Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Science X Newsletter Wednesday, Dec 28

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for December 28, 2016:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Did cavemen use toothpicks?

Apple AI research paper is from vision expert and team

Physicists measure the loss of dark matter since the birth of the universe

Carbon dioxide conversion process may be adapted for biofuel synthesis

Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating stem cells of the eye

2016—the year in space and astronomy

The lie-detecting security kiosk of the future

A possible explanation for why people find it hard to maintain eye contact when talking

Study provides evidence on movement of potato famine pathogen

Cycling in bed is safe for ICU patients: Hamilton study

Low levels of manganese in welding fumes cause neurological problems

Early-phase trial demonstrates shrinkage in pediatric neural tumors

5. 4. 3. 2. 1. 1... An extra second to see out 2016

Study unmasks the genetic complexity of cancer cells within the same tumor

Economics of forest biomass raise hurdles for rural development

Astronomy & Space news

Physicists measure the loss of dark matter since the birth of the universe

Russian scientists have discovered that the proportion of unstable particles in the composition of dark matter in the days immediately following the Big Bang was no more than 2 percent to 5 percent. Their study has been published in Physical Review D.

2016—the year in space and astronomy

The achievements of astrophysicists this year were as groundbreaking as they were varied. From reuniting a lander with a mothership on a comet, to seeing the most extreme cosmic events with gravitational waves, 2016 was truly out of this world for science.

Image: Northern lights over Canada

Just hours after the winter solstice, a mass of energetic particles from the Sun smashed into the magnetic field around Earth. The strong solar wind stream stirred up a display of northern lights over northern Canada.

Comet U1 NEOWISE—a possible binocular comet?

Well, it looks like we'll close out 2016 without a great 'Comet of the Century.' One of the final discoveries of the year did, however, grab our attention, and may present a challenging target through early 2017: Comet U1 NEOWISE.

NASA Webb Telescope structure is sound after vibration testing detects anomaly

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is now deemed "sound" and apparently unscathed, engineers have concluded, based on results from a new batch of intensive inspections of the observatory's structure, after concerns were raised in early December when technicians initially detected "anomalous readings" during a preplanned series of vibration tests, NASA announced Dec. 23.

Technology news

Apple AI research paper is from vision expert and team

(Tech Xplore)—Apple is usually in the news over some product launch, future iPhone speculations, or patent filing. Not this week. Apple made the news over, wait for this, a research paper.

The lie-detecting security kiosk of the future

When you engage in international travel, you may one day find yourself face-to-face with border security that is polite, bilingual and responsive—and robotic.

Alexa a witness to murder? Prosecutors seek Amazon Echo data

Authorities investigating the death of an Arkansas man whose body was found in a hot tub want to expand the probe to include a new kind of evidence: any comments overheard by the suspect's Amazon Echo smart speaker.

Facebook Safety Check triggers false Bangkok bomb scare

Facebook sparked fear—and anger—among Thailand's social media users after its Safety Check feature triggered a false bomb alert in Bangkok.

South Korean antitrust regulator fines Qualcomm $865 million

South Korea's antitrust regulator slapped a 1.03 trillion won ($865 million) fine on Qualcomm Inc. Wednesday for allegedly violating competition laws.

A raincoat for houses

The construction industry is preparing to use textiles from the clothing and footwear industries. Gore-Tex-like membranes, which are usually found in weather-proof jackets and trekking shoes, are now being studied to build breathable, water-resistant walls. Tyvek is one such synthetic textile being used as a "raincoat" for homes.

NIST guide provides way to tackle cybersecurity incidents with recovery plan, playbook

"Defense! Defense!" may be the rallying cry from cybersecurity teams working to thwart cybersecurity attacks, but perhaps they should be shouting "Recover! Recover!" instead. Attackers are increasingly racking up points against their targets, so the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published the Guide for Cybersecurity Event Recovery to help organizations develop a game plan to contain the opponent and get back on the field quickly.

Traffic management solutions for drones in Singapore's airspace

With Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones gaining popularity globally for commercial, recreational and industry purposes, hundreds of UAVs may soon be buzzing all over Singapore.

