Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for April 10, 2014:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Scroll that mentions Jesus's wife is ancient, scientists confirm- Fruit flies, fighter jets use similar nimble tactics when under attack (w/ Video)
- Professor notes wait for Nobel science prizes is growing alarming long
- Hubble extends stellar tape measure 10 times farther into space
- Faraway moon or faint star? Possible exomoon found
- Researchers bolster development of programmable quantum computers
- New materials for capturing carbon dioxide from combustion gases
- How the brain pays attention (w/ video)
- Researchers use DNA strands to create nanobot computer inside living animal
- Intel, SGI test 3M fluids for cooling effects
- Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon
- Scientists try 3-D printer to build human heart
- Researchers find rare fossilized embryos more than 500 million years old
- Plants evolve ways to control embryo growth
- Wiring for smell sets up early, then persists
Astronomy & Space news
NRAO, WVU expand broadband data network to bolster astronomy research
(Phys.org) —Two of West Virginia's premier research institutions, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank and West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, have inaugurated a new super high-speed broadband data network to bolster collaboration and scientific research between these two education-focused organizations.
Russian cargo ship docks with space station
A Russian cargo ship has successfully docked with the International Space Station Thursday, bringing the crew crucial supplies and water, Russia's space agency said.
Apollo 11 checklist, spacesuit sold at NY auction
An Apollo 11 lunar surface checklist sheet was among the coveted items sold at a New York City auction of space exploration artifacts.
Israel launches new spy satellite
Israel's Defense Ministry said on Thursday that it has successfully launched a new observation satellite into orbit, one which is expected to be used to observe Iran and hostile militant groups in the Middle East.
Beauty from chaos on Mars
Beautiful streamlined islands and narrow gorges were carved by fast-flowing water pounding through a small, plateau region near the southeastern margin of the vast Vallis Marineris canyon system.
Air Force launches spy satellite from Florida
The Air Force has launched a new spy satellite.
Scientists to begin construction on NASA spacecraft that will visit asteroid in 2018
NASA has given the OSIRIS-REx mission, led by the University of Arizona, the go-ahead to begin building the spacecraft, flight instruments, ground system and launch support facilities. OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission slated to send a spacecraft to a near-Earth asteroid and collect samples.
Supernova cleans up its surroundings
(Phys.org) —Supernovas are the spectacular ends to the lives of many massive stars. These explosions, which occur on average twice a century in the Milky Way, can produce enormous amounts of energy and be as bright as an entire galaxy. These events are also important because the remains of the shattered star are hurled into space. As this debris field – called a supernova remnant – expands, it carries the material it encounters along with it.
Astronomers suggest more accurate star formation rates
(Phys.org) —Astronomers have found a new way of predicting the rate at which a molecular cloud—a stellar nursery—will form new stars. Using a novel technique to reconstruct a cloud's 3-D structure, astronomers can estimate how many new stars it is likely to form. The newfound "recipe" allows for direct tests of current theories of star formation. It will also enable telescopes such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to estimate the star formation activity in more distant molecular clouds, and thus create a map of star births within our home galaxy.
Hubble extends stellar tape measure 10 times farther into space
(Phys.org) —Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers now can precisely measure the distance of stars up to 10,000 light-years away—10 times farther than previously possible.
Faraway moon or faint star? Possible exomoon found
(Phys.org) —Titan, Europa, Io and Phobos are just a few members of our solar system's pantheon of moons. Are there are other moons out there, orbiting planets beyond our sun?
Technology news
Cuba plans own social media sites after US row
Cuba plans to launch its own social media networks to counter "subversive" ones such as a Twitter-like app the United States was funding, an official said Wednesday.
Turkey keeps YouTube ban in place despite court orders
Turkey's government on Thursday said it would keep its block on YouTube in place despite two separate courts ordering the ban be lifted.
Nintendo brings 'Tomodachi' game to US, Europe
Nintendo is bringing its "Tomodachi" game for the portable 3DS system to the U.S. and Europe following its success in Japan.
Amazon's Bezos outlines grocery, drone plans
CEO Jeff Bezos' annual letter to shareholders offers a glimpse into Amazon's internal workings and what it is aiming for in the future, including expanded same-day grocery delivery and drone delivery.
US Internet ad revenue surpasses broadcast
For the first time, U.S. Internet advertising revenue has surpassed that of broadcast television thanks to sharp growth in mobile and digital video ads.
Date set for New Mexico dig for Atari 'E.T.' games
A search in a New Mexico landfill for a rumored stash of what some call the worst video game ever made by Atari is set to get under way this month.
Amazon to buy digital comics company
Online retailer Amazon said Thursday its buying digital comics company comiXology for an undisclosed sum.
Mexican police issue 'ransom ware' virus warning
Police in Mexico City have issued a warning about a new type of "ransom ware" virus that can take over computers' cameras and make the user think they are under surveillance.
One of IPhone founders leaving Apple
One of the pioneers behind the iPhone, software engineer Greg Christie, is leaving Apple, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Australia's NAB cuts ties with virtual currencies
One of Australia's biggest banks confirmed Thursday it was distancing itself from digital currencies after reviewing its risk profile.
Review: Narrative Clip logs your life in photos
Ever had one of those "Gosh, I wish I had a camera" moments when something novel happens in your life? The Narrative Clip is a small, wearable camera that makes an attempt to capture some of those fleeting moments automatically.
