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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 43

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

On-the-spot genome analysis

Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research have developed a computational method to reduce the amount of memory necessary for genome alignment, allowing for real-time analysis on smartphones. This breakthrough enables remote disease identification and point-of-care microbial infections.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2019

Defects help nanomaterial soak up more pollutant in less time

Rice University researchers developed a novel molecular sieve that can remove perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from polluted water more efficiently and effectively than current technologies. The nanomaterial features random, large-pore defects that improve its adsorption capacity and fast-adsorption kinetics.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 13, 2019

Drug-delivering device streamlines tuberculosis treatment in pigs

Scientists have developed a retrievable wire-like device that safely delivers large dosages of drugs over several weeks to treat tuberculosis (TB) in pigs. The device, tested successfully, could help patients adhere to treatment regimens more easily, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2019

Breaking down bedbugs

A new study by Harvard researchers finds that notifying potential tenants of past bedbug infestations can help reduce the spread of bedbugs and save landlords money. The policy creates an unofficial quarantine, reducing the chances of an infested unit being rented and allowing landlords time to thoroughly treat the space.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2019