New data-mining strategy that offers unprecedented pattern search speed could glean new insights from massive datasets

Searching for recurring patterns in network systems has become a fundamental part of research and discovery in fields as diverse as biology and social media. KAUST researchers have developed a pattern or graph-mining framework that promises to significantly speed up searches on massive network data sets.

OSCE victim of 'major' cyber attack

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, an international election and war monitor, said Wednesday it had become the latest global institution to suffer a "major" cyber attack.

Pokemon Go, Trump top Google trend list

The past year was a big one for Donald Trump, but also for Pokemon Go.

How robots will change the workforce

Thirty of the world's top scientists are scheduled to meet at the University of California at San Diego in February to discuss the toughest challenges in robotics and automation, including how to make driverless cars safe for a mass audience.

Review: Apple's AirPods as irritating as they are impressive

Apple is pitching the AirPods, its new wireless headphones, as "effortless" and "magical."

Crossing borders to crowdfund renewables

Today energy crowdfunding platforms and investors experience many problems if they want to finance projects that cross the legal boundaries between the EU member states. International experts are striving to harmonise to European regulations in the sector

Production to consumption energy efficiency for smart cities

By integrating energy management systems the EU funded BESOS project contributes to the efficiency and sustainability of 'smart cities', while further empowering citizens to make informed choices.

A 'small data' approach to energy saving for industry

With his eyes gazing at the countryside in County Meath, a dozen miles north-west of Dublin, Vincent Murray, project technical leader at IES, is fully immersed in industrial environments. He is one of the developers of the company's simulation tool for energy saving in factories, now being deployed across three demo sites in the textile, food and foundry sectors, supported by the REEMAIN project.

Where to sell your unwanted stuff online and earn extra cash

If you're cleaning out your closets for the new year, or need some spare cash after the holidays, your old stuff can help fill up your wallet.

Avoid dull snapshots: Tips for taking stunning pictures

Smartphone cameras have seen dramatic improvements, but technology alone won't produce shots that grab attention.

Medicine & Health news

Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating stem cells of the eye

Northwestern Medicine scientists showed how the microRNA-103/107 family (or miRs-103/107) regulate aspects of biological processes in the stem cell–enriched limbal epithelium of the eye.

A possible explanation for why people find it hard to maintain eye contact when talking

(Medical Xpress)—A pair of researchers with Kyoto University has found a possible explanation for why people sometimes have trouble maintaining eye contact when talking with someone face-to-face. In their paper published in the journal Cognition, Shogo Kajimura and Michio Nomura describe experiments they carried out with volunteers to learn more about how the phenomenon works and then discuss their findings.

Cycling in bed is safe for ICU patients: Hamilton study

Early bicycle exercise during their stay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) may help some patients recover more quickly.

Low levels of manganese in welding fumes cause neurological problems

Welders exposed to airborne manganese at estimated levels below federal occupational safety standards exhibit neurological problems similar to Parkinson's disease, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Further, the more they are exposed to manganese-containing welding fumes, the faster the workers' signs and symptoms worsen.

Early-phase trial demonstrates shrinkage in pediatric neural tumors

In an early-phase clinical trial of a new oral drug, selumetinib, children with the common genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas, tumors of the peripheral nerves, tolerated selumetinib and, in most cases, responded to it with tumor shrinkage. NF1 affects 1 in 3,000 people. The study results appeared Dec. 29, 2016, in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Study unmasks the genetic complexity of cancer cells within the same tumor

A new study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators dramatically illustrates the complexity of cancer by identifying more than 2,000 genetic mutations in tissue samples of esophageal tumors. The findings reveal that even different areas of individual tumors have various genetic patterns.

Cells dripped into the brain help man fight a deadly cancer

A man with deadly brain cancer that had spread to his spine saw his tumors shrink and, for a time, completely vanish after a novel treatment to help his immune system attack his disease—another first in this promising field.

Fish oil pills for pregnant moms may cut asthma risk in kids

Children whose moms took high doses of fish oil during their last three months of pregnancy were less likely to develop chronic wheezing problems or asthma by age 5, finds a study that suggests a possible way to help prevent this growing problem.