Panasonic solar cell achieves world's highest energy conversion efficiency of 25.6%
Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has achieved a conversion efficiency of 25.6% (cell area: 143.7 cm²) in its HIT solar cells, a major increase over the previous world record for crystalline silicon-based solar cells.
Closing the loop on computer-aided design and manufacturing
It seems a bit like a choose-your-own adventure story: You use computer-aided design to create a wind turbine. For 10 years you operate your turbine successfully but then disaster strikes in the form of a 6.8 (moment magnitude scale) earthquake. The decision is yours: Do you have confidence the turbine can continue to be safely operated, or do you decommission it, take your money and run?
What a black box can tell us about missing flight MH370
As the search continues for wreckage from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane it's probable that answers surrounding the mystery of flight MH370 will not be available until the recorders are recovered.
eBay ends Icahn dispute with board appointment (Update)
Online retail giant eBay said Thursday it had reached a deal with activist investor Carl Icahn, who had demanded a spinoff of the payment division PayPal.
Call of cyber duty: Military academies take on NSA
If Douglas MacArthur or Ulysses S. Grant went to the U.S. Military Academy today, they might be testing their defensive skills hunched in front of a computer screen.
Thermoelectric generator on glass fabric for wearable electronic devices
Wearable computers or devices have been hailed as the next generation of mobile electronic gadgets, from smart watches to smart glasses to smart pacemakers. For electronics to be worn by a user, they must be light, flexible, and equipped with a power source, which could be a portable, long-lasting battery or no battery at all but a generator. How to supply power in a stable and reliable manner is one of the most critical issues to commercialize wearable devices.
New research on gigabit wireless communications
Research on gigabit wireless communications has been presented by researchers from the University of Bristol at the world's leading wireless communications and networking conference, IEEE WCNC 2014, in Turkey earlier this week [Monday 6 to Wednesday 9 April].
IBM buys Internet marketing firm Silverpop
IBM on Thursday announced that it is buying Internet marketing firm Silverpop to enhance its portfolio of services for businesses out to target potential customers.
French IT staff get right to unplug from work
French IT staff at Google, Facebook and other companies have won new protections against burnout: the right to unplug.
US warns Facebook on privacy in WhatsApp mega deal (Update)
US regulators warned Facebook Thursday about making changes to the privacy policy of WhatsApp, the smartphone messaging service set to be acquired by the social network for a whopping $19 billion.
Czech energy firm scraps nuclear plant expansion
Czech energy giant CEZ said Thursday it was scrapping the planned construction of two new reactors at its Temelin nuclear plant, citing "turbulent" conditions in the European energy sector.
US says cybersecurity sharing not an antitrust issue
US officials announced Thursday that companies sharing information about cybersecurity would not face prosecution on antitrust grounds.
Wearable tech gaining momentum
Wearable tech is moving beyond a small group of early adopters and going mainstream.
Congress clashes over online domain name oversight
Republican opposition to Obama administration plans to spin off U.S. oversight of the Internet's domain name system is evolving into an election-year political fight, with lawmakers using it as the latest front in their attacks on President Barack Obama's trustworthiness.
Facebook smartphone chats pushed to Messenger app
Facebook has begun pushing smartphone chats between friends to a stand-alone Messenger application.
Dropbox out to be a home in the Internet 'cloud'
Dropbox is out to be the hip home in the cloud for photos, documents, video and other digital possessions amassed by Internet-age lifestyles.
Toyota gas cars get efficient engine from hybrids (Update)
Toyota has developed an efficient gasoline engine using technology fine-tuned with gas-electric hybrids, in which the Japanese automaker is an industry leader.
Beating heart powers pacemaker
(Phys.org) —An interdisciplinary research team including Northwestern University's Yonggang Huang has developed a flexible medical implant that harvests the energy of the beating heart. Such a device could power pacemakers, defibrillators and heart-rate monitors naturally and reliably and reduce or eliminate the need for batteries.
UK government report shows local police are not ready to fight cyber-crime
(Phys.org) —Britain's Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has issued a report critiquing the state of local police readiness regarding cyber-crime in England and Wales. Workers with HMIC have gathered statistics in the wake of the British government's call to action last year to respond to five major threats: terrorism, civil emergencies, organized crime, public order threats and large-scale cyber-attacks. While the bulk of traditional threats appear to be adequately addressed, developing a response to a large-scale cyber attack does not. Indeed, representatives of the HMIC have concluded that many top law enforcement officials were not even clear on what constitutes a large-scale cyber-attack.
Google releases developers kit defining Ara phone platform
(Phys.org) —"The smartphone is one of the most empowering and intimate objects in our lives. Yet most of us have little say in how the device is made, what it does, and how it looks. And 5 billion of us don't have one. What if you could make thoughtful choices about exactly what your phone does, and use it as a creative canvas to tell your own story?" That has been the enticing question posed by Project Ara, leaving developers and other creatives eager for further developments ever since Project Ara stopped out on stage in 2013 as part of Motorola. In 2014, Project Ara remains in Google's hands and is hardly about to gather any dust. Google on Wednesday announced Project Ara's first Module Developers Kit (MDK). Google said "The MDK is a free and open platform specification and reference implementation that contains everything you need to develop an Ara module. "
Google Glass available in US as of April 15
Google will makes it controversial Internet-linked Glass eyewear available for purchase for a limited time in the United States beginning on April 15.
