Science X Newsletter Monday, Sep 11

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for September 11, 2017:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Astronomers reveal new insights into the origin and evolution of open cluster NGC 6791

Self-assembling nanoparticle arrays can switch between a mirror and a window

Best of Last Week—Reclassifying Earth, a device that identifies cancer and some benefits of a fatty diet

Artificial intelligence uses less than two minutes of videogame footage to recreate game engine

Australian researchers say they can stop melanoma spreading

Apple may test the bounds of iPhone love with a $1,000 model

Fire ant venom compounds may lead to skin treatments

First research to suggest scratching may have evolved as a communication tool to help social cohesion

New device zooms in on microbe behaviour at the right scale

Technique sheds light on inner workings of neural nets trained to process language

Extreme jet ejections from the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni

Enhanced protein analysis could help early disease detection

Potential new therapy relieves chronic itch

Image: Large Binocular Telescope snags first glimpse of NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft since launch

Birds' unique skulls linked to young dinosaur brains

Astronomy & Space news

	Astronomers reveal new insights into the origin and evolution of open cluster NGC 6791 (Phys.org)—By conducting an orbital analysis, a team of astronomers led by Luis Martinez-Medina of the National Autonomous University of Mexico has uncovered new details about the origin and evolution of the old, metal-rich open cluster NGC 6791. The findings were presented Sept. 4 in a paper published on arXiv.org.
	Extreme jet ejections from the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni A black hole X-ray binary (BHXB) is a black hole orbiting a normal star. When matter from the normal star accretes onto the black hole, a jet of charged particles is ejected at relativistic (near-light) speeds, and these particles emit strong X-ray radiation. The processes involved are thought to be similar to ones active under the more dramatic conditions in active galactic nuclei. Most known BHXBs are located in our galaxy, and being much closer to us they can be studied in more detail than their more distant cousins.
	Image: Large Binocular Telescope snags first glimpse of NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft since launch This set of magnified, cropped images shows NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft (highlighted in red) as it approaches Earth for its Sept. 22 Earth Gravity Assist. To improve visibility, the images have been inverted so that black and white are reversed. The images were taken Sept. 2, by the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory located on Mount Graham in Arizona. This is the first Earth-based view of the spacecraft since its launch on Sept. 8, 2016.
	Scientists observe largest solar flare in 12 years The sun's largest solar flare in more than 12 years – and the eighth largest since modern records began in 1996 – has been captured in high detail by a team of researchers from the University of Sheffield and Queen's University Belfast.
	Astronomers spun up by galaxy-shape finding For the first time astronomers have measured how a galaxy's spin affects its shape.
	Astronomers resolve mystery of white dwarf's mass New observations of the white dwarf/red dwarf binary star 40 Eridani BC by astronomers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) have revealed new, definitive values for the orbital period and masses of the components of this interesting stellar pair. A paper describing the observations and the results by Dr. Brian Mason, Dr. Bill Hartkopf, and intern Korie Miles has been accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal.
	Image: Hubble sees newborn stars in arms of a spiral galaxy Like firecrackers lighting up the sky on New Year's Eve, the majestic spiral arms of NGC 5559 are alight with new stars being born. NGC 5559 is a spiral galaxy, with spiral arms filled with gas and dust sweeping out around the bright galactic bulge. These arms are a rich environment for star formation, dotted with a festive array of colors including the newborn stars glowing blue as a result of their immensely high temperatures.
	Sun erupts with significant flare The sun emitted a significant solar flare, peaking at 12:06 p.m. EDT on Sept. 10, 2017. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground, however—when intense enough—they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.
	How two ground-based telescopes support NASA's Cassini mission When NASA's Cassini spacecraft plunges into the atmosphere of Saturn on Sept. 15, ending its 20 years of exploration, astronomers will observe the giant planet from Earth, giving context to Cassini's final measurements.

