Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for December 23, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Mars may act as a giant planetary pump- Greenland ice stores liquid water year-round
- Study faults a 'runaway' mechanism in intermediate-depth earthquakes
- Graphene can host exotic new quantum electronic states at its edges
- Study shows where Alzheimer's starts and how it spreads
- How plants evolved to weather the cold
- Zurich team develops walking, jumping, balancing, Cubli (w/ Video)
- New approach to vertex connectivity could maximize networks' bandwidth
- In men, high testosterone can mean weakened immune response to flu vaccine
- Kickstarter project Deltaprintr offers cheap easy to use 3D printer
- Holiday magic? Reindeer eyes change from gold to blue at Christmas
- OpenWorm project reaches new milestone—muscle simulation
- Scientists find new ghost ant genus and species: Discovery sheds light on origins of agriculture
- Help solve Santa's logistics troubles with a little maths
- Researchers find ECT can rid the mind of selected memory
Astronomy & Space news
"Loss of the night" app measures light pollution
If the Christmas story were set in the modern era, you might expect that the three wise men would need to rely on their GPS whenever they came into a town. But in fact, some stars can still be seen in even in the most brightly lit cities, and researchers of the German interdisciplinary project "Verlust der Nacht" are asking citizen scientists to count them. The scientists developed the "Loss of the Night app" to quantify the illumination of the night sky caused by artificial light. The app, originally available in only German and English, has now been expanded to support 11 languages in order to get data from as many regions as possible.
Space: Let's get three dimensional
Almost a million people have watched the YouTube video of ESA's 3D camera being used in space. Here on Earth, the same camera technology is equally successful.
US spacewalkers get ready for orbiting lab repairs
Two American astronauts are to step out Saturday on the first of three spacewalks to replace a broken cooling pump at the orbiting International Space Station.
Sailing satellites into safe retirement
When satellites reach the end of their working lives, they may pose a threat to other spacecraft as they continue to orbit in a dormant state for many decades. But now a new way to deorbit ageing satellites in a safe manner is nearing its first test in space.
Intial observations of Chang'e 3 landing
Much of the world was watching the Chang'e 3 landing in northern Mare Imbrium at 13:10 UTC Dec. 14, 2013. NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) was watching too.
NASA releases new Earthrise simulation video
NASA has issued a new visualization of the events leading to one of the iconic photographs of the 20th Century – Earth rising over the moon captured by the crew of the Apollo 8 mission.
China's lunar lander snaps first landing site panorama
China's inaugural Chang'e-3 lunar lander has snapped the missions first panoramic view of the touchdown spot at Mare Imbrium.
Hubble looks but finds no trace of comet ISON
On December 18, the Hubble Space Telescope slewed to Comet ISON's expected position and found nothing down to the incredibly faint magnitude of 25. According to astronomer Hal Weaver, who planned the ISON search, that limit implies any remaining fragments would have to be smaller than about 500 feet (160 meters) in diameter.
Comet Lovejoy approaching key spot
Comet Lovejoy reaches a pivotal point in its orbit next week when it comes closest to the sun. It will still be visible to earthbound skygazers, astronomers say.
NASA: Christmas Eve spacewalk could wrap up repair
The Christmas Eve spacewalk planned by NASA at the International Space Station should wrap up repair work on a faulty cooling line.
Spacewalking astronauts make speedy station repairs (Update 2)
Two American astronauts made quick progress during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Saturday to replace a broken equipment cooling system, NASA said.
Space suit issue prompts delay of second spacewalk
Astronauts removed an old space station pump Saturday, sailing through the first of a series of urgent repair spacewalks to revive a crippled cooling line.
Curiosity team upgrades software, checks wheel wear
The team operating NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has completed a software upgrade on the vehicle and is next planning a check of wear and tear on the rover's wheels.
Laser demonstration reveals bright future for space communication
(Phys.org) —The completion of the 30-day Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration or LLCD mission has revealed that the possibility of expanding broadband capabilities in space using laser communications is as bright as expected.
