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Text messaging: The next gen of therapy in mental health

A new study found that texting intervention as an add-on to mental health treatment programs improved symptoms and increased participant engagement. The research team developed a text-messaging-based psychotherapy tool that was clinically promising, safe, and feasible for people with serious mental illness.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateJul 28, 2020

Patients overestimate the success of CPR

Research found patients significantly overestimating CPR success and understating its negative impact. Clinicians should discuss CPR with patients to clarify success rates and risks before consent is given. The study highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in end-of-life care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateJul 13, 2020

Evolution makes the world less ragged

A team of international researchers found that evolution tends to dampen or smooth out variations in ecological patterns across landscapes. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analyzed over 500 studies and identified 14 mechanisms affecting the direction of evolution's impact.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2020

Forest loss escalates biodiversity change

New international research reveals that forest cover loss amplifies both gains and losses in global biodiversity. The study, spanning 150 years and over 6,000 locations, finds that forests support around 80% of all land species, with some species declining rapidly after forest loss.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

First global map of rockfalls on the Moon

Researchers have created the first global map of rockfalls on the Moon, revealing that asteroid impacts are responsible for over 80% of observed rockfalls. The map, based on over two million images, shows that even ancient lunar surfaces continue to be affected by erosion through rockfall.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Innovative drunk driving program lowers risk of rearrest

A new study found that South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program significantly lowers the likelihood of rearrest or probation revocation among drunk driving offenders, particularly those with a history of second or third offenses. The program's frequent alcohol testing and swift sanctions appear to be key factors in reducing recidivism rates.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateMay 5, 2020

Ants restore Mediterranean dry grasslands

A team of ecologists and agronomists found that the Messor barbarus harvester ant accelerates plant community recovery in degraded Mediterranean dry grasslands. The ants improve soil fertility, transport seeds, and increase plant biomass next to their nests, facilitating resilience.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 20, 2020

Effectiveness of travel bans -- readily used during infectious disease outbreaks -- mostly unknown, study finds

A University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University study examines travel bans to control infectious diseases like COVID-19. The research suggests that while a travel ban may delay the arrival of an illness, it does not eliminate long-term risk. The authors emphasize the need for more research to inform policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Emergency Management·DateFeb 13, 2020

Smartphone texting linked to compromised pedestrian safety

A pooled analysis of 14 studies found that text messaging was associated with significantly lower rates of looking left and right before crossing, as well as moderately increased rates of collisions and close calls. Listening to music was not linked to any heightened risk of pedestrian behaviours.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 3, 2020

Global warming could have a negative impact on biodiversity generation processes

A recent study published in Journal of Systematics and Evolution suggests that global warming could negatively impact the processes that generate biodiversity. The research focuses on the evolutionary success of Carex, a genus with over 2000 species, which is favored by cold climates during the past 10 million years.

SourceUniversidad Pablo de Olavide UPO·JournalJournal of Systematics and Evolution·DateJan 23, 2020

Using robots to inspect sewer pipes

The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Waxahachie on a pilot project to inspect several miles of sewer pipelines using robotic technology. This will allow for more accurate estimates of pipeline service life, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling 'microsurgery' repairs.