Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for October 29, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Mind over gray matter: Placebo improves both pleasure and pain- Plasmonic crystal alters to match light-frequency source
- Study shows bees use visual rate of expansion of ground for perfect landings
- Unravelling the true identity of the brain of Carl Friedrich Gauss
- Scientists gain new insights into dolphin's evolutionary history and conversation
- New study suggests coral reefs may be able to adapt to moderate climate change
- Less toxic metabolites, more chemical product
- How a metamaterial might improve a depression treatment
- Eyetrack study demonstrates that men—and women—check out female bodies
- Physicists provide new insights into coral skeleton formation
- Redwood trees reveal history of West Coast rain, fog, ocean conditions
- Scientists find that dolphin in Australian waters is a new species
- Ancient mini-sharks lived longer than thought
- Arsenic in India's water could cause resistance to visceral leishmaniasis treatment
- Seeing in the dark
Space & Earth news
Local communities produce high-quality forest monitoring data, rivals that of professional foresters
As global forest and climate experts gather at the Oslo REDD Exchange 2013 to ramp up international efforts to protect carbon-storing forests in the developing world, a recent study by researchers at the Nairobi-based World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and European and Southeast Asian institutions finds that local communities—using simple tools like ropes and sticks—can produce forest carbon data on par with results by professional foresters using high-tech devices.
Researcher dodges typhoons, studies monsoons in the Japan Sea
William Anderson, associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environment and the Marine Sciences Program, recently spent two months aboard the research vessel JOIDES Resolution in the Pacific Ocean.
Finding ancient minerals for high-tech uses
As demand for high-tech devices and green technologies rises, countries around the world are scavenging for sources of rare earth elements—the expensive metals required in everything from iPods to hybrid cars.
NASA sees newborn twenty-ninth Depression in the Philippine Sea
NASA infrared imagery revealed that bands of thunderstorms have been wrapping into the center of newborn Tropical Depression 29W, indicating it's organizing and strengthening in the Philippine Sea.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Raymond fading fast
Satellite data showed some recent convective activity within Tropical Storm Raymond on Oct. 28 but southwesterly wind shear and cooler ocean temperatures are predicted by the National Hurricane Center to weaken the tropical storm to a remnant low on Wednesday October 30, 2013.
Russia breaks 'Zero Waste' Olympic pledge
Trucks rumble to the edge of a gigantic pit filled with spray cans, tires and foam sheets and dump a stream of concrete slabs that send up a cloud of limestone dust. Other trucks pile clay on top and a bulldozer mixes everything together in a rudimentary effort to hide the mess. This landfill outside Sochi, which will host the Winter Olympics in 100 days, is smack in the middle of a water protection zone where dumping industrial waste is banned.
Preserving the legacy of the X-ray universe
Every year, October is designated as American Archive Month. While many people may think "archive" means only dusty books and letters, there are, in fact, many other types of important archives. This includes the use of archives for major telescopes and observatories like NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.
US ends most financing of overseas coal projects
The United States said Tuesday it would end most financing of coal projects overseas, taking a potentially significant step to curbing carbon emissions blamed for climate change.
South Pole Telescope helps Argonne scientists study earliest ages of the universe
(Phys.org) —For physicist Clarence Chang at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, looking backward in time to the earliest ages of the universe is all in a day's work.
Technologies to characterize natural gas emissions tested in field experiments
A new collaborative science program is pioneering the development of ultra-sensitive methane-sensing technology.
World's plastic devoured by ocean organism
An abundant organism may be acting as a sink for the smallest plastic particles which make up the majority of the ocean's plastic load.
How climate change impacts indigenous communities
Two University of Arizona researchers have contributed to a special issue of the journal Climatic Change that centers on the impacts of climate change on tribal natural and cultural resources.
Image: Sunlit side of the planet Mercury
Another day, another beautiful view of Mercury's horizon. In this scene, which was acquired looking from the shadows toward the sunlit side of the planet, a 120-km (75 mi.) impact crater stands out near the center. Emanating from this unnamed crater are striking chains of secondary craters, which gouged linear tracks radially away from the crater. While this crater is not especially fresh (its rays have faded into the background), it does appear to have more prominent secondary crater chains than many of its peers.
Why is Antarctic sea ice growing?
Recently NASA reported that this year's maximum wintertime extent of Antarctic sea ice was the largest on record, even greater than the previous year's record.
Thawing permafrost: The speed of coastal erosion in Eastern Siberia has nearly doubled
The high cliffs of Eastern Siberia – which mainly consist of permafrost – continue to erode at an ever quickening pace. This is the conclusion which scientists of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research have reached after their evaluation of data and aerial photographs of the coastal regions for the last 40 years. According to the researchers, the reasons for this increasing erosion are rising summer temperatures in the Russian permafrost regions as well the retreat of the Arctic sea ice. This coastal protection recedes more and more on an annual basis. As a result, waves undermine the shores. At the same time, the land surface begins to sink. The small island of Muostakh east of the Lena Delta is especially affected by these changes. Experts fear that it might even disappear altogether should the loss of land continue.
UCLA report urges new global policy effort to tackle crisis of plastic litter in oceans
Plastic litter is one of the most significant problems facing the world's marine environments. Yet in the absence of a coordinated global strategy, an estimated 20 million tons of plastic litter enter the ocean each year.
Brazil energy, farm incentives fuel CO2 emissions
Tax incentives approved by the Brazilian government for transport, energy and farming are fueling higher CO2 emissions, according to a study released Tuesday.
Mini space shuttle skids off runway in test flight
A new, smaller version of NASA's space shuttle is recuperating from a rough first landing.
