Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for April 29, 2014:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- The intergalactic medium unveiled: Cosmic Web Imager directly observes 'dim matter'- Mathematicians trace source of Rogers-Ramanujan identities, find algebraic gold
- Proving uncertainty: First rigorous formulation supporting Heisenberg's famous 1927 principle
- Lack of seipin in testes could cause male infertility
- Research trio suggests exomoon atmospheres could cause false-positive signs of life on exoplanets
- Mound excavation reveals transition from hunting to herding in Neolithic settlement
- Graphene only as strong as weakest link
- Newly identified 'universal' property of metamagnets may lead to everyday uses
- 'Lonely' bacteria increase risk of antibiotic resistance
- Microbe's innovation brought doom to Earth
- Sketching on tablets promising for collaborative design, creativity
- Mother's diet affects the 'silencing' of her child's genes
- Girls make higher grades than boys in all school subjects, analysis finds
- Brain tumor cells penetrated by degradable nanoparticles carrying genetic instructions
- Graphene not all good; likely to cause negative environmental impacts
Astronomy & Space news
NASA Spinoff 2013 shows how much space is in our lives
Water filtration bottles, comfortable car seats and remote medical monitoring devices all have one thing in common—they all have benefited from NASA technology.
NASA seeks external concepts for mission to oceanic Jovian moon
(Phys.org) —NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to science and engineering communities for ideas for a mission to Europa that could address fundamental questions of the enigmatic moon and the search for life beyond Earth.
Image: Glowing jewels in the galactic plane
The majority of the stars in our Galaxy, the Milky Way, reside in a single huge disc, known as the Galactic Plane, spanning 100 000 light-years across. The Sun also resides in this crowded stellar hub, lying roughly halfway between its centre and its outer edges.
Curiosity smiles in her latest "selfie"
This is very cute—Curiosity's latest "selfie," a mosaic made up of about a dozen images acquired with the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) instrument on April 27-28, 2014 (Sol 613) with the 5.5-km-high Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) rising in the background. Click the image for a high-res version.
What steps are needed to find more earths?
It wasn't so long ago that we found out there is an Earth-sized planet in a habitable zone of a star. But how many others are out there, and do we know if planets like this are truly habitable?
Possible meteor shower May 23-24 as Earth passes through dust trail of 209P/LINEAR
On Friday night/early Saturday May 23-24 skywatchers across the U.S. and southern Canada may witness the birth of a brand new meteor shower. If predictions hold true, Earth will pass through multiple tendrils of dust and pebbly bits left behind by comet 209P/LINEAR, firing up a celestial display on par with the strongest showers of the year. Or better.
Image: Curiosity Mars rover beside sandstone target 'Windjana'
(Phys.org) —This image from the Navigation Camera (Navcam) on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows a sandstone slab on which the rover team has selected a target, "Windjana," for close-up examination and possible drilling. The target is on the approximately 2-foot-wide (60-centimeter-wide) rock seen in the right half of this view.
Research trio suggests exomoon atmospheres could cause false-positive signs of life on exoplanets
(Phys.org) —A trio of space scientists has published a paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in which they suggest that current assumptions regarding using spectral signatures as a means to identify exoplanets that may harbor life, has a major flaw—a false positive could occur if the planet has a moon with an atmosphere that contaminates the spectrum. In their paper, Hanno Rein, Yuka Fujii and David Spiegel of the University of Toronto, the Tokyo Institute of Technology and MIT respectively, point out a major problem with using spectral signatures as a means for finding out if life exists on other planets—moons which can cause the false impression of chemical disequilibrium.
The intergalactic medium unveiled: Cosmic Web Imager directly observes 'dim matter'
(Phys.org) —Caltech astronomers have taken unprecedented images of the intergalactic medium (IGM)—the diffuse gas that connects galaxies throughout the universe—with the Cosmic Web Imager, an instrument designed and built at Caltech. Until now, the structure of the IGM has mostly been a matter for theoretical speculation. However, with observations from the Cosmic Web Imager, deployed on the Hale 200-inch telescope at Palomar Observatory, astronomers are obtaining our first three-dimensional pictures of the IGM. The Cosmic Web Imager will make possible a new understanding of galactic and intergalactic dynamics, and it has already detected one possible spiral-galaxy-in-the-making that is three times the size of our Milky Way.
Technology news
New study reveals impact of technology for children in developing world
A new study by the ICT4D Centre at Royal Holloway, University of London, has revealed the significant impact information and communications technology (ICT) can have for child-related projects in developing countries.
Sprint offers six months free Spotify to its Framily
Sprint is bringing Spotify into the Framily.
Apple lawyer invokes memory of Jobs at patent case
It took Apple's attorney all of four minutes to invoke the memory of Steve Jobs, as closing arguments got underway in the company's legal battle with Samsung over smartphone technology.
IBM boosting quarterly dividend by 16 percent
IBM is raising its quarterly dividend by 16 percent to $1.10 per share from 95 cents per share.
EBay takes first quarter loss on tax charge
EBay recorded a loss in the first-quarter due to a hefty tax charge on foreign earnings, but revenue jumped as more customers shopped at its e-commerce site and its PayPal payments business stayed strong.
Russian lawmakers back harsh regulation of bloggers
Russian lawmakers on Tuesday passed draconian legislation that cracks down on the content of popular blogs, forcing top bloggers to adhere to laws similar to those for mass media.
Yahoo unveils original online shows
Yahoo on Monday unveiled original online shows and new advertising options as it continued a long-running attempt to evolve into an Internet venue for premier content.
Wifi in the woods? Canada says yes (and oui)
For those who cannot face social media exile when they head to the cottage, lake or woods, Parks Canada says it will offer wi-fi in some of its spectacular outposts.