Intel, SGI test 3M fluids for cooling effects
(Phys.org) —One area where engineering expertise is always appreciated is in operating the modern-day data center; finding improved cooling techniques for today's powerful servers is one such challenge inviting good ideas. Intel and SGI have been testing the waters, or more accurately, fluids, to explore what could be a more efficient cooling system for computers. The companies, in collaboration with 3M, have been testing a supercomputer cooled by submerging the electronics in special fluids from 3M.
Medicine & Health news
New prediction model to improve patient survival after paracetamol-related liver failure
In the UK paracetamol toxicity is the most common cause of ALF and has a high mortality rate. It is estimated that 150 to 200 deaths and 15 to 20 LTs occur as a result of poisoning each year in England and Wales. LT is the definitive treatment for ALF patients who meet the criteria for transplantation but the current means of selection for LT (the King's College Criteria) are not ideal and do not assess changes in prognostic measures over time or quantify the mortality risk for individual patients.
An overview of drug approaches in Europe
Countries in Europe, even neighbours, have vastly different approaches to combating drug abuse.
WHO unveils emergency moves against Ebola onslaught in Guinea (Update)
The World Health Organization launched a raft of emergency measures in the Guinean capital Conakry Thursday to control an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus that has so far killed a hundred people across the country.
Auckland scientist leads climate change health impact report
Climate change impacts on human health were the focus of an Auckland academic's contribution to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Public supports disability and civil rights legal protection for obese people
Public support for policies that prohibit weight discrimination and even provide disability and civil rights protection for obese individuals has grown in the past few years, according to a new study by researchers from the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. The study is published online in the journal Obesity.
Consumer participation a new approach to health research
The recent renaming of the Telethon Kids Institute has brought more change than just the name—it's bringing a new approach to health research.
Geographers find reasons for optimism in Southeastern San Diego food landscape
When San Diego State geographers Pascale Joassart-Marcelli and Fernando Bosco were tasked with looking into Southeastern San Diego's food landscape, they mostly expected it to live up to its reputation as a "food desert," with a dearth of fresh, affordable healthy food options.
Video: Air moisture making allergies worse indoors and outdoors
As the snowy winter of 2014 winds down, Loyola allergy specialist Dr. Joseph Leija tells WJOL radio that the Midwest will likely see high counts for mold and pollen this year. Allergy symptoms seem like they're at their the worst in the spring because that's the first time that allergy sufferers are exposed to the environment when the trees are pollinating, he said.
Obesity stigma real and prevalent
(Medical Xpress)—Well-known obesity expert Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition, recently visited the University of New Mexico and presented two informative lectures related to obesity. Sponsored by the UNM Department of Psychology in response to an obesity issue that arose in the department, Nadglowksi talked about how obesity affects every facet of life for obese individuals.
Fake drugs labelled as Chinese tea: France in record haul (Update)
Aspirin, anti-diarrhoea and erectile dysfunction drugs: French customs have seized millions of counterfeit medicines imported from China in what they described as the biggest haul of its kind within the European Union.
Scarless wound healing—applying lessons learned from fetal stem cells
In early fetal development, skin wounds undergo regeneration and healing without scar formation. This mechanism of wound healing later disappears, but by studying the fetal stem cells capable of this scarless wound healing, researchers may be able to apply these mechanisms to develop cell-based approaches able to minimize scarring in adult wounds, as described in a Critical Review article published in Advances in Wound Care, a monthly publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers and an Official Journal of the Wound Healing Society.
Adamas Pharma rises after IPO raises $48 million
Shares of Adamas Pharmaceuticals rose Thursday after the drug developer's initial public offering raised $48 million.
Common sense health for young adult cancer survivors
Many factors influence the life expectancy of childhood cancer survivors: not getting enough exercise, being underweight, and being worried about their future health or their health insurance. These are the findings of research led by Cheryl Cox of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the US, published in Springer's Journal of Cancer Survivorship. The study found that, on average, childhood cancer survivors passed away before they were 40 years old.
Medicare's flawed adjustment methodology poor way to spend billions
The methodology Medicare uses to adjust the billions of dollars it pays health plans and hospitals to account for how sick their patients are is flawed and should be replaced, according to a new study by Dartmouth investigators published in the journal BMJ that weighed the performance of Medicare's methodology against alternatives.
For sick, elderly patients, surgical decision making 'takes a village'
Surgical decision making for sick, elderly patients should be orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team, including the patient, his or her family, the surgeon, primary care physician, nurses and non-clinicians, such as social workers, advocates Laurent G. Glance, M.D., in a perspective piece published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
American College of Physicians releases policy paper on medical liability crisis
The American College of Physicians (ACP) today released a policy paper on the medical liability crisis, which continues to have a profound effect on the medical system. "Medical Liability Reform—Innovative Solutions for a New Health Care System" provides an update of the medical liability landscape, state-based activity on medical liability reform, and summarizes traditional and newer reform proposals and their ability to affect system efficiency and encourage patient safety.
Health secretary: 7.5 million now signed up
Enrollment for the president's health care law has grown to 7.5 million Americans, the Obama administration announced Thursday, handing the president and his Democrats better numbers to tout in the face of election-year attacks.
Maine Medicaid rules reduce narcotic prescriptions
Maine is leading the nation in efforts to stem the flow of narcotics, using unique Medicaid guidelines that cut back on prescriptions and cover alternative treatments instead.
ACP offers policy recommendations for reducing gun-related injuries, deaths in US
A new policy paper from the American College of Physicians (ACP) offers nine strategies to address the societal, health care, and regulatory barriers to reducing firearms-related violence, injuries, and deaths in the United States. Reducing Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in the United States is published today in the peer-reviewed medical journal, Annals of Internal Medicine.