Cassini sees Saturn and moons in holiday dress
(Phys.org) —This holiday season, feast your eyes on images of Saturn and two of its most fascinating moons, Titan and Enceladus, in a care package from NASA's Cassini spacecraft. All three bodies are dressed and dazzling in this special package assembled by Cassini's imaging team.
Technology news
Tech startups create virtual farmers markets (Update)
Sara Pasquinelli doesn't shop at the grocery store much anymore. The busy mother of two young boys buys nearly all her food from a new online service that delivers to her front door—but it doesn't bring just any food.
Twitter's Jack Dorsey joins Disney board
US entertainment giant Walt Disney Company announced Monday that it tapped Twitter co-founder and chairman Jack Dorsey to join its board of directors.
US charges three more people in Silk Road website case
US authorities said Friday three more people were charged in connection with the operation of Silk Road, the online black market bazaar for drugs, hacker tools and other illicit goods.
After security breach, US retailer Target offers discount
US retailer Target is making up for a major IT security breach by offering its customers in the United States on Saturday and Sunday a ten-percent discount on any single purchase.
Analysts point to Amazon.com as online sales winner
As the online holiday shopping season winds down this weekend, analysts who track sales say there's at least one clear winner this year: Amazon.com Inc.
Target reports few incidents of fraud after data theft
US retailer Target, which revealed this week that some 40 million customers' credit and debit cards may have been compromised, said Saturday that few incidents of fraud had occurred.
Chinese users welcome Apple, China Mobile deal (Update)
Chinese users welcomed a long-awaited tie-up between Apple and China Mobile, the world's biggest wireless operator, but analysts warned Monday that the deal's impact depends on the quality of the carrier's 4G network.
Top websites among the riskiest, Australian study shows
Some of Australia's most popular websites are also those that pose the greatest privacy threat, a new index created by University of Canberra cyber security experts has found.
The future of medicine in the palm of your hand
Let's say you're feeling a little … off. Disjointed and a bit dizzy. Seeing a doctor would be best, but in many parts of the country and the world, remoteness, the cost of healthcare, and limited availability of physicians can make seeking professional medical help impractical.
Monitoring pilot alertness for solar impulse (w/ Video)
Pilot and psychiatrist Bertrand Piccard just "landed" after 72 hours of simulated flight across the Atlantic Ocean in Solar Impulse, a solar airplane which is equipped with advanced renewable technology. This second virtual flight, which started Tuesday morning and took place at the military base in Dübendorf, Switzerland, was the chance for Piccard to test his mental and physiological boundaries during strenuous flight conditions. EPFL technology monitored his mental states and cardiac rhythm throughout the flight, both in real-time and for post-flight data analysis.
Taiwan's Acer names new CEO after 3Q losses
Taiwan's struggling personal computer maker Acer Monday named a new chief executive officer following losses of hundreds of millions of dollars in the third quarter.
NY school all-in on trend of all-digital textbooks
Around the country, schools are increasingly dumping heavy, expensive printed textbooks and putting the material online.
Would you 'like' a chance to 'sympathize' on Facebook?
There are some things on Facebook you just don't want to "like."
Apple shares rise on China Mobile deal (Update)
Apple shares rose Monday after the company sealed a hard-won deal with China Mobile which will see the world's biggest wireless operator make the iPhone widely available to customers.
Headphones, speakers top gift lists
Headphones, speakers and other audio gear are topping the holiday gift lists of many Americans this season.
Tribune buys music data service from Sony for $170 mn
US media company Tribune plans to acquire Gracenote, a giant in music data, for $170 million from media giant Sony, the companies announced Monday.
Review: Options for watching TV on the road
If you are on the road and want to watch live TV and recorded shows on your phone or tablet, there aren't many easy options.
Slovenian hacker sentenced to jail for 'malicious' program
A Slovenian court on Monday sentenced to 58 months in jail Matjaz Skorjanc, the creator of the "Mariposa Botnet", a vast network of virus-infected computers used by criminal hackers.
Weak US card security made Target a juicy target
The U.S. is the juiciest target for hackers hunting credit card information. And experts say incidents like the recent data theft at Target's stores will get worse before they get better.