US Supreme Court takes up police searches of cellphones
The US Supreme Court takes up two cases Tuesday about whether police need warrants to search detainees' mobile phones, which have become vast repositories of personal data.
LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner's compensation soars
LinkedIn CEO Jeffrey Weiner's compensation rose about 42-fold in 2013 amid big gains in the professional networking service's stock price.
Studio behind hit 'Halo' gives peak at new video game
The studio behind beloved "Halo" video game franchise on Monday gave a glimpse at play in what it hopes will be its next blockbuster—Destiny.
Nokia eyes turnaround with new CEO, dividend (Update 2)
Nokia is planning for a turnaround now that it has sold its lossmaking handset business to Microsoft, naming on Tuesday a new CEO, promising to pay dividends again and laying out its vision for its remaining operations.
Transparency is key for marketers using location-based micro-marketing, expert says
Marketers have recently latched on to Apple's iBeacon technology, which extends location services in its iOS mobile operating systems. iBeacon is being used in Major League Baseball and by a number of companies to hyperserve customers based on location.
Europe warns Google, Samsung on phone patent abuse (Update)
The European Commission said Monday that Google's Motorola Mobility abused its market position in Europe by refusing to grant crucial technology licenses to rival Apple, then suing Apple for patent infringement when the company used them anyway.
Green clouds on the horizon for computing
Small businesses could save up to 62% of energy costs by switching to a cloud computing system for their invoicing, according to research published in the International Journal of Business Process Integration and Management. The approach of integrating cloud computing and a more environmentally-aware approach to information technology also cuts carbon emissions, the team reports, and could work with many other services.
The four types of social media user in the academic and research community
Within the framework of the Leibniz Association's Science 2.0 research group, the Goportis – Leibniz Library Network for Research Information recently participated in a nationwide study involving academics and researchers from universities and Leibniz Association research institutions.
Who are the aggressive stars of CCTV?
A computer program can analyze CCTV images and spot aggressive human behaviour nine times out of ten, according to research published in the International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics. The research is an important step forward in intelligent security systems that could raise an alarm without requiring constant human vigilance.
How smartphone apps are revolutionising language learning
When the iPhone launched in 2007, few could have predicted the impact it would have on education. One of the most powerful developments in education has been the arrival of language learning apps.
Silicon Valley phone technology battle nears close (Update 2)
An attorney for Apple invoked the memory of Steve Jobs and accused Samsung of unfairly and brazenly ripping off iPhone and iPad features invented by Jobs and other Apple executives, as closing arguments began Tuesday in the Silicon Valley court battle.
"Virtual periscope" sees above-surface, airborne objects from underwater view
"Up periscope!" may become a submarine commander's outdated order, thanks to a team of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology researchers who have developed a new technology for viewing objects above the water's surface without a periscope poking its head above the waves.
From drug wars to 3-D silhouettes
When violence related to Mexico's drug war erupted in 2006, Andrés Monroy-Hernández kept in close touch with friends and relatives in the north of the country, where he is from and where much of the violence was concentrated. He soon learned that the local news media were avoiding the topic for fear of reprisals and that citizens were turning to Twitter and other social media to share information and create their own alert networks.
No-warrant cellphone searches before Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether police may search cellphones found on people they arrest without first getting a warrant.
Malaysia assessing possible plane wreckage claim
The countries searching for the missing Malaysian jet are assessing a claim by a resource survey company that it found possible plane wreckage in the northern Bay of Bengal, Malaysia's defense minister said Tuesday.
US justices wary of unlimited cellphone searches
The U.S. Supreme Court seemed wary Tuesday of allowing police unbridled freedom to search cellphones found on people they arrest without first getting a warrant.
Netflix pays Verizon for better Internet access
Netflix will pay Verizon Communications to help clear up some of the congestion that has been bogging down its Internet video service.
Twitter tumbles as user growth disappoints (Update)
Twitter shares went into a nosedive Tuesday after the popular messaging platform reported a jump in revenues but only modest gains in users.
Samsung lawyer: Apple angry over Google software
A lawyer recalled the innovations of Apple founder Steve Jobs as he accused Samsung on Tuesday of unfairly and brazenly ripping off iPhone and iPad features invented by Jobs and other Apple executives.
Researchers unveil wearable computational jewelry to monitor health
Researchers from Clemson University and Dartmouth College revealed their computational jewelry to support mobile health applications at the third USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C.
Online sharing boosts value, study says
In the online world of sharing and "likes," the recommendations of friends, family and even strangers turn out to have real, measurable value.
Sketching on tablets promising for collaborative design, creativity
(Phys.org) —Two new "cyberlearning" platforms allow non-artists to create illustrations rivaling the work of expert designers.
Medicine & Health news
NIH center sets new goals for global health research and training
Global health research and training efforts should focus on combatting the growing epidemic of noncommunicable diseases, better incorporating information technology into research and training, and more effectively converting scientific discoveries into practice in low-resource settings, according to the Fogarty International Center's new strategic plan, released today. Fogarty is the component of the National Institutes of Health solely focused on supporting global health research and training, and coordinating international research partnerships across the agency.
'Spiders' that battle cancer
It is rare that one can find a person whose life has not been impacted by cancer, whether it be in a loved one, friend or acquaintance. At MSU, scientists are contributing in major ways to science to combat the disease that kills 1,500 people each day in the U.S., according the American Cancer Society. Mary Cloninger, a prize-winning organic chemistry professor at MSU, explains molecules that look like spiders, how cells "talk" to each other, and her laboratory's work to better understand the malfunctions that cause cancer to grow.
Online support for domestic violence to be trialled
(Medical Xpress)—Improving rates of poor disclosure by victims of domestic violence is the focus of a new online web based project led by the University of Melbourne.