Technology news

	Artificial intelligence uses less than two minutes of videogame footage to recreate game engine Game studios and enthusiasts may soon have a new tool at their disposal to speed up game development and experiment with different styles of play. Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have developed a new approach using an artificial intelligence to learn a complete game engine, the basic software of a game that governs everything from character movement to rendering graphics.
	Apple may test the bounds of iPhone love with a $1,000 model Apple is expected to sell its fanciest iPhone yet for $1,000, crossing into a new financial frontier that will test how much consumers are willing to pay for a device that's become an indispensable part of modern life.
	Technique sheds light on inner workings of neural nets trained to process language Artificial-intelligence research has been transformed by machine-learning systems called neural networks, which learn how to perform tasks by analyzing huge volumes of training data.
	Rogue Korean child-monitoring app is back, researchers say A South Korean child-monitoring smartphone app that was removed from the market in 2015 after it was found to be riddled with security flaws has been reissued under a new name and still puts children at risk, researchers said Monday.
	With fossil fuel bans, e-cars shift into higher gear Beijing's announcement that it is considering joining France and Britain in banning petrol and diesel cars from its smog-clogged roads promises to accelerate a push towards electric vehicles—a race in which Chinese carmakers have everything to gain.
	UK wind electricity cheaper than nuclear: data The price of electricity from offshore wind in Britain has dipped below the level guaranteed to Hinkley Point, raising questions about the construction of the vast nuclear power station.
	Can a photo spot your sexuality? Research points to power of deep neural networks (Tech Xplore)—Researchers at Stanford have shown how artificial intelligence can be used to pinpoint sexual orientation just by looking at photos. Reports of their work promptly generated long strings of comments from visitors to various sites. Their work also triggered concern about what their research, including findings, may imply.
	Chinese video site offers virtual escape from 'boring' reality Feeling trapped in her "boring" life as a member of China's modern workforce, "Yaorenmao" escapes online, where she prances and preens in cosplay outfits for her 1.3 million fans.
	Map offers real-time, crowd-sourced flood reporting during Hurricane Irma As Hurricane Irma bears down on the U.S., the MIT Urban Risk Lab has launched a free, open-source platform that will help residents and government officials track flooding in Broward County, Florida. The platform, RiskMap.us, is being piloted to enable both residents and emergency managers to obtain better information on flooding conditions in near-real time.
	Research demonstrates ability to gather and share data without internet during natural disasters Storms like Hurricane Irma and other natural disasters bring with them lots of uncertainty – where will they go, how much damage will they cause. But, what is certain is that no matter where they strike, natural disasters knock out power.
	CO2-free mobility: (how) is that possible? Right now, everyone is talking about mobility, how it ought to be CO2 -neutral and clean. Yet how do we get there? Banning combustion engines, changing how we usually get around or gradually shifting towards electric vehicles – the ideal path is not exactly clear.
	As your car becomes more like an iPhone, get ready to update its software regularly In response to millions of people fleeing Florida in the face of Hurricane Irma, Tesla has "flipped a switch" in some of its cars to temporarily extend their range.
	Researchers develop advanced material for ultra-stable, high capacity rechargeable batteries A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully designed a novel organic material of superior electrical conductivity and energy retention capability for use in battery applications. This invention paves the way for the development of ultra-stable, high capacity and environmental friendly rechargeable batteries.
	The only safe email is text-only email It's troubling to think that at any moment you might open an email that looks like it comes from your employer, a relative or your bank, only to fall for a phishing scam. Any one of the endless stream of innocent-looking emails you receive throughout the day could be trying to con you into handing over your login credentials and give criminals control of your confidential data or your identity.
	Facebook staffs up in China despite being blocked Facebook has hired a Chinese government-relations point man and is seeking other staff in signs that it harbours ambitions for a China presence despite its main social media platform being blocked.
	Facebook fined 1.2 mln euros by Spanish data watchdog Spain's data protection watchdog said Monday it has slapped Facebook with a fine of 1.2 million euros ($1.44 million) for failing to prevent its users' data being accessed by advertisers.
	Daimler to offer electrified versions of all Mercedes 'by 2022' The world's largest luxury carmaker Daimler plans to offer an electric or hybrid version version of every Mercedes-Benz model within five years, its chief executive said Monday.
	Diesels on display in Frankfurt auto show despite scandal Scandals. Recalls. Threats of bans. The diesel engine is a public enemy for many environmental activists and politicians.
	Tesla puts charging stations in more locations Tesla is rolling out more charging stations, clearing additional obstacles for those who might want to give electric cars a try.
Congressional redistricting less contentious when resolved using computer algorithm Concerns that the process of U.S. congressional redistricting may be politically biased have fueled many debates, but a team of University of Illinois computer scientists and engineers has developed a new computer algorithm that may make the task easier for state legislatures and fairer for their constituents.
	OPEC added billions to cost of oil production, new research says OPEC's effects on the world economy extend far beyond prices consumers see at the pump, says new research from Duke University, KU Leuven and UCLA.
The new iPhone will land in Apple's flying-saucer shaped campus iPhone, schm-iPhone. What we all really want to see come Sept. 12 is Apple's newly landed flying saucer of a headquarters.
	Getting up to speed on the Equifax data breach scandal Equifax has been scrambling to explain itself since disclosing last week that it exposed vital data about 143 million Americans—effectively most of the U.S. adult population. It's come under fire from members of Congress, state attorneys general, and people who are getting conflicting answers about whether their information was stolen.
	Volkswagen to electrify entire range by 2030 German carmaker Volkswagen doubled down Monday on efforts to clean up its image tarnished by the dieselgate scandal, vowing ahead of the IAA auto industry show to electrify its entire range by 2030.
	Key process to be modernized in production of life-saving drugs, food preservation A consortium of experts is working to modernize a process that is used in making a wide range of products, from freeze-dried space foods to life-saving wonder drugs.
	GM unit says it has 'mass producible' autonomous cars The General Motors unit developing autonomous vehicles said Monday it has begun rolling out the first "mass producible" self-driving cars that could be available once regulations allow.
	How to fix identity-theft issues posed by the Equifax hack The Equifax breach didn't just expose sensitive personal information of 143 million Americans—it underscored the huge vulnerabilities that make widespread identity theft possible.
Russian cyber hacker pleads guilty in identity theft case A Russian cybercriminal identified as a leader of a $50 million identity theft and credit card fraud ring has pleaded guilty in Atlanta to helping to steal millions of debit card numbers and swiftly loot accounts in cities around the world, federal authorities said.
	Brain Composer—'thinking' melodies onto a musical score TU Graz researchers develop new brain-computer interface application that allows music to be composed by the power of thought. They have published their results in the current issue of the journal PLOS ONE.
	3-D LiDAR sensor enabling detection of distances with wide angle of view Panasonic Corporation announced today that it has developed a 3-D LiDAR sensor that accurately measure the direction of and distance to objects with a wide angle of view, which is critical for autonomous operation of mobile robots. Employing Panasonic's propriety laser-scanning technology, this 3-D LiDAR is capable of scanning the laser as wide as up to 60 degrees vertically and 270 degrees horizontally to achieve stable operation of autonomous robots. Sample shipments will start in January 2018. Panasonic will exhibit the 3-D LiDAR at "CEATEC JAPAN 2017" at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan, from October 3 to 6, 2017
	Teachable, ultra-compact, autonomous, phenotyping robot introduced to investors, market Investors and executives in the agricultural industry are getting a first look at TerraSentia, a new-to-the-market agricultural robot that autonomously measures crop traits, developed at the University of Illinois. TerraSentia is being unveiled on Sept. 11 to 13 at the Ag Innovation Showcase in St. Louis that brings together agricultural innovators with investors to help realize the future of the industry.
Austria domain registry rejects US neo-Nazi website An Austrian company has revoked the domain name of an American neo-Nazi website that previously was rejected by internet hosts in the United States.

