Tag Archives: shifting

How Shifting Induction Time to Early Morning Can Reduce Labor Duration by 6 Hours

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For an efficient labor, opt for induction early in the morning.

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Innovative research indicates that the optimal time for labor induction is early in the morning. This approach aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, potentially shortening labor duration and decreasing the likelihood of C-sections.

“This cost-effective strategy enhances the birthing experience for mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers alike,” notes Hanne Hoffman from Michigan State University.

Across the UK, US, and Australia, approximately one-third of all births are induced, utilizing medication or artificial methods instead of allowing labor to commence spontaneously. Induction generally mitigates the risk of stillbirth, especially when the baby is overdue or facing developmental issues. Another indication for induction is when the water breaks prematurely, heightening the risk of infection.

However, induced labor can often be longer than natural labor. “I know individuals who underwent labor induction and endured two lengthy days of it; I was astonished by their prolonged and painful experiences,” Hoffman shares.

This prompted Hoffman, who investigates circadian rhythms—our body’s natural oscillations—to contemplate whether a specific time of day is ideal for labor induction. “We observe that natural childbirth follows a circadian rhythm, with uterine contractions peaking in the late evening and deliveries primarily occurring at night,” she adds. This timing may have evolved as it offers a safer environment, reducing predator threats.

To further explore this, Hoffman and her team analyzed data from over 3,000 induced deliveries at Michigan hospitals from 2019 to 2022. They discovered that the shortest labor duration was for those induced between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. For instance, inductions at 5 a.m. averaged 15 hours, while those at 11 p.m. took around 21 hours—an extension of six hours. Those induced in the morning also faced lower chances of emergency C-sections.

The early morning advantage may stem from heightened uterine receptor sensitivity to oxytocin during this timeframe, a crucial hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. For inductions, a synthetic oxytocin is typically administered. “When a doctor initiates labor with a substantial dose of oxytocin, you may, in essence, be capitalizing on your body’s internal morning oxytocin boost and intensifying labor,” explains Satchidananda Panda from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California.

The findings suggest that women with a higher BMI or first-time mothers benefit significantly from early morning inductions. The research team now aims to delve into the biological mechanisms behind these outcomes.

While organizing all labor inductions between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. may not be feasible for all hospitals, prioritizing first-time mothers and patients with higher BMI could be beneficial, Hoffman posits.

Crucially, this study indicated no medical complications arising from early morning inductions. “We observed no rise in NICU admissions,” emphasizes Rene Cortese from the University of Kansas Medical Center. “This study sends a vital message: while one risk is diminished, no new risks are introduced.”

The research team is eager to conduct additional studies to validate that assigning early morning delivery actually enhances outcomes. “We need to establish a proof-of-concept study to replicate this finding,” shares Hoffman.

Other chronotherapy approaches, which adjust medical interventions based on circadian rhythms, are being explored across oncology, cardiology, and psychiatry, with recent findings indicating that administering cancer treatments before 3 p.m. can improve patient survival rates.

Topics:

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth/
  • Circadian Rhythm

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Discover Shifting Orbits of Exoplanets – Sciworthy

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Astronomers are particularly interested in understanding how the orbits of planets around other stars evolve. In an idealized model, orbits consist of two uniform spheres revolving around a common center of mass. However, the reality is often more intricate. These deviations from ideal models provide insights into these systems, shedding light on their geometric arrangements in the universe and the potential presence of unseen companion planets.

Recently, a team of astronomers carried out a large-scale survey of Exoplanet TrES-1 b. The researchers selected TrES-1 b to analyze its orbital changes over the last two decades, since its discovery in 2004, because it belongs to the category of exoplanets that are relatively straightforward to observe: hot Jupiters. Hot Jupiters are gas giants similar in size to our solar system’s Jupiter, but they orbit their host stars at much closer distances, sometimes completing a revolution in just a few days. TrES-1 b orbits a star with just under 90% of the mass of our Sun every three days. This brief orbital period enables astronomers to make numerous observations, facilitating the measurement of orbital changes.

The research team initially gathered data on how much light TrES-1 b blocks from Earth’s viewpoint as it transits in front of its host star, referred to as the transit light curve. Most of the optical data originated from ground-based telescopes, inclusive of contributions from citizen scientists. Additionally, they sourced relevant data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. This data allowed them to accurately measure the time it took for TrES-1 b to complete its orbit.

They also discovered that another group of astronomers had employed Spitzer’s infrared array camera. Furthermore, they identified four additional studies from 2004 to 2016 that thoroughly measured how the light from TrES-1 b’s host star was affected by its orbital dynamics, specifically through radial velocity. By combining transit light curves, eclipses, and radial velocity data, astronomers gained a holistic understanding of TrES-1 b, which they then compared with statistical models to interpret its long-term behavior.

