Science X Newsletter Tuesday, Jun 2

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 2, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Physicists make first observation of the pushing pressure of light
- After years of forensic investigation, Somerton Man's identity remains a mystery (Part 1: History and Code)
- From gene to phene: Scientists demonstrate genetic control of phenotypic variability
- Stretchable, biocompatible hydrogels with complex patterning for tissue engineering
- Comparison of bonobo anatomy to humans offers evolutionary clues
- Musio: Your AI friend in back-and-forth exchange
- NASA to test supersonic parachute in flying saucer launch (Update)
- How the tuberculosis bacterium tricks the immune system
- Black phosphorus reveals its secrets
- Synthetic biology: Engineered cells detect diabetes and cancer
- Small bird fills big fossil gap
- Greenhouse gas-caused warming felt in just months
- Researchers discover deepest high-temperature hydrothermal vents in Pacific Ocean
- Brain's reaction to certain words could replace passwords
- Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock

Astronomy & Space news

	Researchers use stars to infer mass of Milky Way What if your doctor told you that your weight is somewhere between 100 and 400 lbs.? With any ordinary scale every patient can do better at home. Yet, one patient can't: the Milky Way. Even though today we peer deeper into space than ever before, our home galaxy's weight is still unknown to about a factor of four. Researchers at Columbia University's Astronomy Department have now developed a new method to give the Milky Way a more precise physical checkup.
	NASA to test supersonic parachute in flying saucer launch (Update) The US space agency plans to try out the largest parachute ever deployed Wednesday during a flying saucer launch that will test new technologies for landing on Mars.
	Image: The effect of the winds of Mars Here on Earth, we are used to the wind shaping our environment over time, forming smooth, sculpted rocks and rippling dunes. In this way, Mars is more similar to Earth than you might expect.
	NASA tests aircraft wing coatings that slough bug guts Bug guts create drag, and drag increases fuel consumption. But aircraft of the future could be made more fuel-efficient with non-stick coatings NASA recently tested on Boeing's ecoDemonstrator 757.
	Low-density supersonic decelerator prepared for second flight test The second flight test of NASA's Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) will be attempted on Tuesday, June 2 at no earlier than 1:30 p.m. EDT (7:30 a.m. HST), launching a rocket-powered, saucer-shaped test vehicle into near-space from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The test launch window is from June 2-12. At launch time, a giant balloon will carry the test vehicle to an altitude of 120,000 feet (37,000 meters). After release from the balloon, a booster rocket will lift the disk-shaped vehicle to 180,000 feet (55,000 meters), during which it will accelerate to supersonic speeds. Traveling at about three times the speed of sound, the vehicle's inner-tube-shaped decelerator, called a supersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator, will inflate and slow the vehicle. Then, at Mach 2.35, its parachute will inflate and gently carry the vehicle to the ocean's surface.
	The rise and fall of giant balloons on the edge of space The giant balloon brought down on a cattle station in remote south-west Queensland in April was part of a NASA mission to test the feasibility of using specialised balloons flown in the stratosphere for scientific research.
	Our predictions of solar storms have not been very accurate until now—here's why When a space hurricane was unleashed from the sun on January 7 2014, space-weather centres around the world sent out warnings. The hurricane was heading directly for Earth and was predicted to produce a strong geomagnetic storm. But then an unexpected thing happened: the storm bypassed Earth and headed for Mars instead. It confirmed that our techniques for predicting such events are not as accurate as we would like. I am one of the co-authors of a new paper that provides an insight into why the predictions were wrong and what we can do about this in future.
	Alice instrument's ultraviolet close-up provides a surprising discovery about comet's atmosphere A close-up of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by NASA's ultraviolet instrument surprised scientists by revealing that electrons close to the comet's surface—not photons from the Sun as had been believed—cause the rapid breakup of water and carbon dioxide molecules spewing from the surface.
	Canada to send two astronauts into space by 2024 Canada committed Tuesday to flying two astronauts to space within the next decade as part of its renewed participation with the International Space Station program.

Technology news

	Musio: Your AI friend in back-and-forth exchange Many people have hardly reached saturation point in being drawn to videos of cute robots that avoid the uncanny-valley risk of looking uncomfortably human; instead they cross the lines between cute animal pets and cartoonish tots in spacesuit. Say hello to Musio.
	FBI behind mysterious surveillance aircraft over US cities (Update) Scores of low-flying planes circling American cities are part of a civilian air force operated by the FBI and obscured behind fictitious companies, The Associated Press has learned.
	Tesla Motors co-founder wants to electrify commercial trucks Twelve years ago, Ian Wright and some fellow engineers launched Tesla Motors, a Silicon Valley company that has helped jumpstart the market for electric cars.
	Team develops camera that uses sensors with just 1,000 pixels Thanks to the `megapixel wars', we are used to cameras with 10s of megapixels. Sensors in our cell phone and SLRs are made of Silicon (Si), which is sensitive to the visible wavebands of light and hence, useful for consumer photography. The abundance of Silicon, coupled with advances in CMOS-based fabrication has helped drive down the cost of sensors while simultaneously providing increased capabilities in terms of sensors with higher and higher resolutions.
	Apple's Siri has new role in new 'smart' home systems Hey Siri, turn off the kitchen light.
	New case study finds 3-D printing could reduce airplane's weight by 4 to 7 percent A Northwestern University team has confirmed a new way to help the airline industry save dollars while also saving the environment. And the solution comes in three dimensions. By manufacturing aircrafts' metal parts with 3-D printing, airlines could save a significant amount of fuel, materials, and other resources.
