ScienceDaily: Society - July 02, 2024
Top society research news
Drowning in waste: Pollution hotspots in aquatic environments
A new study explores waste management systems and reveals that achieving zero waste leakage by 2030 is unlikely, potentially jeopardizing related Sustainable Development Goals. The authors emphasize the need for global cooperation, particularly across four regions, to responsibly manage waste disposal.
Researchers use statistical modeling to estimate infant deaths expected if one of the country's most stringent state abortion laws had not been enacted. The study estimates that infant deaths in Texas increased more than expected in the year following the state's 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy, especially among infants with congenital anomalies.
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No more stressing out over structural formulas
Structural formulas are a source of dread for many students, but they're an essential tool in biology lessons. A study has now shown that the stress levels of students working with chemical formulas are significantly reduced if they are given simple tips on how to deal with these formulas.
Just 4% of teen academy prospects play elite soccer (football)
Just four per cent of talented teen academy prospects make it to the top tier of professional football, a new study has shown. A sample of nearly 200 players, aged between 13-18, also revealed only six per cent of the budding ballers even go on to play in lower leagues.
Cheaper, more convenient method to detect asbestos
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has long been the gold standard for detecting asbestos fibers in air samples drawn at construction sites. But researchers have found that a cheaper, less labor-intensive method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), can work just as well in most cases. The new finding could help reduce the estimated $3 billion spent on asbestos remediation in this country every year.
Lie-detection AI could provoke people into making careless accusations, researchers warn
Although people lie a lot, they typically refrain from accusing others of lying because of social norms around making false accusations and being polite. But artificial intelligence (AI) could soon shake up the rules. Researchers demonstrate that people are much more likely to accuse others of lying when an AI makes an accusation. The finding provided insights into the social implications of using AI systems for lie detection, which could inform policymakers when implementing similar technologies.
Neighborhood opportunities influence infant development and cognition
Researchers find that growing up in neighborhoods with more educational and socioeconomic opportunities has a positive impact on infants' brain activity.
US Clean Water Act leaves about 55% of water flowing out of rivers vulnerable to pollution
The Supreme Court ruled last year that rivers that only flow in response to weather events -- called ephemeral streams -- do not fall under the protection of the Clean Water Act. New research suggests that this now leaves many U.S. waterways vulnerable to pollution.
New, holistic way to teach synthetic biology
Synthetic biology combines principles from science, engineering and social science, creating emerging technologies such as alternative meats and mRNA vaccines; Deconstructing synthetic biology across scales gives rise to new approach to uniting traditional disciplines; Case studies offer a modular, accessible approach to teaching at different institutions.
Climate change and sea level rise pose an acute challenge for cities with combined sewer systems
Older coastal cities, like Philadelphia, New York and Boston are at risk of being inundated by untreated sewage during floods. Due in part to the design of their combined sewer systems and in part due to sea level rise, these cities could be facing a growing public health crisis as climate change also drives more extreme precipitation. The group recently published research that modeled the potential extent of the problem in a section of the coastal city of Camden, New Jersey, and the effectiveness of one proposed intervention to help protect these communities.
Playing youth sports linked to better mental health in adults
Adults who continuously played organized sports through their youth have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who never played or those who dropped out, a new study finds. And those who dropped out of sports had poorer mental health than those who never played at all.
Public perception of scientists' credibility slips
New analyses find that public perceptions of scientists' credibility -- measured as their competence, trustworthiness, and the extent to which they are perceived to share an individual's values -- remain high, but their perceived competence and trustworthiness eroded somewhat between 2023 and 2024. The research also found that public perceptions of scientists working in artificial intelligence (AI) differ from those of scientists as a whole.
The science of procrastination
Understanding why we delay tasks may help reclaim productivity.
AI generated exam answers go undetected in real-world blind test
Experienced exam markers may struggle to spot answers generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), researchers have found.
Study provides insights into the use of decodable texts in early reading instruction
Reading comprehension is crucial for success in school and society but can be difficult for children initially. Decodable texts are widely believed to help by focusing on taught letter-sound relationships, aiding word decoding. Recently, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effectiveness of decodable texts in early reading of non-disabled learners. Findings reveal that decodable texts have a moderate impact on improving pseudoword decoding skills but only a small effect on word reading.
Small, adsorbent 'fins' collect humidity rather than swim through water
Clean, safe water is a limited resource and access to it depends on local bodies of water. But even dry regions have some water vapor in the air. To harvest small amounts of humidity, researchers developed a compact device with absorbent-coated fins that first trap moisture and then generate potable water when heated. They say the prototype could help meet growing demands for water, especially in arid locations.
Changing the game for sports emergency action plans
A national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports from an athletic training researcher sets in motion new priorities for responding to catastrophic injuries. The recommendations apply to sports through all levels, from youth to high school to collegiate and professional leagues.
Adolescents today are more satisfied with being single
Young people aged 14 to 20 years are nowadays more satisfied with being single than their counterparts ten years ago.
Conversation Is Changing: Why people speak more alike today
Over a 20-year period people from these sectors changed their behavior -- resonating with one another significantly more than they used to and gearing towards a more engaging style. We talk like others to be more inclusive and 'resonate' with them.
Rising health care prices are driving unemployment and job losses
Rising health care prices in the U.S. are leading employers outside the health care sector to reduce their payroll and decrease their number of employees, according to a new study. The study found that when health care prices increased, non-health care employers responded by reducing their payroll and cutting the jobs of middle-class workers. For the average county, a 1% increase in health care prices would reduce aggregate income in the area by approximately $8 million annually.