Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jun 4

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 4, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Solar cell sets world record with a stabilized efficiency of 13.6%
- Exiled stars explode far from home
- Quality, quantity, and freshness in the reproductive game
- VirScan reveals your viral infection history in a single drop of blood
- In tuning friction to the point where it disappears, technique could boost development of nanomachines
- Protein maintains double duty as key cog in body clock and metabolic control
- New hope in the fight against tuberculosis
- Study finds how feedback from cortex helps mammals make fine distinctions about odors
- Reprogramming of DNA observed in human germ cells for first time
- New species of horned dinosaur with 'bizarre' features revealed
- Forks colliding: How DNA breaks during re-replication
- Hormone 'erases' male smell for female mice
- Do cheaters have an evolutionary advantage? Cheating amoebas reveal key to successful societies
- How dividing cells end up the same size
- DNA which only females have

Astronomy & Space news

	Exiled stars explode far from home Sharp images obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope confirm that three supernovae discovered several years ago exploded in the dark emptiness of intergalactic space, having been flung from their home galaxies millions or billions of years earlier.
	Mars solar conjunction puts missions on hold in June In June 2015, Mars will swing almost directly behind the sun from Earth's perspective, and this celestial geometry will lead to diminished communications with spacecraft at Mars.
	Building a smarter rover The next mission to Mars could carry a smarter rover that is able to make better decisions absent instructions from Earth. Engineers are looking to automate some of the simple decision-making steps undertaken by rovers and orbiters, which could dramatically improve the science they are able to perform in the search for habitable environments.
	Charting the Milky Way from the inside out Imagine trying to create a map of your house while confined to only the living room. You might peek through the doors into other rooms or look for light spilling in through the windows. But, in the end, the walls and lack of visibility would largely prevent you from seeing the big picture.
	Billionaires aim for cheaper spaceflight In the booming commercial space business, ventures founded by tech billionaires Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Paul Allen are reinventing the most expensive aspect - launching spacecraft into orbit.
	New launch date set for Sentinel-2A The second satellite in Europe's Copernicus programme is set for launch from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 23 June at 01:52 GMT (03:52 CEST 23 June; 22:52 local time 22 June).
	Three candidates for ESA's next medium-class science mission Exoplanets, plasma physics and the X-ray Universe are the topics chosen by ESA to be considered for the fourth medium-class mission in its Cosmic Vision science programme, for launch in 2025.
	Construction to begin on largest telescope The Giant Magellan Telescope Organization announced Wednesday that its 11 international partners have committed more than $500 million to begin construction of the first of a new generation of extremely large telescopes. Once it is built, the Giant Magellan Telescope is poised to be the largest optical telescope in the world.
	What is a hunter's moon? If you live in the northern hemisphere, than stargazing during the early autumn months can a bit tricky. During certain times in these seasons, the stars, planets and Milky Way will be obscured by the presence of some very beautiful full moons. But if you're a fan of moongazing, then you're in luck.
	SMILE space mission passes first hurdle A space mission called SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) which is jointly led by UCL and the Chinese National Space Science Center has received the go-ahead for an initial study phase this summer by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Technology news

	Synaptics aims to enrich PC keyboard with SmartBar SmartBar technology—What do you think of, in technology context, when you hear the word SmartBar? For one, you might at least guess this is something for desktop PCs—you're right. You might also assume it has something to do with your keyboard—you're right, of course.
	Planarian regeneration model discovered by artificial intelligence An artificial intelligence system has for the first time reverse-engineered the regeneration mechanism of planaria—the small worms whose extraordinary power to regrow body parts has made them a research model in human regenerative medicine.
	Yahoo to host first global live stream of NFL game The National Football League said Wednesday that Yahoo will be the exclusive online stage for the first-ever free live stream of a game to a global audience.
	Showtime to offer streaming service Premium channel Showtime said Wednesday it would launch a streaming service in July, offering movies, original series and sports programming to subscribers without cable subscriptions via desktop computers and Apple devices.
	Bethesda to launch new 'Fallout' video game Bethesda Game Studios on Wednesday confirmed that it is preparing to launch a keenly anticipated new installment to the blockbuster 'Fallout' video game franchise.
	Digital currencies a big test for regulators: NY banking czar New York's powerful banking regulator Benjamin Lawsky said Wednesday that digital currencies like Bitcoin pose a major challenge, but should not be stifled.
	Jay Z's Tidal offers new promotion amid streaming battle Tidal, the nascent streaming service led by hip-hop mogul Jay Z, on Wednesday announced new features and a low promotional rate as competition intensifies.
	Shareholders endorse Google's course Google shareholders on Wednesday endorsed the course set by the Internet titan, rejecting proposals to dilute its power structure and scrutinize investments in renewable energy.
	Google founder defends accident records of self-driving cars Google co-founder Sergey Brin says he sees little reason to release the accident reports involving the Internet company's self-driving cars because he believes there's nothing new in documents withheld to protect the privacy of other motorists.