Why acne can strike women after the teen years

(HealthDay)—Why does acne still plague some women into adulthood? A new study offers some hints.

Opicapone as levodopa adjunct cuts motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease

(HealthDay)—For patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) receiving levodopa therapy and experiencing end-of-dose motor fluctuations, treatment with 50-mg/day opicapone is associated with a reduction in mean daily off-time, according to a study published online Dec. 27 in JAMA Neurology.

Tailoring medical care for the homeless

When Margot Kushel, MD, first met David Sandow 13 years ago at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), he was homeless and sleeping in a van despite having had one bypass surgery and needing another.

Learn how to recognize and take control of seasonal affective disorder

With 5 p.m. sunsets, erratic temperatures and plenty of snow and ice, winters in Chicago and other northern cities are not for the faint of heart.

Tips to embrace the outdoors and enjoy running in cold weather

The downside of resolving to exercise more is that just about everyone else is doing the same thing. So if you're in a cold climate, that means battling all those fickle New Year's resolution-makers for a coveted spot on the health club treadmill.

Portrayal of women's drinking habits in the media offers biased, judgemental view

Women who binge drink are depicted more negatively by the media than men who do the same thing, according to new research.

The late effects of stress: New insights into how the brain responds to trauma

Mrs. M would never forget that day. She was walking along a busy road next to the vegetable market when two goons zipped past on a bike. One man's hand shot out and grabbed the chain around her neck. The next instant, she had stumbled to her knees, and was dragged along in the wake of the bike. Thankfully, the chain snapped, and she got away with a mildly bruised neck. Though dazed by the incident, Mrs. M was fine until a week after the incident.

New pharmacon allows testicular tumors to shrink

Testicular cancer is the most common malignant tumor disease in men between 20 and 40 years of age. It can usually be treated well. In some cases, however, the cancer hardly responds or does not respond at all to treatment. A substance that was originally destined to be an innovative contraceptive is offering new hope in these cases. An experimental drug with the cryptic name JQ1 blocks sperm maturation and was discussed to be a male contraceptive. Instead, it may be suitable for cancer therapy.

Single? Here are six ways to beat the holiday blues

If you are single this holiday season, you may not have a plus-one for that New Year's party, but Florida International University psychologist Lisa Arango says that shouldn't stop the fun. She provides some tips on how singles can make the most of what should be a joyful time of year.

State, regional differences in melanoma rates 2003 vs 2013

A new research letter published online by JAMA Dermatology compares melanoma death and incidence by states and in four geographic regions.

Rate of death, heart attack after noncardiac surgery decreases, although risk of stroke increases

In a study published online by JAMA Cardiology, Sripal Bangalore, M.D., M.H.A., of the New York University School of Medicine, New York, and colleagues examined national trends in perioperative cardiovascular outcomes and mortality after major noncardiac surgery.

Fenofibrate may reduce heart disease risk in some patients with type 2 diabetes

A new study shows that the drug fenofibrate might reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes who have high levels of triglycerides and low levels of "good" cholesterol, despite being treated with statins. The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), appears in the December 28 issue of JAMA Cardiology.

Diabetes takes biggest bite out of U.S. health care spending

(HealthDay)—Diabetes leads a list of just 20 diseases and conditions that account for more than half of all spending on health care in the United States, according to a new comprehensive financial analysis.

Healthy snacks can be smart part of a diabetes diet

(HealthDay)—Healthy snacks are a part of managing diabetes, and it's best to avoid the vending machine, says the American Diabetes Association.

Flu shots are worth it

(HealthDay)—The flu can be a serious threat to your health, but you can protect yourself by getting a flu shot, health experts say.

Don't let germs spoil your holiday getaway

(HealthDay)—Headed out for a New Year's getaway? Remember: not only will travelers be packing themselves into cars, trains, buses and airplanes, but germs will, too.

Men don't know about risks to fertility, survey finds

(HealthDay)—Many men don't know about risk factors that can lead to infertility, a new study reveals.

