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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for December 24, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Molecular mitigation: Deleting microRNA-155 reduces autoimmune response- Carbon dioxide study adds to picture of global carbon cycle
- Indonesia cave reveals history of ancient tsunamis
- New genetic screening test for Lynch Syndrome
- Study: Toys, books, cribs can harbor bacteria for long periods
- Super rich benefit from 'status quo bias'
- Researchers bring radio-frequency identification technology to the supply chain
- The brain also produces the sex hormone oestrogen
- Changes in gene explain more of inherited risk for rare disease
- Researchers open new possibilities for characterizing nanoparticle interactions
- Variation in land-use intensity leads to higher biodiversity
- Electric-blue clouds appear over Antarctica
- 3M teams with Cambrios to produce silver nanowire ink for touch displays
- New circuit design allows for elimination of laptop charger brick
- Study highlights snowball effect of overfishing
Astronomy & Space news
Astronauts poised for second spacewalk to repair station
Two American astronauts prepared to step out Tuesday on a rare Christmas Eve spacewalk to wrap up repairs to the cooling system at the International Space Station, NASA said.
Yutu moon rover sets sail for breathtaking new adventures
China's now famous 'Yutu' moon rover has set sail for what promises to be breathtaking new adventures on Earth's nearest neighbor, after completing a final joint portrait session with the Chang'e-3 lander that safely deposited her on the lunar surface only a week ago.
Mars Express heading towards daring flyby of Phobos (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) —Late this month, ESA's Mars Express will make the closest flyby yet of the Red Planet's largest moon Phobos, skimming past at only 45 km above its surface.
NASA astronauts step out on Christmas Eve spacewalk (Update 3)
Two NASA astronauts stepped out Tuesday on a rare Christmas Eve spacewalk to wrap up repairs to an equipment cooling system at the International Space Station.
Electric-blue clouds appear over Antarctica
Data from NASA's AIM spacecraft show that noctilucent clouds are like a great "geophysical light bulb." They turn on every year in late spring, reaching almost full intensity over a period of no more than 5 to 10 days.
Technology news
Target: Justice Dept. investigates its data breach (Update)
Target Corp. said on Monday that the Department of Justice is investigating the credit and debit card security breach at the retailer that's being called the second largest incident in U.S. history.
NSA leaker: 'Mission's already accomplished'
National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden said his "mission's already accomplished" after revealing NSA secrets that have caused a reassessment of U.S. surveillance policies
With selfies, the world turns the camera on itself
Stuck on a ledge halfway up a 3,000-foot (1,000-meter) cliff in Oman, his climbing rope sliced in two by sharp rocks, Jimmy Chin did what anyone else would have done in his predicament.
NY man's 10,607 video games secure Guinness title
A New York man is the newly crowned world record holder for having the largest collection of video games.
How safe are your online memories?
How many of your cherished memories, and even important work documents, only exist online? Taken together, photo and video sharing sites, blogging and microblogging sites, as well as social media, have formed an online space that has changed the way people share information. But how much of the work we do, or the memories we have captured, will still be there in a few years?
Achieving optimal online marketing through cutting edge analysis
Spending on internet advertising recently surpassed newspaper spending, with heavy investment in non-traditional social media marketing programmes. This highlights the fact that businesses - large and small - are beginning to tap into the unique communicative power of social media.
How smartphone tech could change behavior
Funneling a steady stream of diversions straight to your pocket, smartphones are often cast as the ultimate distractors. But a University of Michigan engineering professor sees potential for them to be something quite the opposite.
Solar house energy analysis shows 71 percent energy savings
(Phys.org) —The energy efficiencies of a solar house could result in significant energy savings, according to research by an undergraduate engineering student at Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Advancing privacy and security in the cloud
IBM inventors have received a patent for a breakthrough data encryption technique that is expected to further data privacy and strengthen cloud computing security.
Bright ideas chase investor dollars at forum
A company that can generate electricity using low-temperature waste heat was the big winner at the recent 26th annual Industry Growth Forum in downtown Denver, a gathering of people who have no qualms about making money while helping to build a more sustainable world.
Scientists build ion-selective membrane for ultra-stable lithium sulfur batteries
Advanced energy storage systems are highly desired to fill the gap between currently available battery systems and high performance electronic devices or even electric vehicles. As the commonly-used lithium ion battery systems are approaching their theoretical energy density value, lithium-sulfur batteries are considered to be one promising candidate, exhibiting much higher theoretical energy density at 2600 Wh/kg (around 3-5 times that of the lithium ion batteries). However, the practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries are hindered by the complexity of this electrochemical system, especially the insulate nature of sulfur and the so called "shuttle effect", which means the diffusion and reaction of the cathode intermediate polysulfide with the anode side.
