Science X Newsletter Tuesday, Sep 29

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for September 29, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Scientists sequence genomes of microscopic worms beneficial to agriculture
- Engineering researchers produce breakthrough for photography
- New test detects all viruses that infect people, animals
- Tools for illuminating brain function make their own light
- Study sheds light on powerful process that turns food into energy
- Wearable electronic health patches may now be cheaper and easier to make
- Arctic sea ice still too thick for regular shipping route through Northwest Passage
- Physicists map the strain in wonder material graphene
- Researchers discover how to control drying-induced deposition
- Iron-gallium alloy shows promise as a power-generation device
- Identifying problems with national identifiers: Supposedly encrypted numbers can be easily decrypted
- How the retina marches to the beat of its own drum
- Large trees—key climate influencers—die first in drought
- Sleep may strengthen long-term memories in the immune system
- Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, new research shows

Astronomy & Space news

	Earth-like planets around small stars likely have protective magnetic fields, aiding chance for life Earth-like planets orbiting close to small stars probably have magnetic fields that protect them from stellar radiation and help maintain surface conditions that could be conducive to life, according to research from astronomers at the University of Washington.
	When black holes collide Picture the scene: two gigantic black holes, each one a good fraction of the size of our Solar System spiralling around each other. Closer and closer they draw until they touch and merge into a single, even more gigantic gravitational prison.
	Mars water find boosts quest for extra-terrestrial life The search for extra-terrestrial life just got a big boost from NASA's stunning announcement that it now has its strongest evidence yet of liquid water on Mars.
	There is water on Mars, but what does this mean for life? We've known for a long time that there's water on Mars. Now we know – thanks to NASA's latest announcement – that some of it is at the surface.
	Can you kill a star with iron? Since the energy required to fuse iron is more than the energy that you get from doing it, could you use iron to kill a star like our sun?
	Walk the line: NASA studies physical performance after spaceflight Walking an obstacle course on Earth is relatively easy. Walking an obstacle course on Earth after being in space for six months is not quite as simple. The longer an astronaut spends in space, the more difficult it is for their brain to readapt to gravity. Astronauts returning to Earth after living aboard the International Space Station for that amount of time have exhibited balance control problems, muscle weakness and cardiovascular deconditioning.
	First lunar eclipse ever photographed with a transit of the ISS To our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has ever photographed a transit of the International Space Station of the moon DURING a lunar eclipse. And guess who did it?

Technology news

	D-Wave plays quantum computing role for Google, USRA, NASA D-Wave Systems announced on Monday that it will provide its technology to Google, NASA and Universities Space Research Association's (USRA's) Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab.
	Professors say US has fallen behind on offshore wind power University of Delaware faculty from the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE), the College of Engineering and the Alfred Lerner School of Business and Economics say that the U.S. has fallen behind in offshore wind power.
Identifying problems with national identifiers: Supposedly encrypted numbers can be easily decrypted In a pair of experiments that raise questions about the use of national identifying numbers, Harvard researchers have shown that Resident Registration Numbers (RRN) used in South Korea can be decrypted to reveal a host of personal information.
	Wearable electronic health patches may now be cheaper and easier to make A team of researchers in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has invented a method for producing inexpensive and high-performing wearable patches that can continuously monitor the body's vital signs for human health and performance tracking, potentially outperforming traditional monitoring tools such as cardiac event monitors.
Engineering researchers produce breakthrough for photography A revolutionary breakthrough is underway at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, an innovation that may usher in the next generation of light sensing technology with potential applications in scientific research and cellphone photography.
	Google unveils Nexus phones with 'Marshmallow' flavor Google is countering the release of Apple's latest iPhones with two devices running on a new version of Android software designed to steer and document even more of its users' lives.
	Google's driverless car drivers ride a career less traveled After a friend recommended that he join a secret Google project six years ago, Brian Torcellini suddenly found himself on the road to an occupational oxymoron. He became a driver in a driverless car.
	Tesla's first SUV, the Model X, is finally hitting the road Electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors has mastered the sporty two-seater and the elegant sedan. Now, it wants to conquer the family hauler.
	Robot mimics cockroach in Russian research initiative From cheetahs to birds to insects, animals have complex systems which enable them to avoid and survive obstacles; scientists and engineers who work with robots study their movements and behavior and then strive to emulate their systems with man-made machines.
	Twitter behavior can predict users' income level, new research shows The words people use on social media can reveal hidden meaning to those who know where to look.
	Facebook stumbles for second time in a week Facebook on Monday stumbled for the second time in a week, going out of service for slightly less than an hour.
	Yahoo to spin off Alibaba stake despite tax question Yahoo notified US regulators that it is proceeding with plans to spin off its multi-billion-dollar stake in Alibaba despite the unanswered question of what the tax bill could be.
	Sonos software upgrade allows speakers to tune to your room Want to put a speaker in a bookshelf or under a chair without compromising sound quality? Wireless speaker company Sonos is releasing a software update that will intelligently calibrate sounds to account for the shape of the room and the obstacles in it.