Medicine & Health news

	Australian researchers say they can stop melanoma spreading Researchers say a combination of new treatments can stop the world's deadliest form of skin cancer—melanoma—in its tracks and halt its spread to other organs.
	Potential new therapy relieves chronic itch The roots of chronic itching have long remained a mystery. Meanwhile, those with the condition suffer from an unrelenting and sometimes debilitating urge to scratch. Now, new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified immune signaling molecules that are essential for activating neurons in the skin to cause chronic itching.
	'Epigenetic' changes from cigarette smoke may be first step in lung cancer development Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say they have preliminary evidence in laboratory-grown, human airway cells that a condensed form of cigarette smoke triggers so-called "epigenetic" changes in the cells consistent with the earliest steps toward lung cancer development.
	Gut microbes may influence multiple sclerosis progression Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified specific gut microbes associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) in human patients, showing that these microbes take part in regulating immune responses in mouse models of the disease.
	Bisphenol A exposure through the skin from store receipts takes longer to be excreted (Medical Xpress)—A pair of researchers, one with the University of Alberta the other with Stockholm University, has found that it takes longer for people to excrete bisphenol A from the body than when the compound is consumed. In their paper published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, Jiaying Liu and Jonathan Martin describe their research and why they believe their findings suggest a trip to the store could present a health hazard for consumers.
	Omega 3 helps the gut stay healthy, study finds Taking omega-3 as part of a healthy diet with plenty of fibre and probiotic foods can improve the diversity of the gut microbiome according to a new study by researchers at the University of Nottingham and King's College London.
	Eleven new studies suggest 'power poses' don't work The claim that holding a "power pose" can improve your life became wildly popular several years ago, fueling the second most-watched TED talk ever but also casting doubts about the science behind the assertion.
	Long sitting periods may be just as harmful as daily total A new study finds that it isn't just the amount of time spent sitting, but also the way in which sitting time is accumulated during the day, that can affect risk of early death.
	Body's own defense against ALS actually drives disease progression at later stages Columbia scientists have discovered that one of the body's natural defenses against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a cellular 'clean-up process' called autophagy—suppresses disease progression early on, but in later stages advances the disease's deadly spread through the spinal cord. These findings in mice provide a window into ALS's earliest stages, as well as new insights into its complexity, namely the differing roles that autophagy plays in its progression. In addition, this study can help scientists search for ways to detect and even treat the disease before the onset of devastating symptoms that gradually rob patients of movement, speech and life.
	Scientists construct first predictive model of inflammatory bowel disease Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Sema4, and collaborating institutions today published results of an in-depth, multi-omics approach to characterizing the immune component of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These results provide new insights into the biologic networks involved in IBD with potential to identify new targets and eventually novel interventions for the treatment of patients living with IBD. The article appeared online in Nature Genetics.
	DNA looping architecture may lead to opportunities to treat brain tumors The discovery of a mechanism by which normal brain cells regulate the expression of the NFIA gene, which is important for both normal brain development and brain tumor growth, might one day help improve therapies to treat brain tumors. The study appears in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
These mutations could be key to understanding how some harmful conditions develop A team of researchers led by a bioinformatician at the University of California San Diego has developed a method to help determine whether certain hard-to-study mutations in the human genome, called short tandem repeats or microsatellites, are likely to be involved in harmful conditions.
	Researchers find that body clock, gut microbiota work together to pack on the pounds UT Southwestern researchers have uncovered new clues about how gut bacteria and the body's circadian clock work together to promote body fat accumulation.
Massachusetts off-road-vehicle law significantly reduces injuries, hospitalizations in children The 2010 Massachusetts law restricting the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) to those age 14 and older led to significant reductions in both emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions resulting from ORV injuries in the following three years. A study by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), comparing injury rates before and after the law's enactment, has been released online prior to publication in the October issue of Pediatrics.
New study reveals hidden burden of Lupus among Hispanic and Asian women in Manhattan Within Manhattan's diverse population, the chronic and often debilitating autoimmune disease lupus affects Hispanic and Asian women more frequently than white women, according to a new study led by investigators at NYU School of Medicine.
Does health insurance status affect childhood cancer survival? A new study examines whether insurance status may affect survival in children diagnosed with cancer. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings suggest largely similar survival trends between privately insured children and those with Medicaid at diagnosis, with slight evidence for an increased risk of cancer death in children who were uninsured at diagnosis.
Beverage industry capitalizing on countries with fewer health regulations Considerable exposure to sugary drinks combined with a lack of water fountains in high schools are likely important contributors to increased consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, a new study from the University of Waterloo has found.
Reports reveal racial and ethnic disparities in lupus rates Two new papers reveal striking racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence and prevalence of lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ system. The reports, which are published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, provide the latest information from lupus registries in California and New York.
Nurses' regular use of disinfectants is associated with developing COPD Milan, Italy: Regular use of disinfectants is linked to a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to new research looking at incidence of the disease in over 55,000 nurses in the USA.
	E-cig refills contain irritants, and people who smoke and use e-cigs suffer more symptoms Two new studies presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress highlight the risks associated with using e-cigarettes, especially for those who also smoke conventional cigarettes.