Common virus may cause anemia in patients with kidney disease
A virus that is present in most people in a latent state may induce or exacerbate anemia in patients with kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings point to a new therapeutic target for affected individuals.
Drug provides health benefits to diabetics with kidney disease
A drug called atrasentan provides health benefits for patients who have both diabetes and kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings suggest that atrasentan may help maintain the well-being of many patients who are at high risk of experiencing serious medical problems.
1,440-nm laser beneficial for photodamage in Asians
(HealthDay)—Four treatments with 1,440-nm fractional laser produce mild improvement in select signs of photodamage in an Asian population, according to a study published March 14 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
Teen binge drinking influenced by adults
(Medical Xpress)—Teenage binge drinking is influenced heavily by the role of adults in endorsing and facilitating unsafe behaviours, according to a study by researchers at The University of Western Australia Business School.
Are babies who wake to breastfeed at night trying to delay the birth of a sibling?
In a new article published online today in the journal Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, Professor David Haig argues that infants that wake frequently at night to breastfeed are delaying the resumption of the mother's ovulation and therefore preventing the birth of a sibling with whom they would have to compete.
Periodontal disease associated with cardiovascular risk in large multicenter study
Periodontal disorders such as tooth loss and gingivitis have been identified as a potential risk marker for cardiovascular disease in a large study reported today.(1) More than 15,000 patients with chronic coronary heart disease provided information on their dental health, with results showing that indicators of periodontal disease (fewer remaining teeth, gum bleeding) were common in this patient group and associated with numerous cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors.
There's no faking it—your sexual partner knows if you're really satisfied
There is no point faking it in bed because chances are your sexual partner will be able to tell. A study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that men and women are equally perceptive of their partners' levels of sexual satisfaction.
Researchers develop novel molecular blood group typing technique
Scientists in France have designed a new system for molecular blood group typing that offers blood banks the possibility of extensive screening of blood donors at a relatively low cost. Their approach is described in the current issue of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
Head injuries can make children loners
New research has found that a child's relationships may be a hidden casualty long after a head injury.
Researchers discover how the kissing disease virus hijacks human cells
University of Montreal researchers have discovered how a component of the Epstein Barr (EBV) virus takes over our cells gene regulating machinery, allowing the virus to replicate itself. The EBV virus causes a variety of diseases such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, with the most prevalent disease being infectious mononucleosis commonly known as "kissing disease" because of its mode of transmission between humans. It turns out that the diseases begin with kiss of a molecular sort; a viral protein contacting the molecules that control our genes.
More evidence that NAFLD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor
Two new studies presented today at the International Liver Congress 2014 have provided more evidence to clarify the role of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Moffitt Cancer Center begins Phase I clinical trial of new immunotherapy
Moffitt Cancer Center has initiated a phase I clinical trial for a new immunotherapy drug, ID-G305, made by Immune Design. Immunotherapy is a treatment option that uses a person's own immune system to fight cancer. It has several advantages over standard cancer therapies, including fewer side effects and an overall better tolerability. It tends to be most effective in patients who have smaller, localized tumors that have not spread to distant sites.
Fasting in the land of plenty: Germans say less is more
What to give the patient who has everything? Well-off Germans in Europe's top economy are increasingly deciding less is more and fasting to cure what ails them.
Denmark opens more 'drug rooms' after successful trial
The gangly, 46-year-old father of three speaks five languages and talks effortlessly about international politics. What he can't do, for the moment at least, is kick his cocaine and heroin habit.
'Zero tolerance' Sweden leaves heavy drug users behind
Sweden boasts one of Europe's lowest consumption of recreational drugs, but the same strict policy authorities consider key to success could also be pushing up the number of drug-related deaths.
Increased time on Facebook could lead women to negative body images
The mediated version of what women should look like has always been under scrutiny, particularly looking at actresses and fashion models. But what about body image from social networks and friends? A recent study by researchers in the United Kingdom and United States, found that more time on Facebook could lead to more negative feelings and more comparisons to the bodies of friends.
More teens abstaining from alcohol
(Medical Xpress)—A broad change in drinking behaviour has occurred among Australian adolescents in the last decade. The percentage of Australians aged 14-17 who do not drink alcohol has increased from almost 33% in 2001 to over 50% in 2010, research from UNSW's National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) shows.
Proof that antidepressants and breastfeeding can mix
(Medical Xpress)—University of Adelaide researchers have found that women on antidepressant medication are more successful at breastfeeding their babies if they keep taking the medication, compared with women who quit antidepressants because of concerns about their babies' health.
Researchers discover possible new target to attack flu virus
(Medical Xpress)—Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that a protein produced by the influenza A virus helps it outwit one of our body's natural defense mechanisms. That makes the protein a potentially good target for antiviral drugs directed against the influenza A virus.
Study investigates risk of hazardous events for patients who can't smell
(Medical Xpress)—From the next room, you smell something burning in the kitchen. Rushing in, you see a smoking pot left on the stove. You quickly turn off the burner, averting a more serious situation. But what if you couldn't smell?
Study may help heart failure through the Parachute Ventricular Partitioning Device
(Medical Xpress)—If you're jumping out of a plane, a parachute is a life-saving device. It turns out the same may be true if your heart is failing.
New method paves way for better dietary zinc test
(Medical Xpress)—Unlocking ways to monitor a key nutrient, Cornell research unveils a new method to test for zinc deficiency, a vital measurement that has posed problems for doctors and scientists.