	Musicians Armin van Buuren, Luke Bryan most dangerous online If you're planning to look up Usher, Luke Bryan or producer Armin van Buuren on the web, take heed.
	Smart, hybrid-energy outdoor lighting system with mosquito trapping feature The smart outdoor lighting system is an innovative idea of combining hybrid wind-solar energy generation, LED lighting and mosquito trap into one compact design. The off-grid features of the system offers great advantage where it can be placed in anywhere include the remote area or the highly populated urban area.
	Mobile robots could help the elderly live fuller lives Mobile service robots developed by computer scientists at the University of Lincoln, UK, could soon be helping elderly people stay independent and active for longer.
	Simpler, smaller, cheaper? Alternatives to Britain's new nuclear power plant Britain appears to finally be on the way to building its first new nuclear power station for 20 years. The chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, recently announced a £2 billion loan guarantee linked to the development of the Hinkley Point C power plant, signalling that the final decision to build cannot be far behind. But the plans from French firm EDF have drawn criticism from an array of experts and commentators for being too expensive and relying on an as yet unproven technology that is already being redesigned.
	In future, the internet could come through your lightbulb The tungsten lightbulb has served well over the century or so since it was introduced, but its days are numbered now with the arrival of LED lighting, which consume a tenth of the power of incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan 30 times longer. Potential uses of LEDs are not limited to illumination: smart lighting products are emerging that can offer various additional features, including linking your laptop or smartphone to the internet. Move over Wi-Fi, Li-Fi is here.
	VW admits commercial vehicles involved in pollution scam Volkswagen said Tuesday that 1.8 million of its commercial vehicles worldwide are fitted with the sophisticated software enabling them to cheat emission tests, as the auto giant's new chief warned the group was facing the "severest test in its history."
	"Can you hear me now?" Snowden joins Twitter, follows NSA Edward Snowden, who has confounded U.S. officials since his abrupt departure from the country two years ago, has just found a new megaphone in Twitter.
	VW just the latest in long history of cheating car companies In stock car racing, there's an old adage: If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'. You could say the same sometimes for auto makers up against stricter environmental rules.
	Why phones break: Screens get stronger, yet we demand more Ask a roomful of people to take out their phones, and you're bound to see several with cracked screens.
	VW details brands affected by scandal; fix due in Oct Volkswagen's commercial vehicles and cars from its Spanish unit SEAT are among the 11 million fitted with a diesel engine that can cheat on emissions tests, the company said Tuesday.
	Amazon tests Uber-like service for deliveries Amazon is testing an Uber-like service for delivering its one-hour Prime Now packages that will enlist people to deliver packages for Amazon with their own cars.
	More auto tech could curb road accidents: researchers New automotive safety technologies available today could sharply reduce road accidents in the United States, saving thousands of lives and billions in societal costs, researchers said Tuesday.
	Uber makes waves across Bosphorus with speed boat service First came the cab and then the boat. Only a year after starting operations in Turkey, US ride-sharing giant Uber has launched a boat service across the Bosphorus, transporting people from Europe to Asia with UberBOAT.
	Six noteworthy features in Mac system update Wednesday The name of Apple's new Mac operating system says a lot about what to expect.
	Octocopter! Experimental drone for agricultural research Following the revelation that English Premiership football club Everton FC is using drones to monitor player training sessions, it seems there's nothing these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) aren't being primed to do: everything from delivering post (and pizza!) to security, defence and recording home movies and major sporting events.
Turning energy-efficient new building projects into successful businesses Buildings are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption. With this in mind the European research project DIRECTION aims to demonstrate that very low energy buildings can be implemented in practice.
	Supporting the rollout of hydrogen energy As the UK's first renewable hydrogen refuelling station opens, the Gas Metrology team at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is supporting the rollout of hydrogen vehicles through its hydrogen purity laboratory, which provides quality assurance to refuelling stations.
	How much energy does NYC waste? New York is the most wasteful megacity in the world according to a 2015 report on the per capita energy consumption of 27 global megacities.
	Software to help SMEs operate effectively in the global logistics sector Logistics is about speed, security and traceability. In a fast-changing marketplace, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can have a hard time competing with major players who have the resources to adapt quickly to new technologies that offer ever-more enhanced efficiencies.
	You are what you click It's no secret that the things we click on, scroll across, swipe, tap or drag when we're browsing online or using a smartphone application can yield valuable information about us. Such data is a veritable goldmine to web browsers and online retailers who use it to assess our preferences and target advertising to our tastes. But, researchers at UC Santa Barbara suggest that studying users' online or smartphone actions could yield far more information about us than simply shopping habits.
	Gates richest American, three tech chiefs join top 10: Forbes Microsoft founder Bill Gates retained his title as wealthiest American, while three founders of online companies joined the top 10, according to the Forbes 400 list released Tuesday.
	Cavs' practice to be first Facebook live sports event Facebook will stream a live sports event for the first time when the social media website simulcasts a Cleveland Cavaliers pre-season training camp practice Thursday featuring NBA superstar LeBron James.
