Science X Newsletter Monday, Jun 8

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 8, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Quantum Cheshire Cat effect may be explained by standard quantum mechanics
- Scientists see ripples of a particle-separating wave in primordial plasma
- Best of Last Week – Light's pushing pressure, the riddle of Somerton Man and maintaining muscle strength as we age
- Study finds connection between age-related cognitive decline and dopamine levels
- Most detailed view ever of star formation in the distant universe
- Making organic molecules in hydrothermal vents in the absence of life
- Ultrafast heat conduction can manipulate nanoscale magnets
- Martian glass: Window into possible past life?
- Researchers develop technique for integrating 'III-V' materials onto silicon wafers
- Injectable electronics holds promise for basic neuroscience, treatment of neuro-degenerative diseases
- Researchers cross a critical threshold in optical communications
- Putting 2 and 2 together: A new cobalt-catalyzed route to cyclobutanes
- Star-shaped cells help blood vessels in the brain keep a grip on a healthy tone
- Data scientists find connections between birth month and health
- Injectable gel fills wounds and promotes tissue regeneration

Astronomy & Space news

	Most detailed view ever of star formation in the distant universe ALMA's Long Baseline Campaign has produced a spectacularly detailed image of a distant galaxy being gravitationally lensed. The image shows a magnified view of the galaxy's star-forming regions, the likes of which have never been seen before at this level of detail in a galaxy so remote. The new observations are far more detailed than those made using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, and reveal star-forming clumps in the galaxy equivalent to giant versions of the Orion Nebula.
	Martian glass: Window into possible past life? Researchers from Brown University have used satellite data to detect deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars. Though formed in the searing heat of a violent impact, the glasses just might provide a delicate window into the possibility of past life on the Red Planet.
	The ages of extragalactic jets The longest known highly collimated structures in the universe are the narrow jets that emanate from the vicinity of powerful black holes in certain types of galactic nuclei. These narrow beams, often in pairs propagating in opposite directions, can stretch across millions of light-years. They transport huge amounts of energy from the nuclear black hole regions where they originate into intergalactic space. The jets were discovered at radio wavelengths but they emit at X-ray wavelengths as well because the electrons in the jets move at close to the speed of light. These galaxies are active areas of research both because they are among the most energetic phenomena in the universe and because they are the primary mechanism that injects energy into the clusters of galaxies in which these radio monsters reside.
	Mercury sole survivor of close orbiting planets The vast quantity of planets and planetary candidates identified by NASA's Kepler spacecraft has revealed an array of systems. Some have Jupiter-sized planets close to the Sun, while others show only a handful of planets. Almost none resemble our solar system.
	Using meteorite impacts to study seismic waves on Mars (Phys.org)—Earth scientist Nick Teanby with the University of Bristol in the U.K. has come up with a novel way to measure seismic waves traveling through the under-surface of Mars—use data from meteorite impacts. In his paper published in the journal Icarus, he describes his idea and why it might help reveal the inner nature of the red planet.
	NASA tests 'flying saucer' device for future Mars landings NASA launched a giant balloon Monday carrying a kind of "flying saucer" that will test technologies for landing on Mars.
	Image: Fresh crater near Sirenum Fossae region of Mars The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars on March 30, 2015.
	Astronomer Judit Gyorgyey-Ries discusses why you shouldn't worry about killer asteroids Should we fear that someday a huge asteroid would fulfill one of the apocalyptic scenarios envisaged for Earth, when a space rock smashes into our planet causing a global disaster? Judit Györgyey-Ries, an experienced astronomer at the University of Texas' McDonald Observatory becalms the worried doomsdayers with a scientific approach to the matter. In an interview with astrowatch.net, she discusses potential asteroid threats, her current research and misinterpretation of her words by tabloid newspapers.
	Image: Hubble sees a fascinating galactic core This elliptical galaxy was discovered in March 1781 and lies about 60 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Virgo (The Virgin). The galaxy is part of the very heavily populated center of the Virgo Cluster, a cluster which consists of more than 1,000 galaxies.
	Eliminating terrestrial noise sources to improve the LIGO gravity wave detectors In their search for gravitational waves—stretches in space-time produced by dramatically violent events in the distant universe—researchers at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have created some of the most sensitive detectors in the world. Unfortunately, these detectors also pick up on lots of other disturbances—for example, strong winds or the sounds of a passing truck. Students from the Data Visualization Summer Internship program—operated by faculty members from Caltech, JPL, and Art Center College of Design—were tasked with determining if a blip on the detector is a gravitational wave or instead just a signal from ordinary bumps and shakes.
	Leonard nimoy's legacy lives on in the asteroid belt "Fascinating, Captain." If he were alive today, Leonard Nimoy, who played the half Vulcan-half human Mr. Spock in the Star Trek TV and movies series, would undoubtedly have raised an eyebrow and uttered a signature "fascinating" at the news this week that an asteroid now bears his name.
	Dazzling gallery from India's MOM Mars Orbiter Camera India's first ever robotic explorer to the Red Planet, the Mars Orbiter Mission, more affectionately known as MOM, has captured an absolutely dazzling array of images of the fourth rock from the Sun.
	Uranus' moon Umbriel The 19th century was an auspicious time for astronomers and planet hunters. In addition to the discovery of the Asteroid Belt that rests between Mars and Jupiter – as well as the many minor planets within – the outer solar planet of Uranus and its series of moons were also observed for the very first time.
	Nation's first operational satellite in deep space reaches final orbit More than 100 days after it launched, NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite has reached its orbit position about one million miles from Earth.
Hawaii skies stand in for Mars atmosphere in NASA gear test (Update) NASA is using the skies around the Hawaiian island of Kauai to test new technology that it wants to use for landing larger spacecraft—and eventually astronauts—on Mars.
	Fly over Ceres in new video A new animated video of dwarf planet Ceres, based on images taken by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, provides a unique perspective of this heavily cratered, mysterious world.