	Analysis: NSA bill barely touches the agency's vast powers The surveillance law enacted this week stands as the most significant curb on the government's investigative authorities since the 1970s. But it's practically inconsequential in the universe of the National Security Agency's vast digital spying operations, a technical overhaul of a marginal counterterrorism program that some NSA officials wanted to jettison anyway.
	Solar Impulse plane stuck in Japan one week for repairs Solar Impulse 2 will be stuck in Japan for at least a week, its pilot has said, after it sustained damage to its delicate wing following an impromptu landing in the country.
	In Tech: Microsoft tries to win mobile friends Looking for a new app for making "to-do" lists on your Apple or Android phone? You could use Apple's Reminders or Google's Keep. But Microsoft is hoping you'll try Wunderlist, created by a German tech startup that Microsoft bought this week.
	Smart microgrids to help data centers, farm communities use locally produced power Strategic use of locally produced, renewable energy through smart microgrids can reduce power costs and help prevent outages, according to assistant professors Wei Sun and Reinaldo Tonkoski of the electrical engineering and computer science department.
	Quest for buried knowledge continues with new computer software tool In the 18th century, researchers attempting to read the writings of ancient, charred scrolls picked and pulled at the fragile artifacts, destroying many. Fast forward to 2015 and researchers are developing a superior method, one that never unrolls or even attempts to open the scrolls.
	Community TV's last stand from the government's spectrum grab A new campaign is underway this week to persuade the federal government to reverse its decision to push community television stations off the allocated broadcast spectrum at the end of this year in favour of online-only programming.
	Identifying trends in article-level metrics In late December 2013, PLOS ONE published an article from UK-based Psychologists Rob Jenkins and Christie Kerr titled "Identifiable Images of Bystanders Extracted from Corneal Reflections". Using high-resolution photography, Jenkins, from the University of York, and Kerr, from the University of Glasgow, demonstrate that humans can recognize faces in the reflection of photographed eyes.
	Re-use of paper sludge via pyrolysis The University of Twente is helping the paper industry to convert paper sludge - the largest waste stream from paper factories - into bio-oils and raw materials suitable for re-use. At the end of the summer, in collaboration with the University of Twente, the company Alucha will build a self-regulating, mobile pilot plant for the pyrolysis of paper sludge.
	Internet privacy manifesto calls for more consumer power A revolutionary power shift from internet giants such as Google to ordinary consumers is critically overdue, according to new research from a University of East Anglia (UEA) online privacy expert.
	Ikea invests 600 mln euros to be energy independent by 2020 Swedish furniture giant IKEA said Thursday it would invest 600 million euros ($677 million) in renewable energy over five years in a bid to become energy independent by 2020.
	Wearables device market grew 200 percent in first quarter, led by Fitbit In the three months leading up to the April release of the Apple Watch, the wearables market continued to show strong growth.
Amazon's music service plays to a different beat A few dozen people crowded into a meeting room at Amazon.com's Seattle headquarters last month for one of the nice perks of working at the giant online retailer: a free concert.
	Video advertising on Facebook and other social media on the rise Television isn't the only way commercials will get airtime this year.
Smart Data to evaluate return on retrofitting investment Retrofitting technology could benefit the EU economy enormously. Such activities could save up to 60% of a building's energy consumption and this would translate into direct savings in energy expenditure. But energy technology alone is only part of the answer. There are also other barriers to retrofitting such as financial, legal and political impediments.
	Southampton to help operate US National Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems The University of Southampton has been selected as the sole UK partner to help operate the new National Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (COE UAS) in the United States.
Foreigners entering Canada to undergo biometric screening Canada will collect finger prints and digitals photos from all foreigners traveling on a visa under a new security measure.
Gawker news site employees vote to unionize News site Gawker Media employees say they have voted to join the Writers Guild of America, making it the first digital media outlet to organize.
	Apple Watch: Soon available for sale in stores You'll soon be able to buy an Apple Watch like most other watches—in a store.
Southwest's website struggles for second straight day Heavy traffic spurred by a fare sale has swamped Southwest Airlines' website for a second day, leaving many customers unable to book flights.

Medicine & Health news

	VirScan reveals your viral infection history in a single drop of blood New technology developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers makes it possible to test for current and past infections with any known human virus by analyzing a single drop of a person's blood. The method, called VirScan, is an efficient alternative to existing diagnostics that test for specific viruses one at a time.
	Researcher suggests changes to consent forms for pregnant women undergoing prenatal DNA screening (Medical Xpress)—Diana Bianchi, executive director of the Mother Infant Research Institute at Tufts Medical Center has published a Comment piece in the journal Nature calling for changes to consent forms given to pregnant women about to undergo prenatal chromosomal screening. In it she points out that most such women are unaware that their own DNA is also being screened and that it is possible that such screening could reveal health problems in the mother as well.
	New treatment hope for pregnant women with high blood pressure Exciting research from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research has found new answers for pregnant women with high blood pressure, which is also a characteristic of the serious condition, pre-eclampsia.