Lab-on-a-chip to detect spread of pancreatic cancer in five hours
(Medical Xpress)—90% of cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. This occurs when a tumor sheds circulating tumor cells (CTC), which can invade new areas of the body. The process for detecting these cells is currently long, complex and expensive.
Neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are made on an emotional basis
(Medical Xpress)—The willingness of decision makers to take risks increases when they play games of chance with money won earlier.
Most hospital pregnancy tests found to be unreliable after first few weeks of pregnancy
(Medical Xpress)—Though the 11 most popular hospital urine pregnancy tests perform well in the first month after conception, a new study published in Clinical Chemistry, the journal of AACC, reveals the alarming statistic that nine of these tests become significantly more likely to produce false-negative results after the 5th to 7th week of pregnancy.
Study finds restaurants in public housing developments serve fewer healthy meals
A new study finds that when it comes to making healthy food choices at restaurants, location plays as much of a role in calories as what you eat.
Maternal health care for newcomers exceeds expectations
Defying all expectations, new research from the University of Alberta shows that newcomer women are very satisfied with the maternal care they receive in Canada's Prairie provinces.
Irregular menstruation may predict increased risk of death from ovarian cancer
(Medical Xpress)—Women with irregular menstrual cycles had a twofold increased risk of death from ovarian cancer, according to a large, prospective study presented here at the AACR Annual Meeting 2014, April 5-9.
New vaccine hope for leading viral cause of birth defects
(Medical Xpress)—Experts in infection and immunity have made a path-finding discovery that could lead to the development of a vaccine for a health-ravaging virus that affects around 50% of adults in the UK.
Is there a way to slow the process of bacterial antibiotic resistance?
Continually under attack by noxious substances in their environments, bacteria have developed many clever mechanisms to survive. When confronted with an antibiotic, they can destroy it with enzymes, rendering it harmless. Some can transport the antibiotic out of a cell via what are called efflux pumps, thereby protecting the inner cell. Alternatively, they can substitute a drug-resistant target for one that is susceptible to the antibiotic.
Looking at a low-calorie recipe results in purchase of fewer snacks
(Medical Xpress)—People who are overweight purchase on average 75% fewer unhealthy snacks in the supermarket if they see a recipe card at the supermarket entrance that contains references to a slim figure. This is the conclusion of NWO-funded researcher Esther Papies from Utrecht University based on an experiment in the supermarket. She has published her research results in the International Journal of Obesity.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder may reflect a propensity for bad habits
Two new studies published this week in Biological Psychiatry shed light on the propensity for habit formation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These studies suggest that a tendency to develop habits, i.e., the compulsive component of the disorder, may be a core feature of the disorder rather than a consequence of irrational beliefs. In other words, instead of washing one's hands because of the belief that they are contaminated, some people may develop concerns about hand contamination as a consequence of a recurring urge to wash their hands.
HIV battle must focus on hard-hit streets, paper argues
In U.S. cities, it's not just what you do, but also your address that can determine whether you will get HIV and whether you will survive. A new paper in the American Journal of Public Health illustrates the effects of that geographic disparity – which tracks closely with race and poverty – and calls for an increase in geographically targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
Researchers unraveling what's behind the sniffles, hoping for a treatment
Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have shed light on one of the most common of ailments – the runny nose.
Identified epigenetic factors associated with an increased risk of developing cancer
In 10% of human tumors there is a family history of hereditary disease associated with mutations in identified genes. The best examples are the cases of polyps in the large intestine associated with the APC gene and breast cancer associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In the remaining 90% of cases are believed to have an increased risk of developing cancer in relation to genetic variants less powerful but more often, for example, doubles the risk of having a tumor that lacks this small change, called polymorphism.
Researchers looking to create new bone tissue generation technique
UT Arlington and Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital are investigating whether bone grown from the body's own stem cells can replace traditional types of bone grafting.
US dieters move past calories, food makers follow
Obsessing over calories alone has left U.S. dieters with an empty feeling. The calorie counting that defined dieting for so long is giving way to other considerations, like the promise of more fiber or natural ingredients. That is chipping away at the popularity of products like Diet Coke, Lean Cuisine and Special K, which became weight-watching staples primarily by stripping calories from people's favorite foods.
Tiny sponges could save lives on the battlefield
A simple new method could revolutionize battlefield medicine: a syringe filled with injectable sponges, shot directly into a wound to stop massive bleeding—a major cause of combat fatalities.
Study finds mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered that the tumor suppressor gene folliculin (FLCN) is essential to normal lung function in patients with the rare disease Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, skin and kidneys. Folliculin's absence or mutated state has a cascading effect that leads to deteriorated lung integrity and an impairment of lung function, as reported in their findings in the current issue of Cell Reports.
Lactate metabolism target halts growth in lung cancer model
Cancer cells generate energy differently than normal cells, a characteristic that helps them to survive and metastasize. A major goal in the field of cancer metabolism is to find ways to overcome this survival advantage.
Too much protein may kill brain cells as Parkinson's progresses
Scientists may have discovered how the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease destroys brain cells and devastates many patients worldwide. The study was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); the results may help scientists develop new therapies.
Researchers search for earliest roots of psychiatric disorders
Newborns whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy to any one of a variety of environmental stressors—such as trauma, illness, and alcohol or drug abuse—become susceptible to various psychiatric disorders that frequently arise later in life. However, it has been unclear how these stressors affect the cells of the developing brain prenatally and give rise to conditions such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and some forms of autism and bipolar disorders.