Apple, China Mobile sign iPhone deal (Update)
Apple on Sunday unveiled a long-anticipated deal with China Mobile, the world's biggest wireless carrier, to bring the iPhone to customers in a market dominated by low-cost Android smartphones.
SCHAFT team tops scores at DARPA Robotics Challenge
(Phys.org) —For those wondering who of 16 competing teams would walk away as top performers in the two-day DARPA Robotics Challenge in Florida over the weekend, the suspense is over. SCHAFT, a Japanese company newly acquired by Google, won the most points, 27 out of a possible 32. SCHAFT outscored some formidable big-name contenders such as MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and NASA. IHMC Robotics placed second. Third place went to Tartan Rescue, from Carnegie Mellon University, and fourth place was awarded to a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The fifth-place went to RoboSimian, designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
OpenWorm project reaches new milestone—muscle simulation
(Phys.org) —The OpenWorm project has reached a significant milestone, team members report—muscular contraction that is able to drive the simulated worm forward in a stream of simulated water.
Kickstarter project Deltaprintr offers cheap easy to use 3D printer
(Phys.org) —Two college students (Shai Schechter and Andrey Kovalev) have launched a Kickstarter project aimed at bringing an easy to use and affordable 3D printer to the masses—one they have designed themselves. Called the Deltaprintr, the device is a novel pole based design that uses fishing line instead of traditional belts.
New approach to vertex connectivity could maximize networks' bandwidth
Computer scientists are constantly searching for ways to squeeze ever more bandwidth from communications networks.
Zurich team develops walking, jumping, balancing, Cubli (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) —Researchers from the ETH Zurich's Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control have developed the Cubli, a device that can walk, jump, and balance itself on a corner. The name "Cubli" is derived from the English word and the Swiss German diminutive.
Medicine & Health news
Injunction granted in US birth control lawsuit
A U.S. judge granted an injunction Friday that prohibits the government from enforcing the federal health care law's requirement that insurance coverage include access to the morning-after pill and similar contraceptives on almost 200 religious organizations that have filed a class-action lawsuit to block the mandate.
1,500 tested for TB at Southern California school
More than 1,500 staff and students at a Southern California high school have been tested for tuberculosis after one student was diagnosed with the bacterial infection last month.
Early end-life plan for elderly in aging Japan
(AP)—Japan's Emperor Akihito surprised the nation last month when palace officials announced plans for his funeral. His wishes for a relatively modest one—and the act of planning ahead—were widely seen as a good example in this rapidly aging country.
Health plan sticker shock ahead for some buyers
Many people without health insurance have been sizing up policies on the new government health care marketplace and making what seems like a logical choice: They're picking the cheapest one.
One more sleep before Christmas…
Frazzled parents are being offered tips on how to help excited children get to sleep on Christmas Eve from a prominent sleep researcher at Northumbria University, Newcastle.
Group effort generates more cycling interest
Improving an individual's self-belief and social support are the most useful strategies to promote the uptake of cycling in Australia, according to a study of Perth residents.
Preop testing for low-risk cataract surgery patients: Choosing wisely or low-value care?
The elimination of extensive routine preoperative tests and consultations represents an area of potentially large health care savings across many disciplines, particularly for low-risk patients being evaluated for cataract surgery. It is also a major theme of the Choosing Wisely campaign from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Monday marks key health care deadline
Monday marks the last day to sign up through the federal and state health exchanges to have insurance coverage beginning Jan. 1. And while government officials said the federal site, HealthCare.gov, can handle a last-minute rush of consumers, there's still fear that the word may not be getting out to the people who most need to enroll.
Alzheimer's prevention initiative marks milestone
The Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative (API) trial in cognitively healthy individuals has reached a significant milestone with the first participants in Colombia receiving doses of an experimental anti-amyloid antibody, crenezumab designed to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Study defines roles and responsibilities of patient navigators
New research out of the George Washington University Cancer Institute (GWCI) defines the roles and responsibilities of patient navigators. With the rapid growth of patient navigation, the paper seeks to develop a framework to describe similarities and differences across navigators and clarify their place in the health care system, leading to greater standardization of the profession. The paper, titled "Development of a framework for patient navigation: delineating roles across navigator types," was published in the Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship on Dec. 23.