	Links found between blood type and risk of cognitive decline A pioneering study conducted by leading researchers at the University of Sheffield has revealed blood types play a role in the development of the nervous system and may cause a higher risk of developing cognitive decline.
	Study finds how feedback from cortex helps mammals make fine distinctions about odors Everyday tasks we may regard as "simple" - for example, knowing the difference between the smell of an orange and a pickle - are actually marvels of evolutionary development, the work of eons. A neuroscience team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) today reports in Neuron results of experiments that suggest how the mammalian brain distinguishes odors - not just dissimilar ones but, perhaps more importantly, odors that are nearly identical, such as the scents of oranges and tangerines.
	Reprogramming of DNA observed in human germ cells for first time A team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge has described for the first time in humans how the epigenome - the suite of molecules attached to our DNA that switch our genes on and off - is comprehensively erased in early primordial germ cells prior to the generation of egg and sperm. However, the study, published today in the journal Cell, shows some regions of our DNA - including those associated with conditions such as obesity and schizophrenia - resist complete reprogramming.
	DNA breakage underlies both learning, age-related damage The process that allows our brains to learn and generate new memories also leads to degeneration as we age, according to a new study by researchers at MIT.
	Protein maintains double duty as key cog in body clock and metabolic control Around-the-clock rhythms guide nearly all physiological processes in animals and plants. Each cell in the body contains special proteins that act on one another in interlocking feedback loops to generate near-24 hour oscillations called circadian rhythms. These dictate behaviors controlled by the brain, such as sleeping and eating, as well as metabolic, hormonal, and other rhythms that are intrinsic to the organs of the body. For example, when you eat may have affects on rhythms controlling fat or sugar metabolism, illustrating how circadian and metabolic physiology are intricately intertwined.
	New hope in the fight against tuberculosis According to figures of the World Health Organization, some 8.7 million people contracted tuberculosis in 2012 and this disease is fatal for approximately 1.3 million people throughout the world each year. One of the main problems is that the tuberculosis pathogens have become resistant to the antibiotics used to fight them. Scientists from the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) joined forces with scientists from Sanofi, a global health care company, and identified a new agent, which might potentially remedy these problems.
	Research points to future test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Researchers at the University of Toronto (U of T) have uncovered new insights on the genetic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. These findings could uncover a new way to detect a genetic predisposition to ALS before the disease strikes.
Researchers home in on what's wearing out T cells Sometimes even cells get tired. When the T cells of your immune system are forced to deal over time with cancer or a chronic infection such as HIV or hepatitis C, they can develop 'T cell exhaustion,' becoming less effective and losing their ability to attack and destroy the invaders of the body. While the PD-1 protein pathway has long been implicated as a primary player in T cell exhaustion, a major question has been whether PD-1 actually directly causes exhaustion. A new paper from the lab of E. John Wherry, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology and director of the Institute for Immunology, in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, seems to—at least partially—let PD-1 off the hook. The paper was published this week in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
	Researchers find speedometer in the brain Researchers in Bonn have identified neural circuits in the brains of mice that are pivotal for movement and navigation in space. These nerve cells that are presumed to exist in a similar form in humans, give the start signal for locomotion and also supply the brain with speed-related information.
Simple score predicts risk of death for middle-aged adults in the UK Researchers have developed a score that predicts an individual's risk of dying within 5 years for people aged between 40 and 70 years old in the UK, according to new research published in The Lancet.
USDA: Bird flu vaccine not good enough for outbreak A bird flu vaccine doesn't work well enough to approve it for emergency use against the current outbreak that's shaken the Midwest poultry industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.
	Is dietary supplementation appropriate for children with autism spectrum disorder? Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often picky eaters, which can lead parents to suspect that their children might not be getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. This sometimes leads parents of children with ASD to try nutritional supplements and dietary regimens such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets without professional supervision. In the largest study of its kind, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers report that these well-intentioned efforts can result in both insufficient nutrients and excessive nutrients. Despite supplementation, children with ASD still were deficient in calcium, for example, while some were consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A and other nutrients.
Poor sleep, negative attitude amplify pain in knee osteoarthritis A new study reports that patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who have poor sleep habits display greater central sensitization—an amplification of clinical pain. Findings published in Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), further show OA patients who catastrophize—consumed by thoughts of pain—had increased central sensitization that was associated with greater clinical pain.
Developing delirium in the ICU linked to fatal outcomes About one-third of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) will develop delirium, a condition that lengthens hospital stays and substantially increases one's risk of dying in the hospital, according to a new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers appearing in the British Medical Journal.
US regulators to discuss 'female Viagra' A drug nicknamed the "female Viagra" because it could help increase women's sex drive, will be discussed for a third time at a meeting of an advisory committee to US regulators Thursday.
Fresh cases, 900 schools closed in S. Korea MERS outbreak (Update) Hundreds of schools closed Thursday in South Korea as officials struggled to ease growing panic over an outbreak of the MERS virus that has infected 35 people, killed two and caused thousands to cancel travel plans.