	Mobile ticket app TodayTix broadens its American reach TodayTix, the mobile app for theater tickets, has already gotten applause in New York and London. Now it plans to open in some key U.S. cities, as part of what its founders say is a "pretty aggressive roadmap over the next couple of years."

Medicine & Health news

	Meningitis model shows infection's sci-fi-worthy creep into the brain Scientists at Duke Medicine are using transparent fish to watch in real time as Cryptococcal meningitis takes over the brain. The resulting images are worthy of a sci-fi movie teaser, but could be valuable in disrupting the real, crippling brain infection that kills more than 600,000 people worldwide each year.
	Scientists decode structure at root of muscular disease Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have unlocked the structural details of a protein seen as key to treating a neuromuscular disease.
	New autism genes are revealed in largest-ever study In the largest, most comprehensive genomic analysis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) conducted to date, an international research team led by UC San Francisco scientists has identified 65 genes that play a role in the disorder, 28 of which are reported with "very high confidence," meaning that there is 99 percent certainty that these genes contribute to the risk of developing ASD.
	Study suggests regulation of empathy for pain is grounded in same brain mechanism as real pain (Medical Xpress)—A team of European researchers has found evidence that supports a theory that suggests the mechanism in the brain that controls empathy for others experiencing pain is grounded in the same mechanism that responds to actual pain. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes the study they carried out with volunteers and why they believe their findings add credence to the theory.
	Another study shows vaccines do not cause autism (Medical Xpress)—A team of researchers with affiliations to several institutions in the U.S., has conducted a study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, looking into the possibility of vaccines or the preservative thimerosal causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and has found no such link. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describes their study using Rhesus monkeys and what they found as a result of their work.
	Five genetic regions implicated in cystic fibrosis severity If you have two faulty copies of the CFTR gene, you will have cystic fibrosis. But the severity of your disease will depend on environmental factors and many other genes. Locating these genes and altering their function could lead to new therapies. Now, a consortium of research institutions in the United States, Canada, and France report that five regions of the human genome are home to the genetic variations that play major roles in CF disease severity.
	How the retina marches to the beat of its own drum Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Washington report new research that sheds light on how the retina sets its own biological rhythm using a novel light-sensitive pigment, called neuropsin, found in nerve cells at the back of the eye.
	Tools for illuminating brain function make their own light Optogenetics has taken neuroscience by storm in recent years because the technique allows scientists to study the brain conveniently in animals, activating or inhibiting selected groups of neurons at the flip of a switch. Most often, scientists use a fiber optic cable to deliver light into the brain.
	New test detects all viruses that infect people, animals A new test detects virtually any virus that infects people and animals, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where the technology was developed.
	Sleep may strengthen long-term memories in the immune system More than a century ago, scientists demonstrated that sleep supports the retention of memories of facts and events. Later studies have shown that slow-wave sleep, often referred to as deep sleep, is important for transforming fragile, recently formed memories into stable, long-term memories. Now, in an Opinion article published September 29 in Trends in Neurosciences, part of a special issue on Neuroimmunology, researchers propose that deep sleep may also strengthen immunological memories of previously encountered pathogens.
	Scientists to bypass brain damage by re-encoding memories Researchers at USC and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a brain prosthesis that is designed to help individuals suffering from memory loss.
	The brain perceives motion the same way through both vision and touch The brain uses similar computations to calculate the direction and speed of objects in motion whether they are perceived visually or through the sense of touch. The notion that the brain uses shared calculations to interpret information from fundamentally different physical inputs has important implications for both basic and applied neuroscience, and suggests a powerful organizing principle for sensory perception.
	Falling TVs causing increasing number of severe neck and head injuries in children TVs falling onto children are causing an increasing number of severe neck and head injuries, according to a new paper published today in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.
	Pediatric injuries from toppled TV sets: Risk factors and strategies for prevention Researchers from the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) reviewed medical articles describing head injuries caused by toppled television sets in children 0 to 18 years of age. These injuries, which can be severe and sometimes fatal in small children, are often unwitnessed by adult caregivers, indicating a lack of awareness of the dangers posed to toddlers by TV sets that are not securely mounted. The researchers assessed the risk factors associated with these events and, based on their assessment, developed strategies to prevent the injuries. Full details of this study can be found in the article "Toppled television sets and head injuries in the pediatric population: a framework for prevention," by Michael D. Cusimano, MD, MHPE, CRCS, PhD, and Nadine Parker, MSc, published today online, ahead of print, in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.
	MRI technique could reduce need for breast biopsies A magnetic resonance (MR) breast imaging technique that uses no ionizing radiation or contrast agent could reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing additional information about suspicious findings on X-ray screening mammography, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.
Biomarkers in maternal blood can identify pregnant women with lupus at low risk for adverse outcomes Pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are at higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, fetal death, miscarriages, and other complications. In a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a consortium of top researchers funded by NIH/NIAMS report that monitoring specific angiogenic biomarkers in maternal blood during early pregnancy can successfully predict patients who will likely have normal pregnancies and those at high risk for adverse outcomes. This will enable physicians to identify, counsel, and manage high risk patients at an early stage of pregnancy.