Postprandial hyperglycemia linked to CVD incidence in T2DM

(HealthDay)—For patients with type 2 diabetes, postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, independently of the mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.

Platelet-rich plasma superior for lumbar facet joint syndrome

(HealthDay)—For intra-articular injection autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and local anesthetic (LA)/corticosteroid are effective, easy, and safe in the treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Pain Practice.

755-nm diode laser safe, effective for hair removal

(HealthDay)—A 755-nm diode laser efficiently and safely removes hair, according to a study published in the November issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Gastric bypass associated with reduced risk of psoriasis

(HealthDay)—Gastric bypass, but not gastric banding, is associated with reduced risk of psoriasis, progression to severe psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Surgery.

Optimal timing ID'd for flu shot during three-week chemo cycle

(HealthDay)—For adults with solid cancer undergoing three-week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles, antibody responses are comparable for influenza vaccination on day one and 11, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in Cancer.

Seven tips to combat viral upper respiratory illness

The next time you go to see your health care provider for an upper respiratory illness - a cough or cold - don't assume you'll get a prescription for an antibiotic.

Zebrafish might hold key to fighting leukemia

The key to early detection of childhood leukemia might be found in thousands of tiny fish soon to be swimming around in a Wayne State University lab.

Report examines MACRA's impact on radiologists

A new Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute series of reports explores the impact of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015, along with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) 2016 proposal for its implementation, on radiologists. The work, conducted by a team of radiologists and health services researchers, is published online in the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR).

Dirty job shows why cholera still kills in Haiti

The men strip off their clothes, wrap themselves in rags and plug their nostrils with tobacco to hide the stench. They squeeze into a cramped outhouse with a reeking pit to scoop buckets of human excrement with their bare hands.

Scripps first in West to treat heart attack with new supersaturated oxygen therapy

A physician at Scripps Health's Prebys Cardiovascular Institute has become the first in the Western United States to treat heart attack patients with a new supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) system in an attempt to reduce permanent damage to their heart muscle.

German hospital uses graphic image to promote safe fireworks

A German hospital is using a graphic picture of a mangled hand to warn people against buying or using illegal firecrackers.

Biology news

Study provides evidence on movement of potato famine pathogen

New North Carolina State University research delves into the movement and evolution of the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s, which set down roots in the United States before attacking Europe.

Traffic noise reduces birds' response to alarm calls

Pollution can take many forms—including noise. Excess noise in the environment from sources such as traffic can have negative effects on animals that rely on sound to communicate and get information about their surroundings. A new study from The Condor: Ornithological Applications shows that traffic noise makes birds less responsive to alarm calls that would otherwise alert them to dangers such as predators.

10,000 fish in two Maryland rivers have died in recent days

Thousands of fish have died in recent days in the Gunpowder and Bird rivers in eastern Baltimore County, and officials believe a toxic algae bloom is to blame.

San Diego State botanists name plant discovery after Jimi Hendrix

A succulent discovered in Mexico more than 20 years ago by San Diego State University botany students may look small, but its name evokes a towering figure in music.

China in biggest-ever pangolin scale seizure: reports

Chinese customs seized over three tonnes of pangolin scales, state media said, in the country's biggest-ever smuggling case involving the animal parts.

Management practices recommended for specialty cider apples

The hard cider industry is experiencing remarkable growth; statistics show that US hard cider production increased 22-fold from 2007-2015. To meet consumer demand for specialty cider apples, producers in the US are investigating innovative orchard practices that can help specialty apple growers minimize production costs. A study from researchers at The Department of Horticulture at Washington State University contains cider apple harvesting and storage recommendations that can inform orchard management decisions.

Lotus stir-fry scores high in consumer panels

Lotus, an aquatic perennial vegetable native to many subtropical and temperate zones, is cultivated extensively throughout Asia. Lotus rhizomes, stems, flowers, seeds, and young leaves are in great demand, and are considered a dietary vegetable staple in many Asian cultures because of their high content of protein, amino acids, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, carotenoids, and macro/micronutrients. A new report in HortTechnology found there may be a niche market for locally grown lotus among American consumers.


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