	Most part D plans cover at least one biologic DMARD (HealthDay)—Although most Medicare Part D plans cover at least one biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), copayments are high, according to a study published in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology.
	Anticoagulation appears safe for patients with brain mets (HealthDay)—Therapeutic anticoagulation is safe for treating venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer that has metastasized to the brain, according to new research. The study was published online May 18 in Blood.
Neurotoxin found in commercial seafood Popular commercial seafood purchased from Swedish supermarkets at the Stockholm region contains Beta-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA), shows a doctoral thesis from Stockholm University. BMAA is a naturally-occurring amino acid with a possible link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is the first screening study to measure BMAA in commercial seafood from metropolitan markets.
	Parental support may protect young women against obesity Support from mom can tip the scales on who will become obese a dozen years later, a new study shows.
Appalachia gripped by hepatitis C epidemic, bracing for HIV Patton Couch shook his head and clenched his teeth, recounting the night four years ago when he plucked a dirty needle from a pile at a flophouse and jabbed it into his scarred arm.
Acrylamide in food is a public health concern Following a comprehensive review, EFSA has published its scientific opinion on acrylamide in food. Experts from EFSA's Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) have reconfirmed previous evaluations that acrylamide in food potentially increases the risk of developing cancer for consumers in all age groups. This conclusion has not changed since the draft opinion was made available for an open public consultation in July 2014.
	Pot remains Europe's most used drug, agency report says (Update) Marijuana continues to be the European Union's most commonly used drug, with almost 79 million EU citizens estimated to have tried it at some point in their lives, the bloc's drug agency said in a report published Thursday.
	Study shows low-cost weight loss program has long-term results As America's obesity epidemic continues to grow, a new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shows that a low-cost, non-profit weight loss program offers the kind of long-term results that often elude dieters.
	Has Brazil found the way to better health care? Under Brazil's family health program, when a woman learns that she is pregnant, she contacts her local community health agent, who often is a neighbor.
	Are hospitals the safest place for healthy women to have babies? An obstetrician thinks twice There is a good chance that your grandparents were born at home. I am going to go ahead and assume they turned out fine, or at least fine enough, since you were eventually born too and are now reading this.
	Misunderstood mothers-to-be internalise stress The role that stigma around mental health plays in the stress of a pregnancy – and birth complications - has been thrust into the spotlight by a study from researchers at The University of Queensland.
	Depression during pregnancy could increase risk of offspring depression in adulthood People born to mothers who are depressed during pregnancy are up to three times more likely to have depression in later life and up to twice as likely to have experienced child maltreatment, primarily at the hands of peers and other adults in the home, according to new research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London.
	Preparing for a public health emergency Researchers have published a set of key insights that could help countries prepare for an influenza pandemic.
	Jumping to blame social media for eating disorders is dangerous The number of hospital admissions for UK teenagers with eating disorders has risen by 89% in the past three years, it was reported today. While this is clearly of concern, so too is the quick jump some have made to link this rise with social media.
	A slow burning natural disaster Sometime in the next several days, monsoon rains will begin to sweep across India and gradually move northward, offering drenching relief to thousands caught in this year's relentless heat wave. Andhra Pradesh, one of the hardest hit states, has reported over 1600 deaths in the past week alone. As of Tuesday morning, more than 2300 people had died nationwide as a direct result of the extreme heat.
	New study calls for radical shake-up of the curriculum to help summer born children A new study by academics at Royal Holloway, University of London has suggested summer born children struggle at school entry because of unrealistic education targets and a curriculum that is out of step with their developmental levels.
	Hospital fall rates stabalise via training program WA-led research has found an effective and cost-efficient way of preventing patients from falling over in hospital.
	Whooping cough research pinpoints diminishing immunity period The tragic death of a baby boy in Perth earlier this year has again highlighted the importance of the whooping cough vaccine and research by the Telethon Kids Institute will soon ensure young children are better protected.
Researchers find out why polycystic ovary syndrome and diabetes are linked Nearly 50 percent of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) develop pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes before the age of 40, but the reasons for the correlation was unclear. In a new study in the American Journal of Physiology–Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers report that inflammation is the cause for the increased diabetes risk in women with PCOS. Understanding how PCOS leads to diabetes will help identify ways to intervene.
	New tool predicts your risk of death Researchers from Uppsala University have studied the risk of dying over the next five years. They have developed a unique health-risk calculator by using one of the world's largest study material, UK Biobank, containing data from nearly half a million people. The results are expected to have large areas of application both in the clinical setting, public health policy and in research.
Resuming blood pressure medicine promptly after surgery reduces risk of death It may be better for patients to resume taking their blood pressure medication sooner after surgery than previously thought. A new study published in the Online First edition of Anesthesiology, the official medical journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), found resuming angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), common medications used to treat high blood pressure, within two days after surgery decreased death rates in the first month following surgery.
Cancer screening increase may reflect Affordable Care Act provision Screening for colorectal cancer increased in lower socioeconomic status (SES) individuals after 2008, perhaps reflecting the Affordable Care Act's removal of financial barriers to screening according to a new analysis. The study, by American Cancer Society investigators, appears online in the journal Cancer.