Air pollution and traffic linked to deaths and organ rejection in lung transplant patients Researchers have shown for the first time that lung transplant patients in Europe who live on or near busy roads with high levels of air pollution are more likely to die or to experience chronic organ rejection, than those living in less polluted areas.
First classification of severe asthma Severe asthma can have a devastating effect on sufferers, affecting their ability to work or go to school and to lead normal lives. It is difficult to treat because it is not a single disease entity. Now, for the first time, a group of European researchers has succeeded in defining three distinct types of severe asthma by analysing sputum samples from a group of patients.
Novel tool can identify COPD A novel approach for the identification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been developed by a team of researchers in the USA.
Dating apps fire back at billboards linking STD spread An AIDS health care group is defending an ad campaign in Los Angeles that links popular dating apps with the spread of sexual transmitted diseases.
	Childhood trauma may boost heart disease risk for a lifetime MONDAY, Sept. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) —Experiencing high levels of mental stress at any point in life—even if only in childhood—may raise the risk for heart disease, stroke or diabetes in adulthood, a new study suggests.
	Exposure to BPA in pregnancy tied to low birth weight in girls (HealthDay)—Mothers with high blood levels of bisphenol A (BPA) early in pregnancy tend to have newborn girls who weigh less than girls born of mothers with low BPA levels, according to a new study published online Sept. 25 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
	FDA approves two new medications for diabetes (HealthDay)—Two new diabetes treatments, Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) and Ryzodeg (insulin degludec/insulin aspart injection), have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
	Should adolescents be allowed to drink at home? Depends on the home, study finds Does allowing adolescents to drink at home increase or decrease their chances for future alcohol-related problems? It depends on the type of home, a new study finds.
Device treats gastroesophageal reflux by stapling stomach to esophagus through mouth Approximately 20 million Americans will experience some type of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in their lives. In some cases, patients suffer resulting heart burn or acid regurgitation so severe that they require surgery to repair damage to their esophagus. A clinical trial at UC San Diego Health is using a new, FDA-approved device that reconstructs the esophagus through the mouth and requires no incisions.
Targeted cancer treatment—new dual strategy halts cell division A team of researchers at the MedUni Vienna has confirmed in a recent study its new concept for the targeted treatment of ovarian cancer. The concept is intended to better control the development of resistance and improve treatment outcomes. The strategy focuses on halting tumour growth by inhibiting two signal networks instead of just one. The results are extremely promising and were presented at the ECC2015, which was held from the 25th to the 29th of September in Vienna. The next stage involves the verification of the concept in in vivo studies.
	The health benefits of coffee Coffee, said the Napoleon-era French diplomat Talleyrand, should be hot as hell, black as the devil, pure as an angel, sweet as love.
	Social mums beat the blues New mums are at lower risk of postnatal depression if they stay connected with their important social networks.
How more women with earlier caesarean sections can give birth vaginally next time In many countries, caesarean section is routinely used if the woman previously gave birth by caesarean section. Doctors and midwives in countries with a high rate of vaginal births after caesarean sections have for the first time been asked in a study to give their views on how to increase the percentage of vaginal births.
	Safer chemicals would benefit both consumers and workers Almost every product we purchase, use in our homes, or give to our children contains tens, if not hundreds, of chemicals. The United States chemical industry alone produced $769.4 billion worth of chemicals in 2012. The electronics that light up our smart phones and make today's cars safe contain metals, plastics, ceramics and a host of other materials. Even plastic packaging is a complex mixture of molecules, and each one plays a role: they provide the strength, color, texture, elasticity and durability we associate with performance.
	Preventing cerebral palsy in preterm infants through dermal monitoring A research group led by Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Project Professor MORIOKA Ichirou and Professor IIJIMA Kazumoto (Department of Pediatrics) has suggested a potential method of screening for jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia), a cause of cerebral palsy and loss of hearing in preterm infants with kyperbilirubinemia, using painless dermal monitoring. The group also determined the correct area of skin to monitor for accurate results. This study has expanded the possibilities for accurate methods of monitoring jaundice, and it is hoped that this will lead to a decrease in cerebral palsy and hearing loss in preterm infants due to kyperbilirubinemia. The results of this research were published on 23rd September 2015 in the online version of the Journal of Pediatrics.
	Social media at bedtime linked to poor sleep and poor mental health for teens Teenagers with high social media use at bedtime suffer disturbed sleep, which in turn leads to depressed mood, according to new research from a Murdoch University PhD candidate.
Getting enough shut-eye appears to promote healthier food choices The research is pretty clear—people who regularly get enough sleep have healthier body weights than those who skimp on shut-eye. Whether that is because sleep keeps weight in check, people with better body weights sleep more soundly or some other reason is unknown.