NASA prepares to launch first mission to explore Martian atmosphere
(Phys.org) —A NASA spacecraft that will examine the upper atmosphere of Mars in unprecedented detail is undergoing final preparations for a scheduled 1:28 p.m. EST Monday, Nov. 18 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Eastern US to see partial solar eclipse November 3
(Phys.org) —For people in the eastern United States, the sun will rise half covered by the moon on Sunday morning, November 3, and the partial eclipse will last about 3/4 of an hour. Jay Pasachoff, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy at Williams College and chair of the International Astronomical Union's Working Group on Eclipses, advises that people able to see very low on the eastern horizon and having suitable filters in hand would enjoy the event.
Melting Arctic sea ice could increase summer rainfall in northwest Europe, study reports
A new study offers an explanation for the extraordinary run of wet summers experienced by Britain and northwest Europe between 2007 and 2012. The study found that loss of Arctic sea ice shifts the jet stream further south than normal resulting in increased rain during the summer in northwest Europe.
A ghostly trio from Spitzer Space Telescope
(Phys.org) —In the spirit of Halloween, scientists are releasing a trio of stellar ghosts caught in infrared light by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. All three spooky structures, called planetary nebulas, are in fact material ejected from dying stars. As death beckoned, the stars' wispy bits and pieces were blown into outer space.
New study suggests coral reefs may be able to adapt to moderate climate change
Coral reefs may be able to adapt to moderate climate warming, improving their chance of surviving through the end of this century, if there are large reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, according to a study funded by NOAA and researched by the agency's scientists and its academic partners. Results further suggest corals have already adapted to part of the warming that has occurred.
Redwood trees reveal history of West Coast rain, fog, ocean conditions
Many people use tree ring records to see into the past. But redwoods – the iconic trees that are the world's tallest living things – have so far proven too erratic in their growth patterns to help with reconstructing historic climate.
Paleontologist presents origin of life theory
It has baffled humans for millennia: how did life begin on planet Earth? Now, new research from a Texas Tech University paleontologist suggests it may have rained from the skies and started in the bowels of hell.
NASA's Orion spacecraft comes to life
(Phys.org) —NASA's first-ever deep space craft, Orion, has been powered on for the first time, marking a major milestone in the final year of preparations for flight.
Technology news
How to refurbish urban residential low energy districts
Three cases studies will constitute the basis for developing an easily replicable strategy for renovating districts so that they reach near zero energy consumption
France delays 'ecotax' on road transport after protests
Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Tuesday that France was suspending a new "ecotax" on road transport due to take effect on January 1, after violent protests.
Compliant materials with a strong impact
The recent Empa spin-off Monolitix AG specialises in compliant mechanisms. These are frictionless and wear-free and are also lighter, more hygienic and cheaper than conventional joint mechanisms. They have an enormous range of potential applications in the most diverse fields. The new company's young entrepreneurs are now setting about breaking into the market with their first products.
Thomson Reuters to cut 3,000 jobs
Thomson Reuters is cutting about 3,000 jobs as part of its plan to speed up its cost cuts.
IDC: Smartphone shipments up 39 percent in 3Q
Research group IDC says worldwide shipments of smartphones grew 39 percent in the most recent quarter to 258 million as Samsung and Apple maintained their dominance.
Shutterstock expands to Europe with German office
Internet stock photo service Shutterstock is expanding to Europe by opening a sales and development office in Berlin.
Comcast to add 35 live TV channels to mobile app
Comcast says it is updating its mobile viewing app, Xfinity TV Go, to allow subscribers to watch popular channels such as CNN, Fox News, Disney Channel, CNBC, ESPN and FX on the go.
Samsung posts record Q3 smartphone shipments
Samsung Electronics shipped a record 88.4 million smartphones in the third quarter to take its global market share above 35 percent, while rival Apple's slice thinned, research data showed Tuesday.
Australia says broadband ban on China's Huawei stays (Update)
Australia's new government on Tuesday said Chinese telecoms giant Huawei will remain shut out of bidding to build Australia's national broadband network on advice from security agencies.
Hynix posts record operating profit in third quarter
South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix on Tuesday posted a record operating profit in the third quarter to September, boosted by strong demand from phone manufacturers and higher chip prices.
Still wearing a real mask this Halloween? Team suggests latest in augmented reality
Halloween costumes can be so… analog. Until this season. Artist and Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly) augmented-reality researcher Mark Skwarek has teamed with one of his grad students to create 3D digital masks more appropriate to the year 2013.
Nokia in Q3 net loss as sales continue plunge (Update)
Nokia reported Tuesday a third-quarter loss as sales at the handsets unit it is selling to Microsoft continued to plunge. But the company gave a positive outlook on continuing operations, including the networks unit, causing the share price to surge.
How green is your city? And how do you know?
Suppose a real-estate developer in Manhattan is constructing a new office building, and the architect decides to use granite as a primary material. There is a good chance the granite will come from a quarry in Minais Gerais, in southeastern Brazil. From there, it may well be shipped to Carrara, in northern Italy, where much high-grade stone is processed into building-ready form. Then the granite will be shipped to New York, although some of it may be rejected, leading to new rounds of cutting, shipping, and inspections on three continents.
New sensor passes litmus test
(Phys.org) —Edith Cowan University researchers have drawn on their expertise in nanotechnology to update the humble pH sensor, replacing traditional glass electrode devices that have been in use since the 1930s with a new sensor thinner than a human hair.
Steve Jobs' Calif. home gets historic designation
The Silicon Valley home where Apple co-founder Steve Jobs grew up and built some of his first computers is now on the city's list of historic properties.