Eating the placenta: Trendy but no proven health benefits and unknown risks Celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian blogged and raved about the benefits of their personal placenta 'vitamins' and spiked women's interest in the practice of consuming their placentas after childbirth.
What are Medicare costs for patients with oral cavity, pharyngeal cancers? Medicare costs for older patients with oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers increased based on demographics, co-existing illnesses and treatment selection, according to a report published online by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
S. Korea reports third death from MERS outbreak South Korea on Thursday reported its third death from an outbreak of the MERS virus that has infected dozens of people, seen hundreds of schools closed and caused thousands to cancel travel plans.
	Household items, toys key to infant motor skill development, research finds Toys, appliances, and even a sofa and coffee table can impact the way or when a baby first crawls, walks or achieves other growth milestones, but a new UT Arlington study finds that many parents are unaware of the significant role household items play in their infant's motor skill development.
	Texas doctors do first skull and scalp transplant Texas doctors say they have done the world's first partial skull and scalp transplant to help a man with a large head wound from cancer treatment.
Parent-reported symptoms gauge features of the food allergic disease EoE Researchers have identified that parent-reported responses to a questionnaire called the Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score (PEESS v2.0) correspond to clinical and biologic features of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) - a severe and often painful food allergy that renders children unable to eat a wide variety of foods.
Withholding angiotensin receptor blockers after surgery increases risk of postoperative death Withholding angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for longer than two days after surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative death, according to a study of more than 30,000 patients in the VA health care system by researchers at UC San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC).
	Social networking analysis helps identify cancer biomarkers The advent of online social networks has led to the rapid development of tools for understanding the interactions between members of the network, their activity, the connections, the hubs and nodes. But, any relationships between lots of entities, whether users of Facebook and Twitter, bees in a colony, birds in a flock, or the genes and proteins in our bodies can be analyzed with the same tools.
US regulators discuss 'female Viagra' Advisors to US regulators looked for a third time Thursday at the merits of a drug nicknamed the "female Viagra" because it could help increase women's sex drive.
	Study maps the types of physical activity associated with better sleep Physical activities, such as walking, as well as aerobics/calisthenics, biking, gardening, golfing, running, weight-lifting, and yoga/Pilates are associated with better sleep habits, compared to no activity, according to a new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In contrast, the study shows that other types of physical activity - such as household and childcare—work are associated with increased cases of poor sleep habits. The full results of the study (Abstract #0246) will be presented during the poster session on Monday, June 8, at SLEEP 2015, the 29th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC, June 6-10, in Seattle, WA.
	Researchers pilot predictive medicine by studying healthy people's DNA A new study by National Institutes of Health researchers has turned traditional genomics research on its head. Instead of trying to find a mutation in the genomic sequence of a person with a genetic disease, they sequenced the genomes of healthy participants, then analyzed the data to find "putative," or presumed, mutations that would almost certainly lead to a genetic condition.
	Despite abnormalities after concussion, sleep continues to aid memory and recall After a concussion, a person can be left with disturbed sleep, memory deficits and other cognitive problems for years, but a new study led by Rebecca Spencer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst suggests that despite these abnormalities, sleep still helps them to overcome memory deficits, and the benefit is equivalent to that seen in individuals without a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), also known as concussion.
	Preventive neuroradiology: Brain imaging bolsters efforts to lower Alzheimer's risk Armed with new knowledge about how neurodegenerative diseases alter brain structures, increasing numbers of neurologists, psychiatrists and other clinicians are adopting quantitative brain imaging as a tool to measure and help manage cognitive declines in patients. These imaging findings can help spur beneficial lifestyle changes in patients to reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease.
	Model mimics how dormant infections caused by childhood chicken pox can trigger the 'rude awakening' of shingles The red, itchy rash caused by varicella-zoster - the virus that causes chickenpox - usually disappears within a week or two. But once infection occurs, the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, remains dormant in the nervous system, awaiting a signal that causes this "sleeper" virus to be re-activated in the form of an extremely unpleasant but common disease: herpes zoster, or shingles.
	Cozy niches: Certain host cell environments make malaria parasites resistant to drugs Of the two species of Plasmodium parasites commonly infecting humans, P. vivax grows exclusively in immature red blood cells called reticulocytes. P. falciparum can infect reticulocytes, but it grows primarily in mature red blood cells (called erythrocytes) which make up 99% of red cells in circulation. A study published on June 4th in PLOS Pathogens shows that the different metabolic states of these human host cells provide different growth conditions for the respective parasites—and warn that, as a consequence, drugs that work against one Plasmodium species might fail to be effective against the other.
	Eating less during late night hours may stave off some effects of sleep deprivation Eating less late at night may help curb the concentration and alertness deficits that accompany sleep deprivation, according to results of a new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania that will be presented at SLEEP 2015, the 29th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC.