Technology news

	Stolen data finder could reduce harm for companies Business owners don't need IT skills to understand that data breaches are serious. Certainly big names in retail and health care know by experience that such breaches have serious after-effects. Breaches have an impact on customer trust and in turn threaten profits.
	Using Minecraft to unboggle the robot mind Researchers from Brown University are developing a new algorithm to help robots better plan their actions in complex environments. It's designed to help robots be more useful in the real world, but it's being developed with the help of a virtual world—that of the video game Minecraft.
	Researchers improve automated recognition of human body movements in videos An algorithm developed through collaboration of Disney Research Pittsburgh and Boston University can improve the automated recognition of actions in a video, a capability that could aid in video search and retrieval, video analysis and human-computer interaction research.
	Team develops vision system that improves object recognition A research group at Disney Research Pittsburgh has developed a computer vision system that, much like humans, can continuously improve its ability to recognize objects by picking up hints while watching videos.
	Apple aims to become online music powerhouse (Update) Apple made its play to shake up online music Monday with a new subscription service allowing users to stream songs, listen to playlists and connect with performers.
	Counting people with WiFi Researchers in UC Santa Barbara professor Yasamin Mostofi's lab are proving that wireless signals can do more than provide Internet access. They have demonstrated that a WiFi signal can be used to count the number of people in a given space, leading to diverse applications, from energy efficiency to search-and-rescue.
Leaky pipes can allow contaminants into our drinking water Leaking water pipes can allow potentially harmful contaminants into our drinking water, new research has shown.
	Rethinking the use of Social Security numbers Nearly every 12 hours, on average in 2014, there was an institutional data breach somewhere in the United States—a record 783 cases reported last year, according to the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center. And the dire consequence is that these attacks give criminals access to what security experts call "the keys to the kingdom": our Social Security numbers.
	Researcher uses technology to predict fashion trends In fashion, combining contrasting fabrics, colors, and textures is what brings an outfit to life. In Heng Xu's career, combining science and art has brought a new way of interpreting data to life—an innovation that might help consumers understand, follow, and afford tomorrow's fashion trends.
	More than 80 percent of firms say they've been hacked in new CFO survey As investigators look into the massive data breach at the federal Office of Personnel Management, most chief financial officers around the world say their companies also have been hacked, new research finds. The problem is worse at small and medium-size firms because they dedicate fewer resources to preventing data breaches.
Data breach that exposed millions is just 'tip of the iceberg,' expert says What appeared to be one of the largest breaches of federal employees' data involving at least four million government workers was no surprise to Arun Vishwanath, University at Buffalo associate professor of communication.
	The robot that learns everything from scratch Two researchers at NTNU have made a robot that learns like a young child. At least, that's the idea. The machine starts with nothing—it has to learn everything from scratch.
	Diamond-like coatings save fuel Coating engine components with hard carbon reduces friction to almost zero – a development that could save billions of liters of fuel worldwide every year. Now researchers have developed a new laser method to apply the coating on the production line.
	Plasma makes wounds heal quicker Many people suffer from skin disorders. Open wounds are a particularly acute problem, especially among the elderly. PlasmaDerm, a new medical technology solution, uses plasma to facilitate faster healing of wounds.
	The Latest from Apple show: Apple Music to cost $10 a month (Update 7) 12:30 p.m. PDT (3:30 EDT)
	Apple's mobile payments to launch in Britain Apple announced Monday it would launch its tap-to-pay mobile payments system in Britain next month, allowing iPhones to be used to pay at 250,000 locations including London's transit system.
NJIT professor earns patent for next-generation water filter Somenath Mitra, distinguished professor of chemistry and environmental science, was awarded a patent last month for a next-generation water desalination and purification technology that uses uniquely absorbent carbon nanotubes to remove salt and pollutants from brackish water and industrial effluent for reuse by businesses and households.
	US Army website hacked: officials The US Army's official website was hacked Monday with messages denouncing Washington's training of rebel fighters inside Syria, but no data was stolen, officials said.
NTSB: Collision avoidance systems should be standard in cars Automakers should include as standard equipment in all new cars and light trucks systems that automatically brake or warn drivers to avoid rear-end collisions, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report released Monday.
	Apple Watch native apps, OS X El Capitan announced Apple kicked off its Worldwide Developers Conference with a focus on updates to its popular operating systems Monday, including the announcement of native apps for its new smartwatch.
	Tajikistan ends Facebook block prompted by IS defector Ex-Soviet Tajikistan on Monday lifted blocks on popular websites including Facebook and YouTube it imposed after a police chief appeared in an online video announcing his defection to the Islamic State group.
	Fully renewable energy system is economically viable in Finland in 2050 A fully renewable energy system, including all energy consuming sectors, is not only a possible but a viable solution for Finland, according to a new research. Researchers from Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) have investigated renewable energy system options for Finland in 2050. Results indicate that a fully renewable energy system is possible, and represents a competitive solution for Finland with careful planning.
Netflix acquires Brad Pitt's McChystal satire 'War Machine' Netflix has acquired the satirical comedy "War Machine," with Brad Pitt set to star as General Stanley McChrystal.
	Building a better grunt—New technology to lighten marines' loads Modern-day warfighters face heavy—literally—odds on the battlefield, as they often carry more than 100 pounds of gear, including body armor, weapons and night-vision technology. Such loads can slow them down, reduce agility and result in fatigue, joint sprains or long-term ailments like arthritis or chronic back problems.
Apple's new musical faces - Drake and The Weeknd Apple, unveiling its bid to be a powerhouse in streaming, has new celebrity faces—the rapper Drake, and his collaborator The Weeknd.
Showtime online streaming will include Roku, PlayStation Showtime said Monday its online streaming service will be available through Roku and through Sony's PlayStation Vue cloud TV service.

