The risk of global water scarcity is greater when accounting for the origin of rain
Securing the world's water supply is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Researchers are now presenting an alternative method for quantifying the global risk of water scarcity. Results indicate higher risks to water supply than previously expected if accounting for the environmental conditions and governability where rain is produced.
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Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition
Facial recognition is a critical part of self-image and social interactions. In an era of advanced digital technology, we face intriguing questions about communication and identity. How does altering our facial identity affect our sense of 'self' and our interactions with others?
Transparency is often lacking in datasets used to train large language models
The Data Provenance Explorer can help machine-learning practitioners make more informed choices about the data they train their models on, which could improve the accuracy of models deployed in the real world.
Researchers attempted to emulate a clinical trial using data from real patients
Researchers used real-world clinical data to attempt to emulate a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of two blood thinners, apixaban and warfarin, to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The study provides a method to explore the effects of treatments in patients who are underrepresented or excluded from clinical trials.
Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals
A new study examined children's responses during a game where targets could only be achieved by working together. The study's authors say the findings provide valuable insights into how groups of people can work together to overcome communal challenges, and demonstrate the effectiveness of setting clear and unambiguous targets.
VR headsets could be life changing for people with intellectual disability
Immersive virtual reality could open up a whole new world for people with intellectual disability, enabling them to learn practical life skills much faster without relying on caregivers, according to a new study.
Researchers identify basic approaches for how people recognize words
Recognizing spoken words is a split-second competition, and a new study defines how people approach that competition and ultimately recognize words. The researchers identified three main approaches by which people of all ages -- including those who use cochlear implants to hear -- recognize spoken language.
Your brain ages at different paces according to social and physical environments
Countries with greater inequalities -- whether economic, pollution or disease-based -- exhibited older brain ages.
To build a thriving electric vehicle market, prioritize equity and justice
When it comes to purchasing and using electric vehicles (EVs), housing- and income-related factors significantly shape perceptions and preferences among potential buyers, finds a new study. This research is among the first to examine both EV adoption and charging infrastructure through an equity lens coupled with state-of-the-art original survey data.
Among Viking societies, Norway was much more violent than Denmark
A new study sheds light on how Viking Age societies in Norway and Denmark differed in their experiences with violence and the role social structures played in shaping those patterns.
Autistic traits, behavioral problems in 7-year-olds linked with gender nonconforming play
Gender nonconformity in 7-year-olds -- as measured by levels of gender-conforming play -- may be associated with autistic traits and behavioral difficulties in girls, and with peer relationship problems in boys, according to a new study.
Geographic differences in U.S. homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s
A new study finds that, counter to expectations, geographic disparities in rates of homicides in the US have decreased in recent decades.
Lackluster prioritization of the health sector in government spending and dwindling donor contributions drive slow growth in health spending in Sub-Saharan Africa
Slow growth in health sector spending is projected in Sub-Saharan Africa as reported in a study. The decline is expected to continue to 2050, according to the authors, and is driven by tepid growth in the share of government spending that is allocated to health and reductions in development assistance for health.
People experiencing relatively mild cases of mental ill-health may be perceived differently by others depending on whether or not diagnostic labels are provided
Diagnostic labels for people experiencing what some consider to be relatively milder forms of mental-ill health may affect how others perceive them for better and worse, according to a new study.
Engineers develop AI system for real-time sensing of flooded roads
Roadway-related incidents are a leading cause of flood fatalities nationwide, but limited flood-reporting tools make it difficult to evaluate road conditions in real time.
Crucial insights on loneliness and death ideation among older adults
New research highlights the growing problem of death ideation and the increasing rates of both loneliness and suicidal thoughts among older individuals. The study explores the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.
Study finds limits to storing CO2 underground to combat climate change
New research has found limits to how quickly we can scale up technology to store gigatons of carbon dioxide under the Earth's surface.
Aging population: Public willingness to pay for healthcare hinges on perceived benefits and risks
Public healthcare systems are fiscally burdened due to an aging population. So, governments must find a way to persuade citizens to pay more for health insurance. Now, researchers have examined whether informing people about their future self-benefits from the healthcare system could garner support for higher health insurance contributions. While this approach increased support from those unaware of fiscal risks, the effect disappeared once they became aware, offering significant implications for policymakers and governments.
Defining chronic pain for high-performance athletes with disabilities
The extensive training and the sacrifices athletes make to compete at the Olympic games take center stage. For Paralympians and high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCI), assessing chronic pain plays a key role in their training and readiness to compete. However, the source of chronic pain is often misattributed to acute trauma or overuse injuries. While the International Olympic Committee acknowledges pain management data among Paralympians and athletes with disabilities is limited, few studies have been launched investigating this dilemma.
Coastal cities must adapt faster to climate change
Coastal cities play a key role in the global economy and have important functions for society at large. At the same time, they are severely affected by the impact of climate change. That is why their role in global climate adaptation is crucial.
Women in global fisheries industry fall through the safety net
Millions of women who work in the fisheries industry are being left behind as technologies develop to counter the effects of climate change and economic pressures. A new study examines this global problem and suggests ways forward in policy, research and practice.
Metal baseball bats still help Little Leaguers hit a little better
While meant to simulate wood bats, regulation USA Baseball metal bats are more forgiving than wood for young players who might not connect with the ball on a bat's optimal 'sweet spot.' After testing wood bats and two types of metal bats with youth players, researchers found that the exit speed of a hit ball was as much as 5% faster with metal bats over wood. Analyzing the data, they found that the performance of the USA Baseball metal bats at the sweet spot was similar to wood. It was when the hits were on less optimal areas that there was a bigger difference: there was more of a penalty with wood bats when the hitters were not on the sweet spot than with the metal bats.
Dungeons and Dragons can help autistic people gain confidence and find their inner hero
A new study has shown the roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons boosts autistic people's confidence and enables them to feel more comfortable with social interactions.
One in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with high body mass index may qualify for anti-obesity drug
A new study estimates that 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries are most likely to become eligible for semaglutide. The study also estimates eligibility and associated maximum costs if different definitions of cardiovascular risk were to be considered. If Medicare Part D narrowly defines cardiovascular disease, majority of patients would remain ineligible while new federal spending could still exceed $10 billion.