Moderate exercise helps prevent gestational diabetes and reduce weight gain during pregnancy Women who exercise during pregnancy are less likely to have gestational diabetes, and the exercise also helps to reduce maternal weight gain, finds a study published on 3 June 2015 in BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Panel recommends improvements in estrogen testing accuracy Washington, DC-Unreliable estrogen measurements have had a negative impact on the treatment of and research into many hormone-related cancers and chronic conditions. To improve patient care, a panel of medical experts has called for accurate, standardized estrogen testing methods in a statement published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
	E-cigarette users often believe devices will help them quit tobacco (HealthDay)—E-cigarette users are much more hopeful that the devices will help them quit smoking than the general public is, including people who just smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes, according to a new French survey.
	Fewer young men fathering children outside of marriage: CDC (HealthDay)—Fewer unmarried American men are becoming first-time fathers, U.S. health officials reported Thursday.
	Surgery may boost survival in certain advanced lung cancers (HealthDay)—Certain patients with lung cancer that's spread throughout the chest could live longer by undergoing surgery to remove diseased lung tissue, instead of receiving only chemotherapy and radiation, new research suggests.
	Interstate medical licensure compact formed (HealthDay)—Nine states have enacted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact law, with the seventh state's enactment triggering formation of a commission to administer a process for physicians seeking licensure in multiple states, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
	Hyperhomocysteinemia linked to worse cognitive status (HealthDay)—For older adults, hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with worse cognitive status, even after accounting for B group vitamin (BGV) status, according to a study published online June 1 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
	NASH-linked changes impact metformin pharmacokinetics (HealthDay)—Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated changes in liver function affect kidney transporter expression and metformin pharmacokinetics, according to an experimental study published online May 27 in Diabetes Care.
	Healthy teens exhibit exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (HealthDay)—Healthy adolescents may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, according to a study published online April 24 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
	Metabolic syndrome up with ADT in prostate cancer (HealthDay)—For patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy there are increases in components of metabolic syndrome and in the prevalence of full metabolic syndrome, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
	Model including CRC risk alleles ups risk discrimination (HealthDay)—Incorporation of a genetic risk score can improve the accuracy of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk determination, according to a study published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
	MRI can visualize effects of traction on herniated discs (HealthDay)—Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to visualize the effects of continuous traction on herniated lumbar intervertebral discs and their surrounding structures, according to a study published in the June issue of Radiology.
North Carolina OKs bill for 72-hour wait period for abortion North Carolina lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday that would make the state one of several with 72-hour waiting periods for an abortion, sending the measure to the governor's desk.
GOP-controlled House backs state medical marijuana laws The GOP-controlled House voted Wednesday to prevent the federal government from blocking state laws that permit the use of medical marijuana.
Thirty years of AIDS data highlight survival gains, room for improvement Although treatment advances have dramatically reduced deaths from opportunistic infections related to AIDS, a new study drawing on 30 years of data from more than 20,000 patients in San Francisco suggests there is still ample room to improve. About a third—35 percent—of AIDS patients diagnosed with their first opportunistic infection from 1997 to 2012 in that city died within five years, according to the study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Europe court to rule if quadriplegic has right to die Europe's human rights court will decide on Friday if a man in a vegetative state can be taken off life support in a case that ignited a fierce euthanasia debate in France.
	CMS: hospital charges for common procedures up (HealthDay)—The prices hospitals charge patients for a number of common procedures rose more than 10 percent between 2011 and 2013, more than twice the rate of inflation, according to data released by the federal government Monday.
Pakistan sees major drop in polio cases Pakistan has seen a major fall in polio cases this year, officials said Thursday, as a military operation has allowed vaccinators to reach areas previously off-limits because of militant attacks.
	Spanish scientists patent a faster and more reliable technique for diagnosing oral cancer Malignant tumours of the oral cavity are the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Fast and accurate diagnosis is key to maximising the probability of successful treatment and the hope and quality of life of patients.
	Preliminary study shows dramatic trend of cost savings in lay navigation program for cancer patients UAB presented an observational study at this week's annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago that indicates a more rapid decline in Medicare costs and patient resource utilization during implementation of a lay navigation program.
	Precautions, preparations help Pennsylvania brace for potential avian flu threat Experts aren't sure why Pennsylvania so far has been spared in the outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza that has caused massive losses to the poultry industry in the Midwest.
	Report reveals adoptive parents in Wales unable to access support for their children Last year 5,050 children in England and 345 children in Wales were adopted out of care. Until now, little was known about how many adoptions broke down (disrupted) or how many children's difficulties continued to make parenting extremely challenging. A new study, conducted by the Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies at the University of Bristol, which looked at adoptions disruptions in Wales, has revealed the extent to which adoptive parents are struggling to cope.
	More reason for calm than panic in South Korea's MERS scare Sales of surgical masks surge amid fears of a deadly, poorly understood virus. Airlines announce "intensified sanitizing operations." More than 1,100 schools close and 1,600 people—and 17 camels in zoos—are quarantined.