	Brain's reaction to certain words could replace passwords You might not need to remember those complicated e-mail and bank account passwords for much longer. According to a new study, the way your brain responds to certain words could be used to replace passwords.
	CMU researchers develop 3-D scanning technology that detects light interaction We are in the midst of a 3D revolution. There are a wide range of commercially available devices that are capable of sensing the 3D shape of an object and printing the shape to create a three-dimensional photocopy. As both scanning and printing technologies mature, it is widely expected that we will move from simple plastic photocopies to realistic renditions of objects that have complex visual properties.
	Solar Impulse waits out weather before take-off for Hawaii Ultimately when it comes to adventure, however advanced the technology, the weather holds the trump card.
	Start-ups key as Taiwan seeks new tech identity As the Computex trade show opens its doors Tuesday in Taiwan it is putting a new focus on start-ups to boost the island's tech credentials in the face of intense competition from rival China.
3D printers get Ugandan amputees back on their feet Doctors amputated Ugandan schoolboy Jesse Ayebazibwe's right leg when he was hit by a truck while walking home from school three years ago.
	Added power for airplane galleys The galleys inside airliners voraciously consume power - a vital yet limited resource in a plane. Additional power units may soon come to the rescue: housed inside trolley carts in the galleys, these units deliver both supplemental power and thus uncouple the power to the cabin and the kitchen from that which is supplied to the rest of the aircraft. This novel technology is a debut feature on Trade Days at the International Paris Air Show, June 15 to 21.
	Microsoft to buy German start-up behind Wunderlist app: report Microsoft has agreed to acquire 6Wunderkinder GmbH, a Berlin-based startup behind the Wunderlist to-do list app, for between $100-200 million (91-182 million euros), the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
	With law expired, Senate mulls changes to phone collection The Senate now will decide the fate of a House bill backed by the president that would end the National Security Agency's collection of American calling records while preserving other surveillance authorities.
Legal and technological implications of 3-D printing 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of turning a 2D digital image into a 3D object through printing successive layers of materials until an entire item is created. Initial images are created in design software programmes before being realised through 3D printing. The advent of consumer 3D printing has the potential to revolutionise its use as a technology, but also opens up a whole host of intellectual property (IP) debates.
	Several popular smart phones fail to reach normal Internet speeds A lot of users are using outdated mobile devices that fail to reach adequate speeds on mobile networks. This is shown by measurements shared by the users of Netradar, a free mobile application that measures mobile connections and devices. The impartial Netradar application is developed and run globally by Aalto University in Finland. The full list of the 150 most popular smart phones and tablets and their average and median top 10 maximum download speeds is here.
	Mini-megalomaniac AI is already all around us, but it won't get further without our help Avengers: Age of Ultron is the latest film about robots or artificial intelligence (AI) trying to take over the world. It's not a new conceit, with the likes of The Terminator, War Games and The Matrix coming before it, but perhaps it's a theme that rings more resonantly with us these days as intelligent software becomes more widespread.
	NSA phone collection bill clears Senate hurdle Two days after letting a disputed post-9/11 surveillance program go dark, the Senate sped toward passage Tuesday of legislation to revive but also reshape it. GOP leaders mounted a last-ditch effort to soften some of the changes.
	China's Xiaomi launches online store in US, Europe Leading Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched an online accessory store in the United States and major European countries as it expands into lucrative Western markets.
	New urban landscape at Taiwan's Computex An improved urban landscape with safer driving, quick payment systems and pollution alerts was laid out at Asia's biggest tech trade fair Tuesday.
	Facebook opens new artificial intelligence lab in Paris Facebook on Tuesday announced the opening of a new artificial intelligence lab in Paris to expand a push to make its online social network smarter and more profitable.
Privacy notices online probably don't match your expectations Consumers often complain that online companies violate their privacy—but the problem may be with the consumers themselves. According to a new study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, there can be a big discrepancy between what consumers believe that online privacy policies promise and what those policies do in fact promise. Many consumers assume policy protections that were never there.
	Solar Impulse to get under cover in Japan Sunshine powered Solar Impulse 2 was expected to get under cover overnight on Tuesday, finally allowing support staff to let go of the super lightweight plane almost 24 hours after it arrived in Japan.
	Pinterest adds shopping with 'Buyable pins' Pinterest on Tuesday said it is diving into e-commerce with 'pins' that let people buy items they like at the popular online bulletin-board.
	IRS needs to do more to fight cyberattacks, watchdog says The IRS has failed to implement dozens of security upgrades to combat cyberattacks, leaving the agency's computer systems vulnerable to hackers, a government watchdog told Congress on Tuesday.
Fitbit IPO could top $500 mn Fitbit on Tuesday told US regulators that it may raise more than a half-billion dollars when it makes its New York Stock Exchange debut but remained mum as to when that would happen.
	Congress sends NSA phone-records bill to president Congress approved sweeping changes Tuesday to surveillance laws enacted after the Sept. 11 attacks, eliminating the National Security Agency's disputed bulk phone-records collection program and replacing it with a more restrictive measure to keep the records in phone companies' hands.
Will Texas Instruments sit out wave of mergers and acquisitions? The latest round of mergers in the semiconductor industry has some observers wondering if Texas Instruments Inc. will jump into the ring.
