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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 1, 2017:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
Astronomy & Space news
 | Astronomers detect flickering from the star EF Aquilae(Phys.org)—European researchers have detected optical flickering from a distant symbiotic star known as EF Aquilae (EF Aql for short). The new findings, presented Feb. 27 on the arXiv pre-print server, offer important hints on the nature and composition of this binary star. |
 | Rapid changes point to origin of ultra-fast black hole 'burps'Gas outflows are common features of active supermassive black holes that reside in the center of large galaxies. Millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun, these black holes feed on the large disks of gas that swirl around them. Occasionally the black holes eat too much and burp out an ultra-fast wind, or outflow. These winds may have a strong influence on regulating the growth of the host galaxy by clearing the surrounding gas away and suppressing star formation. |
 | A galaxy on the edgeSpiral galaxies throughout the Universe take on all manner of orientations with respect to Earth. We see some from above (as it were) or "face-on"—a good example of this being the whirlpool-shaped galaxy NGC 1232. Such orientations reveal a galaxy's flowing arms and bright core in beautiful detail, but make it difficult to get any sense of a three-dimensional shape. |
 | Distant planet systems are shaped like the solar systemResearchers at The Australian National University (ANU) have found that far-away planet systems are shaped like the solar system, with multiple planets aligning with the host star on a flat plain, in a discovery that could increase the chance of finding alien life. |
 | Science checkout continues for ExoMars orbiterNext week, the ExoMars orbiter will devote two days to making important calibration measurements at the Red Planet, which are needed for the science phase of the mission that will begin next year. |
 | Team puts dark matter on the mapA Yale-led team has produced one of the highest-resolution maps of dark matter ever created, offering a detailed case for the existence of cold dark matter—sluggish particles that comprise the bulk of matter in the universe. |
 | Moon tourists risk rough ride, experts sayNon-stop vomiting, a puffy face and the constant need to pee: Volunteers for a week-long loop around the Moon may be in for a rough ride even if all goes to plan. |
 | Hunting for giant planet analogs in our own backyardThere may be a large number of undetected bright, substellar objects similar to giant exoplanets in our own solar neighborhood, according to new work from a team led by Carnegie's Jonathan Gagné and including researchers from the Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) at Université de Montréal. It is published by The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. |
 | Hidden figures no more: Lego honors 'Women of NASA'Lego sets have long celebrated superheroes like Batman and Superman. But now, the Danish toy maker is honoring real-life heroines—five women pioneers for the US space agency NASA. |
 | NuSTAR helps find universe's brightest pulsarsThere's a new record holder for brightest pulsar ever found—and astronomers are still trying to figure out how it can shine so brightly. It's now part of a small group of mysterious bright pulsars that are challenging astronomers to rethink how pulsars accumulate, or accrete, material. |
Video: Supersonic gas jets blast offSupersonic gas jets sound like science fiction, but they are actually found throughout our solar system: for example, fast jets of sulfur dioxide stream from the surface of Jupiter's moon Io and water vapor sprays from the surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus. | |
 | Classified US satellite launched from CaliforniaA rocket carrying a classified U.S. satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office has been launched from California. |
Technology news
 | Cars racing to become 'mobile phones on wheels'The car of the future will let you pay for petrol or parking directly from your vehicle and receive traffic alerts and restaurant recommendations from your onboard digital assistant. |
 | When Amazon's cloud storage fails, lots of people get wetUsually people don't notice the "cloud"—unless, that is, it turns into a massive storm. Which was the case Tuesday when Amazon's huge cloud-computing service suffered a major outage. |
 | $10 Raspberry Pi Zero W is new Raspberry Pi Zero variant with wireless WAN and Bluetooth(Tech Xplore)—Raspberry Pi had a Tuesday announcement that put many a Raspberry Pi supporter in a birthday kind of mood. |
 | Language learning robot could advance autonomous vehicles, help emergency responders in the futureA Purdue University researcher and his team are developing technology to give robots the ability to learn language. |
 | Physiological changes tracked moment to momentSweating it out on a treadmill, or racing to finish a half marathon, a runner might risk a potentially dangerous buildup of electrolytes in her blood. |
 | 3-D printing with high-performance carbon fiberLawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) researchers have become the first to 3-D print aerospace-grade carbon fiber composites, opening the door to greater control and optimization of the lightweight, yet stronger than steel material. |
 | Review: Nintendo Switch is impressive, but needs more gamesWhen you're deep in a video game, the last thing you want to do is leave home. If only you could take the game with you for your commute to work or your bus ride to school, or to liven up your lunch hour. |
 | Toyota adds most fuel-efficient PriusFor 2017, Toyota has added its most fuel-efficient Prius ever: a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid called Prius Prime that can travel up to 640 miles on a full electric charge and a single tank of fuel. |
 | Tweaking electrolyte makes better lithium-metal batteriesScientists have found adding a pinch of something new to a battery's electrolyte gives the energy storage devices more juice per charge than today's commonly used rechargeable batteries. |
 | Singing posters and talking shirts: Engineers turn objects into FM stationsImagine you're waiting in your car and a poster for a concert from a local band catches your eye. What if you could just tune your car to a radio station and actually listen to that band's music? Or perhaps you see the poster on the side of a bus stop. What if it could send your smartphone a link for discounted tickets or give you directions to the venue? |
 | Security researchers show Google's anti-internet troll AI platform is easily deceivedUniversity of Washington researchers have shown that Google's new machine learning-based system to identify toxic comments in online discussion forums can be bypassed by simply misspelling or adding unnecessary punctuation to abusive words, such as "idiot" or "moron." |
 | Snap IPO may lead pack of tech 'unicorns'After a dearth of technology listings in 2016, Snapchat parent Snap is set for its market debut as early as this week. |