	Software to identify potential avenues for improved drug treatments for diabetes and other diseases Proteins sometimes run amuck. All the good stuff (the useful genetic and biological material) they contain can get distorted. Mutations in specific amino acids can cause long strands of proteins to curl in on themselves (like a ball of wool a cat has played with) and refuse to break apart. These strands, known as amyloid fibrils, can be extremely toxic and are usually harmful. They attach to organs like the brain and pancreas, preventing them from functioning as they should. They are responsible for diseases as seemingly different as diabetes and Alzheimer's, to name just a couple. Developing effective medications to treat these diseases, and cause the fibrils to dissolve typically involves biochemists in a lengthy and expensive process of trial and error.
	Disruption of brain-blood barrier might influence progression of Alzheimer's More and more data from preclinical and clinical studies strengthen the hypothesis that immune system-mediated actions contribute to and drive pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. The team of Roosmarijn Vandenbroucke in the Claude Libert Group (VIB/UGent) combined their knowledge and expertise related to inflammation with the expertise in Alzheimer's disease present in the Bart De Strooper Group (VIB/KU Leuven). This collaboration lead to the insights that Aβ indeed induces a strong inflammatory response, thereby destroying an important but often neglected brain barrier, called the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. Disruption of this blood-CSF barrier disturbs brain homeostasis and might negatively affect disease progression. Strikingly, these effects could be blocked in the presence of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor.
Doctors warn about the risks of water intoxication While emphasis is often placed on keeping athletes and outdoor enthusiasts properly hydrated, too much water can be just as dangerous. Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), also known as water intoxication, results in an extreme, and potentially fatal, sodium imbalance. In the latest issue of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, investigators detail the case of a hiker who died as an illustration of the potential danger of endurance exercise and excessive water intake lowering serum sodium to a dangerous level. There have been several deaths from EAH associated with various sports. This is one of few reported fatalities due to EAH in a wilderness setting.
	Latest study looks at alternative therapies to prevent malaria in pregnancy Researchers at LSTM, working with colleagues of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Kenya and USA, and from the Kenya Medical Research Institution have found that a new drug may be more effective at preventing malaria in pregnant woman, especially where there is resistance to the current treatments.
Hopes of improved brain implants Neurons thrive and grow in a new type of nanowire material developed by researchers in Nanophysics and Ophthalmology at Lund University in Sweden. In time, the results might improve both neural and retinal implants, and reduce the risk of them losing their effectiveness over time, which is currently a problem.
	Unique support system promotes cortex growth, connectivity linked to prowess Discoveries about how the human brain contributes to our success—both as a species and as individuals—are among the first fruit of projects funded under the National Institutes of Health BRAIN Initiative program as well as the Human Connectome Project. One study may help to explain the mystery of how our primate brain's outer mantle, or cortex, was able to expand as much as 1000-fold through evolution, compared to other mammals. The other reveals that the more successful we tend to be—score higher on commonly considered positive personal qualities, such as education and income levels and life satisfaction—the more key parts of our brain tend to talk with each other when we're not doing anything in particular.
	Study finds racial, ethnic differences in fetal growth Current standards for ultrasound evaluation of fetal growth may lead to misclassification of up to 15 percent of fetuses of minority mothers as being too small, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other institutions.
Low-cost blood test good predictor of increased bleeding risk in pediatric trauma patients A team of researchers from the Trauma Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles conclude that an admission hematocrit provides a reliable screening test for identifying pediatric patients who are at an increased risk of bleeding after injury. Their retrospective review of approximately 1,340 trauma patients, ages 0 to 17 years, will be published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and is currently available on PubMed.
	Greater understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome A new genetic study of over 200,000 women reveals the underlying mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as potential interventions.
Resilient personality of cities could help in a recession In recent years, psychologists established that regions and cities differ in their prevalent personality make-up. The resilient personality of a city's residents could help determine whether cities bounce back or languish during a major recession, according to new research published in the peer-reviewed journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.
Diabetes medication can reduce food intake Many studies have focused on how much we eat when we are hungry, but sometimes we eat just to feel better. A new dissertation at Sahlgrenska Academy shows that medication used for type-2 diabetes wich mimics the gut-brain hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, can affect the brain's reward system and reduce the intake of food.
	Addicted to shopping? A group of researchers at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Bergen have developed a new and unique method to measure shopping addiction: The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale. The scale is based on core addiction elements recognized as diagnostic criteria for other addictions, and is the first of its kind worldwide.
	Canadian multicenter study examines safety of medical cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain A Canadian research team led by Dr. Mark Ware from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) in Montréal has completed a national multicentre study looking at the safety of medical cannabis use among patients suffering from chronic pain. They found that patients with chronic pain who used cannabis daily for one year, when carefully monitored, did not have an increase in serious adverse events compared to pain patients who did not use cannabis. The results, which have been published online in The Journal of Pain, will serve as a benchmark study on the side effects of cannabis when used in pain management.
Primary care-based addiction treatment lowers substance dependence in people with HIV A program developed at Boston Medical Center (BMC), which integrates addiction treatment into primary care for patients with or at risk for HIV, has been shown to lower patients' substance dependence and encourage their engagement in treatment. The findings are published online in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.