Top 10 tech gadgets of 2013
Wearable gadgets, curved smartphones and new game consoles defined technology in 2013. That's why it's no surprise they make up the bulk of our top 10 devices of the year.
Banks see dividends from high-tech investments
Meeting with your banker has taken on a whole new meaning at UMB Bank's Kirkwood, Mo. branch, where a robot and computer monitor are used to conduct some account services.
Computerizing people may be next step in tech
It's likely the world in the not-so-distant future will be increasingly populated by computerized people like Amal Graafstra.
Review: Nokia's new 2520 tablet is one to avoid
Nokia recently released its first-ever Windows tablet, the Lumia 2520. After testing the device, I wonder why Nokia bothered.
US a laggard in adopting more secure credit cards
The massive data breach at Target last week has again highlighted how the United States remains a relatively insecure backwater when it comes to credit-card technology.
Monster looks to rebuild brand after loss of Beats
It's been a tough couple of years for Monster. The audio cable company was in a coveted position as the decade began after launching what became the hottest headphones on the market, Beats by Dre. The audio devices had hip-hop/production legend Dr. Dre as a namesake and soon became synonymous with headphone chic. Celebrities like LeBron James, Diddy, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber launched their own signature Beats by Dre lines, and a host of other performers, athletes and entertainers became unofficial representatives as the most famous faces on the planet sported Beats on their ears.
How effective are renewable energy subsidies? Maybe not effective as originally thoughts, finds news study
(Phys.org) —Renewable energy subsidies have been a politically popular program over the past decade. These subsidies have led to explosive growth in wind power installations across the United States, especially in the Midwest and Texas.
New circuit design allows for elimination of laptop charger brick
(Phys.org) —Power electronics maker FINsix Corporation has announced the development of what is being called the world's smallest laptop adaptor—one that is just a quarter the size of traditional models and just a sixth the weight—it comes as a standard wall plug, eliminating the "box on the ground" format so familiar to laptop users.
Researchers bring radio-frequency identification technology to the supply chain
In 2000, five MIT Media Lab alumni co-founded ThingMagic to help bring radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology—wireless readers and data-transmitting tags—to the supply chain. This meant companies would be able to track products, from the warehouse to delivery.
Medicine & Health news
Tretten approved for genetic clotting disorder
(HealthDay)—Tretten (coagulation factor XIII A-Subunit recombinant) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat a very rare blood clotting disorder called congenital Factor XIII A-Subunit deficiency.
Last-minute insurance shoppers get one-day extension
The Obama administration extended Monday's deadline for signing up for health insurance by a day, giving Americans in 36 states more time to select a plan.
China investigates vaccine maker after baby deaths (Update)
China sent health experts to investigate a drug maker Tuesday to see if several recent deaths of babies were related to a vaccine they received in a government immunization program.
California family celebrates three heart transplants
Deanna Kremis remembers the exhilarating day her young sons first had the energy to race each other up a flight of stairs.
Genetic clue to fighting new strains of flu
(Medical Xpress)—Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a genetic marker that can accurately predict which patients will experience more severe disease in a new strain of influenza (H7N9) currently found in China.
Using maths, researchers seek to improve success in transplants
Given that 10.5% of patients who receive a transplant reject the new organ, researchers at the Center of Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav) are working in the design of a tool capable of preventing this problem. The process consists in knowing the type of proteins in charge of metabolizing the drugs (enzymes) for each patient which would, helped by a mathematical model, allow to establish the exact dose needed of the immunosuppressive drugs required.
British surgeon suspended for 'branding initials on liver'
A British surgeon has been suspended over allegations that he "branded" his initials onto a patient's liver, media reported on Tuesday.
Experts lay out options for menopause symptoms
(HealthDay)—Women bothered by hot flashes or other effects of menopause have a number of treatment options—hormonal or not, according to updated guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
USPSTF supports counseling, BRCA tests for at-risk women
(HealthDay)—Nine of 10 women do not need and should not receive genetic testing to see if they are at risk for breast or ovarian cancer, an influential panel of health experts announced Monday.
US adults want physicians managing their health care
(HealthDay)—U.S. adults prefer physicians to non-physicians for health care and would choose a physician to lead their medical team, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Too few Americans aware of their high blood pressure
(HealthDay)—High blood pressure is a preventable and treatable risk factor for heart attack and stroke, but about one-quarter of adults don't know they have it, according to a large new study.