Luxembourg fends off cyberattack on government sitesLuxembourg authorities say they have fended off a cyberattack that sought to swamp official servers with connection requests, and there was no data breach. | |
 | Simulation tool for efficient production of non-woven fabricsNon-woven fabrics are indispensable to everyday life. A Fraunhofer Institute has developed software that makes the production of non-woven products much more efficient and flexible. With the tool FIDYST, it has been possible for the first time to simulate the movement of fibers in turbulent air currents. A real innovation – and the breakthrough in a theory that is over a hundred years old. |
 | System monitors soap, cotton towel and toilet paper dispensers in washroomsWashrooms are among the highest-maintenance rooms in companies. A new Fraunhofer technology now monitors soap, cotton towel and toilet paper dispensers fully automatically, and notifies the cleaning staff when levels are running low. At the core of the "CWS Washroom Information Service" are sensors and some ingenious wireless technology. |
 | Powerful hybrid storage system combines advantages of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitorsA battery that can be charged in seconds, has a large capacity and lasts ten to twelve years? Certainly, many have wanted such a thing. Now the FastStorageBW II project – which includes Fraunhofer – is working on making it a reality. Fraunhofer researchers are using pre-production to optimize large-scale production and ensure it follows the principles of Industrie 4.0 from the outset. |
 | Ultrasound scalpel destroys liver tumorsFocused ultrasound can effectively destroy tumor cells. Until now, this method has only been used for organs such as the prostate and uterus. At the European Congress of Radiology, Fraunhofer researchers will present a method, developed as part of the TRANS-FUSIMO EU project, that enables focused ultrasound treatment of the liver, an organ that moves while breathing. In the future, this could enable treatment of certain liver tumors in a more gentle way. |
 | Access to big data would help trucking companies improve safety and productivityThe trucking industry loses billions of dollars and wastes millions of hours each year sitting idle in traffic. Helping drivers avoid congestion would increase productivity and improve safety, says a team of Iowa State University and industry researchers. |
 | Opinion: Fitbit's decline is a reflection of the end of the over-hyped promise of wearablesAs the market leader, Fitbit has always been regarded as being synonymous with wearables in general. Its launch as a public company was at a point when the hype of wearables was at a peak with claims of the technology bring about a revolution in healthcare. |
 | Disruptive system enables robotic printing on large complex surfaces, including aircraftSouthwest Research Institute (SwRI), a leading innovator in advanced science and applied technology, has secured a patent for a technology for large-scale robotic inkjet printing on aircraft and other complex surfaces. |
 | How augmented reality could find its way to the courtroomReturning to court to give evidence against their attacker can be a harrowing experience for victims of sexual abuse, and many have described it as like having to experience the abuse all over again. However, the rise of augmented reality and holographic technology – that could bring vulnerable witnesses into court in 3-D instead – could offer a solution. |
 | Facebook beefs up suicide prevention focused on live videoFacebook is beefing up its suicide prevention tools, including new options for people to report if someone might harm themselves while broadcasting on Facebook Live. |
 | Phonemakers chase niche markets with special featuresPhones rugged enough to survive falling from the sky or resistant to foaming hand soap—just some of the special features mobile phonemakers are offering to appeal to niche markets. |
 | Uber CEO caught on video arguing over fares with driverUber's CEO says he needs leadership help after a video has emerged of him arguing heatedly with a driver about fares. |
 | Who can find the fish that makes the best sound?Using new computer algorithms, it is possible to adjust specific properties of three-dimensional objects, such as the sounds they produce or how stable they are. |
 | Protecting engineering materials from water impactMark Gee, Fellow at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), discusses new ways to assess and reduce erosion from water impact in an article for Adjacent Open Access. |
 | Automated measurement system enhances quality, reduces handling in Pu-238 productionUnder a collaborative partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), a new automated measurement system developed at DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will ensure quality production of plutonium-238 while reducing handling by workers. |
 | Twitter adds more safety tools, will curb abusive accountsTwitter is adding more tools to curb abuse on its service as part of its ongoing effort to protect users from hate and harassment. Among other things, the service will attempt to identify offenders on its own, even if no one has reported them first. |
Uber CEO apologizes after video shows him berating driverUber chief Travis Kalanick has apologized, acknowledging that "I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up," after a video showed him verbally abusing a driver for the service. | |
 | Click for candy: How online retailers boost impulse buysSupermarket layouts are carefully calibrated to tempt people into impulsive purchases, and now food makers are trying to adapt their strategies as people do more of their shopping online. |
Car parts maker says scam got tax info for 2,400 workersA Swiss company said Wednesday income tax information was stolen for about 2,400 workers in the United States, putting them at risk of identity theft just as many are awaiting tax refunds. | |
Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategyWhether a nation should retaliate against a cyber attack is a complicated decision, and a new framework guided by game theory could help policymakers determine the best strategy. | |
 | Oculus looks to spur VR spread with Rift price cutFacebook-owned Oculus on Wednesday slashed the price of its Rift headsets to speed the pace at which the virtual reality technology is working its way into homes. |
 | Appeals court overturns $533 mn verdict against AppleA US appellate court Wednesday overturned a $533 million patent verdict against Apple, saying the award was based on "routine computer activities" which cannot be patented. |
 | Snap IPO: Messaging app company seems to pass 1st major test (Update)For Snap Inc., a social media company that started its official bid to go public last Halloween, the looming question now is whether investors are in for a trick or a treat. |