Free preventive services for 25 million medicare beneficiaries
(HealthDay)—As a result of the Affordable Care Act, during the first 11 months of 2013, more than 25.4 million people covered by Original Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Bah humbug: Heart woes can spike this time of year
'Tis the season—for heart attacks? Not to dampen any spirits, but studies show heart troubles spike this time of year.
59 test positive for TB after Las Vegas outbreak
Las Vegas public health officials say dozens of people linked to a tuberculosis outbreak at a neonatal unit have tested positive for the disease.
Saudi announces 56th MERS death
The Saudi health ministry announced Saturday a new MERS death, raising to 56 the number of people killed by the coronavirus in the country with the most fatalities.
FDA introduces new food defense rule
(HealthDay)—A new rule to protect the nation's food supply from terrorism has been introduced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency announced Friday.
Luggage-lifting tips for safe travels
(HealthDay)—Carrying and lifting heavy luggage during the holidays can lead to neck, wrist, back and shoulder pain and injuries unless you take proper safety precautions, an orthopedic surgeon says.
High patient satisfaction with patient-centered medical homes
(HealthDay)—A significant majority of patients report experiencing a high quality of care at federally-supported health centers, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Patient 'progressing' after first artificial heart implant in France
A 75-year-old man who this week became the first person to receive an artificial heart developed by French biomedical firm Carmat was progressing well, doctors said Saturday.
Tips for safe winter workouts
(HealthDay)—If you exercise outdoors during the winter, be sure to do so safely, an expert says.
Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack, stroke among those considered at risk
A new study shows that coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening, an assessment tool that is not currently recommended for people considered at low risk, should play a more prominent role in helping determine a person's risk for heart attack and heart disease-related death, as well as the need for angioplasty or bypass surgery. CAC screening provides a direct measure of calcium deposits in heart arteries and is easily obtained on a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Acupuncture, real or sham, eases hot flashes due to breast cancer chemo
Both real and sham weekly acupuncture treatments eased hot flashes and other side effects of anticancer drug treatment in a small, preliminary study of breast cancer patients, Baltimore researchers have found.
New quality, payment initiative positively impacts pediatric care
Within two years of implementation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Alternative Quality Contract (AQC) had a small but significant positive effect on the quality of pediatric care, according to a new study from Boston Children's Hospital. The results were published online Dec. 23 in Pediatrics.
Higher mortality in postmenopausal women with RA and anti-CCP antibodies
New research shows mortality rates are two times higher in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. Findings published in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, soon to be called Arthritis & Rheumatology, indicate the higher mortality rates persisted after adjusting for age, positive rheumatoid factor, positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) use.
Getting excited helps with performance anxiety more than trying to calm down, study finds
People who tell themselves to get excited rather than trying to relax can improve their performance during anxiety-inducing activities such as public speaking and math tests, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.
Motor excitability predicts working memory
Humans with a high motor excitability have a better working memory than humans with a low excitability. This was shown in a study conducted by scientists from the Transfacultary Research Platform at the University of Basel. By measuring the motor excitability, conclusions can be drawn as to the general cortical excitability – as well as to cognitive performance.
Toy adverts still send out a sexist message
A study by researchers in Spain which analysed 595 toy advertisements broadcast on television at Christmas 2009, 2010 and 2011 showed that they promoted values that associate beauty with girls and strength and power with boys.
Feeling depressed may weigh on women
A Tulane University study of women working in Greater New Orleans area public schools found that symptoms of depression were linked to behaviors that can lead to overweight and obesity.
Attacking fungal infection, one of the world's major killers
Ask someone what the term 'fungus' brings to mind, and chances are it will be an image of something that smells or looks disgusting. Ask David Perlin, executive director of the Public Health Research Institute at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and the response will be far more somber – because he knows how deadly fungi can be.
Can applying messages to cigarettes dissuade us from smoking?
Two academics from Bangor University's renowned Business School have been applying their knowledge of marketing and managerial studies to investigate a new medium for getting the no-smoking message across- the cigarette itself.
