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Rainfall strongly affects infectious Vibrio bacteria in Ala Wai Canal

A recent study found that rainfall significantly affects the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus in the Ala Wai Canal, with moderate rainfall leading to high concentrations of the bacterium. The researchers suggest that while exposure is still a risk, precautions such as washing off with soap and water can minimize the danger.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

UT graduate student research solves plate tectonics mystery

A recent study by a UT graduate student has unraveled the enigma of how tectonic plates break Earth's rock-hard shell. By monitoring seismic images and matching them with rock samples, the researcher found that a small break in the Australian plate grew over millions of years until it unzipped and set in motion a runaway geologic process.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2022

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Near-earth asteroid might be a lost fragment of the moon

A team of astronomers from the University of Arizona suggests that near-Earth asteroid Kamo`oalewa could be a miniature moon, with its spectrum matching lunar rocks from NASA's Apollo missions. The asteroid's orbit is similar to Earth's but with a slight tilt, making it unlikely to have originated from a typical near-Earth asteroid.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2021

COVID-19 lockdowns deepened struggle for work-family balance

A new study by McGill University researchers found that COVID-19 lockdowns disproportionately affected graduate students' mental health, particularly among women. Women reported more stress related to remote teaching and caregiving responsibilities, leading to increased depressive symptoms.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Strike-slip faulting may be active deformation mechanism on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan

A recent study suggests that strike-slip faulting is an active deformation mechanism on Titan's surface, driven by diurnal tidal stresses and pore fluid pressures. The researchers found that shallow faults near the equator are optimally oriented for potential failure, which could facilitate material transport and affect habitability.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalIcarus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021

Making (and breaking) eye contact makes conversation more engaging

Research from Dartmouth College reveals that making and breaking eye contact during conversations can create a dynamic balance between shared attention and individual expression. Pupillary synchrony decreases after eye contact breaks, allowing for creativity and new thoughts, while also signaling shared understanding.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2021

Colleges fall short on mental health outreach to Asian, Latino students

A recent study reveals that colleges struggle to provide adequate mental health support to Asian and Latino students due to interdependent cultural values and shame. The study suggests that culturally tailored treatment services addressing these issues can improve help-seeking behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

New algorithm for modern quilting

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prototype software to facilitate pattern-making in foundation paper piecing quilting. The algorithm is based on a graph structure called a hypergraph and allows users to design patterns without having to consider the geometry, ordering, and constraints of the technique.

Horror films as a reimagined space for healing

Researcher Morgan Podraza examines the representation of trauma in horror films, arguing that the final girl trope can be reimagined as a space for healing and futures for people with trauma. The analysis highlights the need to acknowledge trauma and its ongoing effects, rather than just focusing on survival.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHorror Studies·DateMay 28, 2021

Meaningful movies help people cope with life's difficulties

A study found that watching meaningful films like 'Hotel Rwanda' can make people feel more prepared to deal with life's challenges. These films are associated with positive reactions such as feeling a sense of purpose and being motivated to pursue significant goals. The key elements of these films, including poignancy and emotional ran...

SourceOhio State University·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateMay 10, 2021

Bringing KAIZEN to kid healthcare

A systematic review of literature found that only 17% of quality improvement articles in PICUs met high standards, highlighting a need for better reporting practices. The study suggests that bringing the KAIZEN philosophy to kid healthcare can improve the timely delivery of medical care.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2021

Sensing suns

Red supergiants are extremely bright but difficult to study due to their complex upper atmospheres. Astronomers have now developed a new technique to estimate their surface temperatures using iron absorption lines. By combining these temperatures with accurate distance measurements, researchers found consistent results with theory.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 28, 2021

Memory of the Venus flytrap

Research team successfully visualized intracellular calcium concentrations in the Venus flytrap, revealing that its short-term memory can be explained by changes in calcium concentration. The study demonstrates how a single contact event triggers a burst of calcium ions, which then trigger a second stimulus to close the trap.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 5, 2020

To make a better sensor, just add noise

Penn State researchers discovered that adding background noise can enhance weak signals in manmade sensors, a phenomenon common in the animal world. This technique, known as stochastic resonance, can be used to detect other signals with low energy consumption and space requirements, making it suitable for deployment in IoT applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020