	E-cigarettes linked to increased arterial stiffness, blood pressure and heart rate in humans New research has shown for the first time that e-cigarettes with nicotine cause a stiffening of the arteries in humans. This has important implications for the use of e-cigarettes, as arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in later life.
	Electric genes hope to fix a broken heart Broken hearts have long influenced songsters and poets, but scientists have also been occupied by its literal meaning and are now hoping to use electric gene therapy as a revolutionary new treatment for cardiac conditions.
	Does marijuana affect your sleep? If you speak to someone who has suffered from insomnia at all as an adult, chances are good that person has either tried using marijuana, or cannabis, for sleep or has thought about it.
Cholera fears rise following Atlantic hurricanes—are we making any progress? As hurricanes barrel through some of the most impoverished communities in the Western Hemisphere, and as floods ravage Yemen, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh and India, now is the time to rethink and prioritize cholera epidemic prevention and response.
	Can E-cigarettes help COPD patients quit smoking and reduce harm to lungs? E-cigarette use has become increasingly common over the past several years, and some smokers have even employed the flavored vapor in the hopes that it might help them quit, or at least mitigate the negative health consequences of a nicotine habit. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), e-cigarettes do neither, according to a new study at the UNC School of Medicine published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Breast cancer patients who freeze their eggs see no delay for chemotherapy Women who receive a breast cancer diagnosis while they are still young enough to bear children can take time to freeze their eggs and embryos without fear of delaying their cancer treatment, according to research by UC San Francisco scientists who have helped develop a faster fertility preservation technique that can achieve in two weeks what used to take a month or longer.
Clinical trials often unregistered, unpublished An analysis of more than 100 clinical trials found that they were often unregistered, unpublished and had discrepancies in the reporting of primary outcomes, according to a study published by JAMA. The study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the Eighth International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication.
Savings less than expected for generic oral chemotherapy A study by researchers at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center determined the cost savings for a generic version of an orally administered cancer treatment were less than expected—a finding that questions the impact generic drugs can have on controlling health care costs.
Study estimates R&D spending on bringing new cancer drug to market Research and development costs are a common justification for high cancer drug prices and a new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine offers an updated estimate of the spending needed to bring a drug to the U.S. market.
	Cell surface protein may offer big target in treating high-risk childhood cancers Oncology researchers studying high-risk children's cancers have identified a protein that offers a likely target for immunotherapy—harnessing the immune system in medical treatments. In cell cultures and animal models, a potent drug attached to an antibody selectively zeroes in on cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
	Good vibrations reduce muscle aches New research from Massey University's College of Health shows wearable vibration technology can reduce muscle aches and pain after strenuous exercise, benefiting those suffering from tired and sore bodies.
Spike in serious road injuries among cyclists The number of Victorian cyclists being admitted to hospital with serious trauma from road crashes has more than doubled in the past nine years, according to a Monash University study.
	The magic pill is exercise As people age, walking and balance become more of a challenge, but also more of a necessity. Older adults who aren't physically active increase their risk of illness, hospitalization and disability. Just how much exercise could make a difference?
	Living near fast food outlets linked to weight gain in primary school children Children with greater access to fast food outlets are more likely to gain weight compared to those living further away, new research suggests.
	How anesthetics work, and why xenon's perfect Common wisdom maintains that, because of the myriad effects on the brain, how anesthetic drugs work at the molecular level is a mystery.
	New autism diagnosis guidelines miss the mark on how best to help children with developmental problems The first national guidelines for diagnosing autism were released for public consultation last week. The report by research group Autism CRC was commissioned and funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in October 2016.
	Mandated high school phys-ed policy does not affect overall physical activity levels in youth A new study led by researchers at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba suggests that a mandated physical education (PE) policy in high schools did not improve levels of overall physical activity in youth.
	Researchers grow micro-tumour models for more targeted cancer therapy Researchers have successfully grown micro-tumour models outside the human body and used them to identify alternative treatment options for cancer patients who are suffering from resistant and/or metastatic disease, meaning that they fail to respond to standard-of-care cancer drugs.
	Expectant first-time mothers uncertain about vaccinating their children First-time mums are more hesitant and undecided about childhood vaccinations compared to mothers with children and only two thirds of all mothers believe they receive enough information on vaccines during pregnancy.
	Childhood maltreatment may change brain's response to threat Neural activity associated with defensive responses in humans shifts between two brain regions depending on the proximity of a threat, suggests neuroimaging data from two independent samples of adults in the Netherlands published in The Journal of Neuroscience. In one sample, the findings suggest that emotional abuse during childhood may shift the balance of activity between these regions.
	Study shows so-called 'healthy obesity' is harmful to cardiovascular health Clinicians are being warned not to ignore the increased cardiovascular health risks of those who are classed as either 'healthy obese' or deemed to be 'normal weight' but have metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes.
	Gut bacteria influences drug-induced liver injury Pharmaceutical drugs are broken down by enzymes in the liver into their metabolites, which are subsequently excreted in the faeces and urine. Drugs can also undergo chemical reactions mediated by bacteria within the gut, an important process that is commonly neglected. In a new study, a team of pharmaceutical scientists from NUS found that gut bacteria may selectively modify the breaking down of a drug. This causes certain patients to suffer from drug-induced liver injury (DILI), where there are unexpected side effects from consuming a drug, causing liver damage. The discovery and understanding of this process could potentially lead to the development of novel strategies to improve drug treatment outcomes and reduce drug-associated side effects.
