Political polarization poses health risks, new analysis concludes
News coverage of the 2024 election season has often centered on how partisan division has affected our politics. But a new analysis shows that political polarization also poses significant health risks—by obstructing the implementation of legislati.....»»
Peaches spread across North America through Indigenous networks, radiocarbon dating and document analysis show
Spanish explorers may have brought the first peach pits to North America, but Indigenous communities helped the ubiquitous summer fruit really take root, according to a study led by a researcher at Penn State......»»
New technique points to unexpected uses for snoRNA across many cell types
Dynamic, reversible modifications of DNA and RNA regulate how genes are expressed and transcribed, which can influence cellular processes, disease development, and overall organismal health. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a common but overlooked.....»»
Broadcast police communications may pose privacy risks, especially to Black men
Police radio transmissions contain personally identifiable information that could pose privacy risks for members of the public, especially Black males, according to a new study by researchers at Penn State and the University of Chicago......»»
Researchers investigate health risks of potentially toxic elements in surface water in Tarim River Basin, China
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water in arid areas can pose a serious threat to natural environment and human health......»»
Infrastructure and communication challenges can be barriers to food safety in the low-moisture food industry
Low-moisture foods such as dried fruits, seeds, tree nuts and wheat flour were once considered to carry minimal microbial risks. However, the increased number of outbreaks linked to bacteria-contaminated low-moisture foods has resulted in product rec.....»»
Cash grants are better than earmarked matching grants for businesses in Burkina Faso
Cash grants appear to be more promising than matching grants, especially if the survival of small businesses, rather than innovation, is the key objective in fragile political contexts. This is the result of a study conducted by economists from the U.....»»
Math-selective US universities reduce gender gap in STEM fields, analysis finds
Nationally, men in colleges and universities currently outpace women in earning physics, engineering, and computer science (PECS) degrees by an approximate ratio of 4:1. To better understand the factors driving these gaps, NYU researchers analyzed ba.....»»
Researchers identify previously unknown compound in drinking water
A team of researchers from the United States and Switzerland has reported the discovery of a previously unknown compound in chloraminated drinking water. Inorganic chloramines are commonly used to disinfect drinking water to safeguard public health f.....»»
Genetic research explores purple tea"s health benefits
Purple tea, the product of long-term natural evolution, stands out for its high anthocyanin content, known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Unlike traditional green tea, purple tea is increasingly valued for its potential t.....»»
Indonesian social forestry often excludes women from decisions, risking greater inequality
Our analysis of Indonesia's social forestry permits shows that women remain underrepresented in forest management bodies despite efforts to boost their presence, leaving them out of decisions about their forests......»»
Apple brings hearing tests to AirPods Pro 2 in France but holds back key feature
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 now let users in France test their hearing and reduce loud noises, but the hearing aid feature is stuck in regulatory limbo.AirPods ProApple has introduced new health-focused capabilities for the AirPods Pro 2, including a heari.....»»
Scientists develop culture system to unlock secrets of the skin microbiome
The human skin is home to a wide variety of bacteria. The composition of the community of bacteria—called the "skin microbiota"—has serious implications for skin health. A healthy balance between different species of bacteria on the skin often tr.....»»
New model sheds light on groundwater declines by linking irrigation decisions and groundwater use
Sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal in Oregon's Harney Basin were surpassed 20 years prior to the time declining groundwater levels were generally recognized, a new analysis found......»»
School social workers an underutilized resource as mental health challenges in children sees increase
Youth in America are experiencing a mental health crisis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that an increasing number of students are experiencing symptoms of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety, alo.....»»
Light-based technology is safe and effective for mitigating fungal contamination of cereal grains, study finds
Fungal contamination of cereal grains poses a substantial threat to food security and public health while causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses annually. In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.....»»
Fitness app Strava is tightening third-party access to user data
Training apps, AI use, and trend analysis seem to be off-limits in Strava's API. The Strava app is one of the most popular ways for cyclists, runners, hikers, and other distance s.....»»
Human Cell Atlas achieves leap in the understanding of the human body
Researchers with the global Human Cell Atlas (HCA) consortium report significant progress in their quest for a better understanding of the cells of the human body in health and disease, with the publication on 20 November of a collection of more than.....»»
Light-based photocatalytic system can break down PFAS at room temperature
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure......»»
River microbes near wastewater treatment plants express high levels of antibiotic resistance genes, study shows
Rivers and streams serve as critical connectors across vast geographical landscapes, trickling out of tucked-away headwaters and snaking thousands of miles toward oceans and deep seas. These waterways directly impact human and environmental health, a.....»»
Automated 3D computer vision model offers a new tool to measure and understand dairy cow behavior and welfare
Dairy cows typically rest for 10 or more hours a day, so a dry, clean, and comfortable place—such as a freestall—to lie down and rest is essential for their health, well-being, and production performance. One key factor in whether stalls are comf.....»»