Gender theorist questions transgender "phenomenon"
A respected feminist theorist is calling for a radical rethink of society's acceptance of transgenderism.
SPARX launched to aid youth mental health
A self-help computer-based E-therapy programme called SPARX, developed to support young people experiencing mild to moderate depression or anxiety, was launched by Prime Minister John Key at the University of Auckland today.
Road to the fountain of youth paved with fast food-and sneakers?
We all know that too much food combined with too little exercise can add up to poor health and disease. But overeating and inactivity also speed up the aging process, right down to our cells. At the end of a cell's lifespan, a process called senescence kicks in—cells lose the ability to divide and begin to secrete substances that damage the surrounding cells. While unhealthy lifestyle habits can accelerate this process, researchers at the Mayo Clinic wanted to know if increased exercise could counteract it. Thomas A. White will present their findings in a poster session on Monday, April 28, at the Experimental Biology meeting.
NCI, NCRI and EORTC outline risk-assessment approach for biomarker-driven cancer clinical trials
In an article published in The Lancet Oncology, an NCI (US National Cancer Institute), NCRI (UK National Cancer Research Institute), and EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) working group outline a practical risk-management approach for effective integration of biomarkers into cancer clinical trials. Their work provides the international community with a set of common principles by which biomarkers can be integrated into clinical trials, exchange of data can be facilitated, quality promoted, and research accelerated while simultaneously respecting local approaches and legislation.
Poor QOL doesn't predict low survival in high-risk lung cancer patients undergoing surgery
Quality of life (QOL) is rarely reported in surgical publications, yet it can be an important metric that can be of use to physicians and patients when making treatment decisions. Prior studies of average-risk patients undergoing lobectomy suggested that low baseline QOL scores predict worse survival in patients undergoing non-small cell lung cancer surgery. The results of a multi-center, longitudinal study of high-risk lung cancer patients who underwent sublobar resection counters this idea, finding that poor baseline global QOL scores did not predict for worse overall survival or recurrence-free survival or greater risk of adverse events. Bryan F. Meyers, MD, is presenting the results of this research on behalf of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology at the 94th AATS Annual Meeting in Toronto, ON, Canada on April 29, 2014.
Major lung resection safer than ever, especially at the busiest hospitals
A major new study using data from the National Cancer Data Base details the impact of annual hospital volume on 30- and 90-day mortality rates. Investigators found that major lung surgery has become progressively safer over the last few decades, although higher death rates at low-volume hospitals and an unexpected increase in mortality at 90 days compared to 30 days were observed. The study further suggests that choosing a center that performs major lung surgery regularly can have a strong impact on survival.
Researchers profile women's employment, caregiving workloads, effort and health
A study from the Case Western Reserve University nursing school provides a profile of women with the dual responsibilities of full-time paid work and unpaid care for an elderly family member.
A risk management framework improves health systems' resilience to high-impact weather
According to a new study by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Policy Program, a risk management framework can improve the resilience of healthcare facilities and services to high-impact weather such as tornadoes and hurricanes. The report is based on a recent AMS Policy Program workshop, A Prescription for the 21st Century: Improving Resilience to High-Impact Weather for Healthcare Facilities and Services, held in Washington, DC in October 2013.
FDA wants stricter safety rules for pelvic mesh
Makers of trouble-prone implants used to surgically repair women's pelvic problems would be subject to stricter safety requirements under a federal proposal issued Tuesday.
Team presents a new strategy to personalise cancer therapies
Tumour cells can accumulate hundreds or even thousands of DNA mutations which induce the growth and spread of cancer. The number and pattern of mutations differs according to the type of tumour, even among those that are classified as part of the same type of tumours. This complexity, which researchers were not aware of just a few years ago, calls for new tools to filter relevant genetic information for the implementation and development of personalised therapies targeted at specific characteristics within each individual tumour.
FDA clears more saline imports to address shortage
Federal health regulators are allowing a U.S. medical supply company to import saline solution from its Spanish plant to address a national shortage of the hospital staple.
New data suggest potassium, dietary fiber intake among toddlers should be priority
Recommendations to increase the intake of potassium and dietary fiber among young children should be a priority for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, according to a new study by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) presented today at Experimental Biology 2014.
Ebola toll rises to 74 in Guinea
Guinea said Tuesday 74 people had died so far this year in one of the worst ever outbreaks of the Ebola virus.
Merck 1Q profit up 7 pct. despite sales decline
Major cost cuts enabled drugmaker Merck & Co. to offset lower first-quarter sales as generic competition continues to hurt sales of former blockbuster medicines. Merck's profit rose 7 percent, trouncing Wall Street expectations.
Very low 30-day mortality can give false sense of complacency in arterial switch ops
Children with a heart defect called transposition of great arteries (TGA) are born with the two major blood vessels (aorta and the main lung artery) arising from the wrong sides of the heart. Consequently, blood is pumping inappropriately between the lungs and the rest of the body, a fatal condition unless surgically treated. The surgery of choice, the arterial switch operation (ASO), is usually performed within the first few weeks of life. In a retrospective analysis of 30 years of experience performing ASOs, Hanna A. Jensen, MD, PhD, and the rest of the team led by Victor Tsang, MD, FRCS, from the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust in London, suggest that 90-day outcomes may give a more revealing picture than the traditional reliance on 30-day data. She is presenting the results of this research at the 94th AATS Annual Meeting in Toronto.
Breath analysis offers non-invasive method to detect early lung cancer
Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Medicine are using breath analysis to detect the presence of lung cancer. Preliminary data indicate that this promising noninvasive tool offers the sensitivity of PET scanning, and has almost twice the specificity of PET for distinguishing patients with benign lung disease from those with early stage cancer. Michael Bousamra II, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, is presenting the results of the study at the AATS 2014 Conference on April 29, 2014.
