SCIENCE AND TECH
Pandemic-related stress accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, study finds
During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world implemented restrictive measures — such as stay-at-home orders and school closures — to mitigate the spread of the respiratory illness. It’s been well-documented that this disruption of daily routines and social activities had a negative impact on the mental health of adolescents.
Adolescence, the period of transition between childhood and adulthood, is marked by dramatic changes in emotional, behavioral and social development. It’s also a time when a sense of self-identity, self-confidence and self-control are developed. The pandemic reduced social interaction for teenagers and led to documented reports of anxiety, depression and stress, especially for girls.
New research from the University of Washington, published online Sept. 9 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found the pandemic also resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in girls. When measured in terms of the number of years of accelerated brain development, the mean acceleration was 4.2 years in females and 1.4 years in males.
“We think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a health crisis,” said Patricia Kuhl, senior author and co-director of the UW Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS), “but we know that it produced other profound changes in our lives, especially for teenagers.”
Brain maturation is measured by the thickness of the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of tissue in the brain. The cerebral cortex naturally thins with age, even in teens. Chronic stress and adversity are known to accelerate cortical thinning, which is associated with an increased risk for the development of neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders. Many of these disorders, such as anxiety and depression, often emerge during adolescence — with…
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U.S. Department of Energy Announces $72.8 Million Loan Guarantee to Build Solar-Plus-Storage Microgrid on Tribal Lands
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),
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Dr. Peter Rentrop: How Medical Technology is Changing Diagnoses and Treatments
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Scientists Harness Purple Bacteria to Produce Bioplastics as Sustainable Alternative to Petroleum-Based Plastics
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Two new studies by biologists at Washington University in St. Louis highlight one potential source of game-changing materials: purple bacteria that, with a…
World Health Organization Declares Public Health Emergency as Clade I MPOX Cases Surge in Africa and Beyond
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FDA Issues Draft Guidance for Phase II Sodium Reduction Targets in Food Supply
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Pelvic health is a complex issue. Practitioners in this area address many issues impacting patient well-being, such as pelvic pain, incontinence of the bladder and bowel, and prolapsing viscera.
Dr. Nathan Guerette identifies steps that have been made in the advancement of care of this area of the body, methods and approaches aimed at improving patient care and lives.
Background and Education
Dr. Nathan Guerette, a seasoned physician, brings extensive preparation and experience to his work, continuously refining his expertise through research and learning. He earned his medical degree with commendations from a prestigious establishment and undertook a specialized fellowship. Throughout his career, Dr. Guerette has many accomplishments with groundbreaking works and awards for his contributions to the furtherance of medicine. His commitment to continuous education is evident in his ongoing participation in forums and workshops and his pursuit of the latest developments to ensure the best patient care.
Specialization in Urogynecology
Dr. Nathan Guerette has excelled in the complex field of Female Pelvic Medicine, focusing on conditions impacting women’s health and the pelvic floor. He is renowned for his mastery of pioneering surgical methods and solutions. Dr. Guerette’s dedication to helping women battling urogynecological issues is evident through his attentive care and…
Fast Fire Watch Guards, a leading provider of fire watch security services, underscores the critical role these services play in mitigating fire risks and ensuring safety when fire protection systems are compromised.
Fire watch guards act as a vigilant first line of defense, providing 24/7 on-site monitoring and immediate response capabilities in situations where fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or other fire safety measures are temporarily out of service. Whether due to maintenance, repairs, or unforeseen circumstances, these gaps in fire protection can leave buildings and occupants vulnerable.
Fast Fire Watch Guards recognizes the importance of swift action in such scenarios. The company’s team of highly trained and certified fire watch guards is available for rapid deployment across the nation, ready to step in and provide continuous surveillance and protection.
“When fire protection systems are down, the risk of a fire incident escalating significantly increases,” said a spokesperson for Fast Fire Watch Guards. “Our fire watch guards are trained to identify potential fire hazards, respond quickly to any signs of fire, and take immediate action to protect lives and property.”
Fire watch guards go beyond mere observation. They conduct regular patrols and inspections, maintain detailed logs of their…
Rutgers Researchers Awarded $4.83 Million Grant to Improve Care for Cancer Survivors
A team of researchers from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Cancer Institute, has been awarded a five-year, $4.83 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to support efforts in coordinating care for cancer survivors who are managing cardiovascular risks.
Led by Denalee M. O’Malley, an assistant professor and…
U.S., Australia Collaborate to Enhance GPS Resilience
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The combined effort brought together experts from both…
Unveiling the Digital Shift: Angeliki Cooney’s Strategic Insights in Life Sciences
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Dr. Kieran Slevin: Do New Spinal Cord Stimulation Techniques Work?
Spinal injuries and pain cause daily agony and distress for millions of people worldwide. While medication and nonsurgical treatment options may provide sufficient relief for some, that’s not the case for many, according to interventional spine specialist Dr. Kieran Slevin. For these patients, the chronic pain they endure can…
Nicotine Pouch Sales Increased by 641% From 2019 to 2022
Nowadays, smoking cessation has become a common pursuit for many. By now, the health risks associated with cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption are well-known. However, despite the rise of cigarette alternatives, research suggests that people aren’t so keen to rely on them for smoking cessation.
According to a study…
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the future of the US economy. They are crucial drivers for innovation and economic growth, with a strong push for students to choose STEM subjects at the degree level. STEM subjects have historically been dominated by men, with numerous gender equality initiatives failing to make significant improvements to the gender gap.
Women from minority backgrounds are significantly under-represented within STEM subjects and may be the missing piece in improving gender equality throughout STEM careers.
Why is there a gender disparity in STEM degrees and throughout the career ladder? A new research paper suggests that the effectiveness of STEM education for multilingual female students is closely tied to culturally responsive teaching practices. Professors and educational support staff can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment by recognizing and valuing different linguistic and cultural backgrounds by embracing multilingualism.
The Gender Disparity in STEM Degrees
In 2023, women comprised only 28% of the STEM workforce globally after years of positive initiatives by industry leaders and educational partners. While the United States outperforms the European Union with a 24% female workforce compared to its 17% workforce, there is still considerable work to be done. This situation is happening at a time when women are more likely to attend universities and higher education institutions than their male counterparts.
Gender disparity within STEM limits its potential. Getting more women, particularly those from under-represented groups, into STEM degrees is an economic necessity. Programs like Black Girls Code and Million Women Mentors have been…
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Richmond’s tech industry has evolved significantly in recent years, establishing itself as a burgeoning hub in the sector. Despite being smaller than Silicon Valley or New York City, Richmond has carved out a niche with its innovative startups and tech enterprises. The city’s strategic location and growing reputation as a business-friendly environment contribute to its emerging status in the technology realm.
However, Richmond faces significant hurdles that could impede its progress. Talent retention is a primary concern, as the city needs help keeping its skilled workforce from migrating to more established tech giants. This issue is compounded by…
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