Medicine & Health news

	Study finds connection between age-related cognitive decline and dopamine levels (Medical Xpress)—Scientists broadly regard cognitive decline as a natural condition of aging. However, research has not yet established the mechanisms for age-related differences in brain function between younger and older people. Among the changes that occur with normal aging is the decline of the dopamine system. A group of researchers recently explored the connection between the dopamine system and cognitive function in older and younger adults, and they have published their results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	'Genomic catastrophe' may cause normal cells to become cancerous Although there is no one established universal cause of cancer, genetic changes are central to its development. The accumulation of spontaneous genetic changes, or mutations, that occur when cells divide can be hastened by exposure to carcinogens such as cigarette smoke (lung cancer) and infectious agents such as the papillomavirus (cervical cancer). However, some researchers believe that spontaneous mutations are too infrequent, and the link between carcinogens and genetic changes too uncertain, to fully explain the development of some of the most common cancers. The results of this study may provide an explanation: that fusion of one normal cell with another—as observed in inflammation, infection, and injury from carcinogens—triggers a 'genomic catastrophe' that converts normal cells to cancer cells and enables tumors to form.
	New study describes cancer's cheating ways Cancer cells share certain traits with anti-social members of human society. They shirk community responsibilities and engage in behavior aimed at fulfilling their selfish needs at the expense of the greater good.
	World's first 'feeling' leg prosthesis offers hope to amputees The world's first artificial leg capable of simulating the feelings of a real limb and fighting phantom pain was unveiled by researchers in Vienna on Monday.
	Workings of working memory revealed Our understanding of how a key part of the human brain works may be wrong. That's the conclusion of a team at Oxford University's Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), published in journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
	Study exposes how 'James Bond' cells are made New research from Australian and Singaporean scientists has revealed how immune cell 'spies' are created, providing clues on how the immune system could be manipulated to better fight disease.
	Taking statins? Don't worry about memory loss, study finds Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs most likely do not cause short-term memory loss, according to a Rutgers University and University of Pennsylvania study of nearly one million patients - contrary to prior assertions.
	Virus evolution and human behavior shape global patterns of flu movement The global movement patterns of all four seasonal influenza viruses are illustrated in research published today in the journal Nature, providing a detailed account of country-to-country virus spread over the last decade and revealing unexpected differences in circulation patterns between viruses.
	Novel mutational process targeting gene regulatory elements discovered Researchers at University of Helsinki, Finland, and Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, discovered previously uncharacterized mutational patterns in the human regulatory genome, especially in gastrointestinal tract cancers.
	Psychology researchers report a major discovery of harmony amid chaos A discovery into the workings of the human nervous system is expected to have a "transformative impact" on how scientists understand the role of perceptual-motor delays in human and animal behavior, as well as understandings of the dynamics of behavioral anticipation. The NIH-funded research project conducted by Auriel Washburn, a University of Cincinnati doctoral student in psychology, is published online this month in The Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, a journal of the American Psychological Association.
	Star-shaped cells help blood vessels in the brain keep a grip on a healthy tone A star-shaped brain cell called an astrocyte appears to help keep blood pressure and blood flow inside the brain on a healthy, even keel, scientists report.
	Creativity and psychosis share a genetic source, study finds Artistic creativity may share genetic roots with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to a study published on Monday.
	How your brain is telling you to vote A new joint study by researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship, both at McGill University, has cast some light on the brain mechanisms that support people's voting decisions. Evidence in the study shows that a part of the brain called the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (LOFC) must function properly if voters are to make choices that combine different sources of information about the candidates. The study found that damage to the LOFC leads people to base their vote on simpler information, namely the candidate's good looks. Healthy individuals and those with brain damage affecting other parts of the frontal lobes spontaneously weighed both attractiveness and an assessment of the candidate's competence when making their choices.
	Data scientists find connections between birth month and health Columbia University scientists have developed a computational method to investigate the relationship between birth month and disease risk. The researchers used this algorithm to examine New York City medical databases and found 55 diseases that correlated with the season of birth. Overall, the study indicated people born in May had the lowest disease risk, and those born in October the highest. The study was published in the Journal of American Medical Informatics Association.
	Navigating multiple myeloma with 'Google Maps' for the cancer genome In some ways, studying the genetics of cancer has been like examining the individual tiles on a mosaic, says David C. Schwartz, a professor of genetics and chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. To make his point, he brings his face close to the table where he sits—his mosaic for the purpose of illustration—and describes the details of each imaginary tile.
	Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS Scientists from the Gladstone Institutes and the University of Michigan have identified a cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS. The researchers revealed that increasing levels of a certain key protein successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. What's more, treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia because many of the same proteins are involved.
	Scientists show antitumor agent can be activated by natural response to cell stress Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found that a drug candidate with anticancer potential can be activated by one of the body's natural responses to cellular stress. Once activated, the agent can kill prostate cancer cells.
	Yin and yang: Immune signaling protein has opposing roles in breast cancer development Countering previously held beliefs, researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that inhibiting the immune receptor protein TLR4 may not be a wise treatment strategy in all cancers. This is because TLR4 can either promote or inhibit breast cancer cell growth depending on mutations in a gene called TP53.
People want access to their own genomic data, even when uninterpretable The largest study to date of attitudes towards the use of genomic information shows that the majority of people want access to results from genome sequencing, even if these are not directly related to the condition for which the analysis has been undertaken. This applies even when the data are not health-related or are simply 'raw', a researcher will tell the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics today.
	National study finds rising rate of marijuana exposure among children five years old, younger Debates about legalizing marijuana have focused on crime rates, economic benefits, and health effects among adults. But a study published today from researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital shows that the risk to young children of swallowing, breathing in or otherwise being exposed to marijuana also needs to be considered.
	Surgical anesthesia in young children linked to effects on IQ, brain structure Children who received general anesthesia for surgery before age 4 had diminished language comprehension, lower IQ and decreased gray matter density in posterior regions of their brain, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.
Genomic testing can help identify patients at heightened risk for esophageal cancer Barrett's esophagus (BE) develops in a subset of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can increase the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. Although periodic surveillance for cancer is recommended for BE patients, these examinations may fail to identify pre-cancerous dysplasia and early cancers. A report in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics describes a test using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect genomic mutations in precancerous esophageal tissue, which may improve cancer surveillance and early detection in patients with BE.