Researchers identify transcription factors distinguishing glioblastoma stem cells
The activity of four transcription factors – proteins that regulate the expression of other genes – appears to distinguish the small proportion of glioblastoma cells responsible for the aggressiveness and treatment resistance of the deadly brain tumor. The findings by a team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators, which will be published in the April 24 issue of Cell and are receiving advance online release, support the importance of epigenetics – processes controlling whether or not genes are expressed – in cancer pathology and identify molecular circuits that may be targeted by new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers find that influenza has an Achilles' heel
Flu epidemics cause up to half a million deaths worldwide each year, and emerging strains continually threaten to spread to humans and cause even deadlier pandemics. A study published by Cell Press on April 10 in the journal Immunity reveals that a drug that inhibits a molecule called prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases survival rates in mice infected with a lethal dose of the H1N1 flu virus. The findings pave the way for an urgently needed therapy that is highly effective against the flu virus and potentially other viral infections.
Insights into how a bird flu virus spreads could prevent pandemics
The H5N1 bird flu virus has infected and killed hundreds of people, despite the fact that, at the moment, the virus can't spread easily between people. The death toll could become much worse if the virus became airborne. A study published by Cell Press April 10th in the journal Cell has revealed a minimal set of mutations allowing H5N1 to be transmitted through the air from one ferret to another. The findings will be invaluable for future surveillance programs and may provide early warning signals of the emergence of potential pandemic strains.
How tumors become resistant to drugs, and how process can be reversed to inhibit cancer growth
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine have discovered a process whereby tumor cells become resistant to specific drugs, a finding that could significantly influence how anti-cancer drugs are administered and the development of a means for reversing the proliferation of malignant tumor growth.
Study highlights new drug, molecular insight into triple negative breast cancers
Most breast cancers are treated by blocking their addictions, for example depriving estrogen-fueled tumors of estrogen. But what about breast cancers without these hormonal addictions? In so-called "triple negative" tumors the cancer's addiction remains a mystery, making this subtype difficult to treat. However, a University of Colorado Cancer Center study presented today at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2014 showcased a new drug active against triple-negative breast cancer, and through analysis of the drug's mechanism of action, offers increased understanding of the biology of this very aggressive form of breast cancer.
High-risk seniors surgery decisions should be patient-centered, physician led
Surgery for frail, senior citizen patients can be risky. A new patient-centered, team-based approach to deciding whether these high-risk patients will benefit from surgery is championed in an April 10 Perspective of the New England Journal of Medicine. The Perspective suggests that the decision to have surgery must balance the advantages and disadvantages of surgical and non-surgical treatment as well as the patient's values and goals in a team-based setting that includes the patient, his or her family, the surgeon, the primary care physician and the physician anesthesiologist.
Uncovering a new angle on mental distance
Why does the second hour of a journey seem shorter than the first? According to research from University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and the Rotman School of Management, the answer lies in how we're physically oriented in space.
Study addresses treatments for waited-listed opioid-dependent individuals
addiction to heroin and prescription painkillers – has reached epidemic levels across the country, with treatment waitlists also at an all-time high. However, ensuring timely access to effective treatment – particularly in rural states like Vermont – has become a substantial problem. University of Vermont (UVM) Associate Professor of Psychiatry Stacey Sigmon, Ph.D., has taken a stand to address this issue and has a new grant to support her campaign.
Tumor-suppressor connects with histone protein to hinder gene expression
A tumor-suppressing protein acts as a dimmer switch to dial down gene expression. It does this by reading a chemical message attached to another protein that's tightly intertwined with DNA, a team led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported at the AACR Annual Meeting 2014.
Enzyme revealed as promising target to treat asthma and cancer
In experiments with mice, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists have identified an enzyme involved in the regulation of immune system T cells that could be a useful target in treating asthma and boosting the effects of certain cancer therapies.
More high school athletes complying with concussion guidelines, study finds
(HealthDay)—High school athletes who suffer from concussions are complying more with the recommended return-to-play guidelines, according to new research.
Girls suffer worse concussions, study suggests
(HealthDay)—Girls who suffer a concussion may have more severe symptoms that last longer compared to boys, according to new research that builds on other studies finding gender differences.
Specializing in one sport as child no guarantee of future success
(HealthDay)—Some parents and coaches think kids who focus on one sport early on will boost their chances of a college scholarship or pro career. But a new study casts doubt on that idea.
Cure rate for experimental hepatitis C drug tops 95 percent
(HealthDay)—Researchers report that an experimental drug has cured more than 95 percent of patients infected with hepatitis C, including some who failed other treatments.
AANS: Stem cells may aid stroke patients
(HealthDay)—Intraparenchymal transplantation of human modified bone marrow-derived stromal cells in chronic stroke patients is safe, feasible, and results in improved neurologic function, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, held from April 5 to 9 in San Francisco.
Updated reviews issued for oseltamivir, zanamivir use in flu
(HealthDay)—Oseltamivir and zanamivir reduce the time to symptomatic improvement in influenza by about half a day, but evidence to support claims of reduced admissions to hospital or complications of influenza is lacking, according to two systematic reviews of regulatory information published online April 10 in BMJ.
Measles cases linked to US adoptions of Chinese children, CDC reports
(HealthDay)—A series of measles cases in the United States involving children adopted from China highlights the importance of vaccinations for any adopted child from overseas, a new report reveals.
