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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for January 3, 2014:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- What can slime molds offer computing?- Brain in a box: Computer R&D teams explore new models
- Researchers find dogs sensitive to small variations in Earth's magnetic field
- Telecommunications expert suggests Earth may have dark matter disc
- Scientists harness the sun to help sharks
- Pregnancy tops list of most google-searched symptoms
- Despite quantum's gains, standard computers still rule
- Sex matters for microbes
- Supercomputers join search for 'cheapium'
- The entropy of nations: Global energy inequality lessens, but for how long?
- Tomb of ancient Egyptian beer brewer unearthed
- NSA eyes encryption-breaking 'quantum' machine
- Private american rockets blast open 2014 & commercial space race with big bangs on jan. 6 & 7
- Odor receptors discovered in lungs
- Research may unlock enzyme's role in disease
Astronomy & Space news
Comets prospects for 2014: A look into the crystal ball
As 2014 opens, most of the half dozen comets traversing the morning and evening sky are faint and require detailed charts and a good-sized telescope to see and appreciate. Except for Comet Lovejoy. This gift to beginner and amateur astronomers alike keeps on giving. But wait, there's more. Three additional binocular-bright comets will keep us busy starting this spring.
First 2014 asteroid discovered
Early Wednesday morning (Jan. 1, 2014), while New Year's 2014 celebrations were still underway in the United States, the Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Ariz., collected a single track of observations with an immediate follow-up on what was possibly a very small asteroid—7 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) in size—on a potential impact trajectory with Earth.
Private american rockets blast open 2014 & commercial space race with big bangs on jan. 6 & 7
The status quo in space flight operations is no more. Private American rockets are leading the charge of overdue change into the innovative 'Commercial Space Race' by blasting 2014 open with a pair of 'Big Bang fireworks' just a day apart on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7.
Technology news
Snapchat: Will make app more secure
(AP)—Snapchat says it plans to put out a more secure version of its application following a breach that allowed hackers to collect the usernames and phone numbers of some 4.6 million of its users.
FireEye buys firm that tied cyberattacks to China
(AP)—FireEye Inc. said Thursday it has acquired Mandiant Corp., the firm that linked years of cyberattacks against U.S. companies to a secret Chinese military unit.
Desert dwellers and 'bots reveal physics of movement
Physicist Daniel Goldman and his fellow researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology shed light on a relatively unexplored subject—how organisms such as sea turtles and lizards move on (or within) sand.
Facebook faces suit for data mining 'private' messages
Facebook has been hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging the social networking behemoth gleans data from purportedly private messages, in violation of users' rights.
Academics petition for end to 'blanket surveillance'
More than 250 academics from around the world signed an online petition this week calling for an end to "blanket mass surveillance" by intelligence agencies.
US library offers glimpse of bookless future
(AP)—The future of the public library looks a lot like an Apple Store. Rows of glossy iMacs and iPads beckon. Hundreds of other tablets stand ready for checkout to anyone with a borrowing card.
NSA eyes encryption-breaking 'quantum' machine
The US National Security Agency is making strides toward building a "quantum computer" that could break nearly any kind of encryption, The Washington Post reported Thursday.
The entropy of nations: Global energy inequality lessens, but for how long?
The 18th century writer Adam Smith provided a workable metaphor for the way society utilizes resources. In his book "The Wealth of Nations," he argued that even as individuals strive, through personal industry, to maximize their advantage in life, they inadvertently contribute—-as if under the influence of a "hidden hand"—-to an aggregate disposition of wealth. Well, if Smith were a physicist and alive in the 21st century he might be tempted to compare people or nations to molecules and to replace the phrase "hidden hand" with "thermodynamic process."
Brain in a box: Computer R&D teams explore new models
Beyond technology headlines announcing new wearable designs, curved displays and 3D printing machines, there is another research path. Researchers continue to explore how computers may learn from their own mistakes, which in and of itself will turn the chapter in the way humans interact with machines.
Medicine & Health news
New surgical 'smart patch' for shoulder injury to be tested
An innovative 'surgical patch' that promotes rapid regrowth of tendon tissue could transform the success of shoulder repair operations.
New study to ensure justice for life prisoners across globe
In the first study of its kind researchers are to examine life imprisonment on an international scale. The work will be led by Professor Dirk Van Zyl Smit – an expert in penal law and life imprisonment at The University of Nottingham.