As death rates drop, nonfatal diseases and injuries take a bigger toll on health globally People across the world are living longer but spending more time in ill health as rates of nonfatal diseases and injuries - including diabetes and hearing loss - decline more slowly than death rates, according to a new analysis of 301 diseases and injuries in 188 countries.
	Only about half of men can remember their last medical check-up, survey shows A new national survey about men and their cars, commissioned by Orlando Health, found that more than 80 percent of men could remember the make and model of their first car, but only about half could remember the last time they went to the doctor for a check-up.
S. Korea reports sixth MERS death, surge in infections South Korea recorded its sixth death and biggest single day jump in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infections Monday, with 23 new cases in the largest outbreak of the potentially deadly virus outside Saudi Arabia.
	Majority of fibromyalgia drug trials are industry sponsored (HealthDay)—Most fibromyalgia drug therapy randomized controlled trials (FM-RCTs) are funded by industry, and many authors have financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs), according to a study published online May 27 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
	Summer motorcycle season is here, stay safe (HealthDay)—More motorcyclists are taking to U.S. roads, increasing the need for safety precautions, experts say.
	Time-updated hemoglobin A1c variables linked to MI risk (HealthDay)—Time-updated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variables have a stronger association with myocardial infarction (MI) than baseline HbA1c, according to a study published online May 26 in Diabetes Care.
	Coaching can halve radiation dose for pain physicians (HealthDay)—Knowledge of and real-time coaching on scatter dose profiles can reduce the radiation dose received by physicians performing pain treatment procedures, according to a study published in the June issue of Pain Practice.
	Utility score can help predict mortality in ICU patients (HealthDay)—A utility score can help predict poor outcome and survival among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to a study published online May 26 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
	Men are 50 per cent more likely to get oesophageal cancer than 30 years ago Oesophageal cancer rates in men have increased by 50 per cent since the early 1980s, with new cases reaching almost 6,000, according to new statistics from Cancer Research UK.
	Antibody holds promise for treatment of type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes, which usually appears in children and adolescents, affects over 30 million people worldwide. Resulting from an auto-immune reaction that destroys the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin, the disease leads to pathologically high levels of sugar in the blood and urine, resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. The current treatment for type 1 diabetes is lifetime administration of insulin by injection.
	Why kidney disease damages the vascular system Modified "good" cholesterol (HDL) and the activation of specific genes are causes of damage to the vascular system in chronic renal disease. These fundamental findings are the result of a recently completed project supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF and could facilitate new approaches to prevention. The project specifically examined the effect of cyanate, a decomposition product of urea, on the functioning of the vascular system.
	Q&A on hepatitis C epidemic in Appalachian states A recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that hepatitis C cases across four Appalachian states—Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia—more than tripled between 2006 and 2012. The study is the first from the CDC to link the rise in hepatitis C to an increase in injection drug use and raises concern that a single person could become the "Typhoid Mary of HIV."
Health disparities in US still persist, according to report According to a special June issue of the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) , released today,significant disparities in the burden of disease and illness experienced by different groups persist. The articles highlight the need for greater understanding of the relationship between social, cultural, biological, behavioral, economic and neighborhood (place) factors when addressing health disparities.
	Women four times less likely to have surgery if breast cancer diagnosed as an emergency Breast cancer patients are four times less likely to have potentially lifesaving surgery if diagnosed as an emergency rather than through an urgent GP referral, according to a new data published today (Monday).
Research highlights the importance of a balanced diet for mental health An international study involving the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of Valencia, recently published in The Lancet Psychiatry, highlights the importance of nutrition for maintaining mental health. Lecturer of Psychiatry Vicent Balanzá has participated in this study.
	Lack of immunity poses greater threats as children grow older, according to study Before vaccines, a kid didn't have to wait very long before catching diseases like the measles. Now that most people are protected against those former childhood killers, an unvaccinated person could go years or even decades before being exposed to certain viral pathogens for the first time. Parents who refuse vaccines for their children for whatever reason are playing those odds. But there's a danger in that, according to a new mathematical model by Tufts epidemiologist Elena Naumova and her colleague Nina Fefferman, G05, a computational biologist at Rutgers University. Their work was published online in the May edition of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Certain preoperative tests still common in US despite low value and high costs Professional physician associations consider certain routine tests before elective surgery to be of low value and high cost, and have sought to discourage their utilization. Nonetheless, a new national study by researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center finds that despite these peer-reviewed recommendations, no significant changes have occurred over a 14-year period in the rates of several kinds of these pre-operative tests.
Tool can accurately predict risk of death within one year after admission to hospital A recently developed tool can accurately predict the risk of death for patients within 1 year after admission to hospital using routinely collected data, reports a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
	Disrupting tumor cell 'microenvironment' suggests a new way to treat a prevalent childhood leukemia Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center and its Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center are reporting a potentially important discovery in the battle against one of the most devastating forms of leukemia that accounts for as many as one in five children with a particularly aggressive form of the disease relapsing within a decade.
Copper destroys human norovirus—fast! Metal alloys containing copper can destroy human norovirus, according to a paper published online ahead of print on May 15, in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
	Researchers find a pathway in the brain that plans how to get from one place to another Is it possible to tap into the signalling in the brain to figure out where you will go next? Hiroshi Ito, a researcher at NTNU's Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience can now say yes. Ito has just published a description of how this happens in this week's edition of Nature.
	Massage-like stroking has a positive effect on the immune system of mice Queen Mary University of London researchers have found the action lowers the stress hormone, noradrenaline, resulting in increased T-cell development which plays an important role in immunity.
	Researchers boost body's inflammation-reduction mechanism to combat obesity-fueled disease Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and University College Dublin (UCD) have found that augmenting a naturally occurring molecule in the body can help protect against obesity-related diseases by reducing inflammation in the fat tissues.
	Researchers unlock mystery of memory loss in epilepsy patients New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham identifies an epigenetic cause for why patients with temporal lobe epilepsy tend to have memory loss, and suggests a potential way to reverse that loss. The findings, published in April in the Annals of Translational and Clinical Neurology, indicate the discovery may have implications for many other memory disorders.
