Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for October 12, 2012:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Sponge-like graphene makes promising supercapacitor electrodes- A complex logic circuit made from bacterial genes
- Is it real? Physicists propose method to determine if the universe is a simulation
- Researchers reveal hidden patterns in flow of manuscript submissions
- Study links hippocampus with unconscious bias
- Technology developed for visual 'cloaking' applied to enable more efficient transfer of electrons
- When galaxies eat galaxies: Gravitational lenses suggest big collisions make galaxies denser
- Hubble sees a planetary nebula in the making
- Trigger for explosive volcanic eruptions identified
- X-raying stellar winds in a high-speed collision
- Study shows old adage 'sleep on it' is true - but only if it's a really difficult problem
- On the origin of life's most crucial isotope
- Biology prof says eyeball may belong to big squid
- Scientists uncover diversion of Gulf Stream path in late 2011
- Cervical cancer vaccine shows promise
Space & Earth news
Forests to feel climate change effect—damage could cost billions
A new pan-European study suggests that the economic value of forests will decline between 14 % and 50 % due to climate change. If measures are not taken to change this, the damage could reach several hundred billion euros, say researchers led by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) in Switzerland. The study was presented in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Can a new camera unravel the nature of dark energy?
Scientists have great expectations for the newly operational Dark Energy Camera, which may significantly advance our understanding of the mysterious force expanding the Universe at an ever accelerating rate. Find out more about this highly anticipated new camera and what it is expected to reveal during live webcast from the Kavli Foundation. You'll be able to ask questions to Fermilab scientists Brenna Flaugher, project manager for the Dark Energy Camera, and Joshua Frieman, director of the Dark Energy Survey. Viewers may submit questions via Twitter using the #KavliAstro hashtag, or email to info@kavlifoundation.org.
Erosion research at iconic St. Paul's shows benefit of declining pollution levels
One of London's most iconic buildings, St Paul's Cathedral, is safer from pollution eroding its limestone façade than it has been since it was built 300 years ago, according to scientists – but it might turn green in the future.
GMES for Europe
The potential of GMES for crisis management and environmental monitoring is highlighted in a new publication with users demonstrating the importance of Earth observation data to European regions.
Strong quake hits Indonesia, but no major damage
A strong earthquake jolted eastern Indonesia on Friday, panicking residents, but no major damage was immediately reported.
Space shuttle embarks on 12-mile trip to LA museum (Update)
(AP)—At its prime, the space shuttle Endeavour cruised around the Earth at 17,500 mph (28,160 kph), faster than a speeding bullet.
NASA and IHMC develop robotic exoskeleton for space and possible use on Earth
A new robotic space technology spinoff derived from NASA's Robonaut 2 project someday may help astronauts stay healthier in space and aid paraplegics in walking here on Earth. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, currently is working with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
First 3-D map of under the East Antarctic sea ice
For the first time in East Antarctica, climate scientists have produced a three-dimensional (3-D) map of the surface beneath a sea ice floe, revealing an inverted complex topography evocative of lakes and mountain ranges.
Asteroid 2012 TC4 to buzz Earth on October 12
Asteroid 2012 TC4 will give Earth a relatively close shave on October 12, 2012, passing at just a quarter of the distance to the orbit of the Moon. Discovered by Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii just last week on October 4, 2012, and it will pass by at about 88,000 kilometers (59,000 miles) away. Estimates on the size of this space rock vary from 17 to 30 meters, but NASA has indicated they will have telescopes trained on the asteroid as it makes its near Earth flyby—closest approach is just before 06:00 UTC (2:00 a.m. EDT) on Friday. Radar measurements can provide more details on the asteroid's size and orbital characteristics.
Antarctic sea ice reaches new record high
(Phys.org)—Two weeks after a new record was set in the Arctic Ocean for the least amount of sea ice coverage in the satellite record, the ice surrounding Antarctica reached its annual winter maximum—and set a record for a new high. Sea ice extended over 19.44 million square kilometers (7.51 million square miles) in 2012, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The previous record of 19.39 million kilometers (7.49 million square miles) was set in 2006.