 | New global cybersecurity report reveals misaligned incentives, executive overconfidence create advantages for attackerIntel Security, in partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), today released "Tilting the Playing Field: How Misaligned Incentives Work Against Cybersecurity," a global report and survey revealing three categories of misaligned incentives: corporate structures versus the free flow of criminal enterprises; strategy versus implementation; and senior executives versus those in implementation roles. The report highlights ways organizations can learn from cybercriminals to correct these misalignments. |
 | Professor examines benefits, social inequalities of voice technologiesTechnology is often heralded as a great equalizer for people with disabilities, especially those who have harnessed the power of synthetic voice software to offset their inability to speak to family, friends, and others. |
Medicine & Health news
 | Oxytocin impact on eye response during interactions found to reduce trust(Medical Xpress)—A team of researchers with Leiden University in the Netherlands has found that increased levels of oxytocin can lead to suppression of pupil dilation mimicry, which in turn can reduce the amount of trust felt between interacting people. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes experiments they carried out involving pairs of interacting volunteers, manipulating their oxytocin levels artificially and using a reward system that revealed trust levels. |
 | New drug lead identified in fight against tuberculosisAntibacterial compounds found in soil could spell the beginnings of a new treatment for tuberculosis, new research led by the University of Sydney has found. |
 | Cell death in gut implicated in bowel diseaseThe natural life cycle of cells that line the intestine is critical to preserving stable conditions in the gut, according to new research led by a Weill Cornell Medicine investigator. The findings may lead to the development of new therapies to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other chronic inflammatory illnesses. |
 | Researchers connect molecular function to high blood pressure, diseasesBy changing one small portion of a stimulus that influences part of one molecule's function, engineers and researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have opened the door for more insight into how the molecule is associated with high blood pressure, autism and movement disorders. |
 | Study ties protein 'reader' ENL to common leukemiaAnyone who uses an employee badge to enter a building may understand how a protein called ENL opens new possibilities for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of bone marrow and blood cells and the second most common type of leukemia in children and adults. |
 | In cleaning up misfolded proteins, cell powerhouses can break downWorking with yeast and human cells, researchers at Johns Hopkins say they have discovered an unexpected route for cells to eliminate protein clumps that may sometimes be the molecular equivalent of throwing too much or the wrong trash into the garbage disposal. Their finding, they say, could help explain part of what goes awry in the progression of such neurodegenerative diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. |
 | Absent tumor-suppressors allow melanoma to thwart immunotherapyIt's what's missing in the tumor genome, not what's mutated, that thwarts treatment of metastatic melanoma with immune checkpoint blockade drugs, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center report in Science Translational Medicine. |
 | Intestinal bacteria alter gut and brain functionResearch from McMaster University has found that bacteria in the gut impacts both intestinal and behavioural symptoms in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a finding which could lead to new microbiota-directed treatments. |
 | Groundbreaking technology successfully rewarms large-scale tissues preserved at low temperaturesA research team, led by the University of Minnesota, has discovered a groundbreaking process to successfully rewarm large-scale animal heart valves and blood vessels preserved at very low temperatures. The discovery is a major step forward in saving millions of human lives by increasing the availability of organs and tissues for transplantation through the establishment of tissue and organ banks. |
 | Highly prevalent gene variants in minority populations cause kidney diseaseAfrican Americans have a heightened risk of developing chronic and end-stage kidney disease. This association has been attributed to two common genetic variants - named G1 and G2—in APOL1, a gene that codes for a human-specific protein. However, direct evidence showing that these variants definitively cause kidney disease was lacking because APOL1 is widely expressed in different cell types but the gene is present in only some primates and humans. The challenge has been to create an animal model to prove this. Now, a team led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has engineered mice with these mutations that cause human-like kidney disease. |
 | Artificial intelligence aids scientists in uncovering hallmarks of mystery concussionScientists have used a unique computational technique that sifts through big data to identify a subset of concussion patients with normal brain scans, who may deteriorate months after diagnosis and develop confusion, personality changes and differences in vision and hearing, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. This finding, which is corroborated by the identification of molecular biomarkers, is paving the way to a precision medicine approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury. |
 | Wireless arm patch may blunt migraine painA wireless arm patch may be a promising new treatment for migraine headaches, researchers report. |
 | Gene therapy lets a French teen dodge sickle cell diseaseA French teen who was given gene therapy for sickle cell disease more than two years ago now has enough properly working red blood cells to dodge the effects of the disorder, researchers report. |
 | Early warning signs might have been missed in one in six heart attack deaths in EnglandThe authors, from Imperial College London, say more research is urgently needed to establish whether it is possible to predict the risk of fatal heart attacks in patients for whom this condition was not recorded as the main reason for hospital admission. |
Concerns over inconsistent palliative care provision across EnglandPalliative and end-of-life care are not being considered as core services by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in some parts of England, with a vast degree of variation across different services and regions, reveals an analysis published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. | |
 | New test distinguishes 'tigers' from 'pussycats' in prostate cancerA new test has been developed to make the vital distinction between aggressive and less harmful forms of prostate cancer, helping to avoid sometimes-damaging unnecessary treatment. |