How to know if you're prediabetic Before type 2 diabetes develops, there is almost always a period of prediabetes where blood sugar levels are in a "gray area" above normal but below diabetic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in three American adults are prediabetic, but only around 11 percent of those people are aware of their condition.
Recovery of sensory function by stem cell transplants New research from Uppsala University shows promising progress in the use of stem cells for treatment of spinal cord injury. The results, which are published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, show that human stem cells that are transplanted to the injured spinal cord contribute to restoration of some sensory functions.
Controller in the cell Quality control is important – this is not only applicable to industrial production but also true for all life processes. However, whereas an enterprise can start a large-scale recall in case of any doubt, defects in the quality control systems of cells are often fatal. This is seen in particular in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in which fundamental mechanisms of cellular quality control fail.
Whole genome sequencing found to rapidly enhance infection control Whole genome sequencing can quickly isolate the specific strain of bacteria causing an outbreak, identify the source of contamination, and enable rapid infection prevention to stop the spread of infection, according to a study published today. The findings, based on the examination of an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Australian neonatal unit, appear in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
	Breast cancer study raises hope of therapy to stop tumor spread Scientists have discovered a trigger that allows breast cancer cells to spread to the lungs.
Lean despite many calories Metabolism experts are increasingly convinced that obesity and many of the pathogenic changes it entails, such as Metabolic Syndrome and type 2 diabetes, are a result of chronic inflammatory processes in fatty (adipose) tissue. The adipose tissue of obese people exhibits higher-than-normal quantities of almost all types of immune and inflammatory cells.
	Study links lower life satisfaction to sleep problems during midlife A new study suggests that lower life satisfaction is linked to sleep problems during midlife.
Study examines psychotropic medication use in children, teens with Down syndrome A new study gives insight into the mental health of children and teens with Down syndrome and the behavioral medications that medical caregivers sometimes prescribe for them.
	Study links severe restless legs syndrome to increased risk of stroke A new study suggests that increased restless legs syndrome (RLS) severity is associated with subsequent increased risk of stroke.
	Antibiotic use can be cut dramatically for abdominal infections, major trial shows In a finding important for preventing the development of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and 22 other institutions have determined that the duration of antibiotic treatment for complicated abdominal infections can be cut by half and remain equally effective.
	Children with TBI have poorer sleep quality and more daytime sleepiness A new study suggests that children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have poorer sleep and more daytime sleepiness in comparison to healthy children.
FDA weighs target population for Amgen cholesterol drug Federal health regulators said Monday a highly-anticipated, experimental drug from Amgen significantly lowers bad cholesterol. But officials have questions about who should take the drug and whether to approve it based on currently available data.
Aging MDs prompt call for competency tests at AMA meeting With one out of four U.S. doctors older than 65, the American Medical Association adopted a plan Monday to help decide when it's time for aging senior physicians to hang up the stethoscope.
	Researchers identify patients at risk for stem cell transplant complications Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center's Bone Marrow Transplant Program have recently published findings from a phase 2 clinical trial that demonstrate lymphocyte recovery in related and unrelated stem cell transplant recipients generally falls into three patterns that are significantly associated with survival. This first-of-its-kind research continues the efforts of principal investigator Amir Toor, M.D., to understand the immune system as a dynamical system that can be modeled to improve stem cell transplantation.
Follow-up PET/CT more than 95 percent sensitive for non-Hodgkin lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a potentially devastating cancer of the blood and immune system, can range from relatively easy to treat to very aggressive. For more aggressive cases, post-treatment surveillance with molecular imaging could mean the early start of a new, life-saving treatment, say researchers presenting during the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
No increased cardiovascular risk detected for new diabetes medication An international, multidisciplinary team including investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has found that lixisenatide, a member of a class of glucose-lowering drugs frequently prescribed in Europe to patients with diabetes, did not increase risk of cardiovascular events including heart failure. These results - the first to be reported on the cardiovascular safety of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist - were presented today at the American Diabetes Association's 75th Scientific Sessions.
Certain donors with high T cell counts make better match for stem-cell transplant patients Using a simple blood test to measure the T lymphocyte count in donors for stem cell transplants may help identify the best match for patients in need of an allogeneic stem cell transplant, suggests a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology from researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) of the University of Pennsylvania. Typically, matched siblings have been preferred over unrelated donors. This study shows that older patients who received stem cells from younger, unrelated donors with higher numbers of so-called killer T cells (CD8 cells) had significantly reduced risk of disease relapse and improved survival compared to those who received stem-cells from donors with low numbers of CD8 cells, including older matched siblings.
Important new research on early palliative care for advanced cancer patients published Researchers at Trinity College Dublin and Mount Sinai in New York have just published new research which for the first time provides strong evidence on the economic benefits of early palliative care intervention for people with an advanced cancer diagnosis. Their findings were published today in the highly esteemed international peer reviewed Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Who your doctor is could dictate how you're cared for at end of life New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that physician characteristics are the strongest predictor of whether a patient will be referred to hospice care.
Study projects need for 2.5 million more long-term care workers by 2030 At least two and a half million more workers will be needed to provide long-term care to older people in the United States between now and 2030, according to a study by UC San Francisco researchers published in the June 2015 issue of Health Affairs.
	Antibody response linked to lower mother-to-child HIV transmission How most babies are protected from acquiring HIV from their infected mothers has been a matter of scientific controversy. Now researchers at Duke Medicine provide new data identifying an antibody response that had long been discounted as inadequate to confer protection.
Survey finds state policies have critical impact on ACA applications, enrollment A new survey by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that the variable approaches states have taken to implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have had major effects on whether low-income adults are aware of the law, whether they have applied and obtained coverage, and whether or not they think the law has helped them.
Higher concentration of physicians groups could increase costs, researchers say As physician groups grow larger, their increased market share may drive costs up, rather than down, as they gain bargaining power with insurers, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
	Stiffened penalties for nighttime teen driving associated with fewer fatal crashes Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States and globally, and drowsy driving accounts for one out of five of those deaths. Young people, who are especially vulnerable to sleep deficiency, are responsible for most fatigue-related crashes.