	Identifying youth as 'at risk' for mental problems may be less a stigma than the symptoms There is an emergent and promising field of research on schizophrenia prevention, yet little is known about the potential harm and risks inherent in identifying and labeling young people at risk. A study led by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and New York State Psychiatric Institute found that young people identified as at clinical risk for psychosis described feeling stigmatized by the symptoms that led them to seek help to a relatively stronger degree than the risk label, or the stigma of coming to a specialized clinic. The study is the first to address the separate effects of symptoms and labeling on stigma in young people identified as at clinical high risk for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Findings are online in the journal Schizophrenia Research.
Cooperation advances Alzheimer's disease prevention research The future success of Alzheimer's prevention research could depend on the ability of researchers from different clinical trials to build collaborative relationships that facilitate the sharing of information, resources and expertise that may speed the discovery of new preventive treatments, according to leading Alzheimer's researchers who published a Perspectives article, "CAP—advancing the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments," online today in Nature Reviews Neurology.
	Kids allowed to be kids make better parents Mothers who took on burdensome caregiving roles as children—and weren't allowed to just "be kids"—tend to be less sensitive to their own children's needs, finds new research led by a Michigan State University scholar.
Cellphones can damage romantic relationships, lead to depression Research from Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business confirms that cellphones are damaging romantic relationships and leading to higher levels of depression.
The genetics of intelligence: Ethics and the conduct of trustworthy research With the advent of new genomic sequencing technologies, researchers around the world are working to identify genetic variants that help explain differences in intelligence. Can such findings be used to improve education for all, as some scientists believe? Or are they likely to have a chilling effect on programs meant to improve educational outcomes among disadvantaged populations? These are among the questions explored in "The Genetics of Intelligence: Ethics and the Conduct of Trustworthy Research," a special report of the Hastings Center Report.
Relationship between sympathy, helping others could provide clues to development of altruism Developmental psychologists long have debated whether individuals volunteer and help others because they are sympathetic or whether they are sympathetic because they are prosocial. Now, new research from the University of Missouri helps clarify some of the confusion, which could lead to better interventions to promote positive behaviors in adolescents and clues as to what makes some individuals altruistic.
'Housing First' approach for homeless people doesn't help obesity The "Housing First" approach of giving homeless people with mental illness a place to live without any preconditions such as sobriety or enrollment in a psychiatric treatment program has many benefits. But losing weight isn't one of them.
Home-based counselling strategies alone may not improve neonatal survival in rural Africa Implementing a home-based volunteer counselling strategy during pregnancy and the first few days of an infant's life in rural Africa may not be enough to improve neonatal survival, despite improvements in childbirth in health facilities and newborn care practices, according to new research by Claudia Hanson, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK, and colleagues, published this week in PLOS Medicine.
	Brain activity map reveals how infant vision develops Visual functions, such as the perception of motion direction, start to develop soon after birth and continue to mature over time as infants gain more experience with the world. However, direct evidence of how this maturation process unfolds in the brain has been lacking because there has been no functional imaging study testing very young infants while awake and visually engaged. A new study publishing in the Open Access journal PLOS Biology on September 29th provides for the first time a direct window into the maturation of vision-related areas of the cortex in the first weeks of life, showing that the visual brain of 7-week-old babies is surprisingly mature.
	Eight big questions in cancer research Leading cancer researchers address eight of the "big questions" facing the field as part of the inaugural issue of Trends in Cancer, published by Cell Press.
Among South Asians, risks of developing diabetes begins at birth, says research New research suggests that the risks of developing type 2 diabetes for South Asians - a group long known to suffer from substantially higher rates of both diabetes and heart disease—begins immediately at birth.
	Early precut sphincterotomy ups primary cannulation rates (HealthDay)—Early use of precut sphincterotomy does not increase the risk of pancreatitis but does increase rates of primary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), according to research published in the October issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
	Deaths from heart disease and stroke could rise unless countries address risk factors Over the next decade, early deaths from cardiovascular disease are expected to climb from 5.9 million in 2013 to 7.8 million in 2025 - according to the first-ever forecasting analysis for heart disease from the Global Burden of Disease project.
	Kids may be more likely to get asthma if grandma smoked while pregnant: study (HealthDay)—Children whose grandmothers smoked during pregnancy are at increased risk for asthma, even if their own mothers did not smoke, a new study suggests.
	Some more vulnerable to nicotine addiction than others: study (HealthDay)—Some people are more likely than others to get hooked quickly on cigarettes, new research suggests.
	Legal cases for soft-tissue fillers mainly involve physicians (HealthDay)—Legal cases relating to soft-tissue filler most often involve physicians, frequently relating to a non-physician performing the procedure, according to a research letter published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
	Thermal-based laser may treat stress urinary incontinence (HealthDay)—Noninvasive erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment appears promising for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, according to a study published online Sept. 21 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
	Vasectomy not tied to decrease in sexual frequency (HealthDay)—Vasectomy is not associated with decreased sexual frequency, according to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
	Eudaimonic well-being tied to ovarian tumor neuroeffector (HealthDay)—Eudaimonic well-being is associated with lower tumor norepinephrine (NE) in women with epithelial ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the Oct. 1 issue of Cancer.