The research team sought to fit five distinct models to their observations of TrES-1 b to determine which best represented the data. The first model represented a planet with a constant circular orbit, followed by one with a fixed and slightly elliptical orbit, representing an eccentric orbit. The third model employed a circular orbit that gradually decreases in size, termed decaying orbit. The fourth variant implemented a damped and slightly eccentric orbit, while the final model featured a subtly eccentric orbit that also progresses directionally in relation to the star over time, known as precession.

The researchers concluded that, irrespective of the data subsets used, the most plausible explanation for their findings is that TrES-1 b follows an eccentric precessional orbit. They also noted that the damped trajectory model offered a superior fit compared to the steady trajectory models. This implies that while the changes in the exoplanet’s orbit are evident, the data does not support any hypotheses suggesting no actual alterations in its trajectory.

The researchers further elaborated that the rate at which the exoplanet’s orbit is changing indicates the gravitational influence of another planet within the system. They estimated that this hypothetical planet could be no larger than 25% the size of Jupiter and would have an orbital period of no more than 7 days. However, they noted that there was no direct evidence for such a planet in their data, apart from its inferred impact on TrES-1 b. They did discover another exoplanet in the system, termed TrES-1 c, but its wide eccentric orbit is unlikely to account for the changes observed in TrES-1 b’s orbit.

In conclusion, the researchers asserted that a multifaceted methodology to investigate the orbital timings of exoplanets unveils dynamics that may be overlooked by singular observations and models. They advocated for further studies of the long-term behaviors of exoplanets, necessitating extensive monitoring, more precise radial velocity measurements, and complex simulations of multiple celestial bodies within the gravitational system.


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Source: sciworthy.com

Geoscientists Report: Greenland is Shrinking and Shifting Northwest

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This phenomenon is attributed to plate tectonics and the rock movement resulting from the melting of substantial ice sheets above, which alleviates the underground pressure. A new study published in Geophysical Research Journal: Solid Earth highlights that the pressure has been decreasing in recent years due to significant ice melt in Greenland, alongside the ongoing influence of colossal ice masses that have melted since the peak of the last ice age around 20,000 years ago. Consequently, the entire island has shifted northwest by approximately 2 centimeters annually over the past two decades.

Horizontal land movement observed by 58 GNET stations in Greenland. Image credit: Longfors Berg et al., doi: 10.1029/2024JB030847.

“Overall, this indicates that Greenland is gradually decreasing in size; however, with the accelerated melting currently observed, this could potentially change,” stated Dr. Danjal Longfors Berg, a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Denmark and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“The geophysical processes influencing Greenland’s structure are being exerted in various directions.”

“The region actually expanded during this timeframe, as the melting ice over the past few decades caused Greenland to extend outward and resulted in uplift.”

“Simultaneously, we are observing shifts in the opposite direction: Greenland is both rising and contracting due to alterations in the ancient ice mass associated with the last Ice Age and its conclusion.”

This marks the first detailed description of horizontal movement.

“We have constructed a model illustrating movement over an extensive timescale, from around 26,000 years ago to the present,” remarked Dr. Longfors-Berg.

“Additionally, we are utilizing highly precise measurements from the past 20 years to scrutinize current movements.”

“This allows us to measure movement with great accuracy.”

The new measurements rely on data gathered from 58 GNSS stations (GPS) distributed across Greenland.

These stations monitor Greenland’s overall position, changes in bedrock elevation, and the dynamics of the island’s contraction and expansion.

“For the first time, we have measured with such precision how Greenland is evolving,” commented Dr. Longfors-Berg.

“It was previously believed that Greenland was primarily being stretched by dynamics related to recent ice melt.”

“However, unexpectedly, we also discovered extensive areas where Greenland is converging or contracting as a consequence of this movement.”

This new research offers valuable insights into the potential impacts of accelerated climate change in the Arctic, as observed in recent years.

“Understanding the movements of land masses is crucial,” asserts Longfors-Berg.

“While they are certainly of interest to geosciences, they also hold significance for surveying and navigation, as even Greenland’s fixed reference points are shifting over time.”

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D. Longfors Berg et al. 2025. Estimation and attribution of horizontal land motion measured by the Greenland GNSS network. JGR: Solid Earth 130 (9): e2024JB030847; doi: 10.1029/2024JB030847

Source: www.sci.news

When a physicist requires a disposable phone, it signifies a shifting America – John Norton

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aT International Science Council has observed some intriguing trends recently. Certain American participants are opting to travel with a “Burner” phone or a minimalist laptop solely running a browser, reminiscent of security-conscious individuals from 15 years ago when traveling to China.

These scholars are keeping a close eye on the American political climate, particularly concerned about potential repercussions upon their return. They have been reading Robert Reich’s subsack, highlighting instances where scientists faced obstacles entering the US due to political opinions expressed in private messages.