	Study finds high Medicare Advantage copays for hospital, nursing care Millions of seniors with Medicare Advantage plans, including more than a million with low incomes, were on the hook to have large out-of-pocket costs for a 27-day course of hospital and skilled nursing care, according to a new study.
	Some hospitals marking up prices more than 1,000 percent The 50 hospitals in the United States with the highest markup of prices over their actual costs are charging out-of-network patients and the uninsured, as well as auto and workers' compensation insurers, more than 10 times the costs allowed by Medicare, new research suggests. It's a markup of more than 1,000 percent for the same medical services.
Restraining health care prices requires workforce productivity gains, not wage cuts alone A new study by NYU Wagner Dean and Professor of Public Service Sherry A. Glied and two additional researchers sees little evidence to support the belief that healthcare workers' wage levels are responsible for the rising cost of health care services in the U.S. Effective cost containment will require not wage reductions alone, but broad productivity gains derived from the use of fewer or less-skilled employees to produce any given service, the study concludes.
	Gun violence takes toll on kids' mental health, study finds (HealthDay)—More than one in four children in the United States is exposed to weapon-related violence—as a victim or witness—which ups their risk for mental health problems, a new study says.
	Larazotide acetate 0.5 mg found beneficial in celiac disease (HealthDay)—Larazotide acetate 0.5 mg is associated with improvement in symptoms of celiac disease (CeD), according to a study published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
	New study sheds light on life satisfaction and mortality risk in older adults In a study just published by researchers at Chapman University, findings showed that greater life satisfaction in adults older than 50 years of age is related to a reduced risk of mortality. The researchers also found that variability in life satisfaction across time increases risk of mortality, but only among less satisfied people. The study involved nearly 4,500 participants who were followed for up to nine years.
	Diabetic researchers pinpoint gene key to reactivating insulin-producing beta cells Professor Jeffery Tessem has pinpointed a gene that may help solve a riddle at the root of diabetes, the high-blood-sugar disease affecting 400 million people worldwide.
	CDC guidelines update treatment, management of STDs (HealthDay)—New recommendations have been provided to update the 2010 guidelines on the treatment and management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The 2015 guidelines are available online in the June 5 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Pain care providers at high risk for violence (HealthDay)—Chronic pain care providers (CPCPs) are high risk targets for violence, according to research published online June 2 in Pain Medicine.
	Internet-based videoconference viable for teen T1DM therapy (HealthDay)—Adolescents with poor glycemic control of their type 1 diabetes can benefit from therapy delivered either via face to face sessions or videoconferencing, according to a study published online June 1 in Diabetes Care.
Hospital stays longer, more costly with poorly controlled blood sugar Diabetes patients with abnormal blood sugar levels had longer, more costly hospital stays than those with glucose levels in a healthy range, according to studies presented by Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute researchers at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which ends June 9 in Boston.
The health effects of homophobia Gay and bisexual men living in European countries with strong attitudes and policies against homosexuality are far less likely to use HIV-prevention services, test for HIV, and discuss their sexuality with health providers, according to research led by Yale School of Public Health (YSPH).
	Bacterial sepsis protein may inhibit cancer cell growth A toxin secreted by Vibrio vulnificus, a water and food-borne bacteria that can cause rapidly lethal infections in persons with liver disease, has potential to prevent the growth of tumors, according to a new study by Northwestern Medicine scientists.
	Boosting gut bacteria defense system may lead to better treatments for bloodstream infections An upset in the body's natural balance of gut bacteria that may lead to life-threatening bloodstream infections can be reversed by enhancing a specific immune defense response, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found.
	Anti-rejection medications for transplant recipients protect against Alzheimer's disease A new study from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has revealed that a treatment taken daily by people who have had organ transplants to prevent organ rejection protects against Alzheimer's disease. An early online version of this paper detailing the findings has been published and is scheduled for publication in the July 7 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
	Beyond Lyme, new illnesses, more reason to watch for ticks Lyme disease makes the headlines but there are plenty of additional reasons to avoid tick bites. New research highlights the latest in a growing list of tick-borne threats—a distant relative of Lyme that's easy to confuse with other illnesses.
	Autophagy defect causes loss of muscle in aging Sarcopenia is the aging-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Preventing sarcopenia is important for maintaining a high quality of life (QOL) in the aged population. However, the molecular mechanism of sarcopenia has not yet been unraveled and is still a matter of debate.
Pozen making $146M acquisition and will move to Ireland Pozen, a U.S. specialty drugmaker that has struggled to get its cardiovascular drug approved, will buy a Canadian company and move its headquarters to Ireland.
	An island in the Mediterranean is furthering diabetes research in New Jersey One look at Sardinia's white-sand beaches and turquoise water would lead you to assume that this part of the world is devoted entirely to idyllic getaways and sun-filled vacations. You'd never guess that the island's population is also contributing evidence to diabetes research in the United States. Geneticists from Sardinia – the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, with a population of a little more than one and a half million – are working with Lisa Denzin, and  associate professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and resident scientist, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, to understand the genetic underpinnings that trigger type 1 diabetes mellitus.
	Knee sound based detector for osteoarthritis prediction University Malaya researchers have developed a non-invasive, radiation-free, early stage detection system called the Knee Sound Detector to determine the seriousness of the knee joint condition for osteoarthritis patients. The system is based on sound recordings on the subject's knee.
Nigeria makes final push to stamp out polio Health workers move from door to door in the rural Sumaila district of Kano state, northern Nigeria, administering oral polio vaccines to children under five.
Combating dengue with infectious disease forecasting Dengue viruses are on the move. Spread among humans by mosquitoes, and across geographic boundaries through travel, the virus affects up to an estimated 390 million people every year around the world. In the U.S., recent outbreaks have occurred in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Scientists know one of the best ways to reduce the impact of the disease is to prepare healthcare providers by forecasting epidemics before they happen.