 | New pregnancy testing technique needs limits says ethics bodyA new report on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) by the UK's Nuffield Council on Bioethics expresses concerns about the way the test is being sold by private providers. In addition, the Council calls for better information and support; calls for a moratorium on the use of NIPT in sequencing the whole genome of fetuses; and calls for a ban on its use in finding out the sex of the fetus. |
Physicians not prepared for male patients who perpetrate intimate partner violenceFamily medicine physicians feel underprepared to serve patients whom they know are perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), particularly if they also provide care to the victim. | |
 | New plastic surgery statistics reveal focus on face and fatNew data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans want to put their best face and body forward as their annual plastic surgery procedural statistics show a three percent growth in cosmetic procedures over the last year. According to ASPS statistics there were 17.1 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2016. The data also shows new cosmetic trends in both facelifts and fat. |
Study finds participants feel moral outrage toward those who decide to not have childrenData representing individuals from across the United States indicates that U.S. adults are increasingly delaying the decision to have children or forgoing parenthood entirely. Yet evidence suggests that voluntarily child-free people are stigmatized for this decision, according to a study published in the March 2017 edition of Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. | |
Poor adolescent, early adult diet associated with increased risk for premenopausal breast cancerWomen who consumed a diet as adolescents or young adults associated with chronic inflammation had a higher risk for premenopausal breast cancer compared with those whose adolescent and early adulthood diet was not associated with chronic inflammation | |
Benefits of physical activity may outweigh impact of obesity on cardiovascular diseaseThe benefits of physical activity may outweigh the impact of overweight and obesity on cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly people, according to research published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The observational study was conducted in more than 5,000 people aged 55 years and older who were followed-up for 15 years. | |
Shanghai expands public smoking banShanghai widened its ban on public smoking Wednesday as China's biggest city steps up efforts to stub out the massive health threat despite conflicts of interest with the state-owned tobacco industry. | |
What's in your sandwich? Subway disputes study on chickenHow much chicken is actually in your chicken sandwich? | |
 | History of incarceration linked to subsequent homelessness, study findsPeople who have been incarcerated in Canada are more likely to subsequently experience unstable housing or homelessness compared with those who have not, new research suggests. |
New treatment target identified for aggressive lymphomasScientists at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) have identified a possible therapeutic target for two types of very aggressive lymphomas. The CNIC team discovered that the microRNA miR-28 regulates the terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes, blocking the growth of B cell lymphomas. The study, published in Blood, establishes the therapeutic potential of synthetic miR-28 analogs for inhibiting the growth of Birkitt lymphoma and diffuse large cell lymphoma. These findings could lead to the development of the first miRNA analog therapy for the treatment of B cell lymphoma and provide the basis for human trials. | |
Researchers study how early sight loss affects movement development in childrenResearchers from the School of Psychology at Queen's University Belfast in collaboration with Guide Dogs NI have conducted a new research study to understand the impact of sight loss on how early movement develops, with the aim of improving movement skills for children with a vision impairment. | |
 | Older drivers steer their way to safer conditionsOlder drivers at risk of crashes are ready to avoid potentially dangerous situations like peak hour and night-time travel after taking a safe driving program targeting their age group, according to a Western Sydney University study. |
 | Study finds link between sedentary work, larger waist circumference, risk of heart diseaseA new study shows further evidence for the view that spending too much time sitting down is bad for our health and our waistline. |
 | Research asks why genetic mutation leads to decreased triglycerides in bloodCommon knowledge says that genetic mutations are bad. This is true for most mutations of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the enzyme in the blood responsible for the breakdown of lipoproteins, which allows tissue to utilize energy from fat. People with these mutations are unable to break down fat in the blood, causing very high levels of lipids in the blood and putting them at risk of heart disease. However, one specific mutation actually leads to better processing of lipids, leading to improved heart health. |
 | Can fast and furious exercise prevent diabetes?Short bursts of high-intensity exercise could help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes. |
 | Overweight mothers underestimate their children's weightMothers who are overweight or obese tend to underestimate the weights of their obese children, according to a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. |
 | Couples may miss cues that partner is hiding emotions, study suggestsEven the most blissful of couples in long-running, exclusive relationships may be fairly clueless when it comes to spotting the ploys their partner uses to avoid dealing with emotional issues, suggests new research from psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis. |
 | Racial gap in children's asthma linked to social inequality in Houston neighborhoodsAfrican-American and poor children in the United States suffer disproportionately from asthma. But according to a new study from sociologists at Rice University, racial and socio-economic gaps in the proportion of children in Houston who have asthma may be a result of social inequalities in the neighborhoods where children live. |
 | Researchers seek ways to assist drivers with autismThe University of Virginia Health System is teaming with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to study novice drivers with autism to determine if they would benefit from specialized training to help them become better, safer drivers and feel more comfortable behind the wheel. |
 | Findings reveal effect of embryonic neural stem cell development on later nerve regeneration capacityNeurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, but also strokes or other types of traumatic brain damage, result in the death of nerve cells in the brain. Since the mammalian brain is capable of replacing nerve cells only in certain restricted regions, such nerve-cell loss is in most cases permanent. Similarly, the capacity to form new nerve cells in the mature brain is limited to specific areas. The cells responsible for neurogenesis in the mature brain are called adult neural stem cells, but little is known about their developmental origins. Now an international research collaboration led by Magdalena Götz, Professor of Physiological Genomics at LMU's Biomedical Center and Director of the Institute for Stem Cell Research at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, has demonstrated that the mode of division of stem cells has a profound influence on the numbers of adult neural stem cells formed during embryonic development. |