Cases like Dr. Rasha Alawieh’s deportation despite having a valid visa and court order, and attempts to deport Columbia University alumni Mahmoud Khalil following a pro-Palestinian demonstration, are causing alarm among the academic community.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Gaza demonstrations and demands for the return of research funds from universities suggest a troubling trend of targeting academic institutions. This hostility towards universities, particularly elite ones, stems from a disdain for their wealth and independence.

The growing concerns among US researchers about potential crackdowns on certain fields of research, driven by political ideologies, resemble dark periods of history. Europe’s response, offering refuge to American researchers at universities like AIX-Marseille in France and VUB in Belgium, presents a glimmer of hope amid uncertainty.

As the academic landscape faces shifting political tides, the question arises: what proactive measures are UK institutions taking to navigate these challenges? The future remains uncertain as academia grapples with evolving geopolitical dynamics.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Research on the various cloud layers, temperature hot spots, and shifting chemistry found in the extraterrestrial realm

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New observations from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope support the presence of three specific functions in the atmosphere (clouds, hot spots, and changes in carbon chemistry) of the rapidly rotating and free floating planetary mass object SIMP J013656.5+093347.

Impressions of the artist of SIMP 0136. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/J. Olmsted, Stsci.

SIMP J013656.5+093347 (SIMP 0136 for short) is a rapidly rotating, free-floating object located just 20 light years from Earth.

It may have a mass of 13 Jupiter masses, does not orbit the star, and instead may be a brown dwarf.

Because it is separated, SIMP 0136 can be directly observed and is not afraid of mild contamination or variability caused by the host star.

The short rotation period, only 2.4 hours, allows for very efficient investigation.

“We've been working hard to get into the world,” said Allison McCarthy, a doctoral student at Boston University.

“We also thought that it might have an effect on temperature fluctuations, chemical reactions, and perhaps the activity of the aurora affecting brightness, but we weren't sure.”

Webb's NirSpec Instruments We captured thousands to 5.3 micron spectra of SIMP 0136. The object completed one full rotation, so I captured it one at a time, one at a time, one at a time, one at a time, over 3 hours.

This led to immediate observation Webb's Milli Musical Instrumentshundreds of measurements of light between 5 and 14 microns were collected. One is one every 19.2 seconds, one in another rotation.

The results were hundreds of detailed rays, each showing a very accurate wavelength (color) brightness change, with different sides of the object rotating into view.

“It was incredible to see the entire range of this object change over a few minutes,” said Dr. Joanna Foss, an astronomer at Trinity College Dublin.

“Until now, we only had a small near-infrared spectrum from Hubble, but we had some brightness measurements from Spitzer.”

Astronomers almost immediately noticed that there were several distinct ray shapes.

At any time, some wavelengths were growing brightly, while others were either dimmed or not changing at all.

Many different factors must affect brightness variation.

“Imagine looking at the Earth from afar,” said Dr. Philip Muirhead, a former member of Boston University.

“Looking each color individually gives you a variety of patterns that tell you something about the surface and the atmosphere, even if you don't understand the individual features.”

“As the ocean rotates towards vision, blue increases. The brown and green changes tell us something about the soil and vegetation.”

To understand what could cause variability in SIMP 0136, the team used an atmospheric model to show where each wavelength of light is occurring in the atmosphere.

“The different wavelengths provide information about the different depths in the atmosphere,” McCarthy said.

“We began to realize that the wavelengths that had the most similar ray shapes also investigated the same depth and reinforced this idea that they must be caused by the same mechanism.”

For example, one group of wavelengths occurs deeply in the atmosphere where there may be patchy clouds made of iron particles.

The second group comes from high clouds, which are thought to be made from small grains of silicate minerals.

Both of these light curve variations are related to the patchiness of the cloud layers.

The third group of wavelengths appears to be occurring at very high altitudes far above the clouds and tracking temperatures.

Bright hotspots may be associated with previously detected auroras at radio wavelengths, or hot gas upwelling from deeper in the atmosphere.

Some light curves cannot be explained by clouds or temperature, but instead show variations related to atmospheric carbon chemistry.

There may be chemical reactions in which carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pockets rotate within and outside of view, or alter the atmosphere.

“We still don't understand the chemical part of the puzzle yet,” Dr. Vos said.

“But these results are really exciting because they show that the richness of molecules like methane and carbon dioxide can change over time from location.”

“If you're looking at a deplanet and only have one measurement, you should assume that it may not be representative of the entire planet.”

Survey results It will be displayed in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Allison M. McCarthy et al. 2025. JWST weather report from isolated exoplanet analog SIMP 0136+0933: pressure-dependent variability driven by multiple mechanisms. apjl 981, L22; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/AD9EAF

Source: www.sci.news

AI’s Impact on HR Professionals: Shifting Focus from Managers to People

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Grace Oh, like many HR experts, used to dread the end of the month. It was the time to handle the company’s payroll, one of the most time-consuming and critical tasks in her department.