How our brain assess bargains
It turns out that we may not be as good at bargain hunting and taking advantage of supermarket 'offers' as we think. That's according to early results from a study which brain-scanned people undertaking a 'virtual' supermarket shopping trip to buy party-food.
Underage youth exposed to alcohol advertising through social media
Researchers from RAND Europe and the University of Cambridge investigated the marketing campaigns of five alcohol companies – Fosters, Magners, Carling, Stella Artois and Tia Maria – to assess their use of social media websites for advertising. The researchers tried to determine whether children and young adults could be exposed to these campaigns.
Stress in the orchestra: Mood plays a part
Even professional orchestra musicians suffer from particular stress on the day of the concert and release more cortisol. For the first time it has now been possible to demonstrate that, amongst others, the enzyme myeloperoxidase, which is regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, plays a part in the stress reaction in musicians. This effect is however dampened by an emotional factor: this is because a good mood reduces the stress-induced release of myeloperoxidase.
First robotically assisted coronary stenting procedure performed at Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
The interventional cardiology team led by Ehtisham Mahmud, MD, FACC, at UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center (SCVC) has successfully completed the first two robotically-assisted coronary angioplasty/stent procedures in California. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) now have access to this new technology that puts the precision of a robot in the hands of interventional cardiologists during procedures to open clogged heart arteries.
Holiday feasting: U of T experts reflect on food, family gatherings
Holidays are a time for feasting: gathering around tables trembling under the heft of roasts and stews, foods from the year's harvest, the laboured-over results of family recipes, platters of trendy new taste experiments − or sometimes just simple, store-bought goodies.
Study: Baby boys love dolls more than trucks
(Medical Xpress)—New research from the University of Western Sydney shows baby boys prefer objects with faces over machines, challenging the theory of an innate preference among babies for 'girly' or 'macho' toys.
3.6 million Australian workers exposed to carcinogens
Australian researchers have found that a staggering 40 percent of workers are exposed to cancer-causing agents in their current jobs, with men at higher risk than women.
Explainer: What is heritability?
Schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and autism have all had recent attention for being "genetically caused".
More oesophageal cancer patients benefit from pre-op chemo than previously thought says study
More oesophageal cancer patients than previously thought are benefiting from having chemotherapy before an operation to remove their tumour, according to new research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.
Angelina Jolie's celebrity outshines breast cancer risks, study says
In announcing she carried the BRCA1 genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer, Jolie not only outlined her reasons for choosing the surgery, she also put a huge spotlight on the medical need for such genetic testing.
The science of pillow talk
It's the stuff spy movies are made of – the CIA operative and his or her lover, together in bed. In the afterglow, secrets are revealed, classified details leaked. As Hollywood would have us believe, it is during this interlude of "pillow talk" that people become less concerned about disclosing sensitive information.
A better approach to diagnosing autism
As the number of children with autism increases nationwide, the need for effective and consistent clinical diagnosis is growing. A statewide committee recently published new guidelines designed to ensure health professionals, educators, parents, and all involved in diagnosing a child with autism are using proven and consistent practices.
Infectious diarrhea germs stick to healthcare worker hands
A new study finds nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with Clostridium difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. The study was published in the January issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Antibiotics before heart surgery protect against infection
A new study found preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. The study was published in the January issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Inosine treatment safely elevates urate levels in Parkinson's disease patients
A clinical trial assessing the potential of the nutritional supplement inosine to treat Parkinson disease has found that the studied dosages successfully raised participants' levels of the antioxidant urate without producing serious side effects. Results of the two-year phase 2 trial – conducted by a consortium led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard School of Public Health, and the University of Rochester – are being published in JAMA Neurology. Several previous studies have suggested that urate elevation may reduce the risk of Parkinson disease or slow its progression.
Increase in consultations for Medicare patients before cataract surgery
Preoperative consultations before cataract surgery became more common for Medicare patients despite no clear guidelines about when to require such a service, hinting at unnecessary use of health care resources, according to a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine.
Drunk driving can make holiday season deadly
(HealthDay)—The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year on U.S. roads. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, as many as 900 people nationwide could die in crashes caused by drunk driving, safety officials report.