Ellen Pao to appeal Silicon Valley gender case loss Ellen Pao on Monday renewed her legal battle with a prominent venture capital firm, filing notice that she will appeal her loss earlier this year at a jury trial.
	Jenner sets Twitter speed record for one mn followers In the race for Twitter glory, Caitlyn Jenner—who as Bruce set the Olympic world record in the decathlon—is now first to the million-follower finish line.
	Full-color organic light-emitting diodes with photoresist technology for organic semiconductors Fujifilm Corporation and nano-electronics research institute imec have demonstrated full-color organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) by using their jointly-developed photoresist technology for organic semiconductors, a technology that enables submicron patterning. This breakthrough result paves the way to producing high-resolution and large organic Electroluminescent(EL) displays and establishing cost-competitive manufacturing methods.
	Lawmakers seeking answers from Takata, US on faulty air bags Lawmakers expressed frustration Tuesday over the progress of a recall of millions of defective air bags, pointing out that it's still unclear what's causing the air bags to rupture, which vehicles need repairs and whether replacement air bags are truly safe.
	Team contributing to noise safety standards for electric vehicles The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at Louisiana Tech University is conducting human trials to determine if electric and hybrid electric vehicles traveling at low speeds provide sufficient sound to be safe for pedestrians, especially those who are blind and visually-impaired.
	Six GM cars take the lead in 2015 Kogod Made in America Auto Index The Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia Denali rank as the most American-made car models, according to the 2015 Kogod Made in America Automotive Index. Developed by Associate Professor Frank DuBois, an expert in global supply chain management, the index ranks 332 car models based on seven weighted data points.
	New Disney toys combine high-tech gadgets, old-school play Disney is launching a line of toys that combines high-tech wearable gadgets and old-school superhero role-playing to keep kids moving while engrossing them in sub-plots from "The Avengers," ''Star Wars" and "Frozen."
Home Depot asks judge to dismiss consumers' data breach suit Home Depot is asking a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by consumers after a massive data breach last year.
SunEdison may sell rest of stake in SunEdison Semiconductor Solar developer SunEdison plans to sell more of the stake it holds in SunEdison Semiconductor, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday.

Medicine & Health news

	From gene to phene: Scientists demonstrate genetic control of phenotypic variability (Medical Xpress)—One of the most challenging problems in biology is the extreme difficulty in predicting phenotype from genotype – and the questions it creates: If we could rear genetically identical individuals from a variety of genetic backgrounds and rear them in the same environment, how much phenotypic variation between individuals of the same genotype would we see? Would different genetic backgrounds differ in their degree of variability? What would account for these differences? Recently, scientists at Harvard University, Cambridge and Cornell University, Ithaca used Drosophila (fruit flies) inbred lines to address these questions focusing on variability in locomotor handedness. They demonstrated that different genotypes vary significantly in phenotype variability; that this phenotypic variability itself, as a trait, can be heritable; and that genomic locations affecting variability can be mapped. Moreover, taken togeth! er with a companion study1, the papers demonstrate a rare example of linkage between genetic variation for a complex behavioral trait and a neural center of behavioral control.
	Gene controls stem cells during muscle regeneration Unlike many other organs, skeletal muscles have a high potential for regeneration. When a muscle is injured, the muscle stem cells – also known as satellite cells – located between the individual muscle fibres rapidly begin to proliferate and subsequently replace the damaged muscles cells. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim have recently discovered that a protein called Prmt5 plays a key role in regulating the activity of these stem cells. Further studies are now being conducted to examine the impact of Prmt5 in muscle disorders.
	Stem cell technology could lead to ailing heart mending itself For the first time, scientists can efficiently generate large numbers of rare cells in the network that pushes the heart's chambers to consistently contract. The technique, published May 28 in Stem Cell Reports, could be a first step toward using a person's own cells to repair an irregular heartbeat known as cardiac arrhythmia.
	How the tuberculosis bacterium tricks the immune system Scientists at EPFL have discovered how the tuberculosis bacterium can trick the patient's immune cells to lower their defenses.
	New color blindness cause identified A rare eye disorder marked by color blindness, light sensitivity, and other vision problems can result from a newly discovered gene mutation identified by an international research team, including scientists from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). The findings, which were published today in the online edition of Nature Genetics, could lead to new, targeted treatments for this form of color blindness.
	Why HIV's cloak has a long tail Virologists at Emory University School of Medicine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have uncovered a critical detail explaining how HIV assembles its infectious yet stealthy clothing.
	Synthetic biology: Engineered cells detect diabetes and cancer A Stanford-designed project has built a startling new tool for diagnostic medicine: living biosensors made of bacteria that glow a particular color when they detect trouble.
	When the color we see isn't the color we remember Though people can distinguish among millions of colors, we have trouble remembering specific shades because our brains tend to store what we've seen as one of just a few basic hues, a Johns Hopkins University-led team discovered.
	Team develops transplantable bioengineered forelimb in an animal model A team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has made the first steps towards development of bioartificial replacement limbs suitable for transplantation. In their report, which has been published online in the journal Biomaterials, the researchers describe using an experimental approach previously used to build bioartificial organs to engineer rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue. They also provided evidence that the same approach could be applied to the limbs of primates
	CT angiography links arterial plaque with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol Non-calcified arterial plaque is associated with diabetes, high systolic blood pressure and elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels in asymptomatic individuals, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.
