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Social change may explain decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome at the end of the Neolithic period

A recent study suggests that the decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago was caused by social change, rather than violent conflicts. The researchers analyzed anthropological field data and modeling scenarios to conclude that patrilineal organizations had a significant impact on the Y chromosome.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

International balance of power determined by Chinese control over emerging technologies, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter finds that China's growing use of emerging technologies in civilian and military domains has escalated its stakes as a threat and near-peer competitor to the US. Western states have responded with diplomatic efforts, bans, and restrictions to undermine China's power.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChinese Political Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 8, 2024

New commentary: Combatting digital redlining is imperative for advancing health equity

A new commentary from Boston University School of Public Health emphasizes the need to address digital redlining, which disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations. The authors propose standardizing social determinants of health screenings to include questions about broadband access.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 20, 2024

Rehabilitative reform

University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada is using a $2.8 million grant to transform prison conditions in four Missouri prisons. Her multi-pronged mission includes staff training, physical space changes, skill building for residents, and community connections.

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2024

Anti-vaccine conspiracies fuel divisive political discourse

A new study reveals that online political engagement and conspiracy theories played key roles in shaping Japanese anti-vaccine sentiments. Long-term anti-vaxxers tended to lean left, while those brought into the fold during the pandemic exhibited weaker interest and frequent references to spirituality.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Computational Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2024

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers uncover social and economic factors that influence acute liver failure in children—and ways to overcome them

A CHLA research team found that socio-economic factors like family support, employment status, patient age, race, and language spoken can impact clinical outcomes. Children with limited social support systems and working caregivers have worse outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Why politics bring out the worst in us

A large survey study found that people are willing to engage in immoral behaviors and judgments when participating in political discourse. The researchers attribute this to genuine internal dislike of the opposing party, leading to moral ambiguity. Politics makes us do things we wouldn't normally do, fuelled by outrage politics.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPolitical Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 8, 2024

The influence of microbiologists in Spain during COVID-19 helped public hospital laboratories to be more prepared today than before the pandemic

A recent study by Spanish and British researchers found that the influence of clinical microbiologists in Spain helped prepare public hospital laboratories for COVID-19 testing. In contrast, the UK's large centralized laboratories built during the pandemic have been dismantled due to high costs and low quality of testing.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalInnovation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

Centralized social networks potentially hinder innovation by making decision-making too similar

A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Sahmyook University researcher proposes more equitable subway stations for the elderly and mobility handicapped

A recent study suggests that more investments are needed to ensure equitable subway facilities, with 27 out of 257 stations scoring 1.00, mostly medium-sized stations. The researchers recommend allocating transport facilities based on each station's needs to enhance accessibility for the elderly and mobility handicapped.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalJournal of Public Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2024

Is there a common link between the physical and social worlds? Two brothers think so.

The Rutgers biophysical chemist and his brother, a political scientist, propose that parallels exist between the microscopic world of cells and molecules and human-forged organizations and political systems. They identify similarities in rules that apply to both realms, including stability concepts and cooperative phenomena.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 10, 2024

Study from ECNU Review of Education redevelops framework for teaching artificial intelligence and robotics

A study redevelops a framework for teaching artificial intelligence and robotics to preschool children, providing five big ideas that can be grasped by young kids. The framework aims to prepare children to understand and use AI tools effectively, promoting healthy and responsible learning in the rapidly developing digital society.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 8, 2024

Stability in physical and political science

Researchers Kenneth J. Breslauer and George W. Breslauer investigate the concept of stability in both physical and political science, finding parallels between kinetic trapping and social metastability. They propose applying thermodynamic principles to analyze socio-political systems, revealing a continuity between nature and society.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Social media influencers may affect more than voter opinions

Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.

SourcePenn State·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2023

Disability, Politecnico di Milano experiments with AI to make historic city centers accessible

Researchers used machine learning and mobile mapping systems to analyze the town of Sabbioneta's streets and pavements, identifying accessible trajectories and paths for citizens with motor disabilities. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in assessing physical accessibility in historic urban contexts.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Crowdsourced fact-checking fights misinformation in Taiwan

A new study from Cornell University reveals that crowdsourced fact-checking platforms like Cofacts can effectively combat misinformation online. The research found that Cofacts users responded faster than journalists to queries, with their responses often being just as accurate, and clearer in presentation.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·DateNov 21, 2023

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

21st century Total Wars will enlist technologies in ways we don’t yet understand, writes Jordan Richard Schoenherr

The Ukraine War is a turning point in modern warfare, as new technologies like AI, drones, and cyberweapons are being used to devastating effect. Researchers like Jordan Richard Schoenherr warn that our understanding of warfare is outdated, and we need to rethink the role of sociotechnical systems in strategic thinking.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Technology and Society Magazine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 8, 2023

Trauma-informed training workshops prompt meaningful individual and organizational changes, according to outcomes surveys

A McLean Hospital study found that nearly 600 individuals trained in trauma-informed care reported significant gains in knowledge and improvements to organizational policies. However, the study's findings suggest that lasting changes may require more time and involve larger-scale organizational transformations.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateOct 30, 2023

Action plan for better data on migration and health

A new study reveals gaps in including migrants and refugees in national data collection systems, hindering their human rights and societies' well-being. The authors propose a roadmap for European health systems to improve data quality and promote equity in healthcare.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 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

Most non-English speakers in the U.S. are turned away before their first cancer visit according to new research in JNCCN

A new study from the University of Michigan found significant language-based disparities in patients' access to cancer care. English-speaking callers were able to get information on next steps 94% of the time, while Spanish-speakers and Mandarin-speakers were only connected at 38% and 28% respectively.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 6, 2023

MU researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural Missouri

A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProfessional Case Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2023