UK scientists slam Tamiflu drug in ongoing debate
British scientists say there isn't enough evidence to prove the antiviral drug Tamiflu reduces the spread of flu.
Kids' earliest memories might be earlier than they think
(Medical Xpress)—The very earliest childhood memories might begin even earlier than anyone realized – including the rememberer, his or her parents and memory researchers.
Microbial molecule stimulates both arms of the immune system to quell inflammation
(Medical Xpress)—Putting out the fires of inflammation takes more than the immune system itself, studies of the human microbiome have revealed. It also takes more than one arm of the immune system, according to new research from Harvard Medical School.
Finding the target: How timing is critical in establishing an olfactory wiring map
The human nose expresses nearly 400 odorant receptors, which allow us to distinguish a large number of scents. In mice the number of odor receptors is closer to 1000. Each olfactory neuron displays only a single type of receptor and all neurons with the same receptors are connected to the same spot, a glomerulus, in the brain. This convergence, or wiring pattern, is often described as an olfactory map. The map is important because it serves as a code book for odorants that allows the brain to distinguish between food odors and the scent of a predator, among others.
Wiring for smell sets up early, then persists
To accommodate a lifetime of scents and aromas, mammals have hundreds of genes that each produce a different odorant receptor. The complex and diverse olfactory system they build remains adaptable, but a new study in the journal Science shows that the system's flexibility, or plasticity, has its limits. Working in mice, Brown University scientists found that the fundamental neural wiring map between the nose and the brain becomes established in a critical period of early development and then regenerates the same map thereafter.
Yeast provides genetic clues on drug response
Why do people respond differently to the same drug? For the first time, researchers have untangled genetic and environmental factors related to drug reactions, bringing us a step closer to predicting how a drug will affect us.
'Body hack' app by math researchers shortcuts jet-lag recovery
A different kind of jet-lag mobile app released today by University of Michigan mathematicians reveals previously unknown shortcuts that can help travelers snap their internal clocks to new time zones as efficiently as possible.
Brain activity drives dynamic changes in neural fiber insulation
The brain is a wonderfully flexible and adaptive learning tool. For decades, researchers have known that this flexibility, called plasticity, comes from selective strengthening of well-used synapses—the connections between nerve cells.
Scientists try 3-D printer to build human heart
It may sound far-fetched, but scientists are attempting to build a human heart with a 3-D printer.
How the brain pays attention (w/ video)
Picking out a face in the crowd is a complicated task: Your brain has to retrieve the memory of the face you're seeking, then hold it in place while scanning the crowd, paying special attention to finding a match.
Biology news
Researcher seeks novel pathogen detection technology for dairy farming
Stacked 15 high, 1,500 culture plates line the bench of John Barlow's University of Vermont lab. This is the collection of just one day at one Vermont farmstead cheesemaker's farm.
New biomedical animations make their debut
Three new Australian biomedical animations will debut today, showcasing a world of pulsating cells, writhing proteins and dividing DNA as they capture Australian research and bring it to life.
Experts disagree on horses with incoordination
A trip to the veterinarian may prove fatal to a horse, even if it is not necessary to put the animal down. In Europe if the horse is found to be ataxic, which is most often due to the disease 'wobbler syndrome', the horse is likely to be put down immediately. If a horse suffers from this disease, putting it down can be a necessity, as the animal can be dangerous to ride and handle. But now new research from the University of Copenhagen and the Royal Veterinary College in the UK shows marked disagreement among experts about when a horse is ataxic and severity of the ataxia. It is particularly a problem if the ataxia is subtle, as this makes it more difficult to assess.
Romania keeps ancient tradition of bee medicine alive
Bee venom to combat multiple sclerosis, pollen for indigestion, honey to heal wounds—the humble bee has been a key source of alternative medicines since ancient times, and Romania is working to keep the tradition of "apitherapy" alive.
Microgravity research helping to understand the fungi within
(Phys.org) —You may not recognize it by name, but if you have ever had a child with a diaper rash, that child was likely a host to Candida albicans (C. albicans). This unwelcome "guest" can be hard to control, as it can potentially lead to serious illness in humans with weakened immune systems. During an investigation dubbed "Microbe," using the unique microgravity environment aboard space shuttle Atlantis on an International Space Station mission, researchers at the Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe gained a better understanding of these prevalent fungi. Their tendency to become more aggressive in microgravity helps scientists see what mechanisms control the behavior of these types of organisms, with the potential to develop ways to influence their behavior both in space and on Earth.
Seeding success in India turns coconut dust into gold
Coconut dust may not be fairy dust, but in southern India, the substance is creating healthy crops. A Virginia Tech-led program is showing farmers that the material, derived from husks, is great potting soil for seedlings. Without such help, seeds haven't flourished.
Sixteen year study of remote sea birds shows sub-annual breeding to maximise offspring
(Phys.org) —A bird species that makes its breeding home on a remote Atlantic island has been shown to breed consistently for the first time with a cycle of less than a year, following a 16-year study by University of Birmingham researchers – potentially to maximise the total number of offspring they produce.
Researchers develop new tool to characterise disease epidemics in trees
A University of Otago researcher and overseas colleagues have developed an innovative approach to modelling outbreaks of citrus greening, a devastating bacterial disease that has caused more than US$4.5 billion in lost citrus production in Florida alone in recent years.