New approach for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München, in collaboration with an international team, have identified a potential novel drug target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a dangerous chronic lung disease. They elucidated a new mechanism of fibrosis formation that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. These findings have now been published in the leading scientific journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
	Large majority of Americans still backs death penalty (HealthDay)—Despite recent headline-grabbing legal challenges and reports of "botched" executions, most Americans still support the death penalty, according to a new HealthDay/Harris Poll.
	Transgender HIV-infected women in US have poorer disease control and unmet basic needs A new CDC study that combines 3 years of data to produce nationally representative estimates characterizing HIV-infected adults receiving care in the U.S. shows that those who identify as transgender women are significantly less likely to adhere to anti-HIV medication regimens and to achieve viral suppression. In addition, they have higher unmet needs for basic services such as food and housing than non-transgender men and women. These findings are described in an article in LGBT Health.
	New joint military-civilian database provides insights on health care outcomes, utilization, cost The U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and University of Pennsylvania scientists collaborated to generate the Person-Event Data Environment, a Big Data platform that captures financial, health, medical, and other data for every soldier from entry to separation from the armed forces. The significance of this powerful data resource for studying health-related issues is discussed in detail in an article in Big Data.
Theranostic PET takes on both ovarian and prostate cancer A first-in-human study revealed at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) shows how a powerful new drug finds and attaches itself to the ovarian and prostate cancer cells for both imaging and personalized cancer treatment.
Dynamic whole-body PET detects more cancer Imaging lung cancer requires both precision and innovation. With this aim, researchers have developed a technique for clinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging that creates advanced whole-body parametric maps, which allow quantitative evaluation of tumors and metastases throughout the body, according to research announced at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Novel PET tracer narrows in on life-threatening blood clots Fatal cardiac events are often preceded by abnormal blood clots, also called thrombosis. Scientists have now developed a molecular imaging technique that could save lives by revealing troublesome thrombi, according to a study presented at the 2015 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
PET/CT captures hidden source of neuroendocrine cancer The origin of cancer is often obscured by metastases—tumors that have already spread to other tissues. This is especially the case for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), a malignancy of nerve cells scattered throughout various organ systems that are sensitive to the signaling of neurotransmitters and hormones. An investigational molecular imaging technique could be the key to finding the elusive primary tumor, say presenters at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
PET detects more prostate cancer than conventional imaging Research presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) shows how a new molecular imaging agent finds prostate cancer that has spread to other tissues by locking in on an enzyme called prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), associated with prostate cancer.
Hybrid scanner combines five molecular imaging technologies Scientists are taking medical imaging research and drug discovery to a new level by developing a molecular imaging system that combines several advanced technologies for all-in-one imaging of both tissue models and live subjects, say presenters at the 2015 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
	Molecular imaging reveals marker of neurodegenerative disease Brain researchers have been working for years on targeting a cellular process involved in neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. A specialized molecular imaging agent does the job by binding to a transporter of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a major mediator of the central nervous system, say presenters at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
	Cloud-based neuroimaging analysis could aid Alzheimer's diagnosis Alzheimer's disease remains a chronic, incurable neurodegenerative disease and a worldwide health concern. Equally as important as developing comprehensive diagnostic tests is finding a means of normalizing all the ensuing data—and that technology has arrived, say researchers at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
PET reveals inflammatory cycle in the brain Neuroinflammation caused by a reactive immune system could be tripping off the neurodegeneration seen in certain dementias, multiple sclerosis, and other deadly diseases of the nervous system. A novel molecular imaging technique could be the key to understanding how best to treat these and other devastating diseases, according to a recent study presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
	Theranostic drug personalizes prostate cancer imaging and therapy A novel radionuclide drug tackles the challenge of prostate cancer imaging and takes a turn as a cancer-killing therapy for tumors in and out of the prostate, according to research presented during the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Molecular MRI aims at component of multiple cancers A relatively new biomarker called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is the bullseye for three new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents that bind to the protein in not only prostate cancer, but a range of tumor types, according to research unveiled at the 2015 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
	Amyloid pet may lead to better treatment for Alzheimer's patients New research presented during the 2015 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) demonstrates that amyloid positron emission tomography (amyloid PET) scans of the brain provide clearer diagnosis and earlier, more effective treatment for Alzheimer's patients, when results of a more conventional PET scan remain ambiguous.
Amyloid scan of the heart predicts major cardiac events Amyloid build-up is commonly talked about in relation to Alzheimer's disease, but amyloidosis can be found throughout the body. An excessive accumulation of these insoluble proteins could cause a heart attack or even death. A new molecular imaging scan of amyloid in the heart could help diagnose the problem, say researchers at the 2015 annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).
Study finds weight loss in obese adults can reduce severity of asthma A Canadian study published in the June issue of the journal Chest found weight loss reduced asthma severity as measured by airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in obese adults. The incidence of asthma is 1.47 times higher in obese people than nonobese people, and a three-unit increase in body mass index is associated with a 35% increase in the risk of asthma. The study supports the active treatment of comorbid obesity in individuals with asthma.
Early attention to quality of life reduces hospital costs for advanced cancer patients Earlier introduction of palliative care for patients hospitalized with advanced cancer is associated with lower hospital costs, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The findings support a growing body of evidence that suggests that early provision of palliative care not only enhances the quality of medical care received by patients and families with serious illness, but does so at a lower cost than traditional oncologic care.
Depletion of naive T cells from stem cell grafts limits chronic graft-versus host disease Stem cell transplantation is used to treat hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia. Patients that receive donor cells are at risk of developing graft-versus host disease (GVHD). This potentially fatal complication results when naive T cells generated from the graft promote an immune response that attacks the recipient's tissues. Prophylactic treatment with immunosuppressive drugs is currently used to limit GVHD but does not reliably prevent disease. In mouse models, depletion of naive T cells from the stem cell graft prior to transplant reduces the occurrence and severity of GVHD.
	SNMMI image of the year: Theranostic drug unites imaging and therapy for prostate cancer A novel molecular imaging technology not only detects prostate cancer that has spread throughout the body, but also provides a potent and minimally invasive method of radiotherapy, reveal researchers at the 2015 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging annual meeting.
