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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 25


Page 25 of 43

Machine learning sheds light on the biology of toxin exposure

A machine learning approach using high-quality animal model data sheds new light on the biology of the liver and kidneys after toxin exposure, revealing nine distinct patterns of response to chemical exposure that may be broadly relevant to studies of human disease. The analysis highlights defense mechanisms and novel biomarkers, provi...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

Duplicate or mirror?

Scientists have discovered that the direction of laser light hitting a molecule determines its chiral form. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of molecules with uniform chirality for pharmaceuticals. The research was conducted using the planar formic acid molecule and the reaction microscope method.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 2019

Tobacco control policies linked to reduced smoking

A new study found that increased tobacco taxes and smoke-free policies in European countries were significantly related to a reduction in smoking among older adults. The association was particularly strong among those between 50 and 65 years old and those with lower levels of education.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 14, 2019

'Tingle' wearable device improves position tracking accuracy utilizing thermal sensors

A new study published in npj Digital Medicine found that a wearable tracking device called Tingle achieves higher accuracy in position tracking using thermal sensors. The device was able to distinguish between behaviors directed toward six different locations on the head, potentially aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions...

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateMar 14, 2019

Traffic accidents involving moose are 13 times more likely to result in human death

Motor vehicle collisions involving moose are 13 times more likely to result in human fatalities compared to deer crashes, a study found. The study analyzed data from northern New England and noted that moose-motor vehicle crashes often involve head, neck, and face injuries due to the animal's massive size and weight.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 14, 2019

The genetics of regeneration

A team of researchers from Harvard University has discovered genetic switches that control the process of whole-body regeneration in animals. Using three-banded panther worms, they found that a non-coding DNA section activates a 'master control gene' called early growth response (EGR), which controls various processes by switching othe...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2019

BU: Central American kidney disease epidemic linked to occupational heat exposure

A new study finds that occupational heat exposure is linked to a decline in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in artisanal brick makers in Nicaragua. The researchers found 12.1% of the sample had stage 3-5 CKD, with risk factors including operating ovens, less education, older age, and inadequate water intake.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateMar 14, 2019

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