 | Researcher uses machine learning to improve suicide predictionA groundbreaking project led by a Florida State University researcher makes an exponential advance in suicide prediction, potentially giving clinicians the ability to predict who will attempt suicide up to two years in advance with 80 percent accuracy. |
Athletes' symptom anxiety linked to risk of injuryThe anxiety experienced by elite athletes over illness symptoms is linked to the risk of being injured during competition and should be taken seriously, according to a study carried out at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics 2015. The way in which the symptoms progress and the nature of the sporting activity also influence the risk of injury. | |
 | Study brings hope of a new treatment for asthma sufferersImproved treatments for people with severe asthma are a 'step closer' after a research team led by the University of Leicester identified a breakthrough in the cause of airway narrowing. |
 | Testing program monitors stability of vaccines for neglected tropical diseasesA new generation of vaccines for neglected tropical diseases is moving into clinical trials, and understanding the long-term stability and effectiveness of these vaccines over periods of storage is key to their success. Now, for the first time, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have developed a testing program to study the potency of a vaccine over years of storage. |
Combination of ground-breaking treatments offer powerful new path for blood cancer therapiesResearchers at Monash University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have identified for the first time how a new class of epigenetic drug engages with the immune system to kill off cancer cells, offering powerful new pathways for enhanced blood cancer therapies. | |
| Few heart attack survivors get recommended physical activityOnly 16 percent of heart attack survivors get the recommended amount of physical activity in the weeks after hospitalization, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and NewYork-Presbyterian. |
US workers without paid sick leave more likely to forego preventive health careMore than 20 million Americans have gained health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not have to pay for 15 preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Yet, despite this advantage, many are not utilizing these lifesaving screenings and are contributing to this nation's soaring health care costs, which reached a whopping $3 trillion in 2014. | |
 | May smartphones help to maintain memory in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease?The patient is a retired teacher who had reported memory difficulties 12 months prior to the study. These difficulties referred to trouble remembering names and groceries she wanted to purchase, as well as frequently losing her papers and keys. According to the patient and her husband, the main difficulties that she encountered were related to prospective memory (e.g., forgetting medical appointments or to take her medication). |
NHS sustainability plans unlikely to work without greater government commitmentLocal sustainability and transformation plans (STPs)—designed to transform the way health and social care services are organised, delivered, and used across England—are unlikely to work without a much greater commitment from government, warns an expert in The BMJ today. | |
 | Single dose of brachytherapy may be an effective treatment for localized prostate cancerResults from a new prospective clinical trial indicate that high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy administered in a single, 19 Gray (Gy) treatment may be a safe and effective alternative to longer courses of HDR treatment for men with localized prostate cancer. The study is available online in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the flagship journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). |
 | Adults with autism overcome childhood language challengesResults of a small study of adults with autism at Johns Hopkins has added to evidence that their brains can learn to compensate for some language comprehension challenges that are a hallmark of the disorder in children. |
 | Women less likely to have their heart health checkedA new report has highlighted a gender divide in the screening of patients for cardiovascular disease - Australia's number one killer. |
Telephone-based collaborative care program eases anxietyA telephone-delivered collaborative care program for treating panic and generalized anxiety disorders in primary care is significantly more effective than doctors' usual care at improving health-related quality of life, anxiety and mood symptoms, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. These findings from the National Institutes of Health-funded Reduce Limitations from Anxiety (RELAX) trial were published in the March issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine. | |
 | Study of 3,000 PET-Scans yields new data on the proportion of brown fatCompared to white fat, brown body fat burns through energy at an extraordinary rate. However, until now the proportion of brown fat in humans was thought to be quite small. Now a study conducted by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has shown: The quantity of brown fat in humans is three times greater than previously known. As a consequence, new obesity and diabetes drugs that activate brown adipose tissue are expected to be more effective. |
 | Exploring the cause of chronic lung transplant rejection, in a quest to stop itFor patients affected by lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis and others, cures for their diseases are incredibly rare, if not nonexistent. |
 | What happens when patients access their mental health providers' notes?Thanks to electronic health records and online portals, more and more patients are being given access to the notes their clinicians write about their health care visits. Research suggests this national movement, known as "OpenNotes," can empower patients and boost communication and shared decision-making. But what about mental health visits? Experts have been unsure whether this area is equally likely to benefit. |
 | New PET radiotracer identifies inflammation in life-threatening atherosclerosisIn the featured article of the March 2017 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, researchers demonstrate that a new positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer, gallium-68 (Ga-68)-pentixafor, can quickly and non-invasively identify life-threatening atherosclerotic plaques. The tracer binds to the CXCR4 receptor on inflammatory cells present in atherosclerotic plaques—making it possible to find and treat atherosclerosis early. |