E. coli outbreak sickens 7 and closes Greenwood daycare A South Carolina daycare has agreed to temporarily close after seven cases of E. coli were traced to the center.
People at risk of hoarding disorder may have serious complaints about sleep A new study suggests that those at risk of hoarding disorder may have serious complaints about sleep.
Poor sleep quality linked to reduced resilience among veterans A new study suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with reduced resilience among veterans and returning military personnel.

Biology news

	Bees are 'sick of humans' but man will feel the sting In a worrying development which could threaten food production, South Africa's traditionally tough honey bees—which had been resistant to disease—are now getting "sick of humans", with the population of the crucial pollinators collapsing, experts say.
	Novel biotyping tool reveals hidden diversity within the UK's algae bank Thousands of samples at the UK's 'algae bank' will need to be re-labelled as a ground-breaking new screening tool has revealed greater diversity than was previously known within the collection.
	New map uncovers the traffic of life in a cell Toronto scientists have recorded, in unprecedented detail, the locations of all proteins in a cell. This new protein map allows scientists to look much more closely into what happens in a cell when disease strikes, and will also help find better treatments.
	Yes, that ant does smell like blue cheese If you live in the United States, you've probably seen an odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) – one of the most common ants in the country. And for more than 50 years they've been described as smelling like rotten coconut. But Clint Penick thinks they smell like blue cheese. And he can prove he's right.
	Electroporation delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system improves efficiency and throughput Jackson Laboratory researchers have shown that using an electric current to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 system, in order to engineer genetic changes in laboratory mice, is highly efficient and significantly improves the system's throughput.
Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, biologists show Evolutionary theorist Stephen Jay Gould is famous for describing the evolution of humans and other conscious beings as a chance accident of history. If we could go back millions of years and "run the tape of life again," he mused, evolution would follow a different path.
	Chimpanzees may know when they are right and move to prove it Chimpanzees are capable of metacognition, or thinking about one's own thinking, and can adjust their behavior accordingly, researchers at Georgia State University, Agnes Scott College, Wofford College and the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York have discovered.
	Arabidopsis uses molecular decoy to trick pathogens In the animal kingdom, predators use a full range of strategies, such as camouflage, speed and optical illusions, to catch their prey. Meanwhile, prey species resort to the same tactics to escape from their predators. Such tricks are also used at the molecular level, as discovered by researchers from the CNRS, INRA, CEA and INSERM in one of the most devastating bacterial plant pathogens in the world, which bypasses plant cell defenses by preventing an immune signaling from being triggered. Even more surprising is the fact that plant cells have developed a receptor incorporating a decoy intended to catch the invader in its own trap. This work, which has a wealth of applications, was published May 21, 2015 in the journal Cell.
	Research on "real-world" farms gives a clearer picture of how pollination works Farmers should concern themselves with how many individual wild bees they have pollinating their fields, not how many kinds of bees, according to new research from Rutgers and the University of Calgary.
Time-lapse video captures corpse plant's short-lived bloom More than 2,000 people visited McMaster this week to see - and smell - the corpse plant that bloomed at the Biology Greenhouse.
	The wonders of bioluminescent millipedes There's something inherently magical, even surreal, about seeing hundreds of glowing millipedes scattered across the ground of a sequoia grove on a moonless night in Sequoia National Park.
	The great geologist behind the Origin of Species After Charles Darwin published the landmark On the Origin of Species in 1859 at the age of 50, he devoted the rest of his professional life to building up evidence to support its central claim – namely that species of plants and animals evolve over time to adapt to their surroundings through the process of natural selection.
	Zoos talk, but do people listen? A study involving 176 zoos from more than 50 countries has found zoos are missing opportunities to educate visitors about conservation and sustainability.
	Scientists discover more than 100 new marine species in the Philippines Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences are celebrating World Ocean's Day with a slew of brand new marine discoveries—more than 100 species that are likely new to science. The Philippines is home to the most biologically diverse waters on Earth, and remains the centerpiece of the Academy's multi-year exploration of the Coral Triangle's biological treasures. Over the course of this seven-week undertaking, funded by the National Science Foundation, scientists collected countless marine specimens, including rare and new species of colorful sea slugs, barnacles, and delicate heart urchins—among several others—to be studied in the coming months. Mysterious live animals from dimly-lit, deep-water reefs were also collected for a new exhibit at the Academy's Steinhart Aquarium, expected to open in the summer of 2016.
	Loon chicks grow fast and fledge early to give parents a break Raising healthy chicks is always a challenge, but in a cold, fish-free Arctic lake, it's an enormous undertaking. Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) parents must constantly fly back and forth between their nesting lakes and the nearby ocean, bringing back fish to feed their growing young, and a new study suggests that the chicks grow fast and fledge while they're still small so that they can reach the food-rich ocean themselves and give their parents a break.
Feds release plan for recovering Northwest fish species Federal authorities have released their final recovery plan for a fish species that teetered on the brink of extinction in the early 1990s in one of the Pacific Northwest's major rivers.
	Second snow leopard successfully collared with satellite-GPS technology in Nepal Little over one month after a devastating earthquake rocked the Himalayan nation, conservationists in Nepal announced that they had successfully collared a snow leopard in the shadow of Kangchenjunga, the world's second highest mountain. This announcement delivers a powerful positive message as the nation's rebuilding efforts continue, and takes on even greater significance on World Environment Day.
Auckland's trees vulnerable to housing intensification Auckland's trees have little protection against urban intensification and of those that are left, only a few are listed for preservation, a new study has found.
	The rules of the water This summer an interdisciplinary research team led by Northeastern professor Geoff Trussell will study community organization and connectivity of rocky intertidal habitats throughout the Gulf of Maine. The project is intended to help inform the development of predictive ecological models that can be used to improve how these ecosystems are managed and preserved.
	What do walnuts smell like? Why do some insects lay their eggs in some walnuts and not in others? The answer is to be found in the smell given off by these nuts when they are broken, and that is why it is important to differentiate between the aromas of whole walnuts and damaged ones.

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