Chronic cell death promotes liver cancer Liver cancer occurs predominantly in patients whose liver has been damaged as a result of chronic disease. Until now, it was not known how these events are linked at the molecular level. An international team of scientists from the German Cancer Research Center and the University of Zurich has now shown that chronic cell death promotes the development of cancer. The more cells die, the more the remaining cells have to divide. In this process, they accumulate mutations, fertile ground for liver cancer to develop.
Durvalumab improves progression-free survival in stage III lung cancer Durvalumab improves progression-free survival in patients with locally advanced, unresectable stage II lung cancer, according to late-breaking results from the phase III PACIFIC trial presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Study challenges perception that empathy erodes during medical school The relationship between a doctor and patient relies heavily on the physician's capacity to empathize with or be sensitive to a patient's emotional state. Empathy has been associated with patients' increased adherence to treatment, fewer malpractice complaints, improved patient satisfaction and favorable health outcomes.
	Two US scientists awarded Balzan Prize for cancer research Two U.S. scientists whose work has contributed to creating immunological treatments for cancer are among the winners of this year's Balzan Prizes, announced Monday, recognizing scholarly and scientific achievements.
New method for monitoring fetal heartbeat Researchers have developed a technique to accurately isolate fetal heart sounds from background noise in acoustic recordings, allowing them to distinguish between different segments of the fetal heartbeat. This technique could potentially lead to non-invasive and inexpensive fetal monitoring that a mother could perform in her own home, and inform doctors about fetal health, making pregnancy safer.
Sleep apnea common in atrial fibrillation patients A study involving cardiac patients at the University Hospital of Umeå shows that over 80 percent of patients treated for atrial fibrillation also have sleep apnea - a condition with pauses in breathing during sleep. The study, presented in a dissertation at Umeå University, indicates that the prevalence of sleep apnea is not affected by electrical cardioversion.
	Dangerous drug use trend among high school seniors, study reveals Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), commonly marketed as "Spice" and "K2", are potent new psychoactive compounds being used among high school students, with a high risk of adverse health outcomes. Some compounds found in SCs resemble those in marijuana and are often marketed as being similar. In reality, SCs have been found to have a potency ranging from 2 to 100 times stronger than marijuana, making adverse health outcomes of SC use exponentially greater than marijuana use.
Combination targeted adjuvant therapy doubles relapse-free survival in stage III melanoma Combination targeted adjuvant therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib doubles relapse-free survival in patients with stage III BRAF-mutant melanoma, according to late-breaking results from the COMBI-AD trial presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid (1) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (2)
Mitochondrial metastasis suppressor pathway controls tumor cell metabolic reprogramming A novel mitochondrial variant of the protein Syntaphilin, or SNPH, which orchestrates the choice between cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in response to oxygen and nutrient shortage in the tumor microenvironment, has been identified by researchers at The Wistar Institute. This study describes a novel metastasis suppressor pathway and was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Study: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience health care disparities In a new study, researchers with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Nisonger Center found significant disparities between individuals with and without developmental disabilities in health status, health care quality, utilization, access to care and unmet healthcare needs.
Modulating T-cell metabolism uncovers new technology for enhancing immunotherapy T lymphocytes found in tumors and implicated in killing tumor cells cope with the shortage of oxygen and nutrients in the tumor microenvironment by using fat as the main source of energy. Promoting a switch from glucose to fatty acid to generate energy enhances T cell antitumor activity. These findings from a study conducted at The Wistar Institute were published in the journal Cancer Cell.
	Evidence for potential harms of light drinking in pregnancy 'surprisingly' limited The evidence for the potentially harmful effects of light or occasional drinking in pregnancy is 'surprisingly limited,' but women are still better off avoiding all alcohol while pregnant, just in case, concludes a pooled analysis of the available data, published in the online journal BMJ Open.
	Campaigns to reduce elective early-term births effective, study finds A new study from researchers at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Central Florida shows that programs aimed at reducing early-term elective births have been successful, reducing the number of health complications in mothers and babies.
Patients to benefit from new 3-D visualizations of the heart Future heart surgeries will be better informed, as cardiologists will have access to detailed information regarding the 3D disposition of the human conduction system, which is responsible for generating the heartbeat.
Novel intensive care improves treatment for heart patients—and cuts costs Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) have found that a new, collaborative treatment model for seriously ill heart patients with breathing difficulties results in better care and lower costs.
Researchers identify treatment option for brain injury patients suffering from aggression A drug originally developed in the 1960s as an antiviral medication is showing promise as a treatment option for people who suffer from increased feelings of aggression following traumatic brain injury, Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have reported.
New treatment approaches to emotional problems after TBI Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly have emotional difficulties—a persistent problem with limited treatment options. New approaches to treatment for emotional deficits after TBI are presented in the September/October special issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).
Researchers examine disaster preparedness and recovery in a hurricane-induced hospital evacuation Two reports published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship reveal important insights on emergency preparedness, recovery, and resilience from nurses working at NYU Langone Health's main hospital during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Expensive drug driving up Medicare expenditures without evidence of greater efficacy Medicare spent more than $1 billion over a five-year period on a high-priced drug that has not been proven more effective for a collection of inflammatory conditions than much less expensive corticosteroids, research by the OHSU/OSU College of Pharmacy shows.
	Relationship science: How can couples keep moving forward For some couples in romantic relationships, just staying together is good enough. But others want to see their relationship move forward—to get better and better—and are willing to put in the effort to get there.
