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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 393


Page 393 of 486

Noninvasive ultrasound stimulation of spleen could lead to new treatments for inflammatory arthritis

Researchers have discovered that noninvasive daily ultrasound stimulation of the spleen in mice with inflammatory arthritis results in significantly less joint swelling compared to untreated mice. The study is a first step towards developing new treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting millions of peo...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2019

Green tea cuts obesity, health risks in mice

A new study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that green tea extract reduced weight gain and inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers also discovered improved gut health, including more beneficial microbes and less permeability in the intestinal wall. These findings suggest that green tea may h...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMar 14, 2019

Non-invasive imaging technique valid for identifying small airway disease in lung

A non-invasive imaging biomarker called Parametric Response Mapping (PRM) can identify small airway damage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This technique measures lung density during inhalation and exhalation, helping to predict patients who will lose lung function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 2019

Converting biomass by applying mechanical force

Researchers at the University of Münster have identified a new reaction mechanism for converting biomass into fuels and chemicals using mechanical force. The mechano-catalytic reaction reduces energy requirements and eliminates unnecessary steps, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly process.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 14, 2019

It's not your fault -- Your brain is self-centered

A study published in Psychological Science found that our brains automatically prioritize self-referential stimuli, such as our names or faces, over random information. This 'self-referential bias' can drive decisions and behaviors, potentially leading to selfish outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2019

Protected areas could help large herbivores bounce back after war

A new study reveals that protected areas can help large herbivores rapidly recover from war-induced declines. The study found that total biomass has substantially recovered since 1994, but species composition has shifted dramatically, with formerly dominant herbivores now outnumbered by smaller antelopes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2019

The power of gratitude in the workplace

A study by Portland State University researchers found that expressing gratitude to colleagues can improve physical and mental health outcomes, including better sleep, fewer headaches, and healthier eating. The study also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for employees to express gratitude in the workplace.

SourcePortland State University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateMar 13, 2019

Powering devices -- with a desk lamp?

Researchers have developed special light harvesters that can convert ambient indoor lighting into usable energy, potentially powering wireless devices in homes and offices. The technology uses organic photovoltaics to optimize the use of artificial room lighting, which is abundant but often underutilized.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 13, 2019

Cardiovascular disease in China

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) cases increased by 14.7% in China between 1990 and 2016, with nearly 94 million cases reported in 2016. The overall death rate from CVD dropped by 29% during the same period, indicating a decrease in CVD burden.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 13, 2019

Determining what binds to mucus

Researchers have developed a new technique to measure the binding of thousands of small molecules to mucus components, revealing a previously unknown pattern associated with mucin binding. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for diseases characterized by excessive mucus production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 13, 2019

Tunas, sharks and ships at sea

The study used data from over 800 sharks and tunas, as well as 900 industrial fishing vessels, to create a map of the northeast Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that vessels from Taiwan, China, Japan, the US, and Mexico accounted for over 90% of fishing in key habitat areas for seven shark and tuna species.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2019

National survey of emergency department management of self-harm highlights successes, room for improvement

A national survey found that only 15% of hospitals surveyed routinely provided all recommended safety planning elements to patients who present for self-harm. The study highlights successes in emergency department management, but also identifies areas for improvement in reducing the risk of repeated self-harm and suicide.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 13, 2019

Blunting pain's emotional component

Researchers at WashU Medicine developed a pain killer that blocks kappa opioid receptors to restore motivation in rodents. The compound dampens the negative emotions associated with pain without causing euphoria, offering a potential approach to less addictive pain treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 13, 2019