Child's case raises questions about tonsillectomies to treat sleep apnea
Tonsillectomies fell out of favor in the 1980s, but the procedure has become more common again to treat a new diagnosis - sleep apnea, a breathing disorder - but not without controversy. And the surgery is sure to attract renewed scrutiny because of 13-year-old Jahi McMath of Oakland, Calif., who suffered sudden bleeding from her nose and mouth and cardiac arrest after a Dec, 9 surgery intended to help with her sleeping problem.
Role of chronic medical conditions in readmissions
Researchers cite identification and monitoring of known underlying chronic medical conditions as opportunities to reduce readmission rates and improve patient safety.
Transitioning epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells enhances cardiac protectivity
Cell-based therapies have been shown to enhance cardiac regeneration, but autologous (patient self-donated) cells have produced only "modest results." In an effort to improve myocardial regeneration through cell transplantation, a research team from Germany has taken epithelial cells from placenta (amniotic epithelial cells, or AECs) and converted them into mesenchymal cells. After transplanting the transitioned cells into mice modelling a myocardial infarction, the researchers found that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was beneficial to cardiac regeneration by lowering infarct size. They concluded that EMT enhanced the cardioprotective effects of human AECs.
Beatboxing poses little risk of injury to voice
You might think that beatboxing, with its harsh, high-energy percussive sounds, would be harder on the voice than the sweet song of a soprano. But according to new research by voice expert Dr. H. Steven Sims of the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, beatboxing may actually be gentler on the injury-prone vocal cords. His findings were published Dec. 23 online in the Journal of Voice.
Study finds axon regeneration after Schwann cell graft to injured spinal cord
A study carried out at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for "The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis" has found that transplanting self-donated Schwann cells (SCs, the principal ensheathing cells of the nervous system) that are elongated so as to bridge scar tissue in the injured spinal cord, aids hind limb functional recovery in rats modeled with spinal cord injury.
Burden of heart disease, stroke quantified in united states
(HealthDay)—The burden of heart disease and stroke is considerable in the United States, according to a American Heart Association Statistical Update published online Dec. 18 in Circulation.
Revised checklist improves detection of autism in toddlers
(HealthDay)—The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) is an effective screening tool for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in low-risk toddlers, according to research published online Dec. 23 in Pediatrics.
Low vitamin B12 linked to postural orthostatic tachycardia
(HealthDay)—During adolescence, low vitamin B12 levels are associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), according to a study published online Dec. 23 in Pediatrics.
Hospital-diagnosed maternal infections linked to increased autism risk
Hospital-diagnosed maternal bacterial infections during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in children, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published Dec. 23 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Fewer than one in ten Canadians in ideal cardiovascular health
Fewer than 1 in 10 adult Canadians is in ideal cardiovascular health, according to the new CANHEART health index developed to measure heart health published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Making sad sense of child abuse
When a man in Israel was accused of sexually abusing his young daughter, it was hard for many people to believe—a neighbor reported seeing the girl sitting and drinking hot chocolate with her father every morning, laughing, smiling and looking relaxed. Such cases are not exceptional, however. Children react to sexual and physical abuse in unpredictable ways, making it hard to discern the clues.
Common antibiotic may combat dry eye disease
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye disease, which affects tens of millions of Americans. However, there is no FDA-approved treatment for MGD. Researchers from the Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School have just identified a potential therapy.
PDL-1 antibody could help immune system fight off influenza viral infection, study suggests
An antibody that blocks a component of a key signaling pathway in the respiratory airways could help the immune system rid the body of the influenza virus, a new study suggests. The findings, from a team at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, not only offer a new approach to treating the flu, but also add new information about how the immune system responds to respiratory viral infections.
Johns Hopkins review throws doubt on wound care treatment
A systematic review of 66 research papers focused on the treatment of skin ulcers suggests that most are so technically flawed that their results are unreliable. And even of those that pass muster, there is only weak evidence that some treatments work better than standard compression therapy or special stockings.
Obama symbolically signs up for Obamacare
US President Barack Obama has symbolically signed up for health insurance to promote his own controversial health care reform legislation, a White House official said Monday.