Study of stem cell trials links discrepancies in data with reported success of treatment
New research looking at the success of clinical trials of stem cell therapy shows that trials appear to be more successful in studies where there are more discrepancies in the trial data.
Low cholesterol in immune cells tied to slow progression of HIV
People infected with HIV whose immune cells have low cholesterol levels experience much slower disease progression, even without medication, according to University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health research that could lead to new strategies to control infection.
Live virus implicates camels in MERS outbreak
There is new, more definitive evidence implicating camels in the ongoing outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS. Scientists at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, King Saud University, and EcoHealth Alliance extracted a complete, live, infectious sample of MERS coronavirus from two camels in Saudi Arabia. The sample matched MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) found in humans, indicating that the virus in camels is capable of infecting humans and that camels are a likely source of the outbreak.
Review offers insight on managing surgical patients who are taking new drugs to prevent blood clots
New oral anticoagulant drugs that treat and prevent clots offer a much-needed alternative to warfarin, which has been used for more than 6 decades and has serious shortcomings. A new article published in BJS (British Journal of Surgery) gives an overview of the major clinical trials and recommendations related to these new agents and will serve as a practical guide for their use in patients who require planned or emergency surgery.
Diabetes duration and severity associated with brain atrophy
Type 2 diabetes may be associated with brain degeneration, according to a new multicenter study published online in the journal Radiology. The study also found that, contrary to common clinical belief, diabetes may not be directly associated with small vessel ischemic disease, where the brain does not receive enough oxygenated blood.
Training programs protect young athletes from ACL tears
(HealthDay)—Certain training methods can greatly reduce young athletes' risk of serious and potentially debilitating knee injuries, a new report says.
Pediatricians should plan for anthrax attack, US experts say
(HealthDay)—Children may require different treatment than adults after exposure to anthrax, says a new report from leading U.S. pediatricians and health officials.
Gastro woes more common in kids with autism, review finds
(HealthDay)—What many parents of children with autism have long suspected—that autism and gastrointestinal complaints often go together—is now supported by a new study.
More STD screening on horizon for women?
(HealthDay)—A federal task force is poised to advise doctors to regularly screen all sexually active American women and girls up to age 24 for the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea, which often don't have outward symptoms.
Initial reproductive health visit suggested at age 13 to 15 years
(HealthDay)—An initial visit for screening and provision of reproductive preventive health care services is recommended between the ages of 13 to 15 years, according to a Committee Opinion published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Wrong-level localization in spine surgey rare but still occurs
(HealthDay)—Most surgeons admit wrong-level localization during spinal surgery during their career, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of The Spine Journal.
AAP cautions against high-deductible health plans for kids
(HealthDay)—High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are an increasingly popular way to reduce health care expenditures, but may be particularly inappropriate for children, according to an American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement published online April 28 in Pediatrics.
Users bemoan e-cigarette bans in NYC, Chicago
Laws in New York and Chicago making electronic cigarettes subject to the same regulations as tobacco are taking effect, and their sellers and users are steadfast in their opposition.
Bacteria on the skin: New insights on our invisible companions
(Medical Xpress)—A University of Manchester study examines how skin-dwelling bacteria influence wound healing - findings could help address chronic wounds, a common ailment in the elderly.
Immunology touted as next big thing for popular science
(Medical Xpress)—A University of Manchester professor says scientific jargon could be making the science of the human immune system a turn-off for the general public.
Internet and video game addiction needs better treatment
(Medical Xpress)—University of Adelaide researchers are shedding light on the unique problems of video and internet gaming addiction, and say there's strong evidence to suggest that new treatments should be developed for these conditions.
Study finds Sirt7 gene plays a central role in energy metabolism
(Medical Xpress)—The long-term consumption of too much high-energy and high-fat food leads to overweight. Behind this trivial statement lies the extremely complex regulation of lipid metabolism. Together with colleagues from Japan, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim have now discovered that the Sirt7 gene plays a central role in energy metabolism. Despite consuming high-fat food, genetically modified mice that lack the gene maintain their normal weight.
Creative ways to get children to eat vegetables
(Medical Xpress)—Can you imagine a young child eating spinach, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts or even asparagus? Yes, it can happen. "But how?" you ask.
Genetically engineered food labeling examined in new paper
(Medical Xpress)—As consumers and legislators across the nation grapple with whether to require labeling of genetically engineered foods and food products, a new "issues paper" addressing that topic is being released today by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technologies (CAST).
A more effective approach to prostate cancer treatment
(Medical Xpress)—Active surveillance of men with low-risk prostate cancer may be better for quality of life and is cost-effective compared with immediate treatment, reports a study published today in CMAJ Open.
Social cocaine use more harmful than you think
(Medical Xpress)—In addition to recent high profile cocaine possession arrests and the Australian Crime Commission's Illicit Drug Data Report 2012-2013 being released today, University of Sydney research has found that people who use cocaine 'socially' are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Breakthrough unravels how macrophages are programmed in tissues
(Medical Xpress)—Studies conducted by a team led by Professor Phil Taylor, and published this week in the prestigious journal Science, shed new light on how the cell type known as macrophages are programmed in tissues.
Half of all cancer patients now survive at least 10 years
Fifty per cent of people diagnosed with cancer today will survive their disease for at least 10 years, according to landmark figures published by Cancer Research UK today.
More than two million now regularly using electronic cigarettes in Britain
(Medical Xpress)—The number of adults in Britain who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has tripled over the past two years, from an estimated 700,000 users in 2012 to 2.1 million in 2014, according to survey data released by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).
The molecular heart of celiac disease revealed
Australian, US and Dutch researchers have determined the molecular details of the interaction between the immune system and gluten that triggers celiac disease. Their work opens the way to potential treatments and diagnostics.
Study finds more reason to review the use of BPA
A new study provides further evidence of the damaging effects of BPA, the controversial compound used in the manufacture of plastic food and drink containers that is banned in most parts of the world but allowed in Australia.
Adhesion molecule shows promise for treating colitis
The adhesion molecule CD146 plays a vital role in inflammation and offers a promising therapeutic target for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as preventing colitis-associated colorectal cancer, say scientists. Targeting CD146 with anti-CD146 antibody AA98, especially in combination with an anti-TNF-alpha antibody, showed promising results in mice. Their report is published in The American Journal of Pathology.
Pressure for independence in old age can be disabling
'Independence' may be an aspirational buzzword for the elderly. But too much emphasis on independence can be counterproductive if older people feel unable to ask for help when they need it, a Massey health researcher says.
The art of good health
(Medical Xpress)—Engaging in the arts for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby can be good for your mental, social and physical wellbeing, according to researchers at The University of Western Australia.
Diet can predict cognitive decline: EPA, DHA remain important nutrients
The importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to brain health has been demonstrated in multiple studies. To assess whether lower dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) were risk factors for cognitive decline, Tammy Scott, PhD, a scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University recently conducted a longitudinal, observational study using the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study cohort. Alice Lichtenstein, DSc, also from the USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, and Katherine Tucker, PhD, the cohort director from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, were co-authors of the study, which has been published as an abstract.
School nutrition and wellness program improves eating habits, lowers BMI
Can we fight childhood obesity by telling kids to eat more, not less? Researchers behind a new comprehensive school nutrition and wellness program say you get further by offering kids a carrot—literally, in this case—by giving them reasons to be excited about fruits and vegetables, rather than harping about what they should avoid, such as sugar-sweetened beverages.
FDA advises against using extra-strength acetaminophen
Apparently, the FDA's warning four months ago was missed by many physicians, pharmacists and patients, so the drug agency, in an unusual move, saw fit Monday to remind us: Stop writing prescriptions for, stop dispensing prescriptions for, and stop taking medications containing more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen.
Researchers finding ways to erase unhappy memories
We all have things we'd like to forget - being the victim of a crime, a bad relationship, an embarrassing faux pas. What if we could erase those bad memories? Or at least take the edge off them?
EU wants to standardise migrant health screening
The European Union said Tuesday it would promote common guidelines across the bloc for the health screening of incoming migrants and refugees.
Higher calcium intake may reduce body fat, mitigating genetic risk for diabetes
As the number of people with type 2 diabetes continues to rise and its toll increases, scientists are scrambling to unravel the complex genetic and lifestyle factors behind the disease. A new study finds that African American children with a genetic predisposition to diabetes may be able to reduce their risk by getting the USDA-recommended dose of calcium.
Dampening of positive feelings found to predict postpartum depressive symptoms
A new KU Leuven study shows for the first time that the dampening or suppression of positive emotions plays an important role in the development of postpartum depression. This has implications for the treatment of depressed mothers.
Coral reefs provide potent new anti-HIV proteins
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins capable of blocking the HIV virus from penetrating T-cells, raising hope that the proteins could be adapted for use in gels or sexual lubricants to provide a potent barrier against HIV infection.
Microfluidic technology reveals potential biomarker for early pancreatic cancer
Cancer cells are on the move in the bloodstream in the very early stage of pancreatic cancer, and can be detected before cancer is diagnosed, according to research by the University of Michigan Health System.
Drug monitoring information improves regimen adherence, researchers say
Most people want to take mediations as prescribed, even if they sometimes need a little help remembering. For them, an automated system that monitors drug taking and provides feedback after the fact may be more useful than one that nags people when it is time to take a pill, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say.
Facial transplantation: Almost a decade out, surgeons prepare for burgeoning demand
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons leading the first retrospective study of all known facial transplants worldwide conclude that the procedure is relatively safe, increasingly feasible, and a clear life-changer that can and should be offered to far more carefully selected patients.
Stem cell therapies look promising for heart disease
Stem cell therapies work as a complement to standard treatments, potentially cutting the number of deaths after a year, suggests evidence from the latest Cochrane review: Stem cell therapy for chronic ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure. Taking stem cells from a patient's bone marrow and injecting them into their damaged heart may be an effective way to treat heart disease.
Stroke risk reduced if brain blood vessel disorder is left alone
Treating patients who suffer from a common condition that affects blood vessels in the brain increases their risk of stroke, a study has found.
People rely on what they hear to know what they are saying
You know what you're going to say before you say it, right? Not necessarily, research suggests. A study from researchers at Lund University in Sweden shows that auditory feedback plays an important role in helping us determine what we're saying as we speak. The study is published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
Genealogy and biogeography meet personalized medicine
Biogeographical data is useful in screening for disease risk and drug sensitivity associated with certain ethnic groups. A team of researchers, including an investigator from Children's Hospital Los Angeles, has developed a tool to accurately identify the biogeography of worldwide individuals. Previous tools were accurate in identifying place of origin within homogeneous European populations but highly inaccurate for places with significant immigration, such as the U.S.
Screening out: What are parents doing to limit screen time for young children?
About 25 percent of parents who have children aged two to five say their children get three or more hours of entertainment screen time a day, well beyond recommended limits, according to a new poll from the University of Michigan.
'Tell-tail' MRI image diagnosis for Parkinson's disease
An image similar in shape to a Swallow's tail has been identified as a new and accurate test for Parkinson's disease. The image, which depicts the healthy state of a group of cells in the sub-region of the human brain, was singled out using 3T MRI scanning technology – standard equipment in clinical settings today.
Anti-bullying policy must focus on all of society
Policy to reduce bullying in the schoolyard needs to span all levels of society, say researchers from the University of Warwick, who warn that socioeconomic status is not a reliable indicator of whether a child is likely to become a bully.
Model sheds new light on sports-related brain injuries
A new study has provided insight into the behavioral damage caused by repeated blows to the head. The research provides a foundation for scientists to better understand and potentially develop new ways to detect and prevent the repetitive sports injuries that can lead to the condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Medicare patients with dementia 20 percent more likely to be readmitted
A review of more than 25,000 admissions of Medicare beneficiaries to Rhode Island hospitals has found that patients with a documented diagnosis of dementia are nearly 20 percent more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without dementia. The study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers is published online in advance of print in the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
Saudi announces 3 new MERS deaths, toll hits 105
Saudi health authorities announced Tuesday three new deaths from the MERS coronavirus, as a group of experts met to discuss means of preventing the spread of the disease.
Anti-smoking TV ads should use anger, study suggests
Anti-smoking television advertisements that appeal to viewers' emotions are more persuasive when they use anger rather than sadness, a Dartmouth-Cornell study suggests.
Study yields potential drug targets for preeclampsia patients
Preeclampsia, the most common complication of pregnancy, is a major cause of premature delivery and both maternal and fetal death, yet what causes the syndrome remains unclear. A new study indicates that molecules that send detrimental signals are abundant in certain tissues in preeclampsia patients. The study also documented some of the complications experienced by babies born to mothers with preeclampsia.
Vitamin D may raise survival rates among cancer patients
Cancer patients who have higher levels of vitamin D when they are diagnosed tend to have better survival rates and remain in remission longer than patients who are vitamin D-deficient, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Immunogenic mutations in tumor genomes correlate with increased patient survival
Developing immunotherapies for cancer is challenging because of significant variability among tumors and diversity in human immune types. In a study published online today in Genome Research, researchers examined the largest collection of tumor samples to date to predict patient-specific tumor mutations that may activate the patient's immune system, paving the way for more successful, personalized cancer immunotherapy.
WHO tool underestimates need for osteoporosis treatment, study finds
The World Health Organization's tool for assessing bone fracture risk underestimates the true dangers for people who are younger than 65 or have been treated for a single broken bone, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
Study ties ABCC9 anomalies, sulfonylurea exposure to HS-Aging
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) led by Peter Nelson, MD, PhD, of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky, and David Fardo, PhD, of UK's Department of Biostatistics, has provided new insight into Hippocampal Sclerosis of Aging (HS-A), a common disease affecting the elderly.
Chronic stress heightens vulnerability to diet-related metabolic risk
New research out of UC San Francisco is the first to demonstrate that highly stressed people who eat a lot of high-fat, high-sugar food are more prone to health risks than low-stress people who eat the same amount of unhealthy food.
Information technology can simplify weight-loss efforts; social support still important for success
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 69 percent of adults in the United States are currently overweight or obese, which puts these individuals at increased risk for chronic health problems. Although weight loss decreases this risk, statistics show that dieters often fail multiple times before meeting their goals. Now, MU researchers have found that information technology, such as smartphone applications, can help dieters integrate healthy behavior changes into their daily lives.
Newly arrived virus spreads in Dominican Republic
Health officials in the Dominican Republic say a mosquito-borne virus has spread widely since making its first appearance in the country.
New York City imposes strict e-cigarette ban
A ban on electronic cigarettes went into effect Tuesday in New York restaurants, bars, parks, beaches and other public places.
'Breast milk banks' gain in popularity
(HealthDay)—A wave of new nonprofit breast milk banks are opening across North America, driven by research that has promoted the use of donated mother's milk for healthy babies.
Japan quake shows how stress alters the brain
(HealthDay)—A small study of people who experienced the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan shows that although traumatic events can shrink parts of the brain, some of those regions can rebound once a person's self-esteem returns.
ACOG issues guidelines for routine HIV testing for women
(HealthDay)—Females aged 13 to 64 years should undergo HIV testing at least once in their lifetime, with annual testing thereafter recommended based on risk factors, according to a Committee Opinion published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Preliminary results for combined therapy show improvement in MS symptoms
Combining the estrogen hormone estriol with Copaxone, a drug indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), may improve symptoms in patients with the disorder, according to preliminary results from a clinical study of 158 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The findings were presented today by Rhonda Voskuhl, M.D., from the University of California, Los Angeles, at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health; and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Only about half of strokes may be attributable to known causative risk factors
A large proportion of strokes may not be attributable to known causative risk factors, according to a study published in this week's PLOS Medicine. Michiel Bos and colleagues from the Erasmus Medical Center, in the Netherlands, report that only about half of all strokes are attributable to established causative factors for stroke, a much smaller proportion than estimated by previous studies.
Risk of birth defects small with HIV drugs
The risks of birth defects in children exposed to antiretroviral drugs in utero are small when considering the clear benefit of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV but where there are safe and effective alternatives, it might be appropriate to avoid use by pregnant women of drugs that may be associated with elevated risks of birth defects, such as zidovudine and efavirenz, according to a study published by French researchers published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Simple tests of physical capability in midlife linked with survival
Low levels of physical capability (in particular weak grip strength, slow chair rise speed and poor standing balance performance) in midlife can indicate poorer chances of survival over the next 13 years, while greater time spent in light intensity physical activity each day is linked to a reduced risk of developing disability in adults with or at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, suggest two papers published in BMJ today.
Consuming high-protein breakfasts helps women maintain glucose control
In healthy individuals, the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood increases after eating. When glucose increases, levels of insulin increase to carry the glucose to the rest of the body. Previous research has shown that extreme increases in glucose and insulin in the blood can lead to poor glucose control and increase an individual's risk of developing diabetes over time. Now, a University of Missouri researcher has found that when women consumed high-protein breakfasts, they maintained better glucose and insulin control than they did with lower-protein or no-protein meals.
HPV-linked oral cancers may not be 'contagious'
(HealthDay)—Romantic intimacy in long-term relationships often suffers when one partner gets a diagnosis of mouth or throat cancer caused by HPV, the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus. But new research suggests these couples can kiss as much and as deeply as they ever have, without worry.
Research sees overlap in genes altered in schizophrenia, autism, intellectual disability
A multinational team of scientists presents new evidence supporting the theory that in at least some cases of schizophrenia, autism and intellectual disability, malfunctions in some of the same genes are contributing to pathology.
Brain imaging study reveals what makes some people more susceptible to peer influence
(Medical Xpress)—A brain area activated by group decisions can distinguish people more likely to conform to the will of a group, say researchers from UCL.
Neuroscientists find link between agenesis of the corpus callosum and autism
(Medical Xpress)—Building on their prior work, a team of neuroscientists at Caltech now report that rare patients who are missing connections between the left and right sides of their brain—a condition known as agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC)—show a strikingly high incidence of autism. The study is the first to show a link between the two disorders.
'Let it go,' but not in the boardroom: How facial expressions affect cooperation
While Disney's Frozen Academy Award-winning diva anthem "Let It Go" has dominated the Billboard 200, sales records and parents' eardrums with its message of all-out emotional display, that approach probably won't always resonate in the boardroom, according to a recent study from Marshall and USC faculty.
Mother's diet affects the 'silencing' of her child's genes
A mother's diet before conception can permanently affect how her child's genes function, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
Researchers discover 'master regulator' role for little-known protein in cancer cells
Researchers in the UNC School of Medicine found that the protein DAZAP1 plays a key role in the regulation of many genes through a process known as alternative splicing, and when highly expressed in cancer cell line experiments, DAZAP1 was shown to inhibit several types of cancer cells from dividing and moving.
Beijing researchers explore liquid metal to reconnect nerves
(Medical Xpress)—What is the most effective way to reconnect severed nerves? After years of research, scientists are still exploring, aware of the risks of long-term disability. Techniques used include sewing ends back together or grafting nerves into the gap, but it takes a long time, sometimes years, for the nerve ends to grow back and knit together, and during that time the muscles can degrade beyond repair. Researchers look for a way to keep muscles active during regrowth and there is news that Chinese biomedical engineers may be on to something important.
Research shows brain's predictive nature when listening to others
Our brain activity is more similar to that of speakers we are listening to when we can predict what they are going to say, a team of neuroscientists has found. The study, which appears in the Journal of Neuroscience, provides fresh evidence on the brain's role in communication.
Lack of seipin in testes could cause male infertility
(Medical Xpress)—Jiahao Sha and his colleagues at Nanjing University in China studied humans and mice with genetic abnormalities that prevent them from producing a protein called seipin. Lack of seipin causes body fat to degenerate. The researchers found that lack of testicular seipin could cause infertility. However, lack of seipin in adipose tissue has no effect on fertility. The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Biology news
Call for action on harmful preservatives in pet food
(Phys.org) —Continually feeding your cat pet meat runs the risk of exposing them to a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and its associated serious health problems.
New ways of cultivating valuable marine microorganisms
A four-year EU-funded project has identified new ways of cultivating marine microorganisms and screening them for potentially useful marine bio-compounds. This could have implications for the healthcare, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, which are just a few of the sectors that are eager to take advantage of value-added molecules derived from the sea.
Stress research in therapy dogs reveals animals' needs
Animals exert positive effects on humans. This fact has been proven scientifically and is used increasingly often for specific therapeutic purposes. Scientists at the Vetmeduni Vienna investigated how therapy dogs feel in a therapy setting and how one can create a largely stress-free situation for the animals. The current study shows that, during group therapy, dogs are not subjected to greater stress than they are during their leisure time. Prerequisites for this purpose are the voluntary involvement and self-determinism of the dogs. The results were published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
Pig farmers get smart
Low-cost sensors and wireless communication technologies have enabled moves towards smart homes and smart cars. Using similar technologies, scientists involved in an EU-funded project called ALL-SMART-PIGS are now developing technologies that turn pigs' farms into smart farms. "ALL-SMART-PIGS aims to come up with a package of technologies to make pig farming more profitable while at the same time improving animal welfare," explains the project coordinator Heiner Lehr, who is a partner with the Barcelona office of Syntesa, in Spain, an international innovation consultancy. "We are using sensors to detect animals' needs," Lehr tells CommNet, adding: "and by satisfying those needs more quickly, the payback is healthier animals that grow faster, so it's win-win for the animals and the farmer."
India irked by EU mango ban (Update)
India's leading export promotion agency criticised a European ban on mango imports as unjustified on Tuesday and appealed to Brussels to overturn its decision.
Widespread tetraradial symmetry among early fossil sponges
Sponges are usually considered to be the oldest living animals, having evolved before all other groups. The simplicity of their body structure and tissue organization has for many years made them candidates for the ancestral group of animals, and they have long been regarded as our best illustration of what the earliest animals would have looked like. This has been supported by genetic analyses, which suggest that sponges branched from other animals a very long time ago, deep in the Precambrian. Until recently, most zoologists believed that sponges were little more advanced than a colonial protist, with tissues and organs never fully developed. However, in recent years there has been an increasing appreciation of the complexity of their genetics and biochemistry, and this has cast doubt on the impression of simplicity. Now, new evidence from the fossil record confirms that early sponges were in some ways more complex than their living descendents.
Man landing on Madeira could be four centuries prior to its colonization by the Portuguese
According to the results, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B journal, house mice may have landed on the island before 1036, most likely transported by a ship. The article suggests that the introduction of this species would result in an ecological disaster.