 | New study finds reading can help with chronic painA study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool, The Reader and the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals Trust, and funded by the British Academy, has found that shared reading (SR) can be a useful therapy for chronic pain sufferers. |
 | Even after treatment, brains of anorexia nervosa patients not fully recoveredEven after weeks of treatment and considerable weight gain, the brains of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa remain altered, putting them at risk for possible relapse, according to researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. |
Study defines global burden of skin diseaseA study published today in JAMA Dermatology combines the prevalence of skin diseases around the world with their likelihood of creating disability across the lifespan to define the following 10 most challenging conditions (arranged in order of decreasing "disability-adjusted life years"): dermatitis, acne, hives, psoriasis, viral skin diseases, fungal skin diseases, scabies, melanoma, pyoderma, cellulitis, non-melanoma skin cancer, decubitus ulcer, and alopecia areata. | |
 | BOLD prediction: Brain circuit that supports smoking cessation identifiedQuitting smoking is hard. Yet success is more likely with strong communication between parts of the brain that inhibit and execute automated behavior, report researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in the March 1, 2017 issue of JAMA Psychiatry. |
A new role for an old immune cell may lead to novel therapies for infection and cancerA new study has identified a previously undescribed role for a type of unconventional T cell with the potential to be used in the development of new therapies for infection and cancer. | |
Study finds patients more likely to receive surgical intervention for narrowed arteries in fee-for-serviceIndividuals were more likely to undergo surgery to treat narrowed arteries when they were treated by fee-for-service physicians in the private sector compared with salary-based military physicians, according to a study published online by JAMA Surgery. | |
Research finds we can civilize punishment by learning a perpetrator's unfortunate historyIf a child is physically or emotionally abused throughout childhood, is she viewed by society as less blameworthy for her actions and moral character as an adult? | |
 | The shifting rationales for vapingA new study harnesses social media data to explore—in their own words—the reasons people use e-cigarettes and why they started vaping in the first place. Nearly half of people say they began vaping in an effort to quit smoking cigarettes, while other reasons included their taste, the ability to use them indoors and their "cool factor." |
 | Shorter herceptin breast cancer treatment may produce better resultsBreast cancer patients who receive the drug Herceptin for nine weeks as part of their post-surgery chemotherapy regime may enjoy better health outcomes, according to new research led by UCL, compared to those who receive it for 12 months, the period currently recommended in the English NHS. |
 | Study links changes in oral microbiome with metabolic diseaseA team of scientists from The Forsyth Institute and the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait have found that metabolic diseases, which are characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity—leads to changes in oral bacteria and puts people with the disease at a greater risk for poor oral health. This study of more than 8,000 ten year olds in Kuwait showed that metabolic diseases lead to increases in salivary glucose; alterations of the bacteria found in the mouth; and increased risk of cavities and gum disease. This work reinforces the need for preventive dental care and greater integration between medical and dental care. |
In select patients with gunshot wounds, no operation is sometimes a better optionAt one time, trauma surgeons considered an operation mandatory to treat gunshot wounds to the abdomen, but a study published online as an "article in press" on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons website has found that in selected patients, avoiding an operation—a practice known as nonoperative management—is an acceptable and effective treatment. | |
 | Teens drive more safely in the months after a crashTeens' risky driving drops considerably in the two months following a serious collision, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The research, involving data on actual driving behavior from over 250 teens, suggests that involvement in a severe crash may prompt adolescents to engage in safer driving behavior. |
 | Nerve 'zap' treatment may speed stroke recovery(HealthDay)—An implanted device that provides electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve leading to the brain enhanced arm movement in a small group of stroke patients, researchers report. |
Xermelo approved for tumor-related diarrhea(HealthDay)—Xermelo (telotristat ethyl) tablets have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, one of a collection of symptoms related to rare carcinoid tumors. | |
 | Salicylic acid, microdermabrasion linked to wound healing(HealthDay)—Use of salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion are associated with dermal morphological changes consistent with the repair process, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. |
 | Guidelines provided for suboptimally dated pregnancies(HealthDay)—Guidelines have been provided for managing pregnancies in which the best clinical estimate of gestational age is suboptimal, according to a committee opinion published in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. |
Allergies? Probiotic combination may curb your symptoms, new study findsAs we head into allergy season, you may feel less likely to grab a hanky and sneeze. That's because new University of Florida research shows a probiotic combination might help reduce hay fever symptoms, if it's taken during allergy season. | |
 | Too much TV related to drops in school readiness, especially among low-income childrenWatching television for more than a couple of hours a day is linked to lower school readiness skills in kindergartners, particularly among children from low-income families, finds a study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and Université Sainte-Anne. |
 | Food subsidies and taxes significantly improve dietary choicesA new systematic review and meta-analysis finds that lowering the cost of healthy foods significantly increases their consumption, while raising the cost of unhealthy items significantly reduces their intake. |