A novel look at how stories may change the brain
Many people can recall reading at least one cherished story that they say changed their life. Now researchers at Emory University have detected what may be biological traces related to this feeling: Actual changes in the brain that linger, at least for a few days, after reading a novel.
Genetics that protects your heart
(Medical Xpress)—Researchers have found a key piece of the puzzle as to why an isolated population in Greece may live healthy lives. They have found that a genetic variant known to protect the heart is 40 times more common in this small Greek population than in other European populations.
Genetic profiling tracks progression from manageable blood cancer into deadly disease
Genetic profiling has painted the clearest picture yet of how a type of blood cancer – follicular lymphoma – develops and changes from a manageable disease into an aggressive cancer, offering new targets for treatment, according to research published in Nature Genetics.
Researchers find ECT can rid the mind of selected memory
(Medical Xpress)—A team of researchers working in the Netherlands has found that partial selective memory deletion can be achieved using Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). In their paper published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, the team describes a memory experiment they conducted with the assistance of severely depressed people who had already consented to undergoing ECT and found that such treatment could be used to at least partially erase memories of a specified event.
Pregnant women need not avoid peanuts, evidence shows
Women need not fear that eating peanuts during pregnancy could cause their child to develop a peanut allergy, according to a new study from Boston Children's Hospital published online Dec. 23 in JAMA Pediatrics.
In men, high testosterone can mean weakened immune response to flu vaccine
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have linked high testosterone levels in men to a poor immune response to an influenza vaccine.
Gene that influences the ability to remember faces found
New findings suggest the oxytocin receptor, a gene known to influence mother-infant bonding and pair bonding in monogamous species, also plays a special role in the ability to remember faces. This research has important implications for disorders in which social information processing is disrupted, including autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the finding may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in several psychiatric disorders.
Gene therapy method targets tumor blood vessels
Working in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report developing a gene delivery method long sought in the field of gene therapy: a deactivated virus carrying a gene of interest that can be injected into the bloodstream and make its way to the right cells.
Genetic screening identifies genes driving resistance with a guide RNA library
Researchers have developed a method to create a comprehensive library of mutations across all genes in the mouse genome. This library can be used to examine the role of every gene in different cell types.
Study finds black women most likely to have high blood pressure
(HealthDay)—Black women in the United States are much more likely to have high blood pressure than black men or white women and men, according to a new study.
Study shows where Alzheimer's starts and how it spreads
Using high-resolution functional MRI (fMRI) imaging in patients with Alzheimer's disease and in mouse models of the disease, Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have clarified three fundamental issues about Alzheimer's: where it starts, why it starts there, and how it spreads. In addition to advancing understanding of Alzheimer's, the findings could improve early detection of the disease, when drugs may be most effective. The study was published today in the online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Biology news
Anti-whalers dismiss 'sham' Australian surveillance
Militant anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd on Monday dismissed as a "sham" Australian government plans to track Japan's annual whale hunt by air instead of by sea, saying it was a toothless and "cowardly" response.
Texas A&M breeder develops new sorghum variety for Central America
A new brown midrib sorghum variety will help small farming and livestock operations in Central America, according to its developer, Dr. Bill Rooney, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant breeder in College Station.
US tiger kills Malayan female on first mate
Zoo keepers are probing why a male Malayan tiger killed a four-year-old female tiger it had only just met, when they were brought together for breeding purposes in California.
Call for action in Nature to save the banana
For years, Panama disease has attacked banana plantations in Southeast Asia. After a recent outbreak in Jordan, the first outside of Asia, the devastating disease is now also present in Mozambique. Stephan Weise of Bioversity International and Gert Kema of Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) raised their concerns about the threat of Panama disease and the lack of funds to tackle the problem. They call for concerted action in the scientific journal Nature to prevent further dissemination of Panama disease that has destroyed thousands of hectares of banana plantations. Time is pressing.
Wheat hybrid holds potential for drenched, saline conditions
Wheat tolerance to salinity and waterlogging has been improved through genetic cross-breeding, according to a study by UWA scientists.