	Teens turn to Internet to cope with health challenges At a time when teenagers are grappling with new and often confusing health concerns, the overwhelming majority—84 percent—turn to the Internet, according to the first national study in more than a decade to examine how adolescents use digital tools for health information.
	Kids' altruism linked with better physiological regulation, less family wealth Children as young as 4 years old may reap better health from altruistic giving, a behavior that tends to be less common among kids from high-income families, according to new research on the nature and nurture of altruism published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
	Judge awards billions to Quebec smokers A judge has awarded more than $15 billion Canadian (US$12 billion) to Quebec smokers in a case that pitted them against three giant tobacco companies. The case is believed to be the biggest class-action lawsuit ever seen in Canada.
	Infant brains develop years faster than we thought Scientists from the University of Louvain have discovered that a key element of infant brain development occurs years earlier than previously thought.
	73 percent of insomniacs cured after 1-hour therapy session A simple one-hour therapy session has helped to cure 73% of people suffering from acute insomnia, according to a new study from Northumbria University released today.
Up to 45% of cerebral palsy cases can have genetic cause The discovery of a stronger genetic cause for cerebral palsy than previously thought has led researchers to call for an end to unnecessary caesareans and arbitrary litigation against obstetric staff.
	New study on cerebral astrocytes in depression and suicide A new study published by the team of Naguib Mechawar, Ph.D., a researcher with the McGill Group for Suicide Studies (MGSS) of the Douglas Institute (CIUSSS de l"Ouest-de-l"Ile de Montreal) and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, sheds new light on the disruption of astrocytes in depression. Astrocytes, a class of non-neuronal cells, have previously been implicated in depression and suicide.
	Aviation study shows lower air pressure leads to higher blood pressure in the lungs An Oxford University study has found that the lower-pressure environment experienced when flying increases blood pressure in the lungs. With an unknown but significant number of flights diverted each year for medical emergencies, the results could be used to improve health screening before flight as well as care for patients being moved by air.
	New research shows parental behaviour not affected by stress and anxiety of premature birth The stress and worry of giving birth prematurely does not adversely affect a mother's parenting behaviour, according to researchers at the University of Warwick.
	Limiting genetic tests for breast cancer susceptibility Screening for genes whose risk association with breast cancer has yet to be proven is not justified and potentially harmful, argue an international team of leading geneticists and oncologists in a paper published this week in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
	New study shows that Skype may be as effective as traditional face-to-face stroke therapy Speech therapy delivered remotely using video chat software applications such as Skype may be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy, according to new research from City University London.
	Clinical test validates precision medicine for cancer Much of precision medicine and cancer care focuses on targeting the genomes of specific tumors or metastases. A Weill Cornell Medical College  research team has now shown that a more global look at the body using next-generation sequencing can offer new insights and treatment targets in patients with advanced, treatment-resistant disease.
First-in-class HER3/EGFR antibody safe, with antitumor activity in patients with refractory epithelial cancers MEHD7945A, a dual-action antibody that targets two members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, was found to be safe and showed clinical activity in some patients with locally advanced or metastatic refractory epithelial cancers, including cancers of the head and neck, according to phase I clinical trial data published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
	To avoid complications, women with obesity should lose weight before pregnancy Women with obesity have increased risk in pregnancy compared with those in the healthy weight category, according to a new systematic review of research from academics at City University London, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Gothenburg.
How to avoid tularemia, the rare 'rabbit fever' reported in Colorado Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a relatively rare disease that has been reported in Larimer and Boulder counties. One person in Boulder County contracted tularemia in May and died of medical complications not related to the disease. Another human case has been diagnosed in northern Larimer County.
	Radioactive particles combined with chemotherapy slow advanced bowel cancer growth in the liver A new cancer treatment which injects tiny radioactive 'microspheres' into the liver can slow the growth of tumours that have spread there, according to new research.
Use of CDS tools leads to small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies Using tools that help physicians decide whether to use expensive imaging studies such as MRI scans can help reduce the ordering of unnecessary tests, but implementation of the tools in real-world settings has many challenges, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Multifaceted intervention associated with modest decrease in surgical site infections Implementation of a pre-surgical intervention that included screening for the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, treating patients who were positive for this bacteria, and the administration of antibiotics based on these culture results was associated with a modest reduction in S. aureus surgical site infections, according to a study in the June 2 issue of JAMA.
Maternal use of antidepressants found to pose little risk to newborn An analysis of approximately 3.8 million pregnancies finds that use of antidepressants late in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), according to a study in the June 2 issue of JAMA. However, the absolute risk was small and the risk increase appears more modest than suggested in previous studies. PPHN is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when a newborn's circulation system doesn't adapt to breathing outside the womb.
	Researchers discover key to maintaining muscle strength while we age What causes us to lose muscle strength as we age and how exercise can prevent it from happening has never been thoroughly understood, but McMaster University researchers have discovered a key protein required to maintain muscle mass and muscle strength during aging.
	Autism struck by surprise A new study shows that social and sensory overstimulation drives autistic behaviors. The study, conducted on rats exposed to a known risk factor in humans, supports the unconventional view of the autistic brain as hyper-functional, and offers new hope with therapeutic emphasis on paced and non-surprising environments tailored to the individual's sensitivity.
	Study: Microendoscope could eliminate unneeded biopsies In a clinical study of patients in the United States and China, researchers found that a low-cost, portable, battery-powered microendoscope developed by Rice University bioengineers could eventually eliminate the need for costly biopsies for many patients undergoing standard endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer.