	Arsenic found in many US red wines, but health risks depend on total diet A new University of Washington study that tested 65 wines from America's top four wine-producing states—California, Washington, New York and Oregon—found all but one have arsenic levels that exceed what's allowed in drinking water.
HIV patients should be included in early clinical trials of anti-TB drugs Tuberculosis is the number one cause of death in HIV-infected patients in Africa and a leading cause of death in this population worldwide, yet the majority of these patients are excluded from the early stages in the development of new, anti-tuberculosis drugs, according to findings presented today (29 September, 2015) at the European Respiratory Society's International Congress 2015.
May I take your metaphor? – how we talk about cancer "The war on cancer rages on". "It's the start of a long journey". "I feel like I'm on a carousel that won't let me get off". "I'm on the road to recovery". "She lost the fight". "We will beat cancer sooner."
The ethics of donating breast milk Her milk was the only thing Jen Canvasser could give her babies.
Researchers link spatial neglect after stroke with poor outcomes Using the Kessler Foundation Neglect Assessment Process (KF-NAP), Kessler researchers found a high rate of spatial neglect among inpatients with stroke. Affected patients had a higher risk for falls, longer lengths of stay and lesser likelihood of returning home after discharge.
	Medicare's $30M ambulance-ride mystery Medicare paid $30 million for ambulance rides for which no record exists that patients got medical care at their destination, the place where they were picked up or other critical information.
Technology to crowdsource complex triggers of pediatric asthma For many doctors, figuring out what caused a kid's asthma attack means opening up regional air quality databases and applying a lot of guesswork.
	Brain FM: Purkinje cells sing different tunes All of us have our moods when we like to whistle an old melody or feel like tapping our feet to the latest hit. It turns out that cells in our brains can be equally moody, changing the tune of their electrical signals from time to time. In a new study, Ms. Mohini Sengupta and Dr. Vatsala Thirumalai, from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, demonstrate that nerve cells found at the base of the brain - in an area called the cerebellum - send out electrical signals in either a constant hum or in sudden bursts. Which of the two tunes they choose depends on the voltage across their cell membranes and on inputs from a specific region of the brain under certain conditions.
Mount Sinai and LifeMap Solutions announce initial results for asthma health app The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and LifeMap Solutions, a digital-health subsidiary of BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX), today announced initial results and new clinical features for their free Asthma Health app. Released six months ago, the app enables individuals with asthma to participate in a large-scale medical research study by simply using their Apple iPhones. The app's newest features—the "Doctor Dashboard" and integration with Epic, the popular electronic health records (EHR) system—will help enable Asthma Health study participants to use the app with their physicians.
Study finds that discrimination is linked with worse health among transgender Americans Despite a surge in public attention toward the transgender population, transgender adults continue to face both major and daily discrimination that often directly leads to dangerous health consequences.
	Underdetection, not overdiagnosis, is the real problem in breast cancer screening While screening mammography has a well-established history of reducing death from breast cancer and enabling earlier detection of breast disease, questions regarding overtreatment and overdiagnosis have entered the screening debate. A new review article discusses the topics of overdiagnosis and overtreatment and the role of providers and technology to address the issues in the context of population health. The article appears in a new supplement to Population Health Management.
	Alternative strategy for gene replacement shows promise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy A gene therapy approach to treating the progressive muscle wasting disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) that does not replace the mutated DMD gene but instead delivers the gene for ITGA7, a protein in skeletal muscle, led to reduced symptoms and significantly extended life span in a mouse model of severe DMD. Over-expression of ITGA7 did not elicit an immune reaction, further supporting its potential as a novel treatment for DMD, according to a new study published in Human Gene Therapy.
Researchers urge primary healthcare providers to screen for depression and suicide risk in teens A new paper from nursing researchers with The University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Woman's University finds that depression and suicide risk screening can assist healthcare providers in preventing suicides in teens.
Genetic variant increasing vitamin D metabolism improves blood sugar control with high protein weight loss diet New research published in Diabetologia shows that people carrying a certain genetic variant relating to vitamin D metabolism are more likely to benefit from a high-protein weight loss diet than those without it. The research is by Dr Qibin Qi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA and Dr Yan Zheng, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA, and Dr Lu Qi, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA and colleagues.
Use of explosive weapons in Syria has disproportionately lethal effects on women and children Using explosive weapons in populated areas in Syria has disproportionately lethal effects on women and children and should be urgently prohibited, say a team of international experts in The BMJ today.

Biology news

	Biologists crack centuries-old mystery of how cell growth triggers cell division Cells were discovered in 1676, and almost immediately afterward scientists began wondering why cells are so perfectly small.