Scientists identify top conservation threats and opportunities
Governments being forced to choose between preventing climate change or averting a financial crisis, carbon solar cells as an alternative source of energy and accelerated loss of rhinos and elephants are among 15 conservation issues scientists say may become significant in 2014.
Worldwide appeal finds last remaining Madagascan fish
Aquarists at ZSL London Zoo are celebrating the phenomenal success of a worldwide appeal to find a female mate for a critically-endangered fish species – after a small population was found in remote Madagascar.
Meet the enemy of killer fungus that turns ants into zombies
One of most famous fungi in the world is the "zombie ant fungus". It takes over the mind of an ant, causing it to climb up a branch and cling to the underside of a leaf before mummification. Once locked in place, the mushroom-like fruiting body of the cordyceps sprouts from the ant and eventually releases its spores.
Slippery bark protects trees from pine beetle attack, study finds
Trees with smoother bark are better at repelling attacks by mountain pine beetles, which have difficulty gripping the slippery surface, according to a new study by the University of Colorado Boulder.
'Be different or die' does not drive evolution
A new study has found that species living together are not forced to evolve differently to avoid competing with each other, challenging a theory that has held since Darwin's Origin of Species.
Scientists make significant step forward in biofuels quest
Scientists at the University of York have made a significant step in the search to develop effective second generation biofuels. Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at York have discovered a family of enzymes that can degrade hard-to-digest biomass into its constituent sugars.
"Social" bacteria cooperate to hunt for food and survive under harsh conditions
When considering the behavior of bacteria, the word "social" doesn't often come to mind.
New look inside cell nucleus could improve cancer diagnostics
Researchers have successfully isolated and sequenced the entire messenger RNA – the "genetic photocopies" – contained in the nucleus of a single brain cell. This research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, will help researchers better understand how organs function in health and disease and provide another stepping stone toward personalized medicine.
The effects of physical sensations on fear behaviors in zebrafish
In humans, massages are used for stress relief and relaxation. Tight wraps called Thundershirts can be used on dogs to reduce anxiety from thunderstorms or separation, and giant rolling brush machines are used in the milk industry to calm and comfort dairy cows. Physical touch can have some beneficial roles, but who knew that fish respond to touch, too?
Mongooses synchronize births to escape despotic females
Some mammals may have evolved to synchronise births as a way of evading the threat of infanticide, according to a study led by the University of Exeter.
Holiday magic? Reindeer eyes change from gold to blue at Christmas
Rudolph the fictional reindeer was famous for his oddly colored nose, but his true-life cousins have eyes that change color depending on the season.
Scientists find new ghost ant genus and species: Discovery sheds light on origins of agriculture
Attine ants make up a group of more than 240 known ant species that pioneered agriculture well before humans and nearly all other organisms in the history of life. They evolved more than 50 million years ago, growing elaborate fungal gardens as a source of food within nests for their colonies. Scientists at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History discovered a new genus and species of attine ants that reveals key clues in the mystery of ant agriculture evolution. A description of the new species, Cyatta abscondita, was published in the Nov. 15 issue of the journal PLoS ONE.
Cone snails are for life and not just at Christmas
Those who fly to tropical shores this Christmas in search of sea and sun may be unaware that an exotic shell picked from the beach could potentially bring relief to many thousands of people suffering life-threatening illnesses.
Walking the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common
A mathematical pattern of movement called a Lévy walk describes the foraging behavior of animals from sharks to honey bees, and now for the first time has been shown to describe human hunter-gatherer movement as well. The study, led by University of Arizona anthropologist David Raichlen, was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
How plants evolved to weather the cold
A team of researchers studying plants has assembled the largest dated evolutionary tree, using it to show the order in which flowering plants evolved specific strategies, such as the seasonal shedding of leaves, to move into areas with cold winters. The researchers, including University of Minnesota professor Peter Reich, will publish their findings Sunday, Dec. 22 in the journal Nature.
This email is a free service of Science X network.
You received this email because you subscribed to our list.
If you no longer want to receive this email use the link below to unsubscribe.
https://sciencex.com/profile/nwletter/
You are subscribed as jmabs1@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment