Science X Newsletter Thursday, Oct 2

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for October 2, 2014:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Superposition revisited: Proposed resolution of double-slit experiment paradox using Feynman path integral formalism
- Self-powered smart window also functions as a self-rechargeable transparent battery
- Majorana fermion: Physicists observe elusive particle that is its own antiparticle
- First floating solar farm in UK comes to life in Berkshire
- A closer look at the perfect fluid
- ARM targets device platform for quicker IoT development cycles
- Quantum environmentalism: Putting a qubit's surroundings to good use
- Study shows sharks have personalities
- 52-million-year-old amber preserves 'ant-loving' beetle
- Unexpectedly speedy expansion of human, ape cerebellum
- In-depth analysis of bat influenza viruses concludes they pose low risk to humans
- Thermotolerant yeast can provide more climate-smart ethanol
- New approach to boosting yeast's ethanol yields
- Study of mountain lion energetics shows the power of the pounce
- HIV pandemic's origins located: It may have emerged in Congo in 1920s

Astronomy & Space news

	Physicist turns smartphones into pocket cosmic ray detectors (Phys.org) —Soon, the growing capability of your smartphone could be harnessed to detect cosmic rays in much the same way as high-end, multimillion-dollar observatories.
	Polish astronomers discover young stellar bridge in the Magellanic Clouds Polish astronomers from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) have discovered a young stellar bridge, that forms a continuous connection between the Magellanic Clouds. This finding is based on number density maps for stellar populations found in data gathered by OGLE. This is the most extensive optical survey of this region up to date. "We find that the young population is present mainly in the western half of the Magellanic Bridge area (MBR), which, together with the newly discovered young population in the eastern Bridge, form a continuous stream of stars connecting both galaxies along," the researchers write in a paper published on Oct. 1. "The young population distribution is clumped, with one of the major densities close to the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and the other, fairly isolated and located approximately midway between the Clouds, which we call the OGLE island." The Magellanic Clouds comprise of two gal! axies: the Large (LMC) and the Small Magellanic Cloud and are the closest to the Milky Way pair of interacting galaxies. The Clouds have always been of special interest to astronomers and they continue to play a significant role in our understanding of the Universe.
	With NASA's help, AeroAstro students work in a space-like environment For a team of MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics students, research isn't a weighty matter—in fact, there's virtually no weight at all.
	The case for a mission to Mars' moon Phobos Ask any space enthusiast, and almost anyone will say humankind's ultimate destination is Mars. But NASA is currently gearing up to go to an asteroid. While the space agency says its Asteroid Initiative will help in the eventual goal of putting people on Mars, what if instead of going to an asteroid, we went to Mars' moon Phobos?
	How commercial spaceflight makes a profit There's a big difference in thinking between governments and the private companies that participate in space. While entities such as NASA can work on understanding basic human health or exploring the universe for the sake of a greater understanding, companies have a limitation: they need to eventually make a profit.
	United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy moved to Cape Canaveral launch pad The march towards first launch of NASA's next generation Orion crew vehicle is accelerating rapidly.
	Three views of the North America Nebula A perfect set of astrophotos for #WideAngleWednesday! Here are not one but three views of the North America Nebula taken by Terry Hancock. Terry said this is his widest view yet of this region. Also known as NGC 7000 or Caldwell 20, this is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus that resembles the shape of North America and The Gulf Of Mexico. It lies at a distance of approximately 1800 light years away from Earth.

Technology news

	Self-powered smart window also functions as a self-rechargeable transparent battery (Phys.org) —Smart windows have the ability to become darker or lighter in response to the brightness and heat of sunlight, offering the potential to greatly reduce heating and cooling costs, among other benefits. However, current smart windows require an external power supply to operate, causing an additional energy consumption that cuts into their overall cost savings.
	First floating solar farm in UK comes to life in Berkshire Solar panel farms raise concerns about tying up valuable farmland. Is there another way to generate solar power without tying up large tracts of land? French company Ciel et Terre has an interesting approach that involves floating solar arrays on reservoirs, quarry lakes, irrigation canals or remediation and tailing ponds. Their platform has led to the UK's first floating solar farm, namely a solar array at a farm in Berkshire.
	ARM targets device platform for quicker IoT development cycles ARM on Wednesday announced its mbed device platform. The platform includes the mbed OS as a free operating system for ARM Cortex-M processor-based devices, and is targeted toward bringing about energy-efficient Internet of Things devices. ARM basically wants to make it easier for developers to help bring such products to market.
	New software for Google Glass provides captions for hard-of-hearing users A team of Georgia Institute of Technology researchers has created speech-to-text software for Google Glass that helps hard-of-hearing users with everyday conversations. A hard-of-hearing person wears Glass while a second person speaks directly into a smartphone. The speech is converted to text, sent to Glass and displayed on its heads-up display.
	Google removes news snippets in Germany legal fight Internet giant Google said Wednesday it would remove news snippets and thumbnails of articles from several German news sites from its search results amid a legal battle with publishers.
	Firm says phone apps spy on Hong Kong protesters The Chinese government might be using smartphone apps to spy on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, a U.S. security firm said.
Modi wields broom in new 'Clean India' push Prime Minister Narendra Modi wielded a broom in a New Delhi slum on Thursday as he pledged to sweep away India's reputation for poor public hygiene and rudimentary sanitation.
Philips loses $467M patent suit to US competitor Royal Philips NV says it will book a $467 million (366 million-euro) charge in the third quarter after losing a patent lawsuit to smaller U.S. competitor Masimo Corp.
	Angry Birds maker Rovio to cut up to 130 jobs Rovio, the Finnish maker of the popular mobile game "Angry Birds" announced on Thursday up to 130 job cuts, blaming flagging sales growth.
	Can propane school buses save money and provide other benefits? School districts across the country are looking for ways to save money and be more environmentally sustainable. A new case study from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory that examines five school bus fleets that are successfully using propane school buses provides one promising option. The case study describes how some of the school districts saved nearly 50% on a cost per mile basis for fuel and maintenance relative to diesel, in addition to seeing a variety of other environmental and social benefits.
	Panasonic shuts DVD-player plant in Slovakia Japanese electronics giant Panasonic said Thursday said it will close its Blu-ray and DVD player plant in eastern Slovakia as a result of declining sales.
High-tech gadgets drive wow factor at Paris motor show Ever had trouble getting out of a tight parking space? Had a crash in a foreign country? And what if your car could avoid a potentially fatal collision with a pedestrian?
	Facebook tightens reins on research at social network (Update) Facebook tightened the reins Thursday on its research methods in the wake of an outcry by members who felt manipulated by a secret study into how posts affect moods.
Hollywood actresses slam Google over leaked nude photos More than a dozen Hollywood celebrities whose naked pictures were hacked and posted online have threatened to sue Google for failing to crack down on the leaks.
	Tesla shares rev up after mystery tweet Tesla Motors shares raced higher Thursday after founder Elon Musk tantalized fans via Twitter with a hint the electric carmaker will unveil a new model next week.
JPMorgan says data breach affected 76M households JPMorgan Chase & Co. says that a recent cyberattack compromised customer information for about 76 million households and 7 million small businesses.
Samsung China supplier sues US labor watchdog A Chinese supplier of Samsung Electronics Co. filed a lawsuit accusing a New York City-based labor watchdog of spreading false rumors of child labor, but the labor group says it has evidence to back up its report.
	Germany's Rocket Internet has lukewarm IPO Germany's ambitious start-up platform Rocket Internet made its high-profile arrival on the Frankfurt stock market on Thursday but got off to a disappointing start as shares slumped in morning trading.
	Lego housing, automatic ambulances and car-free streets What will Bristol be like in 2070? A new report released today [1 October] suggests a number of ideas in an attempt to create a futuristic city that suits the needs of its citizens, whatever their age.
	Unlocking the geoblock with VPNs In recent months there have been many reports of Australians covertly signing up for the US streaming service Netflix, using fake postcodes and software workarounds to fool its geo-blocking system.
NXP unveils versatile microcontroller family to drive a smarter user experience in next-generation embedded designs NXP Semiconductors today announced the release of the LPC82x family of microcontrollers, dramatically extending the versatility of the ARM Cortex-M0+-based LPC800 Series for use in today's highly connected, sensor-dense and IoT designs. With double the memory (over the LPC81x family), a new 1.2 Msps ADC, DMA, and triple the serial connectivity, the LPC82x family makes it easy for embedded developers to meet the growing requirements for a better, smarter user experience in their next-generation product designs—from connected thermostats, environment monitoring devices, home and building automation products, and lighting controls, to server and rack monitors, wearable health/fitness devices, toys, models, and more.
Indonesian graft busters launch anti-corruption app Indonesia's powerful anti-graft agency said Thursday it had launched a mobile app packed with graphics and games to educate the public and officials about bribery in one of the world's most corrupt countries.
Enabling the powder metallurgy process to expand to new markets There is no reliable method able to inspect parts and detect local defects in green state powder metallurgy parts. The lack of an adequate inspection system has implications from the point of view of production, since it increases the number of rejected parts after sintering.
	'Twilight' to be revived in Facebook short films "Twilight" will be raised from the dead for a series of short films on Facebook.
	'Alien: Isolation' game an homage to original film By the end of the original "Alien" film, warrant officer Ellen Ripley had been attacked by an android, stalked by an extraterrestrial and stranded in space. That's just the beginning of the interstellar mayhem that awaits Ripley's daughter in "Alien: Isolation," a video game out Tuesday that aims to pay interactive tribute to filmmaker Ridley Scott's seminal 1979 sci-fi horror movie.

Medicine & Health news

	Poor mother-baby bonding passed to next generation Trust pathways in the brain are set in infancy and passed on from mother to child, according to landmark UNSW-led research. The work relates to oxytocin levels in new mothers and proves for the first time that it is linked to their reported disturbance in bonding with their own mothers.
	Judgment and decision-making: Brain activity indicates there is more than meets the eye (Medical Xpress)—People make immediate judgments about images they are shown, which could impact on their decisions, even before their brains have had time to consciously process the information, a study of brainwaves led by The University Of Melbourne has found.
	Study finds Portal 2 better at improving cognitive skills than Lumosity (Medical Xpress)—A trio of researchers at Florida State University has conducted a small study the results of which suggest that the video game Portal 2 is better at improving cognitive skills than the "brain-trainer" Lumosity—a web based system that has been designed to improve such skills. In their paper published in the journal Computers and Education, Valerie J. Shute, Matthew Ventura and Fengfeng Ke describe their study and results and note that more work needs to be done with computer software that is created to help improve brain performance.
	DNA 'bias' may keep some diseases in circulation, biologists show It's an early lesson in genetics: we get half our DNA from Mom, half from Dad.
	How curiosity changes the brain to enhance learning The more curious we are about a topic, the easier it is to learn information about that topic. New research publishing online October 2 in the Cell Press journal Neuron provides insights into what happens in our brains when curiosity is piqued. The findings could help scientists find ways to enhance overall learning and memory in both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions.
	HIV pandemic's origins located: It may have emerged in Congo in 1920s The HIV pandemic with us today is almost certain to have begun its global spread from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a new study.
	In-depth analysis of bat influenza viruses concludes they pose low risk to humans Zoonosis—transmission of infections from other vertebrates to humans—causes regular and sometimes serious disease outbreaks. Bats are a well-known vertebrate reservoir of viruses like rabies and Ebola. Recent discovery of sequences in bats that are resemble influenza virus genes raised the question of whether bat flu viruses exist and could pose a threat to humans. A study published on October 2nd in PLOS Pathogens addresses this question based on detailed molecular and virological characterization.
People prone to delusions make rushed decisions, research shows People who are prone to delusions gather insufficient information before making decisions, according to research published in the journal Psychological Medicine.
New drug achieves significant additional cholesterol-lowering in people with inherited high cholesterol on statins Evolocumab, an injected form of a new class of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors[1], is highly effective at reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol" levels with few side effects in people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), an inherited condition that causes extremely high cholesterol and high risk of cardiovascular disease at an early age.
	Discussing alternative medicine choices for better health In the field of medicine there has often been a divide between those who focus on modern medicine and those who prefer alternative practices. But pediatrician Sunita Vohra is a firm believer there should be room for both.
Researchers develop the first neurophysiological model of how humans sense wetness Human sensitivity to wetness plays a role in many aspects of daily life. Whether feeling humidity, sweat or a damp towel, we often encounter stimuli that feel wet. Though it seems simple, feeling that something is wet is quite a feat because our skin does not have receptors that sense wetness. The concept of wetness, in fact, may be more of a "perceptual illusion" that our brain evokes based on our prior experiences with stimuli that we have learned are wet.
	Sepsis survival rates prove Aussies and Kiwis know best New research suggests treatment in Australia and New Zealand for patients with sepsis is the best in the world.
	Eight ways to prevent breast cancer​​​​​​ Breast cancer. Just reading those words can make many women worry. And that's natural. Nearly everyone knows someone touched by the disease.
Review identifies factors associated with childhood brain tumors Older parents, birth defects, maternal nutrition and childhood exposure to CT scans and pesticides are increasingly being associated with brain tumors in children, according to new research from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.
	Healthy relationships help foster healthy eating habits There are few subjects more personal than an individual's weight. And for those people who are considered overweight, whether this is a scientifically accurate measurement or a personal assessment, the battle to control unwanted pounds can seem like a lonely fight.
	Researchers study how cancer cells respond to Mcl-1-inhibitory BH3-mimetics The European pharmaceutical company Servier has established a collaborative partnership with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute to facilitate the development of new agents that could be effective in treating several types of cancer, particularly blood cancers.
	Study finds relationship between neighborhood drug sales and drug use For decades, research has generally focused on individual, family and peer factors to explain illicit drug use, neglecting neighborhood factors as a cause. While the scant previous research on neighborhood factors and illicit drug use has focused on facets such as crime and socio-demographic characteristics, none has explored the associations between the perceived frequency of drug sales, drug use, and peer attitudes towards drug use.  Now a study out of New York University's Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), address this paucity in the research.
Better testing needed to monitor brain health after sports concussion More thorough testing is needed to decide when football players are fit to return to the field after suffering a concussion, according to Deakin University research.
	Social groups ward off age–related mental decline (Medical Xpress)—People aged over 50 are more agile mentally if they are socially active, a study has found – and the effect is even more pronounced in 80-year-olds.
	Study seeks non–surgical solutions to knee arthritis University of Queensland researchers are seeking solutions that could save billions of dollars by helping almost half a million Australians avoid the need for knee joint replacements.
	Young Aussie women now fatter but fitter Young Australian women are fatter, fitter and more frazzled today than they were nearly 20 years ago, according to Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health researchers.
	New low-cost technique to detect rotavirus Researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) have found a way to enhance detection capacity of small concentrations of rotavirus. All this thanks to a new way to assess the biosensing response applied to an interferometric device.
	Researchers synthetize a molecule that opens new pathways for cancer treatment and drug discovery Researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) have synthetized a compound proved to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in a broad spectrum of tumour cell lines. According to a study recently published in the scientific journal Angewandte Chemical International Edition, the new molecule targets prohibitin, a protein involved in different cell processes and diseases, particularly in tumoral processes. Results represent a promising new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and drug discovery.
	Spatial distribution of genetic material affects neuropsychiatric health Changes in spatial distribution of genetic material can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, as discovered by Spanish-Polish team of researchers. The investigationof the genetically modified laboratory mice define new directions in the fight against neuropsychiatric disorders in humans; they also suggest that the results of some previous studies of mouse behavior might be misinterpreted.
	Researcher finds bacteria present in unpasteurized milk from across southern New England Who knew that what you pour on your cereal in the morning could be controversial? The debate over raw vs. pasteurized milk falls into two camps: those who argue that raw is healthier and others who label it downright dangerous.
Grandparents' support linked to number of offspring, child well-being Grandparents can significantly influence parents' decisions to have additional children and the well-being of grandchildren, according to a recent study completed at the University of Eastern Finland.
	Discovery helps to spot what makes a good drug (Medical Xpress)—A new test developed by researchers from the University of Manchester could revolutionise the discovery of new prescription drugs. The test will help determine which drugs are unlikely to work at an early stage, speeding up the time it takes to make safe and effective medicines available. The findings are published online in the journal Metabolomics.
Researchers use liver-function model to solve mystery of deadly diabetes drug (Medical Xpress)—Using a computer model developed by the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill believe they have solved the mystery of why a diabetes drug introduced in 1997 caused liver failure and death in 63 patients.
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder associated with dendritic spine loss in brain Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder both appear to be associated with dendritic spine loss in the brain, suggesting the two distinct disorders may share common pathophysiological features, write author Glenn T. Konopaske, M.D., and colleagues at McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass., and Harvard Medical School, Boston.
	Most who abuse painkillers are unprepared if overdose strikes, study says (HealthDay)—Although teens and young adults who abuse prescription painkillers face a high risk of overdose, most don't know how to respond when one occurs, new research shows.
	ESICM: Transfusion threshold not major factor in sepsis outcomes (HealthDay)—For patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock, outcomes are similar for those who receive blood transfusion at a higher or lower hemoglobin threshold, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research was published to coincide with the annual meeting of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in Barcelona, Spain.
	Counting the seconds for immunological tolerance Our immune system must distinguish between self and foreign and in order to fight infections without damaging the body's own cells at the same time. The immune system is loyal to cells in the body, but how this works is not fully understood. Researchers in the Departments of Biomedicine and Nephrology at the University Hospital and the University of Basel have discovered that the immune system uses a molecular biological clock to target intolerant T cells during their maturation process. These recent findings have been reported in the scientific journal Cell.
	Stopping liver cancer in its tracks A University of Tokyo research group has discovered that AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage), a protein that plays a preventive role in obesity progression, can also prevent tumor development in mice liver cells. This discovery may lead to a therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer and the third most common cause of cancer deaths.
	Energy drinks cause insomnia and nervousness in athletes A study analysing the positive and negative effects of energy drinks on athletes has seen that, although in principle their sports performance was seen to improve by between 3% and 7%, there was also an increase in the frequency of insomnia, nervousness and the level of stimulation in the hours following competition.
Common painkillers combined with other drugs may cause high risk of GI bleeding Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—such as ibuprofen and aspirin—increase one's risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. When taken in combination with other drugs, this risk is significantly higher, according to new research appearing in the October issue of Gastroenterology.
	Dog's epigenome gives clues to human cancer The bond between humans and dogs is strong and ancient. From being the protector of the first herds in a faithful pet, dogs and people share many aspects of life. The relationship between the two species has been studied by psychologists, anthropologists, ethnologists and also by genetic and molecular biologists. In this sense, dogs are a great model for understanding the causes of human diseases, especially cancer.
Making old lungs look young again: Animal research suggests ibuprofen can reduce lung inflammation in elderly New research shows that the lungs become more inflammatory with age and that ibuprofen can lower that inflammation.
	The larger your friends the larger your appetite Have you ever ordered more food at a restaurant than you intended? There are elements of dining rooms that actually prime you to eat more food. One such element is the weight of those dining with or near you. This new Cornell University study found that the body type of your dining partner, or that of those dining nearby, may actually influence how much you serve yourself and how much you eat!
	Socioeconomic factors, fashion trends linked to increase in melanoma A century's worth of cultural and historical forces have contributed to the rise in the incidence of melanoma, including changes in fashion and clothing design, according to an intriguing, retrospective research study conducted by investigators in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center.
MRSA biofilms in joint fluid make infections tough to tackle Physicians have long speculated at the hard-to-treat nature of joint infection. In an article published in Journal of Infectious Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University scientists, in collaboration with scientists at the National Institutes of Health, come one step closer to understanding why these infections are so tough to tackle. The results could help explain the joint pain caused by different infections, including Lyme disease and why they're so resistant to antibiotic treatment.
	Marijuana use associated with lower death rates in patients with traumatic brain injuries Surveying patients with traumatic brain injuries, a group of Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) researchers reported today that they found those who tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, were more likely to survive than those who tested negative for the illicit substance.
Study indicates possible new way to treat endometrial, colon cancers Scientists love acronyms. In the quest to solve cancer's mysteries, they come in handy when describing tongue-twisting processes and pathways that somehow allow tumors to form and thrive. Two examples are ERK (extracellular-signal-related kinase) and JNK (c-June N-Terminal Kinase), enzymes that may offer unexpected solutions for treating some endometrial and colon cancers.
Researchers identify new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure New research by scientists at the Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) has uncovered a new pathway by which the brain uses an unusual steroid to control blood pressure. The study, which also suggests new approaches for treating high blood pressure and heart failure, appears today in the journal PLOS One.
	Falling asleep: Revealing the point of transition How can we tell when someone has fallen asleep? To answer this question, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new statistical method and behavioural task to track the dynamic process of falling asleep.
	Diet affects mix of intestinal bacteria and the risk of inflammatory bone disease Diet-induced changes in the gut's bacterial ecosystem can alter susceptibility to an autoinflammatory bone disease by modifying the immune response, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists reported. The findings appeared September 28 as an advanced online publication of the scientific journal Nature.
	Does your sense of humor change as you age? A UA researcher and two co-authors examined whether young, middle-aged and older adults found clips of inappropriate social behavior to be funny.
	Sense of invalidation uniquely risky for troubled teens Among the negative feelings that can plague a teen's psyche is a perception of "invalidation," or a lack of acceptance. A new study by Brown University and Butler Hospital researchers suggests that independent of other known risk factors, measuring teens' sense of invalidation by family members or peers can help predict whether they will try to harm themselves or even attempt suicide.
	Strong working memory puts brakes on problematic drug use Adolescents with strong working memory are better equipped to escape early drug experimentation without progressing into substance abuse issues, says a University of Oregon researcher.
A discovery could prevent the development of brain tumours in children Scientists at the IRCM discovered a mechanism that promotes the progression of medulloblastoma, the most common brain tumour found in children. The team, led by Frédéric Charron, PhD, found that a protein known as Sonic Hedgehog induces DNA damage, which causes the cancer to develop. This important breakthrough will be published in the October 13 issue of the prestigious scientific journal Developmental Cell. The editors also selected the article to be featured on the journal's cover.
US: Heroin deaths doubled in much of the country (Update) Deaths from heroin overdose doubled in just two years in much of the United States, a new government study says.
Osteoporosis treatment may also benefit breast cancer patients Treatment approaches to reduce the risk of bone complications (metastasis) associated with breast cancer may be one step closer to becoming a reality. According to a study led by a team at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), findings show that medication used to treat bone deterioration in post-menopausal women may also slow skeletal metastasis caused from breast cancer. This study, published in this month's issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), is among the first to link bisphosphonate (a common osteoporosis medication) use with improved survival in women with breast cancer.
'Mini-stroke' may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder A "mini-stroke" may increase your risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.
	High alcohol intake linked to heightened HPV infection risk in men A high alcohol intake is linked to a heightened risk of human papillomavirus infection among men, suggests research in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections. The findings seem to be independent of other risk factors for the infection, such as number of sexual partners and smoking.
Blackflies may be responsible for spreading nodding syndrome Despite decades of research, scientists have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of nodding syndrome (NS), a disabling disease affecting African children. A new report suggests that blackflies infected with the parasite Onchocerca volvulus may be capable of passing on a secondary pathogen that is to blame for the spread of the disease. New research is presented in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
	Smoke-free subsidized housing could save nearly $500 million (HealthDay)—Making all government-subsidized housing in the United States smoke-free could save nearly half a billion dollars a year in health care and housing-related costs, a new study indicates.
	Program improves instrument cost efficiency of spine surgery (HealthDay)—Applying principles of Lean management may optimize instrument utilization for spine surgery, according to research published in the Sept. 15 issue of Spine.
	Hydrocodone combo products reclassified as Schedule II (HealthDay)—A new rule taking effect Oct. 6 reclassifies hydrocodone combination products as Schedule II controlled substances, which will impact prescribing practices for these products, according to a report from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
	Researchers discover gene that can predict aggressive prostate cancer at diagnosis Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a biomarker living next door to the KLK3 gene that can predict which GS7 prostate cancer patients will have a more aggressive form of cancer.
How to protect health workers in conflicts and crisis Recruiting health workers with high levels of internal motivation is critical for work in difficult conditions, where their personal security and health might be compromised, according to new research published today in Health Policy and Planning.
The science and practice of people-centerd health systems A unique collection of studies exploring the theme of the Third Global Symposium on Health Systems Research has been published today in a supplement to Health Policy and Planning.
Gov't website for doc payments not up to snuff The government's new "Open Payments" website is intended to let you find out whether your doctor is getting freebies, travel or other financial benefits from drug companies and medical device manufacturers. But it doesn't make it easy.
Australia lifts Ebola donation to $16 million Australia more than doubled its donation to the fight against Ebola in West Africa to 18 million Australian dollars ($16 million) on Thursday, but resisted demands to send personnel.
US hunts contacts of seriously ill Ebola patient US health officials scoured the Dallas area Wednesday for people—including schoolchildren—who came in contact with a Liberian man who was diagnosed with Ebola, as it emerged a hospital mix-up saw him initially turned away.
Five people contract Ebola every hour in S.Leone: charity Five people are being infected with Ebola every hour in Sierra Leone and demand for treatment beds is far outstripping supply, the Save the Children charity warned on Thursday.
	Dallas ER sent Ebola-infected patient home A Dallas emergency room sent a man with Ebola home last week, even though he told a nurse that he had been in disease-ravaged West Africa, and officials at the hospital are considering if they would have acted differently had the entire medical staff been aware.
Ebola death toll passes 3,300: WHO The death toll in the world's worst-ever Ebola epidemic has now soared past 3,300, with the virus killing almost half of the more than 7,000 people it has infected, according to World Health Organization figures released Wednesday.
Pakistan set to record highest number of polio cases: officials Health officials in Pakistan on Thursday said the country was set to break its record for the highest number of polio cases in a year, as Islamist militants continue to prevent vaccination efforts.
	The first non-invasive test to diagnose fatty liver disease is awarded two patents in the US NAFLD is a progressive disease that ranges from fatty build-up (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is inflammation around the fats. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease in Europe and the US, and its prevalence is currently increasing in many other regions of the world, especially Asia and India.
UN launches mission to halt worldwide Ebola spread The UN launched a mission on Thursday to prevent the worldwide spread of Ebola as the US hunted for people who came in contact with the first African diagnosed with the deadly virus outside the continent.
	Optimal aging portal is the 'Rotten Tomatoes' of health advice Canada's seniors are increasingly turning to the web to self-diagnose illnesses and maladies – without a clear understanding of whether the information they're relying on can be trusted.
Novel technology used to make restorative dental material A novel dental restorative material that should make life easier for dental care experts and their patients, which is based on technology developed by a team of University of Colorado Boulder engineers, was unveiled today by the 3M Company.
	Smartphone app a life saver for heart attack patients A clinical trial found that cardiac patients who undertook rehabilitation in their own homes via the smartphone app were almost 30 per cent more likely to take part in their rehab program than those who had to travel to an outpatient clinic or centre.
	Neuroimaging could be the key to a better society Neuroimaging techniques are a strongly emerging technology and could bring about a revolution in various areas of society, as long as we choose the direction we want to steer these developments in on time. This is one of the conclusions from a series of dialogues between neuroscientists and future users, organised for the research project Towards an appropriate societal embedding of neuroimaging. The project is part of the NWO research programme Responsible Innovation.
Texas orders family of Ebola patient to stay home Health officials in Texas ordered four "close family members" of the first man diagnosed with Ebola in the United States to stay home, amid reports authorities are monitoring up to 80 people for signs of the disease.
New type of clinic eyed to help stop Ebola Britain and Sierra Leone are appealing for more help to slow the biggest ever Ebola outbreak—and are proposing a new type of clinic to do that.
	Officials ask about 80 to watch for Ebola symptoms Health officials in Texas have reached out to about 80 people who may have had direct or indirect contact with the man infected with Ebola or someone close to him, a Dallas County Health and Human Services spokeswoman said Thursday.
	Drug-food interactions in mountaineering According to a recent paper published by the researchers Aritz Urdampilleta-Otegui, PhD in Physical Education and Sports and lecturer in the Department of Physical and Sports Education of the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country and at the Government of the Basque Autonomous Community (region), and Saioa Gómez-Zorita, PhD in Pharmacy and Food Sciences and researcher at the UPV/EHU's Department of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, it is necessary to control the administering of drugs that interact with the foods consumed and which may be detrimental for the health of the mountaineer.
Parent coaching early intervention program benefits young children with autism A parent coaching intervention brings meaningful benefits for preschool-aged children with autism-spectrum disorders (ASD), according to a clinical trial in the October Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, the official journal of the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
New study finds link between depression and abnormal brain response to visceral pain in patients with IBS High rates of anxiety and depression amongst patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have led many researchers to believe there could be a causal relationship between psychological factors and IBS symptoms. Now, scientists in Germany have found clear evidence that patients with IBS process pain signals from the gut abnormally, and that disturbed brain responses to pain are particularly pronounced in patients with more depression symptoms.1
	HHS releases 13th Report on Carcinogens Four substances have been added in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 13th Report on Carcinogens, a science-based document that identifies chemical, biological, and physical agents that are considered cancer hazards for people living in the United States. The new report includes 243 listings.
	Link between past sexual violence and distress on pelvic exam Women who have a history of violent sexual abuse may suffer emotional distress during a routine pelvic examination. Healthcare providers would benefit from greater awareness of symptoms predictive of examination-related distress in this patient population, according to a study published in Violence and Gender.
Ebola drugs: A factfile There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for Ebola, which has killed more than 3,300 people in West Africa since the start of 2014.
	Practicing Judaism could protect against suicide, study claims In 1897, Emile Durkheim, the father of sociology, speculated that religion could protect against against suicidal impulses. In the century that followed, numerous studies attempted to either prop up or debunk this theory, focusing primarily on Christianity, which condemns suicide as the worst of sins.
	Many sick in US Ebola patient's Liberia hometown Thomas Eric Duncan rushed to help his 19-year-old neighbor when she began convulsing days after complaining of stomach pain. Everyone assumed her illness was related to her being seven months pregnant.
Treatment to reduce blood clots otolaryngology in patients admitted for surgery examined The effectiveness of a treatment to reduce blood clots among otolaryngology patients admitted for surgery appears to differ based on patient risk and the procedure.
Exercise linked with improved physical and mental health among dialysis patients Aerobic physical activity is strongly linked with better health-related quality of life, fewer depressive symptoms, and prolonged life in kidney failure patients on dialysis. The findings, which come from a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), suggest that dialysis facilities have an opportunity to improve patients' health by providing exercise programs.
Blood tests predict kidney disease patients' risk of developing heart failure Two blood markers are strongly linked with the development of heart failure in individuals with mild to severe kidney disease, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). Elevations in these markers may indicate subclinical cardiovascular changes that subsequently contribute to the development of heart failure.
	CDC offers Ebola guidance for health care providers (HealthDay)—In the wake of the first confirmed case of a patient being diagnosed with Ebola in the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering information on Ebola diagnosis and management for health care providers, including testing protocol.
LGBT bioethics: Visibility, disparities, and dialogue Despite the legalization of same-sex marriage in 19 states and the District of Columbia and an executive order to prohibit federal contractors from discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees, LGBT individuals face tremendous hurdles in access to health care and basic human rights. A special report published by The Hastings Center, LGBT Bioethics: Visibility, Disparities, and Dialogue, is a call to action for the bioethics field to help right the wrongs in the ways that law, medicine, and society have treated LGBT people.

Biology news

	Study shows sharks have personalities Some sharks are 'gregarious' and have strong social connections, whilst others are more solitary and prefer to remain inconspicuous, according to a new study which is the first to show that the notorious predators have personality traits.
	Ancient protein-making enzyme moonlights as DNA protector Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found that an enzyme best known for its fundamental role in building proteins has a second major function: to protect DNA during times of cellular stress.
	52-million-year-old amber preserves 'ant-loving' beetle Scientists have uncovered the fossil of a 52-million-year old beetle that likely was able to live alongside ants—preying on their eggs and usurping resources—within the comfort of their nest. The fossil, encased in a piece of amber from India, is the oldest-known example of this kind of social parasitism, known as "myrmecophily." Published today in the journal Current Biology, the research also shows that the diversification of these stealth beetles, which infiltrate ant nests around the world today, correlates with the ecological rise of modern ants.
	Unexpectedly speedy expansion of human, ape cerebellum A new study published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on October 2 could rewrite the story of ape and human brain evolution. While the neocortex of the brain has been called "the crowning achievement of evolution and the biological substrate of human mental prowess," newly reported evolutionary rate comparisons show that the cerebellum expanded up to six times faster than anticipated throughout the evolution of apes, including humans.
	New approach to boosting yeast's ethanol yields Yeast are commonly used to transform corn and other plant materials into biofuels such as ethanol. However, large concentrations of ethanol can be toxic to yeast, which has limited the production capacity of many yeast strains used in industry.
	New study suggests humans to blame for plummeting numbers of cheetahs A new study led by Queen's University Belfast into how cheetahs burn energy suggests that human activity, rather than larger predators, may force them to expend more energy and thus be the major cause of their decline.
	On invasive species, Darwin had it right all along, study shows Dov Sax of Brown University and Jason Fridley of Syracuse University aren't proposing a novel idea to explain species invasiveness. In fact, Charles Darwin articulated it first. What's new about Sax and Fridley's "Evolutionary Imbalance Hypothesis" (EIH) is that they've tested it using quantifiable evidence and report in Global Ecology and Biogeography that the EIH works well.
	Study shows how giant clams harness the sun Evolution in extreme environments has produced life forms with amazing abilities and traits. Beneath the waves, many creatures sport iridescent structures that rival what materials scientists can make in the laboratory.
	Creepy crawlers play key role in structure of grasslands When asked to describe a forest or a meadow, most people would probably begin with the plants, the species diversity, or the color of the foliage. They probably wouldn't pay much attention to the animals living in the soil.
	Thermotolerant yeast can provide more climate-smart ethanol With a simple mutation, yeast can grow in higher than normal temperatures. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology demonstrate this in an article to be published in the scientific journal Science. The findings may result in ethanol being more effectively manufactured for vehicle fuel, as well as increase the possibility of using residual waste as a raw material.
	Study of mountain lion energetics shows the power of the pounce Scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, using a new wildlife tracking collar they developed, were able to continuously monitor the movements of mountain lions in the wild and determine how much energy the big cats use to stalk, pounce, and overpower their prey.
Team reveals new findings about insect diversification Biologists from the University of York have compiled two new datasets on insect evolution, revealing that metamorphosing insects diversify more quickly than other insects and are therefore the biggest contributors to the evolution of insect diversity.
	35,000 walruses mass on Alaska beach 'due to climate change' At least 35,000 walruses have beached themselves on a remote Alaskan coastline in a phenomenon blamed on the melting of arctic ice due to climate change, experts said on Wednesday.
	Small isolated populations pose a threat to new dolphin species Victoria's iconic new dolphin species, the Burrunan dolphin, is at risk due to its small and isolated populations, according to the first study investigating the dolphin's population using DNA.
	Britain's rarest freshwater fish found in Bassenthwaite Lake Two adult vendace, Britain's rarest freshwater fish and a relic of the last ice age, were found in Bassenthwaite Lake in north-West England last month, more than a decade after being declared 'locally extinct'. Last year, a single young vendace was recorded during the annual fish survey.
	Kimberley survey nets plenty of crocs Parks and Wildlife officers have conducted a capture and release survey of freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnsoni) with Bunuba Rangers at Winjanna Gorge National Park in the West Kimberley in preparation for the arrival of cane toads.
	Restocking marine life to ensure seafood for the future Fish stocks around the world are under increasing pressure from fishing and human impacts such as excess nutrients entering the water, pollution, habitat loss and climate change.
	Study identifies priority regions for conservation of iconic large marine animals A team of researchers, and from the Universities of Exeter, Plymouth and Southampton and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), has brought together several decades of scientific literature about animals that are known to be associated with ocean fronts in different parts of the global ocean, and why. The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, show that oceanic fronts - areas where nutrients are drawn together resulting in foraging hotspots - should be priority regions for conservation efforts.
Twice the DNA yield in less time Molecular studies of plants often depend on high-quantity and high-quality DNA extractions. This can be quite difficult in plants, however, due to a diversity of compounds and physical properties found in plants. "Tannins, tough fibrous material, and/or secondary compounds can interfere with DNA isolation," explains Dr. Thomas Givnish, principal investigator of a new study published by Jackson Moeller et al. in the October issue of Applications in Plant Sciences.
	On the scent of a wine's bouquet The majority of wines are produced from around 20 different types of grape, all of which have their own typical aroma. This is due to the terpenes, a diverse category of chemical substances including cholesterol and estrogen. Scientists from Technische Universität München (TUM), the Hochschule Geisenheim and the Universität Bonn have now identified two enzymes that determine the terpene content – and thus the aroma intensity – of grapes. The findings could play an important role in the future development of grape varieties.
Herbivores play important role in protecting habitats from invasive species Herbivores (species that eat plants; e.g. caterpillars) consume more non-native (introduced from other places) oak leaf material in areas with diverse native plant communities than in less diverse communities. Why diverse plant communities tend to resist invasion by non-native plants, remains uncertain. Researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Morton Arboretum have been examining the potential role of herbivores on the invasion of non-native plant species in diverse plant communities.
	Big-headed ants grow bigger when faced with fierce competitors The big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) is considered one of the world's worst invasive ant species. As the name implies, its colonies include soldier ants with disproportionately large heads. Their giant, muscle-bound noggins power their biting parts, the mandibles, which they use to attack other ants and cut up prey. In a new study, researchers report that big-headed ant colonies produce larger soldiers when they encounter other ants that know how to fight back.
	Weather-tracking tool helps track migrating insects Corn earworms (also known as cotton bollworms) cost cotton producers an estimated $200 million a year in lost crops and control expenses, and they are notoriously hard to track because they migrate at night. Farmers worried about infestations have to make educated guesses about the pest's movements based on reports from other areas and past experience.

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