	Pre-op variable calculator accurately predicts AAA survival (HealthDay)—An independent calculator that uses preoperative variables can accurately predict long-term survival in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, according to a study published in the June issue of Anaesthesia.
	Review: Diet-linked weight loss tied to drop in hip BMD (HealthDay)—Diet-induced weight loss is associated with a decrease in total hip, but not lumbar spine, bone mineral density (BMD), according to a review published online May 25 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
	Remote ischemic preconditioning cuts kidney injury risk (HealthDay)—Remote ischemic preconditioning can reduce the rate of acute kidney injury among high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery, according to a study published online May 29 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research was published to coincide with the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association Congress, held from May 28 to 31 in London.
Noncoding RNA CCDC26 regulates KIT expression A long, noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which might have impact on tyrosine kinase-targeted leukemia therapy, was found to be expressed in a leukemia cell line. The function of the lncRNA CCDC26 is not fully understood; however, researchers at Hiroshima University revealed the mechanisms by which CCDC26 controls the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT expression. The results provide new insights into leukemia recurrence and may help to develop new leukemia therapies.
	FDA addresses concerns on approval of drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C Treatment options for chronic hepatitis C, a serious and life-threatening infection, have improved substantially and several new regimens with shorter durations and improved efficacy and safety profiles are now available.
	Many health impacts of aging are due to inactivity—not getting old This past winter I taught a course titled "Physical Activity and Aging." It was a fun course, and really drove home an issue that I've known for a while, but hadn't previously given a lot of thought: the impact of aging is identical to the detraining that happens in response to reduced physical activity and/or increased sedentary behaviour.
	Researchers describe regulatory protein controlling the patterning of the lymphatic system The lymphatic vasculature is vital for the function of the immune system, but its development is poorly understood in comparison to that of the blood vasculature from which it arises. The vessels that make up the lymphatic network permeate the body and transport the lymph, the fluid into which lymphocytes circulate. Defects in the function of the lymphatic vessels and lymphatic valves are associated with serious diseases. Now a research team based in LMU's Department of Pharmacy has elucidated an important step in the regulation of lymph system development. The study, which was led by Dr. Johanna Liebl and Professor Stefan Zahler at the Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology headed by Prof. Angelika Vollmar, demonstrates that the protein Cdk5 plays an essential role for the morphogenesis of lymphatic vessels.
Metabolic activity and health of the skin microbiome The skin microbiome is considered our first line of defense against pathogens. Across our bodies, we are covered with a diverse assemblage of bacteria. However, the skin can be a harsh environment for beneficial bacteria to live on due to UV exposure, high salinity, and desiccation stress. Research being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology found that these suboptimal conditions may cause some bacteria to enter a dormant state, while other bacteria may simply die.
Oral bacterium possibly associated with systemic disease found in Alabama schoolchildren Prevalence of a recently discovered serotype of oral bacterium, with a possible link to a number of systemic diseases, was found for the first time in a small cohort of African-American schoolchildren in a southwest Alabama town, according to research being presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
The effect of football results on the well-being of viewers Psychologists at the University of Konstanz have determined that football results can raise the immediate sense of well-being for viewers, but are unlikely to sustain it in the longer-term. Through a specially-designed smartphone app, Dr. Stefan Stieger and his team of scientists were able to show that the final results of football games have a shorter and less intensive effect as previously thought. The psychologists asked the study participants questions about their sense of well-being via the smartphone app before and after the group stage games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
	Smart watches and apps can make life easier for ADHD children Researchers believe that children with autism or ADHD can benefit from technologies originally developed for the elderly.
	Researchers pinpoint epicenter of brain's predictive ability In recent years, scientists have discovered the human brain works on predictions, contrary to the previously accepted theory that it reacts to the sensations it picks up from the outside world. Experts say humans' reactions are in fact the body adjusting to predictions the brain is making based on the state of our body the last time it was in a similar situation.
	What does exposure to environmental chemicals mean for our health? It is not possible to live in a chemical-free world on Earth. Chemicals are all around us, and some, like oxygen and hydrogen, are essential components for living creatures including us humans. However, some other chemicals may be harmful to our health.
	Concerns remain for 'Viagra for women' twice rejected by FDA The makers of a pill intended to boost sexual desire in women will try again this week to persuade regulators that the drug warrants approval after two rejections.
	Teens start misusing ADHD drugs and other stimulants earlier than you might think Despite stereotypes about college students resorting to black-market Ritalin to help them cram for exams, young people are actually most likely to start misusing prescription stimulant drugs in their high school years, according to new University of Michigan Medical School research.
	For a good gut feeling: Scientists explore molecular signals in inflammatory bowel disease Stress, an unhealthy diet and also the prolonged use of painkillers do not only upset the stomach, but are also associated with chronic colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. A team led by Thomas Decker from the University of Vienna has now investigated one of the signaling pathways related to colitis in more detail. Their results underline the prospects of treatments currently under development and also indicate possible new therapeutic approaches. The study was recently published in the scientific journal Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Weight-loss surgery puts spark back into relationships Bariatric surgery does not only benefit the health of patients who undergo this weight loss procedure. It also leads to greater intimacy between them and their life partners, and adds a spark to their sex life. It's all in all a shared journey that brings partners closer together, says Mary Lisa Pories of East Carolina University in the US, lead author of a study providing insights into the experience of couples after one of the partners underwent weight loss surgery. The findings are published in Springer's journal Obesity Surgery.