As the Director of People at Audio and Media Company Communicorp UK, ensuring smooth monthly payroll processes was essential for the employees’ well-being and productivity.

Although Oh had already implemented digital systems to streamline administration, she felt there was room for improvement. About a year ago, she decided to introduce a new AI-powered system from Employment Hero. This system reduced her monthly payroll processing time to just an hour, allowing her team to focus on more strategic tasks.

Grace Oh: “Let AI do the job, and we humans can do our thing.”

For Oh and her team, the AI-powered system not only automated payroll but also transformed other HR functions like onboarding, probation check-ins, and feedback processes. The AI system ensured that new recruits had a positive experience and that employee engagement was enhanced through consistent and structured interactions.

By utilizing AI, the company was able to conduct regular one-on-one meetings with staff, improving communication and accountability. Additionally, AI tools were deployed for performance reviews, goal setting, and recruitment, leading to more efficient and effective processes.

With AI handling routine tasks, Oh and her team were able to focus on more impactful work that required critical thinking skills. AI’s ability to automate administrative tasks allowed HR professionals to concentrate on building relationships and driving employee engagement.

By having AI take care of “shallow work,” HR professionals can focus on building relationships with their employees. Photo: Miquel Llonch/Stocksy United

While implementing AI in HR functions can raise concerns, Oh’s experience showed that addressing fears and providing training is crucial for successful adoption. Leading by example, choosing the right technology vendor, and providing ongoing support are key factors in AI integration.

A year later, Oh has no regrets about implementing AI. She has witnessed positive feedback from employees and executives, highlighting the system’s efficiency and impact on the organization’s goals.

Rethink what’s possible with Employment Hero and transform the way you work.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Environmentalists find hope in Monument Valley 3: Shifting focus from doom and gloom

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aArchitectural surrealism is a defining characteristic of Monument Valley. The rigid and beautiful structures in the game transform and rotate with the player’s touch, creating new paths and stairs for the minimalist character to explore. Doorways can lead anywhere, and hitting a switch can cause pillars to rise from the ground, revealing hidden paths. Since 2014, these games have been popular on smartphones and are considered some of the best examples for touch screen puzzle enthusiasts. However, the latest entry in the series, released recently, offers a unique twist.

The iconic Moroccan-inspired architecture that made the game famous is still present, but this time, the geometric character Noor is accompanied by blooming flowers and winding vines. Noor is shown steering a small boat and getting lost in a bright yellow wheat field. The game also introduces more people, with Noor depicted as an apprentice lighthouse keeper responsible for a community devastated by a flood in various scenes. Throughout the game, she is accompanied or assisted by different characters, highlighting the theme of rebuilding together.

Monument Valley is now available as a game on Netflix, allowing subscribers to download all three entries for free. The game is developed by Ustwo Games, a small studio based in London. While some creators from the first game remain, the team has evolved over the past decade. Director Jennifer Estaris, who joined Ustwo Games in 2020, brings her experience as a climate change activist and game designer to the project. The game’s development is influenced by the play for the earth Initiative, with Monument Valley 2’s additional chapter, The Lost Forest, created as part of the Green Game Jam.

Calmly satisfied…Monument Valley 3. Photo: Ustwo/Netflix

“I believe that green nudging is crucial and that system change can be reflected in games,” says Estaris. “For Monument Valley 3, my main idea was to explore sustainable and resilient community building for a hopeful future. We focused on living in harmony with nature to provide the solutions we need.” The game offers a satisfying and visually stunning puzzle experience while subtly addressing themes of climate change through its natural shapes and architecture.

Lead Designer Emily Brown explains the team’s approach to Monument Valley 3, stating, “We wanted to explore a different perspective from the towering monuments and isolated characters of the previous games.” The game incorporates more natural elements and allows for a mix of styles and ideas, reflecting a shift towards a more hopeful and interconnected narrative.

“It was impossible for us as a team.” do not have To bring a part of myself to it”…Monument Valley 3. Photo: Ustwo/Netflix

Monument Valley’s minimalist design allows players to bring their own emotions and narratives to the game, creating a unique and personal experience. Despite the game’s focus on conveying messages about climate change and hope, the team aimed to retain the space for interpretation and personal connection. Lead Designer Brown expresses the team’s ambition for the game, stating, “We believe that things can improve when players bring a part of themselves to the experience.”

The development of Monument Valley 3 during the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the team to explore themes of community, unity, and recovery from disaster. The game embodies the concept of Hopepunk, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of challenges. Estaris emphasizes the importance of unity in overcoming difficulties, stating, “We want people to feel that we can overcome challenges by working together.”

Monument Valley 3 is now available on smartphones through Netflix Games

Source: www.theguardian.com