Painful foot osteoarthritis affects one in six over 50s
New research from Keele has shown painful foot osteoarthritis to be more common than previously thought, impacting one in six UK adults over the age of 50 - more than 3.5 million. The large-scale study has shown the disease has a significant impact on the lives of people affected, such as reducing the ability to perform simple everyday tasks.
Adding a new baby to plan not easy
(AP)—Another quirk has surfaced with the Obama administration's new health insurance system: There's no easy way to update your coverage for a new baby and other common life events.
Doctors experienced with using EHRs say they add value for patients
A new study in Health Services Research finds nearly three-quarters of physicians using electronic health records (EHRs) in 2011 said there were clinical benefits when patients' medical histories were kept in digital files. The study focused on doctors' perceptions of clinical benefits to patient care when EHRs were in place.
Worsening of shortage of residency slots feared
(HealthDay)—Despite a looming physician shortage, the number of residency positions in the United States has not changed since 1996, creating a bottleneck that will become worse with further budget cuts, according to a blog post published Dec. 7 on KevinMD.com.
Positive outcomes with improved hemorrhoidectomy information
(HealthDay)—For patients undergoing day-case hemorrhoidectomy, improved quality of patient information is associated with positive outcomes, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Journal of Healthcare Quality.
New tool assesses quality of work relationships in the clinic
(HealthDay)—The Work Relationships Scale (WRS) seems to be a valid tool for measuring the quality of relationships in primary care settings, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
US, religious groups debate birth control coverage
(AP)—The Obama administration on Friday urged a Supreme Court justice to stop blocking the new health care law's requirement that some religious-affiliated groups provide health insurance that includes birth control.
Researchers create online colorectal cancer risk calculator
January 3, 2014, Cleveland: Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have developed a new tool called CRC-PRO that allows physicians to quickly and accurately predict an individual's risk of colorectal cancer, as published in the current edition of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Study explaining parasite gene expression could help fight toxoplasmosis and malaria
A newly identified protein and other proteins it interacts with could become effective targets for new drugs to control the parasite that cause toxoplasmosis, researchers led by investigators at Indiana University School of Medicine have reported.
How 'slippers' can end mascara irritation
An end to mascara testing on animals could be in sight thanks to tiny organisms nicknamed 'slipper' and 'eyelash'.
South African trauma center launches portable electronic trauma health record application
Electronic health records (EHRs) have become standard practice throughout hospitals in North America, but in countries with fewer resources many front-line clinicians are still collecting data on paper, if they are collecting it at all. But now, surgeons from Vancouver, British Columbia, have developed a way for their peers at a Level I trauma center in South Africa to accurately collect and analyze trauma care data via an iPad app. The study is published in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Researchers report technique that enables patient with 'word blindness' to read again
In the journal Neurology, researchers report a novel technique that enables a patient with "word blindness" to read again.
Recurrent ovarian cancers respond to cancer vaccine after 'reprogramming' with decitabine
Treatment with the drug decitabine prior to administration of chemotherapy and a cancer vaccine yielded clinical benefit for women with recurrent ovarian cancer, suggesting that this combinatorial chemoimmunotherapy may provide a new treatment option for patients with this disease, according to a study published in Cancer Immunology Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Smoking affects the heart, lungs ... and bones
As the new year begins, many people will resolve to quit smoking. Although most smokers realize the habit isn't good for their hearts and lungs, Washington University orthopaedic surgeons remind them that lung and heart health aren't the only reasons to quit. Smoking complicates bone healing, too.
Genetic mutation causes lupus in mice
Yale researchers have identified a genetic mutation that leads to lupus in mice. The discovery could open the way for development of therapies that target the mutation. The study appears in Cell Reports.
Five minute saliva test to identify smokers rolled out to health schemes
Smokers who need extra incentives to quit the cigarettes this new year should take note that even private health insurance premiums may be reduced if they can prove they have stopped for good – and with the aid of a pioneering test from the University of Birmingham, the proof can be easy to acquire.
China denies vaccine killed babies: report
China's health authorities have found no link between a hepatitis B vaccine and the deaths of 17 children shortly after they were immunised, state media reported Friday.
