023

New database shines spotlight on decades of solar mirror research

A new database containing thousands of solar mirror samples offers valuable insights into degradation trends over decades. The Solar Mirror Materials Database (SMMD) provides natural and accelerated exposure data for accelerating test development, design optimization, and manufacturing guidance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJournal of Solar Energy Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Largest US cardiac database shows excellent long-term survival after surgical aortic valve replacement

A study of 42,586 low-risk patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement reveals a 5-year survival rate of 93%. The study used the STS National Database and found that eight-year survival was close to 90%. The results provide a benchmark for outcomes in managing aortic valve stenosis.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Study indicates possible link between chronic stress and Alzheimer’s disease

A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 1, 2023

Determining the meaning of a ‘model’

A study by Dr Constantino Carlos Reyes Aldasoro explores the different definitions of a 'model' in cancer research, grouping them into four categories. The researcher analyzes scientific publications to identify trends in model usage, finding that mathematical models have gained popularity and computational models are on the rise.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCancers·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2023

Improvements in human genome databases offer a promising future for cancer research

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze protein production in cells using ribosome profiling, which has the potential to advance cancer research. The technique identifies previously unknown protein coding regions and allows for a clearer picture of protein production rate and location.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Most species are rare. But not very rare

Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2023

Assessing the massive costs of biological invasions to the world

A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 4, 2023

Do smoking significantly increases the risk of mental illness?

Research from Aarhus University suggests that smoking may increase the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by 250 percent. The study analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found that certain genetic variants linked to smoking also contribute to mental illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

All US racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s neuroimaging research, study shows

A comprehensive review of US-based Alzheimer's disease brain imaging studies found that all racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented. The gap is narrowing, but the research highlights the need for more diverse samples to capture details of participants' lived experience.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

How an “AI-tocracy” emerges

A new study by MIT researchers finds that China's government uses AI-driven facial recognition to suppress dissent, but this approach also spurs the development of better AI tools and other innovative technologies. The study suggests that this 'AI-tocracy' cycle entrenches the regime while stimulating further innovation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJul 13, 2023

Know a shortcut to Paris?

A recent study by Kyoto University has raised concerns about the authenticity of Big Oil's net-zero emissions claims. The research team found that oil majors are not making sufficient progress in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy, despite their pledges to achieve net-zero by 2050.

SourceKyoto University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023