Study shows role of depression in the ongoing tobacco epidemicThe prevalence of smoking has remained fairly stable over the past decade after declining sharply for many years. To determine whether an increase in certain barriers to successful cessation and sustained abstinence may be contributing to this slowed decline, researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health analyzed changes in the prevalence of depression among current, former and never smokers in the U.S. The team found that depression appeared to have significantly increased in the U.S. from 2005 to 2013 among smokers, as well as among former and never smokers. While the prevalence of depression is consistently highest among smokers, the rate of increase in depression was most prominent among former and never smokers. The full study findings are published online in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. | |
Study identifies strategies to improve knee replacement outcomes in patients with obesityObesity affects 35 percent of the adult population in the U.S. A new literature review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) identifies strategies to improve total knee replacement (TKR) outcomes in patients with obesity. | |
 | Gut microbes and poor artery health—researchers probe possible linkScientific evidence that the assortment of gut microbes in humans influences different and critical aspects of health is piling up: Researchers think our microbes may influence obesity, anxiety, depression, autism, cancer and gastrointestinal diseases. |
 | Scientists spot signs that predict worsening multiple sclerosis(HealthDay)—Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more likely to progress to advanced disease among patients who suffer from fatigue and limited use of their legs, new research suggests. |
 | Older bones benefit from dairy plus vitamin D(HealthDay)—A combination of vitamin D supplements and certain dairy foods may protect against age-related bone loss, a new study indicates. |
 | Monoclonal antibody drug superior to chemotherapy for advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemiaA Phase III clinical trial involving 101 centers in 21 countries revealed the monoclonal antibody blinatumomab to be more effective than standard chemotherapy for treatment of advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Study findings were published in the March 1 online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. |
Nation's top environmental scientists say the EPA should not be weakenedAs scientists begin to find their political voices, three former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency insiders on Wednesday said the Trump administration should not sacrifice environmental quality and the health of the American people "for a coterie of special-interest stakeholders." | |
Autoimmune disease may be linked to heightened dementia riskAutoimmune disease may be linked to a heightened risk of dementia, indicates a large long term study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. | |
 | Scientists stimulate immune system, stop cancer growthA chemical found in tumors may help stop tumor growth, according to a new study. |
 | Former addicts try to help drug users in AfghanistanRaheem Rejaey was a drug addict for 17 years. He lived under bridges in Kabul or in the ruins of buildings. His clothes reeked. In his misery, he tried suicide several times, he said, once intentionally overdosing and lying unconscious in a street for two days, undiscovered. |
 | Report highlights experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people with cancerLesbian, gay and bisexual people tend to report having a poorer experience as a cancer patient than heterosexual people, according to a study. |
Tailored preventive oral health intervention improves dental health among elderlyA tailored preventive oral health intervention significantly improved the cleanliness of teeth and dentures among elderly home care clients. In addition, functional ability and cognitive function were strongly associated with better oral hygiene, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. The study is part of a larger intervention study, NutOrMed, and the findings were published in the Age and Aging journal. | |
Patients at risk from 'nested interruptions' in nursing tasks, human factors paper reportsIntensive care units (ICUs) are one of the most challenging and complex environments in today's health-care system. ICU nurses, who perform various tasks critical to ensuring the safety of patients under their care, are frequently interrupted throughout the workday, sometimes as often as 15 times per hour. The effects of single interruptions in various workplaces have been well documented, but new research published in Human Factors, "Effects of Nested Interruptions on Task Resumption: A Laboratory Study With Intensive Care Nurses," examines how multilevel interruptions experienced by ICU nurses can affect their performance and, ultimately, patients' well-being. | |
 | New collection in RIO Journal devoted to neuroscience projects from 2016 Brainhack eventsA new collection devoted to neuroscience projects from 2016 Brainhack events has been launched in the open access journal Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO). At current count, the "Brainhack 2016 Project Reports" collection features eight Project Reports, whose authors are applying open science and collaborative research to advance our understanding of the brain. |
Colorectal cancer statistics, 2017Despite dramatic reductions in overall colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, striking disparities by age, race, and tumor subsite remain. That's according to the latest edition of Colorectal Cancer Statistics and its companion publication, Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures, published every three years by the American Cancer Society. | |
 | Guanfacine is safe and well-tolerated in children and adolescents with anxiety disorderA pilot study of guanfacine, a controlled-release alpha2-agonist, in children and adolescents with general, separation-related, and social anxiety disorder showed the drug to be safe and well-tolerated and provided preliminary evidence of its potential effectiveness. The study supports further clinical testing of the drug in pediatric patients with anxiety, according to the results published in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. |
Neither increased access nor reduced costs achieved in states that 'opt-out' of requiring supervision anesthesia"Opting-out" of the Medicare rule that requires anesthesia to be administered with physician supervision has little or no impact on access to either inpatient or outpatient surgery, according to a study published in Health Economics Review. Researchers also found the opt-out policy does not reduce costs, and in some cases may be associated with higher costs related to inpatient surgical care. | |
Cost of managing actinic keratosis varies; opportunity to improve valueActinic keratoses - or AK - are skin growths that most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas. These growths require regular management because a small proportion of them can progress to squamous cell skin cancer. | |
FDG PET/CT found useful in certain lung cancer patientsFDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for treatment assessment of patients with lung cancer, though systematic evidence for its comparative effectiveness with conventional imaging, such as chest CT, is still evolving. | |