Scientists unravel root cause of plant twists and turns To feed the world's burgeoning population, producers must grow crops in more challenging terrain – where plant roots must cope with barriers. To that end, Cornell University physicists and Boyce Thompson Institute plant biologists have uncovered a valuable plant root action, in that roots – when their downward path is blocked, as often occurs in rocky soil – display a "grow and switch" behavior, now reported in the latest Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Researchers discover key link in understanding billion-dollar pests in agriculture Invisible to the naked eye, plant-parasitic nematodes are a huge threat to agriculture, causing billions in crop losses every year. Plant scientists at the University of Missouri and the University of Bonn in Germany have found the first genetic evidence linking one method these animals use to attack plants; they proved that these tiny worms use a specialized hormone to help them feed from the plant. This research could allow plant scientists to develop crop plants with enhanced resistance to these devastating agricultural pests.
	Modeling tool IDs genes that control stress response in plants An interdisciplinary team of researchers from North Carolina State University and University of California, Davis has developed a modeling algorithm that is able to identify genes associated with specific biological functions in plants. The modeling tool will help plant biologists target individual genes that control how plants respond to drought, high temperatures or other environmental stressors.
Study sheds light on powerful process that turns food into energy The way in which our cells convert food into fuel is shared by almost all living things - now scientists have discovered a likely reason why this is so widespread.
	'Zelda' protein plays flap-open role in early embryo development, researchers find New York University biologists, in collaboration with scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, have identified a mechanism that promotes activation of genes critical for the initiation of embryonic development.
	Scientists sequence genomes of microscopic worms beneficial to agriculture Many nematodes (worms) have specialized as pathogens, including those that serve as deadly insect-attacking parasites, making them effective biocontrol agents.
	CentrAm coffee growers struggle to adapt to climate change Adrian Hernandez says he can't remember a year as dry as 2015, which has nearly cost him his farm and turned him from a climate change skeptic into a true believer.
	New Zealand to create massive marine sanctuary New Zealand unveiled plans to create a South Pacific marine sanctuary the size of France, saying it would protect one of the world's most pristine ocean environments.
	How to prevent the Xanthomonas bacterium from spreading Growers of strawberries and strawberry planting material are terrified of the quarantine organism Xanthomonas fragariae. If the bacterium is found, the affected parcel of land has to be partially or even fully cleared. Commissioned by trade association Plantum and the Strawberry Research Foundation, Wageningen UR performed research into how the pathogen is spread in order to prevent spreading. The applied research method can also be used for other crops.
	Chimpanzee personality linked to anatomy of brain structures, study finds Chimpanzees' personality traits are linked to the anatomy of specific brain structures, according to researchers at Georgia State University, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Copenhagen.
	Study reveals answers for managing Guam's threatened native trees Scientists in Guam have published a study they say can inform management decisions for conservation nurseries. The research from Thomas Marler and April Cascasan from the University of Guam and John Lawrence from the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation, was published in the July issue of HortScience. The researchers noted that their study was the first experimental approach to determining influences of light and storage on seed and seedling behavior for any rare and threatened tree species from the Mariana Islands.
	In Russia, are loggers an owl's best friend? Can owls and loggers get along? A recent study conducted in Primorye in the southern Russian Far East suggests it's not only possible, but essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls to survive there. The study was conducted by the WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the University of Minnesota.
	Australia to test technology after wave of shark attacks Australian shark experts will test cutting-edge technology—including electrical barriers powered by wave energy—following an "unprecedented" series of attacks on swimmers.
	World first trial of Tasmanian devil vaccine begins in the wild The fight to save the Tasmanian devil from a deadly cancer decimating their populations has been buoyed today by the first release of animals vaccinated against the disease.
New science-based dog breeding standards to enter testing phase Science-based standards developed for the care and well-being of dogs bred commercially will soon go through pilot testing among breeders as part of a two-year Purdue University research project.
	Canadian genomics project is leading the way in wheat breeding innovation Wheat farmers have reason to celebrate, as the Canadian Triticum Applied Genomics (CTAG2) project is about to step up its contribution to the global effort to decipher the wheat genome, led by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC). The expected outcome is a new generation of wheat cultivars with higher yields and better resistance to stresses.
	Company patents technology to feed cattle from waste The phrase "squeeze until the very last drop" literally came true for Biotectra, a Mexican company that managed to extract nutrients from organic waste and transform them into a main ingredient for cattle food.
	New irrigation strategies for pecans in humid climates Georgia is the largest pecan producing state in the U.S. Although this humid region receives an average of 127 cm or more rainfall annually, periods of moisture stress can occur during the pecan growing season, particularly during August and September when pecans are in the kernel-filling stage and water demand is at its peak. Pecan producers throughout the region depend on irrigation strategies to produce a marketable product, but recommendations for the optimal amount and frequency of irrigation is still a common concern among growers. A study that appeared in the July issue of HortScience revealed some new water-saving protocols for the region's pecan producers.
	Large numbers of Guadalupe fur seals dying off California Scientists are looking at ocean-warming trends to figure out why endangered Guadalupe fur seals are stranding themselves and dying in alarming numbers along the central California coast.

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