All articles tagged with #research study
A new study suggests that previous estimates of dinosaur speeds based on fossil trackways may have been significantly overstated due to the influence of soft, muddy substrates, as demonstrated by modern bird experiments, prompting a reevaluation of dinosaur behavior and movement.
A Scottish folk musician, Laura Jane Wilkie, speaks out about her fears of discussing sexual abuse in her industry, highlighting the need for accountability and change. A university-led study aims to gather evidence on harassment in the Scottish folk scene to develop solutions, including potential frameworks for safer environments. The initiative seeks to address power imbalances and promote open conversations to prevent further abuse.
A study by Washington University reveals a significant gap between people's interest in knowing their Alzheimer's risk and their actual willingness to receive such information when offered, highlighting ethical and emotional complexities in disclosing risk results without available treatments.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have found that consuming strawberries can significantly reduce inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects over 300,000 people in Britain. The study, led by Professor Hang Xiao, suggests that incorporating whole strawberries into the diet could improve gut health by reversing harmful gut bacteria and reducing colonic inflammation. The findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions in managing IBD, which is typically treated with surgery and medication.
A study published in BMJ suggests that consuming dark chocolate more than five times a week may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21%. The research, which analyzed data from over 192,000 participants, found that dark chocolate's high cocoa content, rich in antioxidants and flavonols, might improve insulin sensitivity. However, experts caution that the study is observational and cannot definitively prove causation, recommending further research before advising dietary changes. Milk chocolate, in contrast, was linked to weight gain, a risk factor for diabetes.
A study by the Centre for Eye Research Australia has found that moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes low oxygen levels at night, is linked to an increased risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The research suggests that nocturnal hypoxia may damage the retina, which requires high oxygen levels at night, potentially making OSA a modifiable risk factor for wet AMD. The study involved 225 participants and indicates that treating OSA could reduce the risk of AMD progression.
A study involving over 1,000 adults suggests that cannabis use may lead to changes in the human epigenome, specifically affecting DNA methylation levels. These epigenetic changes, which do not alter the genomic sequence but influence gene activity, were linked to both recent and cumulative cannabis use. The research identified numerous DNA methylation markers associated with cannabis, some of which are also linked to tobacco use, suggesting shared epigenetic regulation. While the study provides insights into potential health impacts, it does not establish a direct causal relationship between cannabis use and health issues.
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health suggests that irregular sleep patterns may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 26%, regardless of sleep duration. Researchers analyzed data from over 72,000 UK Biobank participants and found that those with inconsistent sleep schedules had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The study highlights the importance of sleep regularity in cardiovascular health, suggesting it may be more crucial than sleep duration in reducing heart-related risks.
A study from Japan suggests that video games can improve mental wellbeing in both children and adults by providing stress relief, mood enhancement, and a sense of accomplishment. The research tracked over 8,000 participants and found that gaming, particularly for up to three hours, positively impacts mental health without negative effects. However, concerns remain about gaming addiction and the potential for games with 'loot boxes' to encourage gambling-like behavior. Experts suggest considering gaming as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than imposing strict time limits.
A new study suggests that fluctuating cholesterol levels in older adults may increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024, found that those with the highest fluctuations in total cholesterol and LDL-C had a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study highlights the potential of using annual cholesterol tracking as a biomarker for dementia risk, though further research is needed to understand the relationship between cholesterol variability and cognitive health.
A study by Université de Montreal and Université de Poitiers reveals that daily cryostimulation sessions, involving exposure to -90°C temperatures, can enhance sleep quality and mood in young adults. The research found that five consecutive sessions were necessary to see benefits, with women experiencing more significant improvements than men. The study suggests potential applications for cryostimulation in treating sleep disorders, aiding athlete recovery, and managing chronic inflammation. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and mechanisms behind these benefits.
A study by Penn State College of Nursing suggests that older adults with positive expectations about aging tend to perceive their cognitive abilities more favorably and report less cognitive decline. The research highlights the potential for shaping aging expectations to support healthier cognitive aging and improve healthcare interactions. The study involved a survey of 581 older adults, revealing that positive perceptions of aging correlate with better self-rated cognitive function, while negative expectations are linked to perceived cognitive decline.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis are seeking foster cat parents to participate in a survey about trimming kittens' nails. The study aims to understand different methods and reactions to nail trimming in young cats, an area with little existing research. Participants may gain useful skills and have a chance to win a $100 gift card.
A study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry reveals that older adults experience significant mental well-being improvements from psychedelic retreats, despite milder acute effects compared to younger participants. The sense of community and shared experiences during these retreats emerged as a key factor in their positive outcomes, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in addressing mental health issues in older adults. Further research is needed to explore these effects in diverse settings and populations.
Research on whether women feel colder than men is mixed, with recent studies suggesting that temperature perception and regulation depend more on individual physical traits like body fat and surface area rather than sex. While women may have slightly higher core temperatures and colder extremities due to hormonal differences, both sexes generally perceive and respond to temperature changes similarly.