Skull malformations in lions is a consequence of a combination of environmental and genetic factors
An international team of researchers led by scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) Berlin examined the incidence of skull malformations in lions, a problem known to be responsible for causing neurological diseases and increased mortality. Their results suggest that the occurrence is a consequence of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. These findings were published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.
The science of anatomy is undergoing a revival
Only two decades ago, when I was starting my PhD studies at the University of California in Berkeley, there was talk about the death of anatomy as a research subject. That hasn't happened. Instead the science of anatomy has undergone a renaissance lately, sparking renewed interest not just among researchers but also the public.
Scientists urge better information before further conservation decisions are made in Australia
How Australian naturalists manage dingoes is both a longstanding and current hot topic on that continent.
Brainy courage of the rainbowfish
The boldest black-lined rainbowfish are those that are born in the wild. Also more fearless are those that analyze information both sides of their brains. This is the conclusion of Australian researchers Culum Brown and Anne-Laurence Bibost from Macquarie University, in a study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.
La Brea Tar Pit fossil research shows climate change drove evolution of Ice Age predators
Concerns about climate change and its impact on the world around us are growing daily. New scientific studies at the La Brea Tar Pits are probing the link between climate warming and the evolution of Ice Age predators, attempting to predict how animals will respond to climate change today.
Name of new weakly electric fish species reflects hope for peace in Central Africa
Two new species of weakly electric fishes from the Congo River basin are described in the open access journal ZooKeys. One of them, known from only a single specimen, is named "Petrocephalus boboto." "Boboto" is the word for peace in the Lingala language, the lingua franca of the Congo River, reflecting the authors' hope for peace in troubled Central Africa.
Poor mimics can succeed as long as they mimic the right trait
There are both perfect and imperfect mimics in nature. An imperfect mimic might have a different body shape, size or colour pattern arrangement compared to the species it mimics.
Genetic distinctness to guide global bird conservation
A Yale-led research team has developed a new approach to species conservation that prioritizes genetic and geographic rarity and applied it to all 9,993 known bird species.
Health of ecosystems on US golf courses
Currently, there are more than 18,300 golf courses in the U.S. covering over 2.7 million acres. The ecological impacts of golf courses are not always straightforward with popular opinion suggesting that environmentally, golf courses have a negative impact on ecosystems. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have determined that golf courses can offer a viable habitat for stream salamanders, and enhanced management practices may be beneficial to ecosystems within golf courses.
Iconic boreal bird species declining in the Adirondacks, study says
A new study from the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that several iconic Adirondack birds are in trouble, with declines driven by the size of their wetland habitats, how connected these wetlands are to one another, and how near they are to human infrastructure.
Study shows 'dinosaurs of the turtle world' at risk in Southeast rivers
Conservation of coastal rivers of the northern Gulf of Mexico is vital to the survival of the alligator snapping turtle, including two recently discovered species, University of Florida scientists say.
Fungal disease fatal to bats spreads to half of US
A fungal disease that has killed millions of North American bats is spreading and now has been detected in half of the United States.
Reef fish arrived in two waves
(Phys.org) —The world's reefs are hotbeds of biological diversity, including over 4,500 species of fish. A new study shows that the ancestors of these fish colonized reefs in two distinct waves, before and after the mass extinction event about 66 million years ago that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Tiger beetle's chase highlights mechanical law
(Phys.org) —If an insect drew a line as it chased its next meal, the resulting pattern would be a tangled mess. But there's method to that mess, says Jane Wang, professor of mechanical engineering and physics, who tries to find simple physical explanations for complex, hardwired animal behaviors.
Planaria deploy an ancient gene expression program in the course of organ regeneration
As multicellular creatures go, planaria worms are hardly glamorous. To say they appear rudimentary is more like it. These tiny aquatic flatworms that troll ponds and standing water resemble brown tubes equipped with just the basics: a pair of beady light-sensing "eyespots" on their head and a feeding tube called the pharynx (which doubles as the excretory tract) that protrudes from a belly sac to suck up food. It's hard to feel kinship with them.
Researchers determine how mechanical forces affect T-cell recognition and signaling
T-cells are the body's sentinels, patrolling every corner of the body in search of foreign threats such as bacteria and viruses. Receptor molecules on the T-cells identify invaders by recognizing their specific antigens, helping the T-cells discriminate attackers from the body's own cells. When they recognize a threat, the T-cells signal other parts of the immune system to confront the invader.
Team solves decades-old mystery of how cells keep from bursting
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has identified a long-sought protein that facilitates one of the most basic functions of cells: regulating their volume to keep from swelling excessively.
Plants evolve ways to control embryo growth
A new generation of high yield plants could be created following a fundamental change in our understanding of how plants develop.
Antennae help flies 'cruise' in gusty winds
Due to its well-studied genome and small size, the humble fruit fly has been used as a model to study hundreds of human health issues ranging from Alzheimer's to obesity. However, Michael Dickinson, Esther M. and Abe M. Zarem Professor of Bioengineering at Caltech, is more interested in the flies themselves—and how such tiny insects are capable of something we humans can only dream of: autonomous flight. In a report on a recent study that combined bursts of air, digital video cameras, and a variety of software and sensors, Dickinson and his team explain a mechanism for the insect's "cruise control" in flight—revealing a relationship between a fly's vision and its wind-sensing antennae.
Fruit flies, fighter jets use similar nimble tactics when under attack (w/ Video)
When startled by predators, tiny fruit flies respond like fighter jets – employing screaming-fast banked turns to evade attacks.
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