Mountain View
Fareeha Arshad
Disparities in Food and Water Insecurity Worsen for Black and Hispanic Children
Between 2005 and 2020, the number of children in the United States experiencing both water and food insecurity more than doubled, with Black and Hispanic children being disproportionately affected compared to white children. Research from Penn State and Sera Young from Northwestern University, published in Nature Water, analyzed data from over 18,000 children using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study found that by 2020, 10.3% of U.S. children faced simultaneous water and food insecurity, up from 4.6% in 2005-06.
City Walks with Nature Focus Significantly Boost Mental Well-Being
Recent research from Bangor University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has revealed that focusing on natural elements during urban walks can significantly improve mental health. Published in People and Nature, the study involved 117 city residents who participated in a 45-minute walk while wearing eye-tracking glasses. Participants were instructed to focus on either greenery, artificial structures, or a mix of both. The findings showed that those who concentrated on nature, especially trees, experienced reduced anxiety and enhanced feelings of restorativeness.
Late Sleep Patterns in Teens Associated with Unhealthy Eating and Less Exercise
A study to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 annual meeting reveals a link between circadian misalignment—joint in adolescents—and increased carbohydrate consumption and sedentary behaviour. The research found that teens with later sleep schedules tend to consume more carbohydrates, a relationship partially explained by irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, a later sleep schedule was associated with more sedentary behaviour, even when accounting for factors like demographics, sleep disorders, and insufficient sleep.
Promising Method to Regenerate Heart Muscle Cells Could Transform Heart Disease Treatment
Researchers at Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a potential method to regenerate damaged heart muscle cells in mice, offering hope for treating congenital heart defects in children and heart damage in adults. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, focuses on hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In this rare congenital disability, the left side of a baby’s heart does not develop properly, affecting 1 in 5,000 newborns and causing a significant percentage of early cardiac deaths.
Breakthrough in Immunotherapy by Manipulating Dendritic Cell Enzymes
Immunotherapy, a critical approach in cancer treatment, harnesses the body's immune system to combat tumours. A recent study from a research group at MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital revealed that targeting specific enzymes in dendritic cells (DCs), a vital immune system component, can enhance anti-tumour immunity. The findings, published in Cell Reports, suggest potential new therapeutic strategies in immunotherapy.
Cambridge Researchers Demonstrate Quick Mastery of Prosthetic Third Thumb
Cambridge researchers have demonstrated that people can quickly learn to use a prosthetic "Third Thumb" to manipulate objects effectively. This device, part of the emerging field of motor augmentation, aims to enhance human motor capabilities beyond biological limits, benefiting healthy individuals and those with disabilities.
New Discovery Reveals How Shipworms Digest Wood with Hidden Gut Microbes
Shipworms have been known to cause significant damage for centuries, from historical naval conflicts to modern infrastructure failures, but their exact mechanism remained unclear. Recent research led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Plymouth, with contributions from the University of Maine and UMass Chan Medical School, has unveiled a crucial aspect of shipworms' biology. This study, published in International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, reveals that shipworms host symbiotic microbes in a previously overlooked part of their digestive system called the typhlosole.
Discovery of New Hormone-Generating Cells Sheds Light on Monogamy in Mice
Researchers from Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute have identified a previously unknown hormone-generating cell that may explain why the Oldfield mouse exhibits lifelong monogamy, unlike its promiscuous relatives. This study, published in Nature, focused on the differences between two closely related mouse species: the monogamous oldfield mouse and the promiscuous deer mouse.
Largest Gene Regulation Maps Reveal Insights into Mental Disorders in the Brain
A research consortium has developed the largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brain, focusing on individuals with and without mental disorders. This study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), analyzed postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to explore gene regulation across various stages of brain development and disorders such as schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression.
Ancient Mongolian Cauldrons Used for Blood Sausage and Early Yak Milk Processing
Recent research has uncovered new insights into using Bronze Age cauldrons across the Mongolian steppe, revealing their role in processing animal blood and milk approximately 2,700 years ago. The study, led by researchers from the University of Basel and published in Scientific Reports, utilized protein analysis on cauldrons discovered in northern Mongolia to determine their function.