Biology news
 | Mollusk graveyards are time machines to oceans' pristine pastA University of Florida study shows that mollusk fossils provide a reliable measure of human-driven changes in marine ecosystems and shifts in ocean biodiversity across time and space. |
 | DNA from taxidermy specimens explains genetic structure of British and Irish goatsIntensive selective breeding over the past 200 years and high extinction rates among feral populations has greatly reduced the genetic diversity present in domestic goat breeds. The effect these pressures have had on Irish and British goat populations has been explored in a landmark DNA study that compared modern-day domestic and feral goats with museum specimens from years gone by. |
 | Shedding new light on the evolution of the squidOctopus, cuttlefish and squid are well known in the invertebrate world. With their ink-squirting decoy technique, ability to change colour, bizarre body plan and remarkable intelligence they highlight that lacking a back-bone doesn't always mean lacking sophistication. |
 | Study finds that mothers determine chimps' lifelong grooming behaviorThink of all the things your mom taught you—sit up straight, close your mouth when you chew, remember to say please and thank you … the list goes on. |
 | Caterpillars found to use vibrations to attract other caterpillars(Phys.org)—A small team of researchers with members from institutions in Canada and Brazil has found that one species of caterpillar uses parts of its body to create vibrational noises that attract others of its kind. In their paper published in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, the team describes their study of the tiny insects and the possible impact their results could have on pesticide development. |
 | Aging can be good for you (if you're a yeast)It's a cheering thought for anyone heading towards their golden years. Research from the Babraham Institute has shown that ageing can be beneficial - albeit so far only in yeast. |
 | Research shows nature can beat back scientific tinkering with genes of entire speciesRest easy, folks. Armies of genetically modified super-species are unlikely to conquer Earth anytime soon. |
 | Improved gene expression atlas shows that many human long non-coding RNAs may actually be functionalWhile it was once believed that genes regulated biological functions almost exclusively by being transcribed to coding RNAs that were then translated into proteins, it is now known that the picture is much more complex. In fact, studies examining the association between genes and diseases have shown that most disease variants are found outside of protein-coding genes. |
 | The ultimate power nap: Researchers use 'Fitbits' to track elephant sleep in the wildWhy we sleep is one of the enduring unanswered mysteries of modern science. Along with such activities as eating, protecting oneself and reproducing, sleep is one of the major biological imperatives of existence. |
 | With most of the same genes, how do lizard siblings end up so different?The brown anole, a prolific lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas and now commonly found in many tropical and subtropical regions, is providing new clues to how genetics and hormones work together to shape the development of organisms. |
Video: How a butterfly builds its wingsNipam Patel started collecting butterflies when he was 8. Now an evolutionary and developmental biologist at UC Berkeley, Patel and his team are using innovative techniques to try to figure out something that's fascinated but eluded scientists for years: How butterflies develop their extraordinary colors and patterns. | |
 | Want to eradicate viruses? They made us who we areIt is cold and flu season so many of us are currently under the weather with a virus. But what exactly is a virus? And are they even alive? |
 | Conservation of Indonesian river and forest habitats in order to protect wildlifeA new project led by a researcher from the University of Leicester is supporting the conservation of river and forest habitats in Indonesia - which are vital to the survival of a number of rare species of animal including orangutans and native fish. |
 | When bigger mammals live longer than smaller ones, why do taller humans die younger?The tallest man in Europe, 7ft 7in former basketball player turned actor Neil Fingleton, who played roles in Game of Thrones, and the X-Men and Avengers films, has died aged just 36. Such early death in the excessively tall is not uncommon. Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest person on record died at 22, and of the 10 tallest people ever recorded, the oldest died at 56. In people, height is negatively correlated with longevity; that is, taller individuals don't tend to live as long. It's kind of unfortunate that I'm both a researcher into ageing and 6ft 1in tall. |
 | UN sees bird flu changes but calls risk of people spread lowThe World Health Organization says it has noticed changes in the bird flu virus now spreading in China, but says the risk of the disease spreading easily between people remains low. |
 | Bee species with little known nesting-behavior observed to use plastic instead of leavesLittle is known about the nesting activities of some lineages of megachiline bees. Dr. Sarah Gess, affiliated with both Albany Museum and Rhodes University, South Africa, and Peter Roosenschoon, Conservation Officer at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates, made use of their earlier observations gathered during a survey on flower visitation in the spring of 2015, to fill some gaps in the knowledge of of three species from such lineages. |
 | Keep calm and measure cats' blood pressureA decade ago, an Editorial in The Lancet, 'Hypertension: uncontrolled and conquering the world', presented some alarming facts: the risk of becoming hypertensive during a lifetime exceeds 90% for people in developed countries, with over 1.5 billion adults expected to have hypertension by 2025. It continued: 'screening is not done systematically, and the diagnosis is often made at a late stage when target organ damage has already happened'. |
 | Researchers uncover the origins of ash tree dieback and set out ways to fight itResearchers from 35 European countries shared and analysed data on ash dieback across the entire continent over a four-year period, identifying the causes, effects and ways to counter the phenomenon. An invasive species originating from East Asia, the fungus was first seen in Eastern Europe in 1992. It is now threatening one of Europe's most common tree species, killing millions of ash trees across the entire continent. |
 | Study examines pesticides' impact on wood frogsA new study looks at how neonicotinoid pesticides affect wood frogs, which use surface waters in agricultural environments to breed and reproduce. Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that are applied to a variety of crops and are relatively persistent in the environment. |
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