PACT

Nov 29 2024SCIENCE

Bacteria Helping Clean Up Water: The Case of Bacillus subtilis

Did you know that certain bacteria can help clean our water? One such bacteria is Bacillus subtilis, or B. subtilis for short. This little guy is special because it can trap tiny plastic particles, known as nanoplastics, while also processing nitrogen compounds in water. Scientists have been studyin

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Nov 28 2024FINANCE

How Financial Progress Affects Farmers' Energy Use

Imagine you're a farmer. You know that to improve your crops, you need the right tools and resources. That’s where financial development comes in. When banks offer loans, farmers can afford better equipment, like those that help manage energy more efficiently. But, being a farmer also means dealing

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Nov 28 2024FINANCE

Ruble's Rollercoaster: A Look into Russia's Economic Struggles

Russia's ruble has been on a wild ride, hitting a low not seen since the start of the Ukraine war. The central bank had to step in to shore up the currency, which slid to 114 against the dollar. This sharp fall has experts worried about the country's economic health. They see signs of a full-blown c

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

The Frontal Brain: How Planning & Guessing Affect Our Social Smarts

Scientists are curious about how the front part of our brain, known as the prefrontal cortex, influences our grasp of other people's feelings and thoughts. This ability is called "theory of mind" (ToM). Some studies have different results about how crucial the prefrontal cortex is for this skill. Re

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

Move More, Feel Better: Exercise and Psoriasis

Psoriasis, commonly known as Pso, is a skin condition where the body's immune system goes into overdrive, causing inflammation. Did you know that people with Pso often have lower levels of physical activity? This can lead to other health problems, like being overweight. But don't worry, there's good

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

How BMI Affects Long-Acting HIV Meds

In early 2021, the FDA approved the first long-acting injectable antiretroviral, cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV), for people with HIV who are doing well on their current treatment. A high body mass index (BMI)—30 kg/m² or more—is known to increase the risk of treatment failure, but there's not

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

How Friends and Family Boost College Students' Physical Activity

College students often find it tough to sneak in some exercise. This inactivity can lead to health issues and even affect their grades. But there's something interesting: having strong social bonds might just be the key to getting these students moving. A careful look at many studies found that stud

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

Brain Injuries, Family History, and Midlife Aggression: A Deeper Look

Ever wondered how head injuries affect our brains and behavior? One thing we know is that repeated head hits can lead to a brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is often linked to contact sports like football and military service. While people with CTE sometimes show incre

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

VR and ADHD: Is Technology Helping Kids' Focus and Movement?

Think about this: virtual reality (VR), the fancy tech that plops you into another world, might be helping kids with ADHD. You know those kids who have trouble paying attention or sitting still? ADHD is a common condition among them, and VR is being tested as a way to boost their focus and motor ski

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Nov 28 2024HEALTH

The Impact of Technology on Seniors' Brains in China

Have you ever thought about how technology can affect older adults' minds? In China, researchers are looking into this question, focusing on what's known as the "digital divide. " This divide happens when some people have easy access to computers and the internet, while others don't. It turns out th

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