The identification of endangered species
In a time of global climate change and rapidly disappearing habitat critical to the survival of countless endangered species, there is a heightened sense of urgency to confirm the return of animals thought to be extinct, or to confirm the presence of newly discovered species. Field biologists traditionally collect specimens to distinguish the animals - or to confirm that they do indeed exist in the wild.
Real-time genome-scale sequencing at sea
(Phys.org) —A University of Florida researcher has become the first scientist to achieve genome-scale sequencing and analysis of fragile marine creatures at sea aboard a ship and in real time.
Better genetic markers developed for wheat streak mosaic virus resistance
(Phys.org) —Texas A&M AgriLife Research is developing genetic diagnostic markers to identify wheat streak mosaic virus resistance, providing wheat breeders a new tool in breeding wheat varieties resistant to one of the region's most prevalent diseases.
Polluted rivers still a threat to city wildlife
In recent years, cleaner waters have heralded the return of a number of species to urban waterways right across Britain. But according to new research, carried out on a South Wales population of Eurasian dippers, this has brought them into contact with new pollutant threats.
Scientists use DNA to identify species killed during early whaling days
(Phys.org) —For more than a hundred years, piles of whale bones have littered the beaches of South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean – remnants of a vast and deadly whaling industry in the early 20th century that reduced many populations of Southern Hemisphere whales to near-extinction.
Study shows that interactions between humans and scavengers have been decisive in human evolution
An international team of researchers led by scientists at the University Miguel Hernández in Elche (Spain) has concluded that the interactions that human have kept for millennia with scavengers like vultures, hyenas and lions, have been crucial in the evolution and welfare of mankind. Furthermore, the results of the study note that the extinction of large carnivorous mammals threatens to wipe out the many services that they provide us. This finding has been published in the journal BioScience and has numerous implications in the cognitive, ecological and cultural identity of modern man.
A variety of California kingsnake is wreaking havoc in Canary Islands
An albino variety of California kingsnake popular in the pet trade has infested the Canary Islands, decimating native bird, mammal and lizard species that have had no time to evolve evasive patterns in what was once a stable ecology northwest of Africa.
How plant small RNAs are activated to control transposons in pollen
Studying a distant relative of viruses known as transposons, the University of Delaware's Blake Meyers is working with researchers from Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) Laboratory to see how small RNAs in plants are activated and how they work to control transposons in the development of pollen.
Going deep to improve maize transcriptome
A team of researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), the University of California, Berkeley, and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center generated an ultra-deep, high quality transcriptome–the fraction of the genome that provides information about gene activity–of maize.
NOAA reports show strong economic gains from fishing, continued improvement in fish stocks
U.S. commercial and recreational saltwater fishing generated more than $199 billion in sales in 2012, a gain of seven percent over the previous year, with the economic impact of fishing jobs increasing three percent from 2011 to 2012, according to a new NOAA Fisheries economics report.
Saving crops and people with bug sensors
University of California, Riverside researchers have created a method that can classify different species of insects with up to 99 percent accuracy, a development that could help farmers protect their crops from insect damage and limit the spread of insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and Dengue fever.
Stem cells aid heart regeneration in salamanders
Imagine filling a hole in your heart by regrowing the tissue. While that possibility is still being explored in people, it is a reality in salamanders. A recent discovery that newt hearts can regenerate may pave the way to new therapies in people who need to have damaged tissue replaced with healthy tissue.
New analysis of seven ant genomes reveals clues to longer life spans associated with sociality
In a new study, published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, J. Roux, et al. tried to uncover which genes could be involved in ant-specific adaptations, notably in relation to the evolution of complex social systems and division of labor.
How a fish can fry: Scientists uncover evolutionary clues behind electric fish
Take a muscle cell, modify it over millions of years, and you end up with an exciting and literally shocking evolutionary result: the electric fish. Electric fish have evolved several times in varying levels of complexity. Two groups of electric fish, one in Africa (Mormyroids) and one in South America (Gymnotiforms), have independently evolved sophisticated communication systems using these cells. By emitting and sensing weak electrical signals, the fish have bypassed the usual means of communication, such as with sounds and visual signals, and go directly to electrical signals. This allows them to quietly "talk" to each other in the dark so that most predators can't eavesdrop. Both groups of fish are incredibly diverse; one species, the famous electric eel of South America, even evolved such strong and intense electric signals that it can electrocute its prey.
Model shows long-distance migration can lower risk of disease transmission, impact
Animals that migrate long distances are often implicated in the spread of infectious diseases, but there is growing evidence that long-distance migration may actually lower the risks of pathogen transmission in some cases.
A protein key to the next green revolution sits for its portrait
(Phys.org) —If you pull up a soybean or bean plant and shake off the dirt, you might see odd swellings or bumps, like rheumatic finger joints, on its roots. Inside the cool, soil-covered bumps are bacteria that are making nitrogen with the help of an enzyme, something chemical factories can do only with the help of a catalyst and at high temperature and pressure.
Green vaccination: boosting plant immunity without side effects
(Phys.org) —A team of international researchers has uncovered a mechanism by which plants are able to better defend themselves against disease causing pathogens.
Scientists reveal molecular secrets behind resveratrol's health benefits
Resveratrol has been much in the news as the component of grapes and red wine associated with reducing "bad cholesterol," heart disease and some types of cancer. Also found in blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, peanuts and pistachios, resveratrol is associated with beneficial health effects in aging, inflammation and metabolism.
'Lonely' bacteria increase risk of antibiotic resistance
Scientists from The University of Manchester have discovered that 'lonely' microbes are more likely to mutate, resulting in higher rates of antibiotic resistance.
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