	Single 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to reflect changing risk factors A new study from researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) suggests that risk factors for readmission change significantly over the course of the 30 days following hospital discharge. Thirty-day hospital readmission rates have become a federal quality metric intended to reflect inpatient quality of care and unnecessary health care utilization.
	Researchers stimulate larynx muscles with light Researchers at the University of Bonn have found a way to stimulate the larynx muscles of mice using light. In the long term, this method could be an option for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis, which causes difficulties in phonation and breathing. Their findings will be published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
Are you taking too much NyQuil? The surprising futility of drug labeling Any box or bottle of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine lists its active ingredients prominently on the label. But are consumers using that information to make wise choices about taking two or more OTC drugs at the same time? Probably not, suggests a new study in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing.
	Childhood trauma gets under the skin Long-term changes in immune function caused by childhood trauma could explain increased vulnerability to a range of health problems in later life, according to new research by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London and the NIHR Maudsley BRC.
	Academic struggles more common in children with epilepsy who have brain surgery A new study by a University of Toronto Mississauga researcher has taken the first-ever look at the academic outcomes of children with epilepsy who have had brain surgery, and found that they have a higher chance of struggling in class following their surgery.
	Eyes sealed shut: Seamless closure of surgical incisions Some 30,000 years ago, prehistoric man wielded animal bones as needles to suture otherwise lethal wounds. This tactic has been used, and improved upon, over time and remains the basis of surgical procedures conducted today. Even with radical new surgical techniques, which rely on metallic and polymeric staples or chemical adhesives to seal incisions, infection and permanent scarring remain major concerns. The success of any wound closure is entirely dependent on the physician's skill set alone.
End game: Sport can ease the transition into retirement Retirement is an important milestone in a person's life. Adjusting to the many changes retirement brings can mean the difference between a positive quality of life and one that struggles under the weight of change. A new study from a University of Houston researcher examined sport and its ability to impact the quality of life of a person as he or she transitions to retirement. This can mean participating in informal sporting activities, organized individual/team sport competition, or things like running, cycling or shuffleboard.
Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough, new study says Researchers of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg have discovered with the help of computer models how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment - such as a decrease in oxygen levels or nutrient availability. Microorganisms that normally compete or overthrow one another can switch to a cooperative lifestyle when their living conditions change: They even start producing substances to make life easier for the other species, helping them to survive. The entire microbial community then stabilises - and together adapts successfully to the new situation.
	Study finds misperceptions about impact of double mastectomy A survey of women with breast cancer found that nearly half considered having a double mastectomy. But of those who considered it, only 37 percent knew that the more aggressive procedure does not improve survival for women with breast cancer.
Toothbrush contamination in communal bathrooms Data confirms that there is transmission of fecal coliforms in communal bathrooms at Quinnipiac University and that toothbrushes can serve as a vector for transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms. This research is presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
	Emotion responses to command and control "No taxation without representation!" As we learned in American history class, restrictions to personal liberties often trigger strong emotional reactions instead of deliberate, rational economic responses. Just like the tea tax helping to spark the American Revolution, public policies today can have volatile, emotional reactions depending on how they are framed.
No improvement in cognition with post-menopausal hormones Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) given to recently postmenopausal women in the US for up to four years does not improve cognition, but may have some positive benefits for some mood symptoms, according to a study published by Carey Gleason and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA, in this week's PLOS Medicine.
	Compensatory rehabilitation limits motor recovery after stroke Relying on the better-functioning side of the body after a stroke can cause brain changes that hinder rehabilitation of the impaired side, according to an animal study published June 3 in the Journal of Neuroscience.
	Study shows helping pregnant moms with depression doesn't help kids A long-term study of mother-child pairs in Pakistan has found that the children turn out pretty much the same, whether or not their mothers received treatment for depression during pregnancy.
	Study shows benefits of multi-tasking on exercise Who says you can't do two things at once and do them both well? A new University of Florida study challenges the notion that multi-tasking causes one or both activities to suffer. In a study of older adults who completed cognitive tasks while cycling on a stationary bike, UF researchers found that participants' cycling speed improved while multi-tasking with no cost to their cognitive performance.
	'Master controller' behind DNA structure reorganization during senescence identified Senescence, a phenomenon in which cells cease to divide and grow, can be caused by everything from natural DNA damage to treatment with chemotherapy. However, several mechanisms allow for cells to bypass senescence and grow out of control, eventually becoming cancerous. Now, scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified how a specific variant of a key protein complex found in human cells called condensin can reorganize a cell's genetic architecture in such a way as to promote senescence, making it an important facilitator in a cell's anticancer ability.
	New report: Texas Hispanics, women show largest reductions in rates of uninsured Hispanics and women in Texas showed the largest percentage of reductions in rates of uninsured since enrollment began in the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, according to a new report released today by the Episcopal Health Foundation and Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.
	Hyperbaric hope for fibromyalgia sufferers Women who suffer from fibromyalgia benefit from a treatment regimen in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, according to researchers at Rice University and institutes in Israel.
	Amount of time New Yorkers spend sitting around far exceeds healthy levels The Big Apple is one of the most walkable cities in the nation, providing many opportunities for physical activity, and New Yorkers are more likely to exercise regularly than the average U.S. adult. But they are also sitting far more than what is considered healthy.
	Exercise may blunt a woman's risk of lung and breast cancer: studies (HealthDay)—Physical activity may reduce a woman's risk of lung or breast cancer, a pair of new studies suggest.