Biofuels benefit billionaires, study finds
Biofuels will serve the interests of large industrial groups rather than helping to cut carbon emissions and ward off climate change, according to research to be published in the International Journal of Environment and Health this month.
Ash plume from Shiveluch volcano
When NASA's Terra satellite passed over Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula at noon local time (00:00 Universal Time) on October 6, 2012, Shilveluch Volcano was quiet (top image). By the time NASA's Aqua satellite passed over the area two hours later (bottom image), the volcano had erupted and sent a plume of ash over the Kamchatskiy Zaliv. The plume traveled about 90 kilometers (55 miles) toward the south-southeast, where a change in wind direction began pushing the plume toward the east.
ORBCOMM satellite launched by Falcon 9 has fallen to Earth
The satellite that was launched to orbit as a secondary payload by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on October 7, 2012 has deorbited, falling back to Earth. The ORBCOMM OG2 satellite was a prototype communications satellite that was launched along with the Dragon capsule for the CRS-1 resupply mission to the International Space Station. The satellite was sent into the wrong orbit as a result of "a pre-imposed safety check required by NASA," ORBCOMM said today in a press release, after the engine anomaly where one of the rocket's nine Merlin engines, Engine 1, lost pressure suddenly and an engine shutdown command was issued. The rocket was prevented from performing a second burn for safety reasons and the satellite was left in a lower orbit than intended.
Documented decrease in frequency of Hawaii's northeast trade winds
Scientists at University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) have observed a decrease in the frequency of northeast trade winds and an increase in eastern trade winds over the past nearly four decades, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research. For example, northeast trade wind days, which occurred 291 days per year 37 years ago at the Honolulu International Airport, now only occur 210 days per year.
Space shuttle pauses on trip to LA museum
(AP)—At its prime, the space shuttle Endeavour circled the globe at 17,500 mph (28,160 million kph), faster than a speeding bullet.
Oceans' rising acidity a threat to shellfish and humans
Peering into the microscope, Alan Barton thought the baby oysters looked normal, except for one thing: They were dead.
2 European satellites launched from French Guiana
(AP)—A second pair of satellites that will help supply Europe with its own navigation system were launched Friday from French Guiana.
NASA spots first tropical cyclone of southern indian ocean season
The very first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season has been born, and NASA's TRMM satellite captured an image of its rainfall.
NASA sees some strength in Tropical Storm Patty's brief debut
Tropical Depression 16 formed on Oct. 11 and by 5 p.m. EDT that same day, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Patty. NASA's TRMM and Terra satellite's captured imagery on Patty's rainfall intensity and cloud heights, both of which showed strong, high thunderstorms around the center of circulation.
NASA sees heaviest rainfall near Typhoon Prapiroon's center
NASA measured light-to-moderate rainfall occurring throughout Typhoon Prapiroon, with just a small area of heavy rain near the storm's center is it tracks through the western North Pacific Ocean.
Hubble sees a planetary nebula in the making
(Phys.org)—The Universe is filled with mysterious objects. Many of them are as strange as they are beautiful. Among these, planetary nebulae are probably one of the most fascinating objects to behold in the night sky. No other type of object has such a large variety of shapes and structures. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope provided us with a striking image of Hen 3-1475, a planetary nebula in the making.
Trigger for explosive volcanic eruptions identified
Scientists from the University of Southampton have identified a repeating trigger for the largest explosive volcanic eruptions on Earth.
X-raying stellar winds in a high-speed collision
(Phys.org)—Two massive stars racing in orbit around each other have had their colliding stellar winds X-rayed for the first time, thanks to the combined efforts of ESA's XMM-Newton and NASA's Swift space telescopes.
Scientists uncover diversion of Gulf Stream path in late 2011
(Phys.org)—At a meeting with New England commercial fishermen last December, physical oceanographers Glen Gawarkiewicz and Al Plueddemann from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) were alerted by three fishermen about unusually high surface water temperatures and strong currents on the outer continental shelf south of New England.
When galaxies eat galaxies: Gravitational lenses suggest big collisions make galaxies denser
(Phys.org)—Using gravitational "lenses" in space, University of Utah astronomers discovered that the centers of the biggest galaxies are growing denser – evidence of repeated collisions and mergers by massive galaxies with 100 billion stars.
Technology news
No bail for man accused in Russian technology sale
(AP)—A federal judge has denied bail to the owner of a Texas microelectronics company accused of conspiring to sell advanced technology to the Russian military.
NXP achieves ultra-low output voltage ripple with 6-MHz DC/DC converter
NXP Semiconductors today announced its state-of-the-art DC6M DC/DC switching regulator family featuring a very high 6-MHz frequency, an ultra-low output voltage ripple performance of 7 mV, and high efficiency up to 95 percent. The DC6M family supports up to 650 mA supply current in a very small wafer-level chip-scale package (WLCSP6), measuring only 1.36 x 0.96 x 0.47 mm. With an input voltage range from 2.3 to 5.5 V, the new DC/DC converters are ideally suited for battery-driven portable devices such as smartphones, as well as other consumer devices where reliable, efficient power management is essential and space is limited.
BREAK project creates free assistive devices for people living with disabilities
Ordinarily, it takes years before the work of scientists and engineers make an impact on the lives of everyday people in their community. But for some students of engineering at the University of Kansas, the satisfaction of helping others is happening today.
Ecolab buying Champion Technologies in $2.2B deal
Ecolab, the cleaning, food safety and pest-control services company, is buying the specialty chemical company Champion Technologies in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $2.2 billion.
AEG to facilitate booking adjacent seats
(AP)—AEG, the sports and entertainment giant that is up for sale, is making it easier to book concert and sports tickets for friends without having to pay for them all at once.
Japan's TEPCO admits downplaying tsunami risk
The operator of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant on Friday admitted it had played down the risks of a tsunami to the facility for fear of the financial and regulatory costs.
War of tweets rages around US debate
Before, during and after Thursday's US vice presidential debate, the tweets were raging.
Infosys profit up 5 percent, misses expectations
Profit at India's Infosys Technologies rose 4.9 percent in dollar terms for the September quarter, the company said Friday, missing expectations amid tepid demand from global clients struggling with economic uncertainty.
US video game sales fall 24 percent in September
(AP)—U.S. retail sales of new video-game hardware, software and accessories fell 24 percent in September.
Evolving microbes help engineers turn bio-oil into advanced biofuels
(Phys.org)—Microbes are working away in an Iowa State University laboratory to ferment biofuels from the sugar and acetate produced by rapidly heating biomass such as corn stalks and sawdust.
Simulating phase transformations during the welding of ferritic steels
A new model developed by research scientists at ANSTO to predict the structural changes in stainless steel during welding could help improve safety and integrity in critical engineering components.
WikiLeaks fundraising stunt draws Anonymous ire
(AP)—A fundraising campaign by secret-busting website WikiLeaks drew the ire of many within the Anonymous movement Friday, sparking an online spat which suggests a rift between WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange and some of his most vigorous supporters.
Swiss rail firm agrees deal with Apple over clock app
Swiss national train operator SBB said Friday it had resolved a dispute with Apple after the tech giant used its famous clock design without permission on a new iPad and iPhone application.
Trolls or criminals? Britain wrestles with social media
For many they are the scourge of the Internet, but rights campaigners in Britain are increasingly leaping to the defence of online "trolls" amid a string of criminal trials over tweets and Facebook posts.
New computer virus targets Venezuelans after vote
(AP)—A newly detected computer virus aims to steal Venezuelans' online credentials using a link that purports to reveal information about the country's recent presidential election, the digital security company Kaspersky Lab said on Friday.
Plan to streamline solar development in West OK'd
(AP)—Federal officials have approved a plan that sets aside public lands across the West for big solar power plants, cementing a new government approach to renewable energy development after years of delays and false starts.
US military prepares new rules for cyber war: Panetta
The United States faces a growing threat of a "cyber-Pearl Harbor" and has drafted new rules for the military that would enable it to move aggressively against digital attacks, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said late Thursday.
Safer, more efficient, fusion-generated electricity is on the horizon
Fusion-fueled power generation has been the energy of the future for several decades.
Facebook guards hacker mentality to stave off complacency
Facebook Inc. is on the outs with investors, and the tumbling stock price has dented employees' morale and personal net worth. But at 1 Hacker Way, there's no stopping the hacker culture - or the hackathon.
Medicine & Health news
Brazil anti-AIDS effort uses indigenous language
(AP)—Brazil is using an indigenous language for the first in a campaign aimed at curbing violence against women and the spread of HIV.
One CVD death in China every 10 seconds
Urgent actions including smoking bans in public places, salt restrictions and improved blood pressure control are needed to fight rising cardiovascular disease in China. Half of male physicians in China smoke and they can lead the way to healthy lifestyles by kicking the habit.
Jamaica steps up efforts to combat dengue fever
(AP)—Jamaica is stepping up mosquito eradication across the island and urging school children to stamp out breeding grounds to combat an epidemic of dengue fever, the Caribbean country's health minister said Thursday.
Screening still critical for early breast cancer detection
Teresa Smith is a testament to how important both self-breast exams and mammograms can be in detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Breast surgery options flex to meet personalized needs of women
With a plethora of advice from websites and survivor support networks as well as friends, family and co-workers, it can seem daunting to make the "right" decision when facing breast cancer.
Providers needed for treatment of fatal non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh
Although non-communicable diseases account for a significant burden of deaths among women of reproductive age in low-income countries, little is known about how women and their families seek care for these diseases. A study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that a majority of women who died from non-communicable diseases in rural Bangladesh between 2001 and 2007 first visited traditional healers and untrained village doctors, with only a quarter of women seeking care from medically certified providers. Families cited distance to facilities, cost of services and lack of recognition of the severity of their conditions as barriers to receiving medical care.
Serious assaults in New Zealand disturbingly high, research finds
University of Otago researchers have found that serious assaults in New Zealand have been steadily rising and are now at disturbingly high levels, especially among young males, Maori and Pacific people, and those from deprived neighbourhoods.
International groups urge Francophone nations to fight AIDS
About 50 non-governmental organisations on Friday urged the French-speaking nations holding a summit in Kinshasa at the weekend to "make concrete commitments" to fight AIDS in Africa.
New imaging process provides better picture of tumours
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Europe and the world, and early detection and treatment remains vital in the fight. Researchers in Norway have validated a method of non-invasive imaging that they believe will aid in the identification of aggressive tumours. Their breakthrough provides valuable information about interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) of solid tumours, and their results have been published in Cancer Research.
New study to combat the most common form of liver cancer
Scientists at the University of Southampton are to investigate the best way to use natural killer cells (NK) to target the most common form of liver cancer.
Kidney grafts function longer in Europe than in the United States
Kidney transplants performed in Europe are considerably more successful in the long run than those performed in the United States. While the one-year survival rate is 90% in both Europe and the United States, after five years, 77% of the donor kidneys in Europe still function, while in the United States, this rate among white Americans is only 71%. After ten years, graft survival for the two groups is 56% versus 46%, respectively. The lower survival rates compared to Europe also apply to Hispanic Americans, in whom 48% of the transplanted kidneys still function after ten years, and particularly to African Americans, whose graft survival is a mere 33%.
Development of two tests for rapid diagnosis of resistance to antibiotics
With their excellent sensitivity and specificity, the use of these extremely efficient tests on a world-wide scale would allow us to adapt antibiotic treatments to the individual's needs and to be more successful in controlling antibiotic resistance, particularly in hospitals. These works were published in September in two international reviews: Emerging Infectious diseases and The Journal of Clinical Microbiology.
USADA's chief science officer publishes editorial on anti-dope testing in sport: History and science
Lance Armstrong's doping scandal may be considered by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as "more extensive than any previously revealed in professional sports history," but a new editorial in The FASEB Journal by USADA's Larry D. Bowers shows that it is clearly not the first. From early athletes who used rat poison and heroin to fight fatigue to modern Olympians who perform under the ever-present shadow of high tech hormones, stimulants and steroids, this editorial lays out both the history and the science behind athletic "doping" scandals. Bowers traces modern antidoping regulation to tragic accidents such as the death of British cyclist Tommy Simpson in the 1967 Tour de France, a race then notorious as a pharmaceutical free-for-all.
Veterans are at higher risk of alcohol abuse relapse due to smoking
In a new study published in Frontiers, Dr Timothy Durazzo and colleagues from the San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, expand upon their decade of research showing that smoking while kicking the alcohol habit impairs memory, learning and other cognitive skills—ultimately making it more difficult to weather the long storm of sobriety.
NIH launches free database of drugs associated with liver injury
A free source of evidence-based information for health care professionals and for researchers studying liver injury associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbals, and dietary supplements is now available from the National Institutes of Health. Researchers and health care professionals can use the LiverTox database to identify basic and clinical research questions to be answered and to chart optimal ways to diagnose and control drug-induced liver injury.
UK and US should learn from each other on health care, Lancet paper says
The healthcare systems of the USA and the UK are often thought of as polar opposites, yet the two countries may have much to learn from each other as they both embark upon significant health reforms, according to the authors of a Health Policy paper, published in the Lancet.
HIV diagnoses among U.S. hispanics vary by region: CDC
(HealthDay)—Hispanic Americans are diagnosed with HIV infection nearly three times as often as whites, but rates and causes differ by region, a new study finds. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
As Armstrong case unfolds, experts describe doping's harms
(HealthDay)—In the wake of new allegations around Lance Armstrong's involvement in blood doping, experts are reminding the public of the devastating impact these substances can have on an athlete's health.
Wondering about your hospital's quality? Ask a nurse
(HealthDay)—The easiest way to assess a hospital's quality of care might be to just ask the nurses, new research suggests.
Interventions helpful for breast cancer-induced menopause
(HealthDay)—Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical exercise improve endocrine and urinary symptoms as well as physical functioning in patients with breast cancer treatment-induced menopause, according to research published online Oct. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
HIV status doesn't influence Hodgkin's lymphoma outcome
(HealthDay)—Despite more extensive disease and more adverse prognostic factors, HIV-positive patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) do not have worse outcomes when treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), according to research published online Oct. 8 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Quiz, already used in elderly, could determine death risk for kidney dialysis patients of all ages
A simple six-question quiz, typically used to assess disabilities in the elderly, could help doctors determine which kidney dialysis patients of any age are at the greatest risk of death, new Johns Hopkins research suggests.
Exposure to traffic air pollution in infancy impairs lung function in children
Exposure to ambient air pollution from traffic during infancy is associated with lung function deficits in children up to eight years of age, particularly among children sensitized to common allergens, according to a new study.
US warns meningitis cases could rise
US authorities have managed to contact most of the thousands of people exposed to the tainted drug blamed for a meningitis outbreak that has killed 14, but warned the number of infections could rise.
Focused ultrasound for treating Parkinson's disease to be tested
(Medical Xpress)—After a promising clinical trial of focused ultrasound as a potential treatment for essential tremor, the University of Virginia Health System is launching a new study to investigate the scalpel-free technology's safety and effectiveness in reducing tremor related to Parkinson's disease.
Runners: Prevent injury by avoiding common mistakes
The fall season is a popular time of year for many to train and run marathons—premiere events such as the New York City Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon will take place over the next several months. Because of the large amount of training mileage required to compete, runners are susceptible to injury. Those new to the sport who are participating in their first marathon are especially vulnerable to injury. Training errors are the most common cause of running injuries. Risk for overuse injuries can be reduced if runners follow some simple training guidelines.
No Excuses: Flu vaccination myths addressed
Flu season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year five to 20 percent of Americans get the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The CDC recommends that people get immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine is available in the community. This year's flu vaccine protects against the following three viruses: an influenza B virus, an influenza A (H1N1) virus and an influenza A (H3N2) virus.
Study suggests that obese teen males may become impotent, infertile adults
(Medical Xpress)—A study by the University at Buffalo shows for the first time that obese males ages 14 to 20 have up to 50 percent less total testosterone than do normal males of the same age, significantly increasing their potential to be impotent and infertile as adults.
New gene test flags risk of serious complications in sarcoidosis
(Medical Xpress)—Researchers at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System have identified a genetic signature that distinguishes patients with complicated sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that can be fatal, from patients with a more benign form of the disease. The gene signature could become the basis for a simple blood test.
Common knee procedures drop 47 percent in Florida after studies find them ineffective for osteoarthritis
(Medical Xpress)—In a study published in the October edition of the journal Health Affairs, researchers from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) analyzed the clinical and financial impact of two New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) trials showing that two common arthroscopic knee surgeries do not benefit patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
How fat is distributed in body affects risk for pregnant mothers, unborn babies
(Medical Xpress)—Carrying too much weight during pregnancy can place both mother and child at risk but new research from the University of Sydney has discovered that one type of fat is riskier than another for mums and unborn babies.
'Mood Mate'—free app available to help people with depression
Psychologists at the University of Reading have launched a free iPhone app to help people with depression get direct access to help - without needing to go to their GP.
Fish oils healthier for women's hearts than men's, study finds
(Medical Xpress)—When it comes to matters of a healthy heart women may benefit more from eating oily fish than men, a new study has found.
Infants show greater unease towards computer-morphed faces when shown 'half-mother' images
When interacting with robots or animations with unnatural-looking faces, many people report a sense of unease. The face seems familiar yet alien, leaving the brain uncertain whether it is definitely human. To make robots more acceptable, it is necessary to understand the roots of these emotional reactions. Research from Japan has now shown that these reactions may begin in early infancy.
Study furthers understanding of IBD
Researchers part-funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Wellcome Trust have identified how particular parts of the intestinal immune system and the bacteria in the gut can interact to alter an individual's risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Results are published online today in Immunity.
Teens don't like danger, just don't understand consequences, study shows
(Medical Xpress)—A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers and their colleagues finds that adolescents commonly take more risks than younger children and adults because they are more willing to accept risks when consequences are unknown, rather than because they are attracted to danger, as often assumed.
Suicide attempts by poisoning found to be less likely around major holidays
A joint study by University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Emergency Medicine and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center researchers has found that, in contrast to popular opinion, major holidays are associated with a lower number of suicide attempts by poisoning.
White construction workers in Illinois get higher workers' comp settlements, study finds
White non-Hispanic construction workers are awarded higher workers' compensation settlements in Illinois than Hispanic or black construction workers with similar injuries and disabilities, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
Rats recruited to hunt for TB in Mozambique
A swarm of trained rats is on its way to Mozambique to help the country's over-stretched health system detect tuberculosis in patients, officials said Friday.
Official: pharmacy tied to meningitis outbreak may have broken state law
(HealthDay)—The company at the center of the ongoing meningitis outbreak appears to have violated Massachusetts law by producing and distributing large quantities of a contaminated steroid compound, a state health official said Thursday.
Use of more costly diabetes medications varies widely
(HealthDay)—Even within an integrated Veterans Affairs (VA) system with a uniform national formulary and established criteria for drug use, there is substantial variation in the use of thiazolidinediones and long-acting insulin analogues among veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), according to a research letter published online Oct. 8 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Add-on therapy doesn't improve weight watchers' results
(HealthDay)—The addition of behavioral weight loss (BWL) treatment to the commercial Weight Watchers (WW) weight-loss program does not improve weight loss outcomes, according to a study published online Oct. 8 in Obesity.
Could stem cells treat autism? Newly approved study may tell
(HealthDay)—Autism researchers have been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to launch a small study in children with autism that evaluates whether a child's own umbilical cord blood may be an effective treatment.
Folic acid, vitamins B6 and 12 do not affect colorectal adenoma risk
Combined folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 supplements had no statistically significant effect on the risk of colorectal adenoma among women who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a study published October 12 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The body's own recycling system: Researchers discover 'molecular emergency brake' in charge of regulating self-digestion
Times of distress literally eat away at the core of starving cells: They start to digest their own parts and recycle them for metabolic purposes. Ingo Schmitz at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig, Germany, together with a team of researchers, has discovered that a "molecular brake" is in charge of regulating autophagy to keep it from getting out of control. They published their findings in the scientific journal, Cell Death & Differentiation.
Prostate cancer: Curcumin curbs metastases
Powdered turmeric has been used for centuries to treat osteoarthritis and other illnesses. Its active ingredient, curcumin, inhibits inflammatory reactions. A new study led by a research team at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich now shows that it can also inhibit formation of metastases.
Is moderate alcohol intake associated with risk of atrial fibrillation among patients with CVD?
An analysis of the association of alcohol consumption with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) among subjects with coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or other manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was based on subjects in two large antihypertensive drug treatment trials. Previous research in the general population has suggested an increase in the risk of the development of AF for heavy drinkers, and the present study shows such an association among subjects who already have CVD.
For heart patients, medical disclosure can produce side effects
Heart attack patients in states that require health care providers to report the outcomes of procedures to open blocked arteries are less likely to receive those live-saving treatments than similar patients in states without public reporting mandates, according to a new study.
Getting help for bipolar disorder —— from chaos to control
Teena Adler can feel the onset of her manic episodes: that swift, dramatic toggle from normalcy to paranoia. Sights, smells and sounds are amplified by a thousand. Her thoughts race, and Adler sometimes goes days without sleeping.
Industry sues over NYC crackdown on sugary drinks
(AP)—Soft drink makers, restaurateurs and other businesses are suing to block New York City's move to end the sale of super-sized, sugary drinks in many eateries.
Smoking may lead to cataracts in aging population
Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for a wide-range of diseases. Now, scientists have evidence that smoking may also increase the risk of age-related cataract, the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in the world.
Blood cells may offer telltale clues in cancer diagnosis
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Devin Koestler is a biostatistician in the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He develops and applies statistical methods to large volumes of data, seeking new approaches for understanding disease, cancer in particular. Koestler and his colleagues are investigating the potential use of white blood cell variation as a diagnostic, predictive, and research tool in the study of non-blood cancers.
US tainted drug outbreak rises to 185 cases
The number of people believed to have been sickened by a contaminated drug rose to 185 Friday, but US health officials said the death toll from the rare meningitis outbreak held steady at 14.
Experiments challenge prevailing theory for the basis of cell death in the developing brain
(Medical Xpress)—The unexpected survival of embryonic neurons transplanted into the brains of newborn mice in a series of experiments at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) raises hope for the possibility of using neuronal transplantation to treat diseases like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Huntington's, Parkinson's and schizophrenia.
Pre-test jitters might boost scores, study says
(HealthDay)—For students with a good memory, feeling anxious before taking an exam might actually lead to a higher test score, researchers have found.
Cervical cancer vaccine shows promise
A vaccine against cervical cancer, being developed by Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Blue Bell, Pa., produced positive results in a small sample of 18 women.
Study shows old adage 'sleep on it' is true - but only if it's a really difficult problem
A new study from Lancaster University has found that sleeping on a problem really can help people to find a solution.
Scientists identify mammal model of bladder regeneration
While it is well known that starfish, zebrafish and salamanders can re-grow damaged limbs, scientists understand very little about the regenerative capabilities of mammals. Now, researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Institute for Regenerative Medicine report on the regenerative process that enables rats to re-grow their bladders within eight weeks.
Кesearchers uncover molecular basis of infection of tick-transmitted disease
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers have identified the "keys" and "doors" of a bacterium responsible for a series of tick-transmitted diseases. These findings may point researchers toward the development of a single vaccine that protects against members of an entire family of bacteria that cause disease in humans, domestic animals and livestock.
Study links hippocampus with unconscious bias
(Medical Xpress)—A new US study into brain function has found links between preferences and the regions of the brain involved in connecting new memories to old ones. The associations formed provide shortcuts the subconscious can use for decision making.
Biology news
Report: Illegal hunting and trade of wildlife in savanna Africa may cause conservation crisis
A new report published today by Panthera confirms that widespread illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade occur more frequently and with greater impact on wildlife populations in the Southern and Eastern savannas of Africa than previously thought, and if unaddressed could potentially cause a 'conservation crisis.' The report challenges previously held beliefs of the impact of illegal bushmeat hunting and trade in Africa with new data from experts.
Wild monkeys watch fights to exploit losers for grooming
Wild macaques who are bystanders to fights within their group exploit the losers for grooming favours, new research has shown.
China releases panda after special survival regime
A captive-bred Chinese panda has been released into the wild as part of efforts to help the struggling species, but this time with special survival training after one of the animals died in a previous attempt.
Researchers use fruit flies to study proto-oncogenes
(Phys.org)—Spots on the butts of fruit flies are really, really small. But what a researcher and his graduate student are discovering about them could be gigantic.
What is the true cost of conservation worldwide? Billions, annually
The world's governments will need to invest billions annually to reduce the extinction risk for all known threatened species, a new study by University of Sussex biologist Dr Jörn Scharlemann and an international team of scientists concludes.
Small weed helps unravel complex plant defence system
(Phys.org)—Arabidopsis thaliana, or thale cress as it is commonly known, made history back in 2000 by becoming the first plant to have its entire genetic code read by scientists, contributing to what is often referred to as biology's version of the book of life. Today, the 'microscopes' scientists have access to allow them to zoom down much further into the structure of the proteins that are made by the genes, so taking the book of life and making sense of the tiny letters on the pages.
Study finds that like human children, vervet monkeys learn by copying others
(Phys.org)—The long-held belief that learning through imitation is restricted to humans has been cast in doubt by researchers at the University of St Andrews.
Fly genomes show natural selection and return to Africa
(Phys.org)—When ancestral humans walked out of Africa tens of thousands of years ago, Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies came along with them. Now the fruit flies, widely used for genetics research, are returning to Africa and establishing new populations alongside flies that never left—offering new insights into the forces that shape genetic variation.
Cells control energy metabolism via hedgehog signalling pathway
Cancer, diabetes, and excess body weight have one thing in common: they alter cellular metabolism. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg and the Medical University of Vienna together with an international research team have jointly resolved a new molecular circuit controlling cellular metabolism. The previously unknown signalling pathway, acting downstream of the hedgehog protein enables muscle cells and brown fat cells to absorb sugars without relying on insulin. Substances that selectively activate the signalling pathway could thus be utilized in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. With their results, the researchers are also able to explain why various new anti-cancer agents have induced mysterious pronounced side effects in the clinics.
Biology prof says eyeball may belong to big squid
Word that a giant eyeball washed up on a Florida beach has created a buzz on the Internet and in the marine biology community.
Stem cells from muscle tissue may hold key to cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have taken the first steps to create neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue in animals. Details of the work are published in two complementary studies published in the September online issues of the journals Experimental Cell Research and Stem Cell Research.
A complex logic circuit made from bacterial genes
(Phys.org)—By force of habit we tend to assume computers are made of silicon, but there is actually no necessary connection between the machine and the material. All that an engineer needs to do to make a computer is to find a way to build logic gates—the elementary building blocks of digital computers—in whatever material is handy.
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