Revolutionary Oral Insulin Drops Could Replace Traditional Injections
With diabetes rates increasing, affecting 11.7 million Canadians, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a new, pain-free method for managing the disease. Scientists at the Li Lab have created oral insulin drops that, when placed under the tongue, are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially replacing the need for traditional insulin injections.
Poor Diet Linked to Brain Changes Fueling Depression and Anxiety
A groundbreaking study has linked poor diet quality to changes in brain chemistry and structure associated with depression and anxiety. The study, published in Nutritional Neuroscience, was conducted by researchers from the University of Reading, Roehampton University, FrieslandCampina, and King’s College London and examined the impact of diet on brain function in 30 volunteers.
New Study Reveals Fault Geometry as Key Factor in Earthquake Strength
Researchers from Brown University have published findings in Nature that challenge the conventional view of earthquake causes. Traditionally, earthquakes were believed to result primarily from the friction at faults where tectonic plates meet. However, this new study emphasizes that the alignment of faults plays a crucial role in earthquake occurrence and strength.
Ancient Marine Reptile Mystery Solved Revealing Thalattosaur Instead of Early Crocodile
A recent study has resolved the long-standing mystery surrounding a prehistoric marine reptile, revealing that remains initially believed to be one of the first choristoderes belonged to a thalattosaur, a giant sea lizard. Discovered in Triassic rocks in 1935, these bones were long thought to represent early crocodile-like reptiles. However, research by the University of Bristol and the University of Southampton has clarified their true identity.
Groundbreaking Discovery Reveals Cyanobacteria Network in Ocean Ecosystems
Three years ago, researchers from the University of Córdoba made an unexpected discovery while examining marine cyanobacteria under an electron microscope. They identified membrane nanotubes, structures previously seen in other bacteria but never in cyanobacteria, which are crucial for oxygen production on Earth. This discovery led to an extensive study published in Science Advances.
Primordial Black Holes and Colour Charge Could Unlock Dark Matter Mysteries
Researchers at MIT have proposed a new theory about the origins of dark matter, suggesting that primordial black holes from the early universe could account for the unseen matter that exerts gravitational influence on visible objects. These primordial black holes formed within the first quintillionth of a second after the Big Bang would have been significantly smaller than today's black holes, potentially as small as atoms.
Seven Things Ancient Humans Had That We Don’t: Our ancestors were more badass than we assume
As unbelievable as this may sound, the humans that inhabited Earth thousands of years ago were not dumb. They did not just eat bananas and swing from one tree to another. If anything, our ancestors were smart and brave. Living in the wilderness sharpened their survival instincts.
Liquid Metal Device Inspired by Venus Flytrap Mimics Intelligent Plant Behavior
Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have created a liquid metal-based electronic logic device that mimics the prey-capture mechanism of Venus flytraps. This innovative device exhibits properties of memory and counting, allowing it to respond intelligently to various stimuli without additional electronic components. The Venus flytrap's prey-capture mechanism, which distinguishes between different stimuli like raindrops and insects through sensory hairs, inspired the design of this device.
Brain Waves Reveal New Clues About Speech Perception and Neural Timing
Recent research has revealed new insights into how brain waves affect speech perception and has offered a new explanation for bright radar reflections on Mars' south pole. The study investigates how the timing of brain waves influences speech perception. Researchers used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to monitor brain activity as participants listened to ambiguous sounds and words with varying probabilities. The findings indicate that speech perception is affected by both the timing of brain waves and the likelihood of the sounds or words. Participants were more likely to perceive probable sounds or words during less 'excitable' phases of brain waves and less probable ones during more 'excitable' phases. This demonstrates that the brain's perception of speech is influenced by neural timing, which enhances its ability to predict and process linguistic information. The study also suggests that neural phase coding plays a significant role in interpreting speech input.
Infant Helplessness Reimagined as a Crucial Stage for Learning and AI Insights
A recent study challenges the long-held belief that human infants are helpless due to immaturity at birth. Researchers from Trinity College Dublin, Auburn University, and DeepMind have found that this period of helplessness may serve as a time for developing foundational learning models similar to those used in advanced artificial intelligence.
Fareeha Arshad
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I am a scientist by profession and a historian by passion. I mostly write about history and science.
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