	New drug shows potential for blood cancer (HealthDay)—A two-pronged immune-boosting drug could provide new hope for people stricken with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, according to clinical trial findings.
	Melanoma rates way up among young people in US (HealthDay)—Melanoma, the potentially deadly skin cancer, has increased by 250 percent among U.S. children and young adults since the 1970s, researchers report.
	Revisits for 8.3 percent of patients with index ER visit (HealthDay)—Overall, 8.3 percent of patients with an index emergency department visit have a revisit within three days, according to a study published in the June 2 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
	Inverse link for coffee intake, cholecystectomy risk (HealthDay)—For premenopausal women and those using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is an inverse association between coffee consumption and risk of cholecystectomy, according to a study published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
	Women with HTN, diabetes less likely to use alternative Rx (HealthDay)—Women with hypertension and diabetes are less likely to consult with a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner and to self-prescribe CAM, according to a study published in the June 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
	RA-related issues impede smoking cessation (HealthDay)—Issues related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as distraction from pain and frustration of living with RA, may impede smoking cessation in RA patients, according to a study published in the May issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
	One in five younger Americans tested for HIV (HealthDay)—Nearly one-fifth of teens and younger adults in the United States have been tested recently for HIV, federal health officials reported Tuesday.
	Study helps youth cope with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts Peter Silverstone knows that, of all his professional accomplishments, none are more important than the work he's doing right now.
Neuroimaging findings generally nondiagnostic in kids with sports-related concussions Researchers from the Canada North Concussion Network in Manitoba examined neuroimaging studies obtained in children and adolescents with sports-related concussions and found that the images appeared normal in 78% of cases. Detailed findings of this study are reported and discussed in "Neuroimaging findings in pediatric sports-related concussion" by Michael J. Ellis, MD, and colleagues, published today online, ahead of print, in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.
Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in children and adolescents with sports-related concussion Researchers from the Canada North Concussion Network in Manitoba investigated the frequency of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in children and adolescents with sports-related concussion and found that its presence was predictive of a prolonged recovery. Findings in this study are reported and discussed in "Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in pediatric sports-related concussion" by Michael J. Ellis, MD, and colleagues, published today online, ahead of print, in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.
Many health insurers go big with initial 2016 rate requests Dozens of health insurers say higher-than-expected care costs and other expenses blindsided them this year, and they're going to have to hike premiums for individual policies well-beyond 10 percent for 2016.
Guinea unrest hampering Ebola response: UN The head of the UN mission on Ebola in Guinea on Monday said violence in the west of the country "jeopardised" the fight against the deadly virus.
	Exercise as chemo-brain treatment Cancer patients might feel their best if they simply maintain or only slightly increase their physical activity throughout chemotherapy instead of letting it decline, according to a University of Rochester scientist who presented data at the largest meeting of oncologists in the United States.
	Children who garden eat more greens Schools that offer gardening and cooking classes are seeing results with students eating more fruits and vegetables than their peers, according to findings from the Tulane Prevention Research Center (PRC), a unit of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
	Mosquito season about to get underway – when it's wet and hot enough Mosquitoes, though few in number at the moment, are just waiting for warm and wet summer weather to begin ramping up their numbers, according to an Iowa State University entomologist.
	Researchers develop palliative care app to help GPs A new, free smartphone app is giving GPs access to specialist medical advice to care for older palliative patients at home or in residential care across Australia.
Researchers report innovative grass pollen allergy vaccine Biomay, a global leader in allergy immunotherapy, announced today that the results of a landmark phase IIb study with its 3rd generation grass pollen allergy vaccine BM32 will be reported at the EAACI Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. This event is a major global scientific conference in the field of allergy and clinical immunology organized by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The presentation titled "Clinical efficacy of a recombinant B cell epitope-based grass pollen allergy vaccine – a phase IIb proof of concept study" will be given by Prof. Rudolf Valenta, a globally recognized leader in allergy research, on June 7, 2015, in the Hot Topic Session of the congress.
	Diagnosed one of the few cases in the world of Hodgkin's lymphoma located outside of the nodules Dr. Jerónimo Forteza, Professor of Pathology and Director of the Valencian Institute of Pathology, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, recently published an article in the Spanish Journal of Pathology on the case of a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Survey: Most Americans with disabilities 'striving to work' More than two-thirds of American adults with disabilities are "striving to work," according to a national employment survey being released just before the landmark legislation protecting their rights turns 25.
	More than 10M enrolled this year under Obama's health law More than 10 million people have signed up for private health insurance this year under President Barack Obama's law, the administration said Tuesday. That puts the nation finally within reach of coverage for all, but it may not last.
Reflection in medical education can lead to less burn-out Drawing on its Jesuit Catholic heritage, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine has long understood the importance of reflection in medical education as a key element in physician formation. With physician burnout on the rise, it is all the more integral for students to learn ways to engage better with the challenges faced in the medical profession. Stritch faculty members believe reflection is a fundamental tool to help students process and cope with the tremendous physical, emotional, and mental pressure that can accompany their vocation.
Ohio cancels poultry shows at fairs amid bird flu outbreak All poultry shows at the Ohio State Fair and county fairs across the state have been canceled this year because of the threat of a deadly bird flu virus, the state's agriculture department announced Tuesday.
House panel votes to repeal health law's medical device tax A Republican-run House committee voted Tuesday to repeal a 2.3 percent tax on many medical devices that helps pay for President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.