USDA allows more meat, grains in school lunches
(AP)—The Agriculture Department says it's making permanent rules that allow schools to serve larger portions of lean meat and whole grains in school lunches and other meals.
Your gut's what you eat, too
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. But new evidence suggests that the same may also be true for the microbes in your gut.
CBT is not an effective treatment for symptoms of schizophrenia
Health organisations around the world recommend a form of psychotherapy, known as cognitive-behavioural therapy or CBT, for patients with schizophrenia. Now, however, the most extensive study ever undertaken into its effect on the symptoms of the disorder finds little impact, according to a team of international researchers.
Fear of childbirth predicts postpartum depression
Expectant women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at an increased risk of postpartum depression, according to a study of over 500,000 mothers in Finland. Women with a history of depression are at the highest risk of postpartum depression. The fact that fear of childbirth puts women without a history of depression at an approximately three times higher risk of postpartum depression is a new observation which may help health care professionals in recognising postpartum depression. The results were published recently in BMJ Open.
Higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy could help babies become stronger
Children are likely to have stronger muscles if their mothers had a higher level of vitamin D in their body during pregnancy, according to new research from the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit (MRC LEU) at the University of Southampton.
Obesity ballooning in developing world: report
The number of obese and overweight people in the developing world nearly quadrupled to almost a billion between 1980 and 2008, a think-tank report said Friday.
A little respect for skin pickers, hair pullers
Do you pick your skin until your arms are pitted with scabs? Bite your nails down to bloody nubs? Tear the calluses off your heels until walking is painful?
Impact of transitions in doctors' careers discussed
(HealthDay)—Transitions and their associated challenges are encountered throughout a doctors' medical career, according to an editorial published online Nov. 26 in BMJ.
Isotonic fluids safer for pediatric maintenance IV therapy
(HealthDay)—For children requiring maintenance intravenous (IV) fluids, isotonic fluids are safer than hypotonic fluids in terms of plasma sodium (pNa) levels, according to a meta-analysis published online Dec. 30 in Pediatrics.
Patient experience of service quality predicts CRC survival
(HealthDay)—For patients with colorectal cancer, satisfaction with quality of care is associated with survival, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Journal for Healthcare Quality.
Few persons with metabolic syndrome adhere to nutrition recommendations
Adherence to dietary recommendations is weak among people suffering from metabolic syndrome or having increased risk for metabolic syndrome, according to the Nordic SYSDIET study led by the University of Eastern Finland. In most cases, the diet is too high in salt and saturated fat, and too low in dietary fibre and unsaturated fat. Furthermore, many don't have a sufficient intake of vitamin D. Metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly widespread, and it is associated with an elevated risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. From the viewpoint of the prevention of these diseases, adherence to dietary recommendations is of vital importance for those belonging to this risk group.
Scientists make advance in cancer research
A protein that has been at the centre of cancer drug design for the last 20 years should not be given up on according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The most advanced version of αvβ3-integrin antagonists failed clinical trials to treat aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Parkinson's patients utilization of deep brain stimulation treatment reduced in demographic groups
Among Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, female, black, Asian and patients are substantially less likely to receive proven deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to improve tremors and motor symptoms, according to a new report by a Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania researcher who identified considerable disparities among Medicare recipients receiving DBS for Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Neurology, found that patients from neighborhoods of lower socioeconomic status were less likely to receive DBS, regardless of race or sex. And patients of minority-serving physician practices were also less likely to receive DBS, irrespective of race. The study demonstrates a need to adjust policy and incentives to provide state of the art care for all Parkinson's patients.
H1N1 flu claims five lives in Canada's Alberta province
An H1N1 flu outbreak in Alberta has sickened nearly 1,000 people and killed five, the Canadian province's health minister said Friday, urging everyone to get vaccinated.
Stimulating brain cells stops binge drinking, animal study finds
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found a way to change alcohol drinking behavior in rodents, using the emerging technique of optogenetics, which uses light to stimulate neurons.
Odor receptors discovered in lungs
Your nose is not the only organ in your body that can sense cigarette smoke wafting through the air. Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Iowa have showed that your lungs have odor receptors as well.
Studies of a skin color gene across global populations reveal shared origins
All instances of a gene mutation that contributes to light skin color in Europeans came from the same chromosome of one person who most likely lived at least 10,000 years ago, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.