Samsung extends smartphone lead over Apple, survey says (Update)
Samsung extended its lead over Apple in the global smartphone market in the third quarter as Chinese manufacturers also made inroads, a survey showed Tuesday.
Joystick advances independent voting
A voting joystick created at Michigan State University could eventually enable people with dexterity impairments, senior citizens and others to exercise their right to cast ballots independently.
Researchers release report on Americans' media consumption
Americans consume an enormous amount of media daily via television, radio, phone and computer. As you read this article on the Internet, perhaps while checking the text messages on your smartphone or listening to satellite radio, that statement undoubtedly rings true. But exactly how much media flows to individuals and households in a year? Try 6.9 zettabytes—that's 6.9 million MILLION gigabytes.
Taiwan complains to Apple over "China province" tag
Taiwan said Tuesday it had lodged a complaint with Apple over new iPhone and computer operating systems that describe the island as a province of China.
Dell completes deal to go private
US computer giant Dell announced Tuesday it had completed the deal to go private in a $24.9 billion buyout led by company founder Michael Dell.
Norwegian man buys flat with forgotten $24 bitcoin investment
A Norwegian man who purchased $24 worth of bitcoins and then promptly forgot about it for four years, was able to buy an apartment in central Oslo thanks to the massive appreciation of the virtual currency.
Google+ adds photo, video tools to ramp up challenge (Update)
Google+ on Tuesday added "auto-amazing" photo and video tools for telling artful life stories at the online social network, ramping up its challenge to Facebook.
IBM board OK repurchase of another $15B of stock
IBM's board has approved the repurchase of $15 billion of its common stock.
Newspaper web ads not to blame for print advertising decline, research says
An open question as the newspaper industry struggles with declining revenues and profits is whether online ads cannibalize print advertising.
Mystery barges on US coasts set tech world abuzz
Three mysterious structures that appeared on the water in California and Maine have the tech world abuzz.
Panasonic to release solar LED lantern for people living in areas without electricity
Panasonic Corporation today announced that it will start selling a solar LED lantern that doubles as a charger for people living in areas without electricity. With a built-in rechargeable battery to store solar energy during the day, the lantern provides light at night and can also be used as a power source to charge small mobile devices, such as mobile phones. The company plans to bring the lantern to regions without electricity, starting from Asia and Africa in December this year. The functions of the BG-BL03 Solar LED Lantern, such as 360-degree illumination and a charging time of approximately 6 hours, make it practical and convenient for everyday use in these areas.
Safer nuclear fuels
Exploratory research on revolutionary new types of nuclear fuel pellets that would be safer in the event of a nuclear disaster has yielded promising results, according to a team of scientists from the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
YouTube subscription music service to go for mobile dollars
As YouTube prepares to launch its subscription music service by the end of the year, the digital music giant is seeking to capitalize on music fans' desire to have access to their favorite songs everywhere they go.
Navy's giant, stealthy new destroyer gets hull wet (Update)
UPDATE: The largest destroyer ever built for the Navy is in the water for the first time—and the stealthy vessel looks unlike any U.S. warship before.
Hi-tech aqueduct explorers map Rome's 'final frontier'
Armed with laser rangefinders, GPS technology and remote control robots, a group of speleologists is completing the first ever mapping of the aqueducts of ancient Rome on archaeology's "final frontier".
Samsung steps out from behind Google to woo developers
Samsung courted "app" makers at its first developers conference, stepping out of Google's shadow when it comes to software powering mobile devices.
Researcher shows music industry building walls to limit data
Major record labels have capitalized on iTunes to maintain the same advantages that they held previously through physical media distribution networks, a recently published paper by a UT Arlington assistant professor says.
Forget the needle, consider the haystack: Uncovering hidden structures in massive data collections
(Phys.org) —Advances in computer storage have created collections of data so huge that researchers often have trouble uncovering critical patterns in connections among individual items, making it difficult for them to realize fully the power of computing as a research tool.
Company using electric field to shape flame to make power plants cleaner
(Phys.org) —Seattle based ClearSign Combustion has developed a way to reduce the amount of pollutants emitted by power plants that burn fossil fuels. The technique, the company claims, also makes the burning of the fuels more efficient, which means utilities could actually save money by using the new technology.
Mobile phone use may pose significant security risks for companies
(Phys.org) —New research suggests that companies are leaving themselves open to potentially serious security and legal risks by employees' improper use of corporate mobile devices.
How a metamaterial might improve a depression treatment
A brain stimulation technique that is used to treat tough cases of depression could be considerably improved with a new headpiece designed by University of Michigan engineers.
Twitter making tweets more 'visual' with overhaul
Twitter said Tuesday it overhauled its user display to make the messaging service "more visual," as it ramps up competition against photo-sharing services like Instagram.
Medicine & Health news
Brazil to export vaccine against measles, rubella
Brazil will produce a combined vaccine against measles and rubella exclusively for export to poor countries, mainly in Africa, its health minister said Monday.
Fed judge: Texas abortion limits unconstitutional
New abortion restrictions passed by the Texas Legislature are unconstitutional and will not take effect as scheduled on Tuesday, a federal judge has ruled.
Obese women alter diets in response to additional calories from soft drinks
Obese women voluntarily reduce what they eat in response to additional soft drinks being added to their diets – a new 4 week study finds.
Obamacare could reverse long trend of uncompensated care in ERs
Emergency departments, which have suffered shortfalls in reimbursement for decades due to the high rate of uninsurance in the United States, may begin receiving "considerably more" reimbursement once the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) is fully implemented. A study forecasting how emergency department reimbursements could improve will be published online tomorrow in Annals of Emergency Medicine ("Anticipated Changes in Reimbursements for U.S. Outpatient Emergency Department Encounters After Health Reform").