Child-friendly formulation of WHO-recommended HIV treatment approved by FDA The Paediatric HIV Treatment Initiative welcomes this important step towards closing the treatment gap for children with HIV
Massachusetts General-led consortium focusing on rapid development of Q fever vaccine A consortium of academic and industry organizations led by a team from the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has launched a new effort to develop an entirely new type of vaccine against Q fever, an animal-borne disease that has infected a significant number of U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Q fever also has been the basis for biological weapons developed by the former Soviet Union and possibly by the regime of former Iraq leader Saddam Hussein. The project is being funded through a $5.2 million contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense.
California lawmakers to vote on right-to-die bill California lawmakers are expected to vote on legislation that would make it legal for terminally ill patients to end their lives with doctor-prescribed drugs.

Biology news

	Quality, quantity, and freshness in the reproductive game (Phys.org)—Many intuitions drawn from our machine world do not smoothly extended to the biological. Whereas the screws or other fasteners used in an automobile typically tend to loosen over time with use, the hardware found in cells tends to tighten with use. This 'use it or lose it' design philosophy applies not only to minds and muscles, but to gonads, perhaps most obviously to the eggs. Although fathers have also come under increasing fire for raising questionable sperm, particularly at age, in many instances the real culprit can be traced simply to sperm age.
	New degradation proteins show route to cell survival Studies by researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and colleagues reveal two proteins that induce degradation of certain cell constituents to help cell survival under nutrient-limiting conditions.
	New study uncovers why some threatened corals swap 'algae' partners A new research study showed why threatened Caribbean star corals sometimes swap partners to help them recover from bleaching events. The findings are important to understand the fate of coral reefs as ocean waters warm due to climate change.
	New tool brings standards to epigenetic studies One of the most widely used tools in epigenetics research - the study of how DNA packaging affects gene expression - is chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), a technique that allows researchers to examine interactions between specific proteins and genomic regions. However, ChIP is a relative measurement, and has significant limitations that can lead to errors, poor reproducibility and an inability to be compared between experiments.
	Pesticides harm wild bees, pollination in N.Y. orchard crops A new Cornell study of New York state apple orchards finds that pesticides harm wild bees, and fungicides labeled "safe for bees" also indirectly may threaten native pollinators.
	Do cheaters have an evolutionary advantage? Cheating amoebas reveal key to successful societies Anyone who has crawled along in the left lane while other drivers raced up the right lane, which was clearly marked "lane ends, merge left," has experienced social cheating, a maddening and fascinating behavior common to many species.
	Hormone 'erases' male smell for female mice Everyone knows that a plate of food doesn't look as delicious after you've already eaten a big meal. But imagine if your internal state actually made you blind to food.
	Forks colliding: How DNA breaks during re-replication Leveraging a novel system designed to examine the double-strand DNA breaks that occur as a consequence of gene amplification during DNA replication, Whitehead Institute scientists are bringing new clarity to the causes of such genomic damage. Moreover, because errors arising during DNA replication and gene amplification result in chromosomal abnormalities often found in malignant cells, these new findings may bolster our understandings of certain drivers of cancer progression.
	How dividing cells end up the same size There aren't any giants or midgets when it comes to the cells in your body, and now Duke University scientists think they know why.
	Extra DNA creates cucumber with all female flowers Ask a plant researcher how the sex of a cucumber plant is determined and the person will tell you, "It's complicated." Depending on a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, cucumbers can be seven different sexes. Some high-yield cucumber varieties produce only female flowers, and a new study identifies the gene duplication that causes this unusual trait.
	DNA which only females have In many animal species, the chromosomes differ between the sexes. The male has a Y chromosome. In some animals, however, for example birds, it is the other way round. In birds, the females have their own sex chromosome, the W chromosome. For the first, researchers in Uppsala have mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome.
	BESC, Mascoma develop revolutionary microbe for biofuel production Biofuels pioneer Mascoma LLC and the U.S. Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center have developed a revolutionary strain of yeast that could help significantly accelerate the development of biofuels from nonfood plant matter.
Study points to human impact on evolution of freshwater fish The most aggressive largemouth bass in the lake are also the ones most prized by anglers. These are the fish that literally 'take the bait' and put the fun into both competitive and casual sport fishing.
	Avian ecologists combine bird survey data to ID vulnerable boreal species Continent-wide bird surveys play an important role in conservation, says avian ecologist Joel Ralston at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, but they can miss rare or isolated species whose habitat is off the beaten path, such as at high elevation or in a dense bog. Now Ralston and colleagues report for the first time how combining data from several local point counts offers a new picture of how birds in hard-to-reach habitats are faring.
US issues new rules limiting antibiotic use in animals The agency that regulates food and drugs in the United States has drawn up new rules restricting the use of antibiotics in livestock in an effort to combat a growing resistance to the drugs.
	University of East Anglia researcher finds rare Vietnamese rabbit A rare and elusive rabbit has been found, held and photographed by a researcher from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Marine sanctuary researchers gain access to more shipwrecks Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Michigan is rolling out the buoys and starting another season of work on Lake Huron—the highlight of which is searching for and studying shipwrecks.