Cocaine users' brains unable to extinguish drug associations Cocaine-addicted individuals say they find the drug much less enjoyable after years of use, but they have great difficulty quitting. A new brain imaging study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai reveals why this might be so, as well as why a common psychological therapy may not work in addicted cocaine users.
Protein research could help in hunt for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's cures Research carried out at the University of Kent has the potential to influence the future search for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are linked to a family of protein molecules known as 'amyloid'.
Autism on screen may reinforce stereotypes, study finds Fictional portrayals of autistic people - such as The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper - are not fully representative of those with the condition, research suggests.
	8 ways college women can protect their health (HealthDay)—The start of college means it's time for young women to take charge of their health.
	Regular weigh-ins may help prevent college weight gain (HealthDay)—No one likes looking at their weight on a scale every day, but that may be just the trick that college students need to ward off the dreaded "Freshman 15," a new study suggests.
	The health risks of long work weeks (HealthDay)—A 40-hour work week may seem normal to some and like a vacation to others. But a study in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine shows that consistently surpassing this standard can be detrimental to your health.
	Biomarkers can predict rapid drop in renal function in T2DM (HealthDay)—Plasma biomarkers that may improve the prediction of rapid decline in renal function in type 2 diabetes have been identified, according to a study published online Aug. 29 in Diabetes Care.
	In HIV, tissue factor-expressing monocytes trigger coagulation (HealthDay)—A specific subset of tissue factor (TF)-expressing monocytes persist after virological suppression and trigger the coagulation cascade by activating factor X in HIV, according to a study published online Aug. 30 in Science Translational Medicine.
	Risk of prematurity, SGA up for women on antiepileptic drugs (HealthDay)—Women on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy for epilepsy or other indications are at increased risk of giving birth to premature and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, according to a study published online Aug. 30 in the Annals of Neurology.
	Diverse neurological effects linked to anti-PD-1 therapy (HealthDay)—Neurological complications associated with anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibody treatment have a diverse phenotype, according to a study published online Sept. 5 in JAMA Neurology.
	Lidocaine nerve block reduces pain during IUD insertion (HealthDay)—A 10-mL 1 percent lidocaine paracervical nerve block reduces pain during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, according to a study published online Sept. 5 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	Vegetarians more susceptible to depression than meat eaters, study shows. Here's why. Vegetarians are at higher risk of suffering depression compared to those who eat meat and consume a conventional balanced diet, according to a new study.
Pale is the new tan, dermatologist tells patients There's a framed picture in Dr. Terrence Hopkins' waiting room at his Manatee Dermatology practice that shows a little girl in a bikini on a beach with a jarring combination of words printed next to it.
	Meningitis B vaccine's high price tag poses a health care conundrum Four years ago, when meningitis B, an extremely rare but potentially lethal form of the infection, sickened a small number of college students at Princeton and the University of California, Santa Barbara, there was no vaccine against the disease sold in the U.S. Despite its availability abroad, it had never been licensed in the country due to its limited marketability.
	More patients cope with diagnosis of epilepsy As he was growing up, Paul Shaffer sometimes froze in his tracks and felt like he was walking away from his body.
Research identifies causes and possible treatments for deadly diseases affecting children Each year, more than half a million deaths among children under five years of age around the world are caused by diarrheal diseases—largely due to insufficient access to adequate hygiene, sanitation and clean drinking water. While there are effective preventive measures available, including vaccines, adoption is lagging in low-resource settings where the most severe cases occur.
	As athletes collide in arenas this fall, concussion experts look to assess and heal Amid the adrenaline rush and dreams of glory in sports arenas large and small this fall, there will be some hard knocks as well, leading to difficult, on-the-spot decisions. Athletes, coaches, doctors and parents will be called upon to determine as quickly and accurately as possible whether a player should sit out after taking a blow to the head. These choices can have life-long consequences.
	People picking up infection from pet store puppies' poop: CDC (HealthDay)—Bacterial infections that have sickened 39 people in seven states have been linked to puppies sold through Petland, a national pet store chain, U.S. health officials say.
	Managing pain can be a puzzle after breast cancer (HealthDay)—Breast cancer patients who take opioid painkillers are more likely to discontinue an important hormone treatment that helps ensure their survival, researchers report.
Neck mass in adults: Guideline for evaluation provides framework for timely diagnosis With the development of the Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults, published today in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and presented at the AAO-HNSF 2017 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience in Chicago, IL, the appropriate testing and physical examination of an adult with a neck mass is addressed, with a specific goal to reduce delays in diagnosis of malignant disease and to optimize outcomes.
New guideline for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms A new screening guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which cause approximately 1244 deaths every year in Canada, recommends one-time ultrasonography screening for men aged 65 to 80 years.
Children with asthma are being prescribed unnecessary antibiotics Children with asthma are more likely to be prescribed antibiotics even though there is no evidence that they need them any more than children without asthma, according to research to be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2017.
	Onco-dermatologist discusses cancer-related skin, hair and nail problems You probably know that oncologists treat cancer and dermatologists specialize in problems related to the skin, hair and nails—but you may not have heard of "onco-dermatology." It links the two specialties to focus on the prevention and treatment of the skin, hair and nail problems that often arise as side effects from cancer treatments.
	Remote medical diagnostics and treatment can help to ease pressure on Europe's healthcare systems Haptic sensors, connectivity and efficient telecommunications are some of the factors that enable the uptake of medical telerobotic systems. Technical capacity is timely as demographics put pressure on health services, while in remote areas, patients of all ages can find it hard to get appointments with specialists.
