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Exclusive breastfeeding duration and risk of childhood cancers

A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 26, 2024

Sea surface temperature research provides clear evidence of human-caused climate change

Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution find strong correlation between CO2 increases and changes in seasonal sea surface temperature patterns. The study reveals distinct features, including increased warming in summer months and thinner mixed-layer depths, with implications for marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024

Shark-bitten orcas in the Northeastern Pacific could be a new population of killer whale

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a new population of killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific, with distinct physical characteristics and a diet that includes marine mammals and sea turtles. The orcas were identified through shark-bitten scars and observations by fishermen and birding enthusiasts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateMar 15, 2024

Age and sex associated with patient’s likelihood of antimicrobial resistance

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

Successful prediction - Antarctic sea ice observations confirm deep learning accuracy

Researchers used a Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) neural network to predict Antarctic sea ice conditions. The prediction results showed a remarkably close alignment with recent satellite observations, confirming the reliability of the forecasting system and its potential for reliable Antarctic sea ice forecasting.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 13, 2024

Major typhoid fever surveillance study in sub-Saharan Africa indicates need for the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines in endemic countries

A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Understanding wind and water at the equator key to more accurate future climate projections

A new study from North Carolina State University and Duke University found that wind plays a critical role in ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific. The research suggests that better simulating these processes is essential for creating more accurate models of global warming, which can help policymakers make informed decisions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2024

New ‘digital twin’ Earth technology could help predict water-based natural disasters before they strike

Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

SwRI scientists identify water molecules on asteroids for the first time

Scientists detected water molecules on two asteroids, Iris and Massalia, indicating a distribution of water in our solar system that can inform searches for life beyond Earth. The discovery was made possible by using the FORCAST instrument to isolate mid-infrared spectral signatures indicative of molecular water.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Complex tree canopies help forests recover from moderate-severity disturbances

Researchers have identified that moderate-severity disturbances leave different patterns of change in forest canopy structure. Forests with more complex canopy structures seem better able to withstand and recover from these disturbances. The findings suggest that managing forests to promote structural complexity could make them more re...

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of a "hot Saturn" and its spotted star

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmospheric composition of HAT-P-18 b, detecting water vapour and carbon dioxide. They also found a cloud deck that mutes the signals of many molecules, and their findings suggest the star's surface is covered by dark spots. The study highlights the importance of considerin...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 9, 2024

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Improving thunderstorm prediction by watching lightning flashes from space

A new study improves thunderstorm forecasting by utilizing Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) lightning flash observations. The implementation of the EnVAR assimilation capabilities successfully enhances the forecasting performance, especially over regions lacking operational weather radar observations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 6, 2023

Orangutan male success: Not by dominance alone

A study of wild orangutan males reveals that simply beating rivals in competitions does not lead to siring success. Instead, successful fathers spend more time near the females with whom they mate, suggesting a strategy of concentrating on one neighborhood rather than roaming widely is key.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2023

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

The risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by eating more oily fish

A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

Coronary heart disease before age 45 may increase risk of dementia later in life

Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 29, 2023

Anti-rheumatic drugs could prevent thyroid disease

Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Mobile phone use may affect semen quality

A large cross-sectional study of over 2,800 young men in Switzerland found an association between mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. While no link was discovered to poor sperm motility or morphology, the results suggest that reduced semen quality may be linked to increased mobile phone usage.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeNews article·DateNov 1, 2023

Cold War spy satellite imagery reveals Ancient Roman forts

A Dartmouth study analyzing declassified Cold War satellite imagery identified 396 previously undocumented Roman forts across the northern Fertile Crescent. The forts were constructed from east to west, contradicting Father Antoine Poidebard's north-south axis claim and suggesting a more complex distribution along Rome's eastern frontier.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAntiquity·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

New study finds hidden trees across Europe: A billion tons of biomass is overlooked today

A new AI-driven mapping study from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a billion tons of hidden biomass in Europe, including trees outside forested areas. The research found that countries like Denmark, Netherlands, and UK have significant tree cover outside forests, which can impact biodiversity and climate models.

Close connectivity within the North Atlantic Current system identified

A long-term study compares data from two North Atlantic Current observation systems, revealing statistical connections and implications for regional temperature patterns. The findings suggest that a 25-year observational record provides a crucial foundation for future models of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

Unmanned and unbothered: autonomous intelligent oceanic exploration is upon us

The ISOOS system uses a smart carrier as the mobile base and control center, connecting multiple UAVs, USVs, and AUVs for simultaneous 3D observation of targeted regions. This enables fast mapping of ocean floor and studying submesoscale eddies, previously difficult to access due to variability in space and time.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2023

Critical data gaps on doctor assisted deaths in Oregon amid rise in participants

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has been in place since 1997, but a review found significant data gaps, including missing clinical complications and key decision-making information. The study analyzed 25 years of annual reports, revealing a decline in doctor-patient relationships and referrals for psychiatric evaluations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

Researchers' analysis of perching birds points to new answers in evolutionary diversification

A study by Miles, Ricklefs, and Losos challenges traditional explanations for species diversity, suggesting a single underlying process drives morphological diversification in diverse clades. The researchers analyzed passerine bird morphology data, including island radiations like Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Study shows simulator, combined with app, helps teachers correct mistakes before entering classroom

A new study co-written by a researcher from the University of Kansas examined TeachLivE, a simulator that allows pre-service teachers to deliver lessons in front of a virtual classroom of avatars. The results showed that the simulation experience combined with personalized feedback data can support teachers' practice of skills of their...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023