AstraZeneca in Algeria $125 mn pharmaceuticals deal British pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca plc signed Tuesday a deal with private Algerian firms Salhi and Hasnaoui to build a $125 million (112 million euro) plant in the North African country, the partners announced.
US military uncovers more anthrax blunders The US military said Tuesday a live sample of anthrax was inadvertently sent to a lab in Canada, after officials uncovered yet another batch of the lethal bacteria at an army facility.
California considers health coverage for immigrant kids The California Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would make the state the first in the nation to extend health coverage to children who are in the country illegally and seek federal authorization to sell private insurance to immigrants without documentation.

Biology news

	Comparison of bonobo anatomy to humans offers evolutionary clues (Phys.org)—A pair of anthropology researchers, one with the University of California, the other Modesto College has found what they believe are clues to human evolutionary development by conducting a long term study of bonobo anatomy. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Adrienne Zihlman and Debra Bolter, describe their anatomy studies and their ideas on why what they found offers new clues on why humans developed in the ways we did.
	Study shows African savannah able to support large number of herbivores due to distinct diets (Phys.org)—A team of researchers with affiliations to Princeton University and the Smithsonian Institution has found what they believe to be the answer to how it is that the African savannah is able to support such a wide variety of herbivores. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their field study, their analysis of their findings and what it may mean for conservation efforts in Africa.
	Genome-editing proteins seek and find with a slide and a hop Searching a whole genome for one particular sequence is like trying to fish a specific piece from the box of a billion-piece puzzle. Using advanced imaging techniques, University of Illinois researchers have observed how one set of genome-editing proteins finds its specific targets, which could help them design better gene therapies to treat disease.
	Bacteria use chemical harpoons to hold on tight to their hosts The global threat of widespread bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest challenges facing science and medicine.
Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock A new study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers has found that a protein associated with cancer cells is a powerful suppressor of the biological clock that drives the daily ("circadian") rhythms of cells throughout the body. The discovery, published in the June 4 issue of Molecular Cell (and online now), adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between cancer and disruption of circadian rhythms, while offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the biological clock.
	UGA's sea turtle genetic fingerprinting research project featured in world report Sea turtle researchers in the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources are using new technologies to unlock the mysteries of the ancient mariners: genetic fingerprinting.
	Rehabilitation plant unmasked as common saltbush Scientists investigating the genetic status of the land rehabilitation and fodder plant eyres green saltbush (Chenopodioideae) have revealed that it is in fact the common shrub old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia).
Soil microbes ally with plants to fight disease and tolerate stress Much like the microbes in our gut, the plant microbiome also elicits a low-level immune response in the host plant, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. Researchers found that when microbe-free plants were exposed to the pathogen responsible for speck disease in tomato, Pseudomonas syringae, disease was significantly less in plants with a microbiome.
	Good craft beer can be spoiled by bacteria Beer spoilage bacteria was found in 10 of 50 final product beer samples from four of the nine breweries tested in Houston, Texas, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
	Struggling plants contend with more fire and slower growth The one-two punch of hotter, drier climates and increased fires may leave plants caught out, threatening species existence in biodiversity hotspots worldwide, including Australia's south west and regions of California.
	The continuing plight of the honeybee Where have all the honeybees gone?
	Researchers discover two new groups of viruses Researchers at the University of Bonn and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have discovered two new groups of viruses within the Bunyavirus family in the tropical forest of Ivory Coast. Previously only five groups responsible for serious illnesses in humans and animals were known. Most are spread through blood-feeding insects. Based on the discovered viruses researchers conclude that the ancester to all bunyaviruses must have existed in arthropods such as insects. The results are now being published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
	Researchers seek sneak peek into the future of forests Scores of scientists from dozens of research institutions are descending on a patch of forest in central North Carolina, taking samples of everything from ants and mites to rotifers and tardigrades – samples they hope will offer a glimpse into the future of forest ecosystems.
	Many endangered species are back—but face new struggles A study of marine mammals and other protected species finds that several once endangered species, including the iconic humpback whale, the northern elephant seal and green sea turtles, have recovered and are repopulating their former ranges.
	Move over Arabidopsis, there's a new model plant in town As farmers spend billions of dollars spreading nitrogen on their fields this spring, researchers at the University of Missouri are working toward less reliance on the fertilizer.
How Microprocessor precisely initiates miRNA production A scientific group from the Center for RNA Research within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and School of Biological Sciences in Seoul National University has reported an insightful molecular mechanism of how Microprocessor, the DROSHA-DGCR8 complex, precisely determines cleavage sites on miRNA-containing primary transcripts allowing faithful initiation of microRNA biogenesis.
	Tanzania elephants suffer 'catastrophic decline' Elephant census figures released by Tanzania show a "catastrophic decline" of around 60 percent over the last five years, leading wildlife trade monitoring group TRAFFIC said Tuesday.
Feds releasing plan for bull trout conservation in five states Federal officials are releasing a plan Thursday to recover struggling bull trout populations in five Western states with the goal of lifting Endangered Species Act protections for the fish.
Poland to cull pigs to prevent African swine fever spread Polish authorities say they will cull about 5,800 pigs to prevent the spread of African swine fever.
	Trainers barred from performing with Miami Seaquarium orca US officials have ordered a Florida aquatic park to stop performances in which trainers swim with a killer whale, out of concern for their safety.

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