	Alaska researchers study sea otters with unmanned aircraft Watching marine life to gather data about behavior and abundance can be tedious and time-consuming for researchers, but recent studies indicate unmanned aircraft may offer a way around such obstacles.
	Leap of faith proves pollination can be honeybee free As the state's land-grant institution, Cornell University was born to explore science for the public good – a mission that can sometimes require a leap of faith.
	'Vampire' plants can have positive impact up the food chain New research has revealed that parasitic 'vampire' plants that attach onto and derive nutrients from another living plant could benefit the abundance and diversity of surrounding vegetation and animal life.
	Migrating humpbacks face double blow from human activity Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on their annual migration along WA's coast are facing pressure from both reduced food availability because of climate change and being disturbed by mining and boats, according to two studies.
	Recovering predators create new wildlife management challenges The protection and resurgence of major predators such as seals, sea lions and wolves has created new challenges for wildlife managers, including rising conflicts with people, other predators and, in some cases, risks to imperiled species such as endangered salmon and steelhead, a new research paper finds.
Discovery of how bacteria survive antibiotics may improve treatment of infectious diseases Infectious diseases kill more people worldwide than any other single cause, but treatment often fails because a small fraction of bacterial cells can transiently survive antibiotics and recolonize the body. A study published June 4 in Molecular Cell reveals that these so-called persisters form in response to adverse conditions through the action of a molecule called Obg, which plays an important role in all major cellular processes in multiple bacterial species. By revealing a shared genetic mechanism underlying bacterial persistence, the study paves the way for novel diagnostic tools and more effective treatment strategies for a range of bacterial infections.
Lending a hand, or a paw—what drives us to help others? Our social connections and social compass define us to a large degree as human. Indeed, our tendency to act to benefit others without benefit to ourselves is regarded by some as the epitome of human nature and culture. But is it truly a quality unique to humans, or is this apparent virtue common to other species such as rats?
	Seven new miniaturized frog species found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest Following nearly 5 years of exploration in mountainous areas of the southern Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a team of researchers has uncovered seven new species of a highly miniaturized, brightly colored frog genus known as Brachycephalus. Each species is remarkably endemic, being restricted to cloud forests in one or a few adjacent mountaintops, thus making them highly vulnerable to extinction, particularly due to shifts in the distribution of cloud forest due to climate change.
	Feeding caterpillars make leaves shine When a plant is attacked by herbivores, this triggers a number of physiological responses in the plant. Calcium ions are important messengers for the processing of wound signals in plant cells. They regulate signal transduction and indirectly control plant defense mechanisms. Scientists of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena and the Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Science of the Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, have now succeeded in visualizing the immediate wound or herbivory responses in plants. They used Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) plants that produce a special protein which breaks down after the binding of calcium ions and emits free energy in the form of light. The amount of light corresponds to the calcium concentrations in the cells of the respective leaf areas. By using a highly sensitive camera system the researchers could track the calcium flow in the plants. Visua! lization revealed that calcium signals occur systemically and wander from attacked to neighboring leaves within a short period of time, and ultimately put the whole plant into a state of defense readiness.
	Study reveals largest turtle breeding colony in the Atlantic A new study from the University of Exeter has revealed that the Central African country of Gabon is providing an invaluable nesting ground for a vulnerable species of sea turtle considered a regional conservation priority.
	B10K—Toward decoding all bird genomes The Avian Phylogenomics Consortium formally announces the launch of the Bird 10,000 genomes (B10K) project, an initiative to generate representative draft genome sequences from all extant bird species within the next five years. This will be the first attempt to sequence the genomes of all living species of a vertebrate class. The establishment of this project is built on the success of the previous ordinal level project, which provided the first proof of concept for carrying out large-scale sequencing of multiple representative species across a vertebrate class and a window into the types of discoveries that can be made with such genomes (1).
	How Salmonella synchronizes its invasion plan A new study from the Institute of Food Research has uncovered a mechanism by which Salmonella bacteria organise the expression of genes required for infection.
Research points to effective methods of freezing avian red blood cells Birds, like people, can suffer from conditions where a blood transfusion is a necessary life-saving measure. But in many instances, unless an avian donor is readily available, accessing blood is impossible because of the challenges associated with storing the species' red blood cells.
	Decaying RNA molecules tell a story Once messenger RNA (mRNA) has done its job - conveying the information to produce the proteins necessary for a cell to function - it is no longer required and is degraded. Scientists have long thought that the decay started after translation was complete and that decaying RNA molecules provided little biological information.
	Bear cub badly burned in Washington blaze is back in wild A bear cub found badly burned last summer in the largest wildfire in Washington state history has endured a long recovery but is now back in the wild.
	Ocean Modeling Forum to bring human element to herring fishery, others Similar to how hurricane forecasters combine all projected paths of the storm to predict landfall, a new group aims to take the most useful science and perspectives to gauge how the world's oceans should be best managed.
	You're as old as your stem cells A special issue of Cell Stem Cell published on June 4 includes a collection of reviews and perspectives on the biology of aging.

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