Tangiers pioneer clinic fights drug addiction, stigma
In Morocco's drug capital Tangiers, a pioneering clinic is trying to help addicts fight a rising habit in a conservative Muslim state where many would prefer the problem stay underground.
Medicare chief to get 'Obamacare' grilling
The senior administration official closest to the implementation of the health care law's malfunctioning enrollment website will answer questions from Congress at the start of a pivotal week.
New study on neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal exposure to paracetamol
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly used medicine in pregnancy, yet there are very few studies that have investigated the possible long-term consequences for the child. A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health suggests that long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse effects on child development.
New statistic model forecasts the effect of tobacco consumption on childhood asthma
A scientific study recently published on International Journal of Statistics in Medical Research states that tobacco consumption must be decreased by 15% in Spain, particularly at home, in order to reduce the number of childhood asthma cases. The research is signed by professors Toni Monleón-Getino and Martín Ríos, from the Department of Statistics of the University of Barcelona, and experts Oriol Vall, Carme Puig, Òscar Garcia-Algar and Antonella Chiandetti, members of the Childhood and Environment Research Group of the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM).
UN confirms 10 polio cases in northeast Syria
The U.N.'s health agency said Tuesday it has confirmed 10 polio cases in northeast Syria, the first confirmed outbreak of the diseases in the country in 14 years, with a risk of spreading across the region.
Sticky sperm could hold fertility key
Researchers from the University of Leeds think that sticky sperm could hold the key to greater success for couples undergoing IVF treatment.
Disabled women twice as likely to be abused
Australian women and girls with disabilities are twice as likely to experience violence and abuse as other women, new research shows.
Crowdfunding drug discovery
During his nine years working in the pharmaceutical industry, Michael Pollastri learned to protect his research and data with extreme caution. "In the drug industry, everything is super secret," said Pollastri, now an associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern. "It's the culture."
Walking program reduces joint stiffness in older breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitor therapy
(Medical Xpress)—After six weeks of walking, the mean joint pain scores among the participants decreased by 10 percent, fatigue decreased by 19 percent, and joint stiffness decreased by 32 percent.
Psoriasis patients should be screened for CVD
World Psoriasis Day is held today with the theme "Global access to treatment" to highlight the fact that more than 125 million people have psoriasis but not all have access to treatment. Early and effective therapy lessens the burden of disease for the person, their family and the community. New research also shows the importance of regular evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis.
Child sexual abuse via the Internet on the rise
Sexual abuse of children and adolescents can have serious health consequences for victims. Early studies have revealed that child sexual abuse is associated with an increased risk of later mental and physical health problems and risk-taking behavior. The Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Zurich, the Psychosomatics and Psychiatry Department at Zurich's University Children's Hospital and the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at University Hospital Zurich discovered that sexual abuse is alarmingly widespread in a representative sample of more than 6,000 9th grade students in Switzerland.
Enterocystoplasty in children with genitourinary abnormalities is safe and effective
Enterocystoplasty is a good surgical option with a low rate of severe complications in the treatment of children who were born with developmental abnormalities of the genitourinary system, according to the new study conducted by a group of Portuguese urologists.
Study shows children of Holocaust survivors react differently to trauma
Modern medicine usually considers trauma—both the physical and the psychological kinds—as unequivocally damaging. Now researchers at Tel Aviv University are lending support to a more philosophical view of suffering, finding that trauma, however terrible, may have distinct psychological benefits.
Discoveries pivotal to science of toxins and illness associated with E. coli
Many Canadian scientists and clinicians were unsung heroes during the early years (1977–1983) of research unfolding around verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC). In an article published today in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology, Dr. Cimolai, a clinician and medical microbiologist, documents the history of this area of study, focusing on the key discoveries and major contributions made by Canadians to the science of what many people refer to as 'hamburger disease'. This disease poses an ongoing and significant threat to the general population; examples of its impact are the Walkerton outbreak and recent meat tainting episodes affecting the beef production industry in Alberta, as well as food contamination in Europe.
Estrogen protects women with NASH from severe liver fibrosis
New research suggests that estrogen protects women with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from severe liver fibrosis. According to the study published online in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, men are at higher risk of more severe fibrosis compared to women prior to menopause, but liver fibrosis severity is similar in men and post-menopausal women.
India's drugmaker Ranbaxy swings into quarterly net loss
India's biggest generic drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories swung into a net loss in the third quarter ended September from a profit a year earlier, owing to a weak rupee and foreign exchange losses.
Interview: UN seeks Syria polio access
The U.N.'s health agency said Tuesday it has confirmed 10 polio cases in northeast Syria, the first confirmed outbreak of the highly contagious disease in the country in 14 years, and a top U.N. official urged warring sides to grant health workers access to 500,000 children who have never received immunization.
US health official apologizes to Congress
The senior administration official whose agency oversaw the crippled "Obamacare" enrollment website apologized to Congress on Tuesday for the severe technical problems that marred the online rollout of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, which she said were not acceptable.
Pfizer 3Q net falls due to generics, higher costs
Pfizer Inc.'s third-quarter profit dropped 19 percent as competition from generic drugs continued to cut sales, while lower operating expenses failed to offset higher taxes and charges.
Results of the SAFE-PCI trial presented
A clinical trial conducted exclusively in women suggests that an initial strategy of using the radial artery in the arm as the entry point for cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in women has potential for reducing bleeding complications. SAFE-PCI for Women is the first registry-based randomized trial in the United States and the first multicenter trial comparing radial with femoral access in the U.S., and its primary findings were presented today at the 25th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium. Sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF), TCT is the world's premier educational meeting specializing in interventional cardiovascular medicine.