$100 mln deal agreed over US meningitis outbreak
The owners and insurers of a bankrupt pharmacy at the center of a deadly US meningitis outbreak have reached a tentative agreement to pay more than $100 million to compensate victims, US media reported Tuesday.
Chinese woman gave birth to twins at 60
A Chinese woman had twin girls at the age of 60 following IVF treatment after her only child died, making her possibly the oldest person in the country to give birth, state media reported Tuesday.
Nuts pack nutritional benefits
Did you know that nuts may help you live longer?
Research suggests exercise reduces disease risk among Hispanic population
(Medical Xpress)—Over time, exposure to stress can cause wear and tear on the body. Referred to as allostatic load, this measure of stress exposure can indicate an increased risk for a number of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. University of Georgia researchers found physical activity reduces those risks among a Hispanic population.
Big strides in battle against pediatric AIDS
(HealthDay)—The effect that AIDS is having on American kids has improved greatly in recent years, thanks to effective drugs and prevention methods. The same cannot be said, however, for children worldwide.
Mother-daughter team preaches the gospel of HIV prevention
(HealthDay)—Fortunata Kasege was just 22 years old and several months pregnant when she and her husband came to the United States from Tanzania in 1997. She was hoping to earn a college degree in journalism before returning home.
Prolonged exposure therapy found beneficial in treating adolescent girls with PTSD
Researchers at Penn Medicine report in the December 25 issue of JAMA that a modified form of prolonged exposure therapy – in which patients revisit and recount aloud their trauma-related thoughts, feelings and situations – shows greater success than supportive counseling for treating adolescent PTSD patients who have been sexually abused.
Widely-used anti-inflammatory drug shows success in treatment of amyloidosis
A recent study led by researchers from the Amyloidosis Center at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) demonstrates that diflunisal, a generic anti-inflammatory drug, successfully reduced neurological decline and preserved the quality of life in patients with familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Diflunisal is an inexpensive and safe medication marketed over the past 40 years for arthritis and pain.
Adding cognitive behavioral therapy to treatment of pediatric migraine improves relief of symptoms
Among children and adolescents with chronic migraine, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resulted in greater reductions in headache frequency and migraine-related disability compared with headache education, according to a study appearing in the December 25 issue of JAMA.
Proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for HIV and STIs declines
A survey of opioid treatment programs finds that the proportion offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) declined substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing in all health care settings, according to a study appearing in the December 25 issue of JAMA.
Use of antidepressant does not improve symptoms from stomach disorder
Among patients with idiopathic (of unknown cause) gastroparesis, use of the antidepressant nortriptyline compared with placebo for 15 weeks did not result in improvement in overall symptoms, according to a study appearing in the December 25 issue of JAMA. Gastroparesis is a disease of the muscles of the stomach or the nerves controlling the muscles that causes the muscles to stop working, which can result in inadequate grinding of food by the stomach and poor emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine.
Radiotherapy is less often used by breast cancer patients with young children
Radiotherapy (RT) after breast conserving surgery (BCS) has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence. However, although younger women tend to have more aggressive tumors and have higher risks of recurrence than older BC patients, they are less likely to receive RT after BCS, according to a study published December 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Although treatment patterns among older BC patients have been well-studied, factors affecting non-compliance among younger women are not well-known.
Take note, students: Mice that 'cram' for exams remember less
It's been more than 100 years since German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus determined that learning interspersed with rest created longer-lasting memories than cramming, or learning without rest.
First estimates of country-specific global salt intake identified
The global average salt intake in 2010 was around 10 grams per person per day, corresponding to 4 grams per day of sodium, according to a study published today in the BMJ Open. The study also reveals major regional variations around this global average.
Researchers identify variation in gene PLD3 can increase risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease
(Medical Xpress)—A new study, part-funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Wellcome Trust and Alzheimer's Research UK, has shown that a fault in a gene called phospholipase D3 (PLD3) can contribute to the overproduction of amyloid-beta in the brain. Increased levels of this chemical are associated with an increased chance of developing Alzheimer's disease and the results show that, in certain cases, this can double an individual's risk.
Face lab psychologists develop average face of Doctor Who
Millions of Dr Who fans are set to be gripped as the latest incarnation of the famous Time Lord is unveiled on Christmas Day.