Pregnancy tops list of most google-searched symptoms
(HealthDay)—The top 10 most Google-searched symptoms in 2013 included those for pregnancy, influenza, and diabetes, but not those for cancer or heart disease, according to an article published Dec. 18 in Medical Economics.
Biology news
Multi-hybrid planter to advance precision ag research
When plant scientist Peter Sexton needed a new row-crop planter at the Beresford research farm, he looked to the future—in terms of equipment and networking.
Risks outweigh benefits of raw meat-based diets for pets
Feeding pets raw meat has become increasingly popular, especially with the availability of more commercial products and home-prepared recipes, but it's a polarizing issue. Enthusiasts claim it's a healthier, more natural diet for dogs and cats, yet the American Animal Hospital Association and American Veterinary Medical Association have discouraged the inclusion of raw and undercooked meats in pet food, citing a potential for food-borne illness for both the pet and humans who are in contact with the pet.
Artificial anchor secures seagrass rehabilitation efforts
Murdoch University marine scientists report a successful method for re-establishing the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica at Shoalwater Bay, off Rockingham.
Knut the polar bear's medical legacy
Keeping wild animals is an important component of the mission of zoos to educate the public and preserve endangered species. When animals die, tracking the potential cause becomes an investigation of pathogens from around the world. This is because zoo animals are not only potentially exposed to pathogens occurring where the zoo is located, but also to those pathogens harboured by other zoo animals. In other words: the diagnostic challenge is enormous.
25 years of DNA on the computer
DNA carries out its activities "diluted" in the cell nucleus. In this state it synthesises proteins and, even though it looks like a messy tangle of thread, in actual fact its structure is governed by precise rules that are important for it to carry out its functions. Biologists have studied DNA by observing it experimentally with a variety of techniques, which have only recently been supplemented by research in silico, that is to say, the study of DNA by means of computer simulations.
Important mutation discovered in dairy cattle
Scientists have discovered a mutation with a built-in dilemma for dairy cattle breeders. The deleted gene sequence has a positive effect on milk yield but causes embryonic death in dairy cattle.
US opens door to new herbicide-resistant seeds
(AP)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened the door Friday to commercial sales of corn and soybean seeds genetically engineered to resist the weed killer 2,4-D, which is best known as an ingredient in the Vietnam War-era herbicide Agent Orange.
More protection for the big ones
Many popular measures to combat overfishing help conserve mostly small juvenile fish. The results from a set of international studies may now revolutionise fishing regulations.
Amber fossil reveals ancient reproduction in flowering plants
A 100-million-year old piece of amber has been discovered which reveals the oldest evidence of sexual reproduction in a flowering plant – a cluster of 18 tiny flowers from the Cretaceous Period – with one of them in the process of making some new seeds for the next generation.
Scientists harness the sun to help sharks
Researchers are looking to the sun to give hunted and overfished sharks a new ray of hope.
Sex matters for microbes
Caught in the act! Researchers from the University of Bristol have observed mating for the first time in the microbes responsible for African sleeping sickness. This tropical disease is caused by trypanosomes, single-celled parasites that are found in the blood of those afflicted.
Reconstructing the New World monkey family tree
When monkeys landed in South America 37 or more million years ago, the long-isolated continent already teemed with a menagerie of 30-foot snakes, giant armadillos and strange, hoofed mammals. Over time, the monkeys forged their own niches across the New World, evolved new forms and spread as far north as the Caribbean and as far south as Patagonia.
Researchers find dogs sensitive to small variations in Earth's magnetic field
A team of researchers in the Czech Republic has found that dogs can now be added to the list of animals that are able to sense and respond to the Earth's magnetic field. In their paper published in Frontiers in Zooology, the researchers describe field experiments they conducted that indicated that dogs prefer to defecate while in a North-South stance relative to the Earth's axis, during times when the magnetic field is calm.
What can slime molds offer computing?
Slime molds may not have brains, but that isn't preventing some computer scientists from investigating them for their potential as novel, unconventional computers. A slime mold consists of a single cell containing millions of nuclei, and forms a network of protoplasmic tubes to move toward its food source along nearly the shortest paths. Since the challenge of finding the shortest path between two points is a much studied problem in computing, with applications in communication networks, robot path planning, and optimization, slime molds may hold some untapped potential for these areas.
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