Dinner rituals that correlate with child and adult BMI
Beyond plate size and calorie count, the war against obesity may have a new leader – the dinner table. Families that eat together without the television on and stay seated until everyone's finished have children with lower weights and body mass index (BMI), reports a Cornell behavioral economist in the October issue of Obesity.
Interventions by non-mental health specialists may improve perinatal mental health disorders
In middle-income countries such as China, interventions that have a psychological or social component (often referred to as psychosocial interventions) delivered by health workers who are not mental health specialists could help women during the perinatal period*, according to a study published this week in PLOS Medicine.
Oncologists improve quality of care for cancer patients
A pilot initiative conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital offers compelling evidence that establishing standardized criteria for calling a palliative care consultation improves the quality of care for patients hospitalized with advanced cancer. The investigators saw improvements in the use of hospice services, inpatient mortality, and hospital readmissions among patients offered the intervention.
Results of the COREVALVE EXTREME RISK trial presented
In a clinical trial, a self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve met the key performance objective of reducing death and stroke in patients with severe aortic stenosis at "extreme risk" for surgery.Results of the COREVALVE EXTREME RISK trial were presented today at the 25th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium. Sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF), TCT is the world's premier educational meeting specializing in interventional cardiovascular medicine.
UN officials confirm polio outbreak in north Syria
The U.N. confirmed an outbreak of polio in Syria for the first time in over a decade on Tuesday, warning the disease threatens to spread among an estimated half-million children who have never been immunized because of the civil war.
ER study finds one in ten older teens misuse Rx painkillers, sedatives (Update)
With prescription drug abuse at epidemic levels nationwide, and overdoses killing more people than auto accidents in many states, a new University of Michigan study provides striking new data about the misuse of potent prescription painkillers and sedatives by teens and young adults.
Clinical pharmacists can aid patients with uncontrolled T2DM
(HealthDay)—Clinical pharmacists can play a role in helping patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, according to a case study published in the October issue of Clinical Diabetes.
Spine surgery patients meeting strict criteria benefit more
(HealthDay)—Patients meeting strict criteria benefit more from surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), compared to non-operative care, although the treatment effect of surgery is modified by specific patient characteristics, according to a study published in the Oct. 1 issue of Spine.
Lyrica may ease pain for depressed fibromyalgia patients
(HealthDay)—Fibromyalgia and depression often go hand in hand, and a new study finds that the drug Lyrica helps ease pain in patients being treated for both conditions.
Too much sitting tied to higher risk of colon polyps in men
(HealthDay)—Men who are more sedentary face a higher risk of recurring colon polyps, according to a new study, even if these men break up their downtime with bouts of recreational activities such as walking, jogging or golf.
Tests may someday show which breast, prostate cancers will turn aggressive
(HealthDay)—Doctors believe they have found telltale signs that can indicate whether breast or prostate malignancies will remain dormant or develop into aggressive cancers.
Geneticists map human resistance to HIV
The key to future HIV treatment could be hidden right in our own genes. Everyone who becomes infected deploys defense strategies, and some even manage to hold the virus at bay without any therapy at all. This immune system struggle leaves its mark within the pathogen itself – genetic mutations that indicate how the virus reacted to its host's attacks. Scientists from EPFL and the Vaud university hospital center (UNIL-CHUV) retraced the entire chain of events in these battles, from the genome of the virus to the genome of the victim. They have created the first map of human HIV resistance. The goal of their research, which has been published in the journal eLife on the 29th of October, is to find new therapeutic targets and to enable individualized treatment strategies.
A potential new class of fast-acting antidepressant
More than 1 in 10 Americans take antidepressants, but these medications can take weeks—and for some patients, months—before they begin to alleviate symptoms. Now, scientists from the University of Chicago have discovered that selectively blocking a serotonin receptor subtype induces fast-acting antidepressant effects in mice, indicating a potential new class of therapeutics for depression. The work was published Oct. 29 in Molecular Psychiatry.
Researchers examine increased ER reimbursements after ACA insurance coverage expansions
Researchers at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) found that outpatient emergency department encounters could reimburse considerably more after implementation of the insurance coverage expansions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Microbiome in gut, mouth, and skin of low birth weight infants differentiate weeks after birth
Low birth weight infants are host to numerous microorganisms immediately after birth, and the microbiomes of their mouths and gut start out very similar but differentiate significantly by day 15 according to a study published in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
People seem more attractive in a group than they do apart
People tend to be rated as more attractive when they're part of a group than when they're alone, according to findings published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
Identifying the signs of autism earlier
How early can you diagnose autism? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening children beginning at 18 months, but research suggests subtle warning signs may be apparent even earlier, according to Patricia Manning-Courtney, MD, FAAP, who delivered a plenary address at 11:10 a.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando.
Passing the Gac: Listeria's resistance to disinfectants
Listeria poses a significant risk to human health. The bacterium is frequently transmitted via dairy products, so it is important to disinfect dairies regularly. Unfortunately, listeria is developing resistance to the most frequently used compounds. Work in the group of Stephan Schmitz-Esser at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna) has uncovered the mechanism for resistance to benzalkonium chloride. The findings have been published in the online journal Plos One.
New drug to help common bowel disease
(Medical Xpress)—An international team led by University of Adelaide researchers has identified the mechanism of pain relief of a new drug for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), based on nonclinical studies, and quantified its effectiveness in pain relief in human trials.