New genetic screening test for Lynch Syndrome
People at high risk of cancer of the bowel and womb due to a genetic condition will receive a more accurate diagnosis as a result of a new model developed by a team of international scientists.
Study: Toys, books, cribs can harbor bacteria for long periods
(Medical Xpress)—Numerous scientific studies have concluded that two common bacteria that cause colds, ear infections, strep throat and more serious infections cannot live for long outside the human body. So conventional wisdom has long held that these bacteria won't linger on inanimate objects like furniture, dishes or toys.
The brain also produces the sex hormone oestrogen
The female sex hormone oestrogen can be produced and released from the brain as well as the ovaries, according to a study.
Changes in gene explain more of inherited risk for rare disease
(Medical Xpress)—Changes to a gene called LZTR1 predispose people to develop a rare disorder where multiple tumors called schwannomas form near nerve pathways, according to a study published today in the journal Nature Genetics and led by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Researchers identify risks for death from H7N9 avian flu virus
(Medical Xpress)—Since March 2013, the avian flu virus H7N9 has infected 134 people and caused 44 deaths. Among those infected, many, but not all, patients develop severe symptoms, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), that can eventually result in death. Until now, scientists have not understood why the disease affects some more severely than others. Peter Doherty and his colleagues have found that patients with high levels of certain cytokines are more likely to suffer severe lung and airway damage than patients with lower levels of these cytokines. They also discovered that patients who carry a particular variant of the gene that codes for the protein IFITM3 are more likely to suffer severe symptoms and to die than patients with other versions of the gene. The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Molecular mitigation: Deleting microRNA-155 reduces autoimmune response
(Medical Xpress)—While our immune system protects us from myriad bacterial and viral attacks by producing antigen-specific antibodies, this process can sometimes go awry. In such cases, the antibodies target cells and tissues of our own bodies, leading to autoimmunity and a resulting autoimmune disease, examples of which include Type I diabetes, psoriasis and lupus. (Lupus produces antibodies that attack primarily the kidneys.) Recently, scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School demonstrated that ablating the regulatory molecule microRNA-155 (also referred to as miR-155), which normally promotes antibody production, prevents harmful antibody production and thereby alleviates lupus-like disease in laboratory mice. The researchers say that their results suggest the possibility of targeting microRNA-155 to treat autoimmune diseases.
Biology news
Simple and effective resource efficiency measures along the food supply chain
An EU project has shown that it is possible to reduce water consumption in fruit farming by over 40% while still maintaining the same quality and yield. This was the chief finding of the RESFOOD project's first field trial of blackberry growth in soilless crops.
Exciting finds in Scottish underwater surveys
What has been described as the 'UK's biggest and best known example' of an unusual marine habitat has been found in a Scottish loch during surveys carried out by scientists from Heriot-Watt, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
Mining threatens Sami reindeer herding in Sweden
As winter approaches, the Samis of northern Sweden move thousands of reindeer down from the snow-covered mountains for lowland grazing. They have done so for centuries, but they wonder how much longer they can continue.
Indonesia builds sanctuary to save world's rarest rhino
On a leaf-covered dirt path overlooking lush paddy fields in western Indonesia, the world's rarest rhino had left a trail of hoofprints in the soft mud and bite marks on foliage.
Fish can sneak through electric barrier into Lake Michigan
The electric barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal that is considered the last line of defense to stop an Asian carp invasion of Lake Michigan has a problem: Fish can swim through it.
More research needed into Roebuck Bay feeding grounds
Scientists at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research have been sampling Roebuck Bay's benthic marine life, as part of a larger study of migrating shorebirds.
Scientists highlight the resurrection of extinct animals as both a strong possibility and a major potential conservation
(Phys.org) —Scientists from across the world have "scanned the horizon" in order to identify potentially significant medium and long-term threats to conservation efforts.
Piglets glow green, thanks to cytoplasmic injection reproductive technique
(Phys.org) —Along with red, green is the color of this holiday season. And bright green is showing up in more than just decorations. In Guangdong Province in Southern China, ten transgenic piglets have been born this year, six of them since August, and under a black light, they glow a greenish tint.
Variation in land-use intensity leads to higher biodiversity
If grassland is managed intensively, biodiversity typically declines. A new study led by Bernese plant ecologists shows that it is rare species that suffer the most. These negative effects could be reduced, if farmers varied the intensity of their land use between years.
Study highlights snowball effect of overfishing
Florida State University researchers have spearheaded a major review of fisheries data that examines the domino effect that occurs when too many fish are harvested from one habitat.
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