Teens with chronic illnesses find it hard to stick to treatment
Teenagers with chronic illnesses face special barriers that may interfere with how well they adhere to their medical treatment, according to a new review in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Imaging study shows dopamine dysfunction not the main cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(Medical Xpress)—A study funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and published in Brain today found that administering methylphenidate (more commonly known as Ritalin) to healthy volunteers, as well as those who exhibit symptoms of ADHD as adults, led to similar increases of the chemical dopamine in their brain. Both groups also had equivalent level of improvements caused by the drug when they then carried out tests of their ability to concentrate and pay attention.
Study uncovers potential to alleviate tissue damage during strokes or transplant
A new study from Yale School of Medicine uncovers clues as to how a key part of the immune system is regulated to avoid tissue injury to human organs after stroke or transplant. The study, in the journal Developmental Cell, focuses on a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil, and how regulation of the granules inside can protect organs such as kidneys from injury.
Bowel cancer patients miss out on life-saving liver surgery
Bowel cancer patients whose disease has spread to the liver are not being referred to specialists for potentially life-saving surgery, according to research published in the British Journal of Surgery.
Young people who abuse prescription pain meds are more likely to use other drugs later on
High school seniors who misuse prescription pain medications risk abusing other controlled substances as young adults, a new University of Michigan study indicates.
New study shows insight into breast cancer cell migration
(Medical Xpress)—A new study by University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center researchers Min Chen and Kathleen O'Connor shows that a specific protein may assist breast cancer cells in metastasizing.
Does the promise of recognition really prompt good deeds?
Recognition might not be as important as previously thought in motivating people to perform good deeds, such as donating money or volunteering time to a philanthropic cause, shows recent research from authors at the Penn State Smeal College of Business.
How fat could help solve part of the diabetes problem
The pancreas is a large organ that wraps around our gut, and produces the exact amount of insulin our bodies need when we eat – except when we start to develop diabetes, and insulin production slows down. Sydney scientists describe how a fat recycling system within pancreatic 'beta cells' determines the amount of insulin they secrete, and so may provide a target for future diabetes therapies.
France reports possible new case of deadly MERS virus
France said Tuesday a person who had just returned from Saudi Arabia was likely infected by the deadly MERS coronavirus, in what would be the country's third such case.
Scientists reduce behaviors associated with problem gambling in rats
With the help of a rat casino, University of British Columbia brain researchers have successfully reduced behaviours in rats that are commonly associated with compulsive gambling in humans.
It's shocking: Ultra-focused electric current helps brain curb pain
(Medical Xpress)—Imagine significantly reducing a persistent migraine or fibromyalgia by a visit to a doctor who delivers low doses of electricity to the brain.
Evaluation of hospital infection prevention policies can identify opportunities for improvement
Identifying gaps in infection prevention practices may yield opportunities for improved patient safety, according to a survey published in the November issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
MRSA declines are sustained in veterans hospitals nationwide
Five years after implementing a national initiative to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates in Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, MRSA cases have continued to decline, according to a study in the November issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Obesity: A new appetite-increasing mechanism discovered
Despite their efforts, many morbidly obese people continue to consume too much food (hyperphagia) compared to their reserves and their needs. And yet, the hunger hormone, called ghrelin, is most frequently found at a normal or even lower level in these patients. The Inserm Unit 1073 team "Nutrition, inflammation and dysfunction of the gut-brain axis" has just explained this mechanism causing this paradoxical hyperphagia. Certain antibodies have a greater affinity for ghrelin in obese patients, leading to extended appetite stimulation.
Study measures impact of education, information on hand hygiene compliance
How often do you clean your hands? A study at Rhode Island Hospital observed staff on 161,526 occasions to monitor how often they cleaned their hands (ie, hand hygiene) between July 2008 to December 2012 and found that hand hygiene compliance improved from 60 percent to 89 percent. The study is published online in advance of print in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
Pregnant rats exposed to obesity hormone lose birth's protective effect on breast cancer
Like humans, young rats that give birth have a reduced risk of breast cancer later in life. But a new study shows that this protective effect in animals is negated if they're exposed to an obesity-linked hormone during pregnancy.
Human immune system shapes skin microbiome
Our skin plays host to millions of beneficial and potentially disease-causing microorganisms; however, whether our immune system influences these microbial communities to prevent disease is unknown. In a study published online in Genome Research, researchers have explored the microbes living on the skin of patients with primary immunodeficiencies with eczema-like skin conditions.
Thyroid project sheds light on molecular processes related to cystic fibrosis
Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University is leading to a better understanding of the molecular interactions in the thyroid gland related to cystic fibrosis.
Weight at time of diagnosis linked to prostate cancer mortality
Men who are overweight or obese when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to die from the disease than men who are of healthy weight, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published today in the journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice. In patients with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, the researchers also found an even stronger correlation between obesity and mortality.
Breast cancer diagnosed at later stage in rural patients
(HealthDay)—Breast cancer patients who live farther away from comprehensive cancer centers are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage disease, according to new research.
Trick-or-treating safety tips from an ER doc
(HealthDay)—There's no trick to keeping children safe on Halloween; it just takes some basic precautions to make sure the evening is a treat, an expert says.
Reports of US cases of flesh-eating drug questioned
(HealthDay)—Has the new "flesh-eating" drug of abuse known as krokodil reached the United States?
Risk of invasive meningococcal disease up with HIV/AIDS
(HealthDay)—In New York City, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are at increased risk of contracting invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), according to a study published online Oct. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Survey assesses patients' expectations after spine surgery
(HealthDay)—A new survey has been developed and validated for assessing patients' expectations of lumbar spine surgery, according to a report published in the Oct. 2 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Last two ozone-depleting inhalers being phased out
(HealthDay)—The last two inhalers to contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which deplete the ozone layer, will be removed from the market by Dec. 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced.
Docs, lawyers join forces to allow doctors to apologize
(HealthDay)—A new Senate bill allows health care professionals to make benevolent gestures without fear of these statements being used against them, according to a report published by the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
ATS issues top five 'Choosing Wisely' recommendations
(HealthDay)—The top five pulmonology-related issues that physicians and patients should question have been released by the American College of Chest Physicians and American Thoracic Society (ATS) as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign.
ACR: TNF inhibitors linked to reduced risk of ACS in RA
(HealthDay)—For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment correlates with reductions in the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and myocardial infarction (MI), according to two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held from Oct. 25 to 30 in San Diego.
Medical interns may need to brush up on bedside manners
(HealthDay)—Doctors-in-training lack "common courtesy" when dealing with patients and this problem can lead to lower patient satisfaction and worse medical outcomes, a small new study suggests.
Mechanisms of wound healing are clarified in zebrafish study
A crucial component of wound healing in many animals, including humans, is the migration of nearby skin cells toward the center of the wound. These cells fill the wound in and help prevent infection while new skin cells regenerate.
News that is better or worse than expected influences health decisions
Patients who are unrealistically optimistic about their personal health risks are more likely to take preventive action when confronted with news that is worse than expected, while unrealistic pessimists are less likely to change their behavior after receiving feedback that is better than expected, according to researchers at the University of California, Riverside and Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.
Older children with HIV may need to start treatment sooner to normalize future CD4 count
Although younger children with HIV are at high risk of disease progression if not treated, new research published this week in PLOS Medicine indicates that they have good potential for achieving high CD4 counts (a measure of a type of white blood cell that correlates with immune function) in later life provided antiretroviral therapy (ART) is initiated according to current treatment guidelines. However, the research also suggests that the recommended CD4 count thresholds for ART initiation are unlikely to maximize immunological health in children who have never received ART before the age of ten years.
Knowledge about incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse lower among women of color
Knowing what symptoms to look for may help women with pelvic floor disorders improve their chances of successful treatment. But knowledge of these disorders is lacking among most women, and especially among women of color, according to a new study by researchers at Yale School of Medicine.
Researchers weigh in on the negative consequences of noise on overall health
The combined toll of occupational, recreational and environmental noise exposure poses a serious public health threat going far beyond hearing damage, according to an international team of researchers writing today in The Lancet. The review team, including a Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania expert, examined the latest research on noise's impact on an array of health indicators—hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, cognitive performance and mental health, and sleep disturbance—in order to inform the medical community and lay public about the burden of both auditory and non-auditory effects of noise.
Evidence says less may be more when it comes to radiation
Patients enduring the excruciating pain of cancer that has spread to the bones are often given multiple doses of radiation.
Obese teens eat up fast-food hype, study says
(HealthDay)—Obese teens and young adults may be more receptive to TV fast food ads than those who aren't obese, a new study says.
Scientists report transplant advance for type 1 diabetes
(HealthDay)—Using a specially designed chamber, an international research team has transplanted islet cells into a patient with type 1 diabetes.
Eyetrack study demonstrates that men—and women—check out female bodies
Usually, women can tell when someone's eyes aren't on her face and are, well, focused elsewhere on her body. In other words, there's a reason the saying on the t-shirt is My Eyes Are Up Here.
Unravelling the true identity of the brain of Carl Friedrich Gauss
Preserved specimens of the brains of mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and Göttingen physician Conrad Heinrich Fuchs, taken over 150 years ago, were switched – and this probably happened soon after the death of both men in 1855. This is the surprising conclusion reached by Renate Schweizer, a neuroscientist at Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. She has now correctly identified the two brains, both of which are archived in a collection at the University Medical Center Göttingen.
Arsenic in India's water could cause resistance to visceral leishmaniasis treatment
(Medical Xpress)—Every year, visceral leishmaniasis infects about 500,000 people and kills about 41,000. Most deaths occur in India's Bihar region, where there is a high level of resistance to the antimony compounds used to treat this parasitic tropical disease. Alan Fairlamb and his colleagues at the University of Dundee have found that arsenic contamination of Bihar's water supply could be causing resistance to antimonial treatments. Their research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
How poverty molds the brain: Poor neural processing of sound linked to lower maternal education
Groundbreaking research nearly two decades ago linking a mother's educational background to her children's literacy and cognitive abilities stands out among decades of social science studies demonstrating the adverse effects of poverty.
Mind over gray matter: Placebo improves both pleasure and pain
(Medical Xpress)—The human brain's exquisite complexity and power make it a unique evolutionary marvel. One of the brain's more interesting abilities is known as the placebo effect, in which no more than the expectation of relief can lead to analgesia – the relief of pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and many other aversive states. However, scientists at University of Gothenburg and University of Oslo recently showed that the placebo effect may not be limited to pain reduction, but may also enhance pleasure, or hyperhedonia. The researchers used the placebo effect to improve both painful and pleasant touch sensations in healthy humans – and by comparing brain processing using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), found that, depending on whether the starting point was painful or pleasant, neurocircuitry associated with emotion and reward underpinned improvement of both pain and pleasant touch by dampening pain but increasing touch pleasantness.
Biology news
Botflies and the perils of scientific research
At first, Chris Dick thought the persistent ache in his ankle was caused by a thorn embedded in his skin. Made sense, seeing as he had done some work on a Pennsylvania farm around that time. An X-ray revealed nothing unusual, and the doctor recommended that Dick squeeze the foreign object out, once it worked itself toward the surface.
Surface water is a key factor in the transmission of pancreas disease in salmon
Anne Stene's PhD thesis explains how environmental factors affect the outbreak and transmission of pancreas disease (PD) in farmed salmon.
New report details successes and best practices in heritage food recovery
A new national survey of heritage food recovery edited by Gary Paul Nabhan, the UA Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food System, has been released indicating an important trend in food recovery.
Elephants face extinction, football star Yaya Toure warns
Reigning African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure, star of Manchester City and Ivory Coast, warned Tuesday that the slaughter of elephants for their ivory was threatening their very existence.
LA Zoo treats 21 condors for lead poisoning
Officials say a record 21 California condors have been treated for lead poisoning this hunting season in California.
Research shows how plants depend on ants
Temperature, rainfall, soil composition, and sunlight may not be the only contributors to a plant's success. Ants, in their role as seed dispersers, may play an equally important part in determining whether a plant species thrives or fails.
Are animals as smart, or as dumb, as we think they are?
Does my dog only think of eating, sleeping and chasing squirrels? Does my girlfriend's cat really have the capacity to plot my accidental death? Are cows just walking hamburgers and pigeons intent on world domination?
Bats and whales behave in surprisingly similar ways
Sperm whales weigh up to 50 tons, and the smallest bat barely reaches a gram. Nevertheless, the two species share the same success story: They both have developed the ability to use echolocation - a biological sonar - for hunting. Now Danish researchers show that the biosonar of toothed whales and bats share surprisingly many similarities - even though they live in very different environments and vary extremely in size.
Green flame moths: Scientists discover two new Limacodidae species from China and Taiwan
The representatives of the Limacodidae moth family are widely known as slug moths due to the resemblance of their stunningly colored caterpillars to slug species. Within this popular family the Parasa undulata group is perhaps one of the most intriguing, due to the beautiful green wing pattern typical for those species. In a recent revision, published in the open access journal Zookeys, scientists describe two new species from the group and provide a first record of a conifer-feeding caterpillar.
Scientists shine light on world's least-studied bat
The Mortlock Islands flying fox, a large, breadfruit-eating bat native to a few remote and tiny Pacific islands, has long been regarded as one of the world's least studied bats. For more than 140 years nearly all that scientists knew about this animal was derived from one lonely specimen preserved in a jar of alcohol in the Natural History Museum, London.
How mice survive infection by virulent Toxoplasma parasites
One of the commonest parasites in the world is Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans, and causes significant damage to the unborn child if a woman becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy. The natural cycle of the organism depends on cats and on mice. Infection by Toxoplasma normally doesn't kill the animal, but there are some "virulent" strains that kill mice only a few days after infection. Jonathan Howard, researcher at the Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne (Germany) and at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC; Portugal), and his team have now found a mechanism that allows some mice to survive infection by the virulent strains. These findings offer an explanation for the evolution of parasitic strains with different levels of virulence. This study was published today in the open-access journal eLife.
Xist and calico cats: How extra genes on X chromosomes get turned off
Females carry two copies of the X chromosome which—unlike the male's gene-poor Y chromosome—are home to 1000 genes crucial to development. So how does the developing female embryo inactivate duplicate genes along the chromosome, a process that explains the random mix of orange and black color patterns of the calico cat?
Sea turtle's DNA records human exploitation
(Phys.org) —Endangered and iconic sea turtles have a record in their DNA pointing to loss of genetic diversity caused by recent human exploitation, a Flinders University study has revealed for the first time.
Dissection of oarfish reveals insights into its ecology
Dissecting a small sampling of tissue from an 18-foot oarfish late last week, UC Santa Barbara parasitologists discovered the elusive California sea monster hosted its own little monsters inside.
Less toxic metabolites, more chemical product
The first dynamic regulatory system that prevents the build-up of toxic metabolites in engineered microbes has been reported by a team of researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI). The JBEI researchers used their system to double the production in Escherichia coli (E. coli) of amorphadiene, a precursor to the premier antimalarial drug artemisinin.
Scientists gain new insights into dolphin's evolutionary history and conversation
Researchers from Nanjing Normal University and BGI report their original genomic research on Baiji, also known as Yangtze River dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer). The study gives new insight into the genetic and evolutionary adaptations of Dolphin, and provides valuable resources for the conservation of mammals and cetaceans in particular. The latest study was published online in the journal Nature Communications.
Scientists find that dolphin in Australian waters is a new species
A species of humpback dolphin previously unknown to science is swimming in the waters off northern Australia, according to a team of researchers working for the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and numerous other groups that contributed to the study.
New molecular target for malaria control identified
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and University of Perugia (UNIPG) researchers has shown that egg development in the mosquito species primarily responsible for spreading malaria depends on a switch in the female that is turned on by a male hormone delivered during sex. Blocking the activation of this switch could impair the ability of the species, Anopheles gambiae, to reproduce, and may be a viable future strategy for mosquito and malaria control.
Events coordination during embryogenesis
A new study by Weill Cornell Medical College scientists reveals a mechanism through which the expression of genes is controlled – a finding that highlights genetic mutations that can impair the timing of gene expression. Such mutations can affect the co-ordination of key events that are required for stepwise development of an organism, and can also give rise to cancer by turning on genes at the wrong time.
Study shows bees use visual rate of expansion of ground for perfect landings
(Phys.org) —An international team of researchers has found that bees use a simple visual technique when landing, either horizontally or vertically. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describes how they filmed bees landing in their lab and in studying the tape discovered how it is they manage to land nearly perfectly every time.
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