Safer bone surgery thanks to a drill bit that protects soft tissue Surgical drills, commonly used in the surgery of the head, spine, extremities and in dental operations, may damage the soft tissue near the bone. It is estimated that complications associated with surgical drills cause costs amounting to more than EUR 4 billion every year and, in the worst cases, can lead to the patient's death.
Study evaluates pembrolizumab in head and neck cancer Immunotherapy with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab may be a better option than standard treatments for patients whose head and neck cancer has spread, or recurred after an initial round of chemotherapy, according to results of the Keynote-040 trial presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid.
Debate on duration of colon cancer adjuvant chemotherapy takes centre stage at ESMO 2017 The debate on whether to shorten adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer from six to three months takes centre stage today in a special session at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid.
Study confirms chemoradiation is best treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer A 14-year randomised trial in more than 600 patients has concluded that chemoradiation should remain the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The findings are reported today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. The trial demonstrated no improved disease-free survival with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery.
	Abemaciclib initial therapy improves outcome in endocrine-sensitive advanced breast cancer The results of the MONARCH 3 trial, presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid, showed that adding the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib to endocrine therapy improved progression-free survival compared to endocrine therapy alone in the total study population. While most women had substantial benefit from the addition of abemaciclib as initial treatment, around one-third of women may not need a CDK 4/6 inhibitor as initial treatment.
Osimertinib improves progression-free survival in patients with EGFR mutated lung cancer Osimertinib improves progression-free survival by 54% compared to standard first line therapy in patients with EGFR mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to late-breaking results from the FLAURA trial presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid.
	Incidence of acute myocardial infarction may increase the day after Asian dust exposure A recent environmental epidemiological study by Japanese researchers has shown that Asian sand particles blown to Japan from desert areas of the Asian continent are associated with the onset of myocardial infarction. In particular, the research reveals an increased likelihood that patients with chronic kidney disease are susceptible to myocardial infarction when influenced by Asian dust. The accumulation of knowledge on health aspects susceptible to the influence of Asian dust is expected to lead to the prevention of adverse health effects.
Report identifies key policies to address health inequities Researchers from the University of Liverpool working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Evidence Network (HEN) and the European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice, Italy) have published a report that highlights the key policies required for addressing the social determinants of health and health inequities.
	Diagnosing chest pain quickly Two protocols for quickly and safely evaluating patients presenting to emergency departments with chest pain are being adopted by Australian hospitals.
	Successful transcatheter treatment of severe cardiac failure The Cardiovascular Surgery Group at Osaka University performed a transcatheter mitral valve implantation in dysfunctional artificial valves in severe cardiac failure patients with prosthetic valve dysfunction, which was previously thought to be incurable or high-risk, succeeding in improving the cardiac function of these patients.
Mature results favor pembrolizumab as second-line treatment for bladder cancer Mature results from the KEYNOTE-045 trial to be presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid (1) have confirmed significantly longer survival in patients with advanced urothelial cancer who receive the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab after initial chemotherapy, compared to an alternative chemotherapy regimen.
Ramucirumab plus docetaxel improves progression-free survival in urothelial cancer Ramucirumab plus docetaxel improves progression-free survival in patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy, according to late-breaking results from the phase III RANGE trial presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid (1) to be published in The Lancet. (2)
One French farm found with tainted eggs: minister French health inspectors have found one poultry farm with eggs tainted by the insecticide fipronil out of 2,900 which have been checked in the wake of the Europe-wide scandal, France's farm minister said Monday.
Nurses' strike in Portugal cripples public health services Nurses in Portugal began a five-day strike over status, pay and working hours on Monday, crippling services at public hospitals, union leaders said.
Adjuvant nivolumab superior to ipilimumab in surgically resected stage III/IV melanoma Adjuvant nivolumab is superior to standard of care ipilimumab in patients with surgically resected stage III/IV melanoma who are at high risk of relapse, according to late-breaking results from the CheckMate 238 trial presented today at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid (1) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). (2) The anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody nivolumab led to better relapse-free survival, with fewer side effects than ipilimumab.
	Bulk of opioid use in the U.S. concentrated among 10 percent of patients A small proportion (10 percent) of opioid users account for the vast majority of opioid use in the United States. These findings suggest that efforts to reduce prescription opioid abuse should focus on the top users, rather than taking a population-based approach. The brief research report is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Study examines use of systolic blood pressure at time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention Researchers have led a retrospective single-center study examining simple hemodynamic parameters obtained at the time of cardiac catheterization to predict in-hospital mortality following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Current 30-day mortality rates for patients with STEMI range from 2.5% to 10%, and 10.5%-24% of those patients require mechanical hemodynamic support. The project examines the prognostic utility of an index based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left-ventricular end-diastolic blood pressure (LVEDP) ratio measured at the time of emergency primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The entire study is outlined in the Editor's Choice article of the September 2017 issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions.
	Toxicologists recommend human cell-based methods to identify asthma-causing chemicals Chemicals that could potentially cause asthma through an immune reaction could be better identified with human cell- and computer-based test methods, according to a new research paper co-authored by the Physicians Committee's Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., in Applied In Vitro Toxicology.

Biology news

	First research to suggest scratching may have evolved as a communication tool to help social cohesion Scratching is more than an itch—when it is sparked by stress, it appears to reduce aggression from others and lessen the chance of conflict.
	New device zooms in on microbe behaviour at the right scale Marine microbes play an important role in the productivity and functioning of our oceans but scientists studying their behaviour face many challenges.
	Birds' unique skulls linked to young dinosaur brains Bird skulls and brains look like those of young dinosaurs, providing clues to their unique evolution and modern success.
	Climate change a buzzkill for coffee lovers Global warming could reduce coffee growing areas in Latin America—the world's largest coffee-producing region—by as much as 88 percent by 2050.
	The evolutionary origin of the gut How did the gut, the skin and musculature evolve? This question concerns scientists for more than a century. Through the investigation of the embryonic development of sea anemones, a very old animal lineage, researchers from the University of Vienna have now come to conclusions which challenge the 150 year-old hypothesis of the homology (common evolutionary origin) of the germ layers that form all later organs and tissues.
	When ancient fossil DNA isn't available, ancient glycans may help trace human evolution Ancient DNA recovered from fossils is a valuable tool to study evolution and anthropology. Yet ancient fossil DNA from earlier geological ages has not been found yet in any part of Africa, where it's destroyed by extreme heat and humidity. In a potential first step at overcoming this hurdle, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya have discovered a new kind of glycan—a type of sugar chain—that survives even in a 4 million-year-old animal fossil from Kenya, under conditions where ancient DNA does not.
Outside-in reprogramming: Antibody study suggests a better way to make stem cells Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found a new approach to the "reprogramming" of ordinary adult cells into stem cells.
	New evidence suggests octupuses aren't loners Octopuses are usually solitary creatures, but a new site in the waters off the east coast of Australia is the home of up to 15 gloomy octopuses (Octopus tetricus) that have been been observed communicating—either directly as in den evictions or indirectly through posturing, chasing or color changes, according to findings reported in the journal Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology.
Lignin waste modified for industrial bio-oil use Lignin, a waste product in biomass and ethanol production, now finds new value as bio-oil in new products. At the University of Borås, Sweden, a team of researchers has investigated methods to extract and refine lignin for industrial applications.
	Can random bits of DNA lead to safe, new antibiotics and herbicides? I was cutting my grass when the battery in my iPod died. Instead of enjoying the distraction of music, my brain switched to its usual nerd mode of thinking about molecules. Within a few passes of cut grass, I was pondering the biggest "Why not?" of my scientific career: Could we discover new drugs and useful agricultural compounds by challenging organisms with clusters of random chemistry?
	A deadly herpes virus is threatening oysters around the world Oysters, a delicacy eaten on most coastlines of the world, are a multi-billion-dollar industry. They also are intriguing to study from a health perspective. Oysters feed by filtering tiny plankton from the surrounding water, processing up to 50 gallons per oyster daily. In doing so, they improve water quality and make their ecosystems healthier. But the water that they grow can be filled with disease-causing microorganisms that can affect both oysters and humans.
	Drones and wildlife – working to co-exist The drone market is booming and it is changing the way we use airspace, with some unforeseen consequences.
Robotics modelled on bees In a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a research group from Graz is investigating the behaviour of young honeybees immediately after hatching and successfully transfers this to robots. The bees' brood-care strategies turn out to be surprisingly efficient.
	Desert locusts—new risks in the light of climate change The desert locust is an invasive species that is both well known and feared because of the large-scale agricultural damage it can cause. It is particularly closely monitored to prevent the risks of outbreaks and invasions. Climate change could modify its distribution area, meaning a new threat to agriculture, according to a study published in the journal Global Change Biology by researchers from CIRAD and INRA.
Who is eating who? How climate change is modifying fish predator prey interactions Climate change is expected to have many impacts on the oceans; one of them is where fish are located in the ocean. Ocean warming is expected to cause fish to shift to different locations that are cooler—generally toward the poles and into deeper waters. But not all fish are moving in the same directions and at the same speeds. This is changing what fish are eating and who are eating them.
	Researchers reveal the mechanism by which cellular nuclei reach their position within muscle cells A group of researchers at Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) Lisboa has revealed the mechanism by which cellular nuclei reach their position within muscle cells. This discovery, now published in Nature Cell Biology, can have important implications in therapeutic strategies to treat muscular diseases.
	Airline industry could fly thousands of miles on biofuel from a new promising feedstock A Boeing 747 burns one gallon of jet fuel each second. A recent analysis from researchers at the University of Illinois estimate that this aircraft could fly for 10 hours on bio-jet fuel produced on 54 acres of specially engineered sugarcane.
	Study of circular DNA comes full circle with use of old technique A 50-year-old lab technique is helping researchers better understand circular DNA, a lesser-known and poorly understood cousin of the linear version commonly associated with life's genetic blueprint.
	Research group discovers the origin of octopuses' instant modulation of body coloration Cephalopods, the group of animals including octopus, squid, and cuttlefish, are famous for their remarkable ability to modulate body coloration and patterns instantly. With this ability, they can easily blend into surrounding environments or send warning signals to other animals. Reflectin, a protein that exists exclusively in cephalopods, is responsible for this structural color change. However, its origin and working mechanism are still unknown.
	Rhino poacher jailed for 20 years in South Africa A Mozambican rhino poacher caught at a world famous game reserve in South Africa has been jailed for 20 years, police said.
	Edinburgh Zoo: panda Tian Tian won't give birth this year Edinburgh Zoo says giant panda Tian Tian won't give birth this year.
Volunteer shooters to help thin Grand Canyon bison herds The National Park Service plans to thin a herd of bison in the Grand Canyon through roundups and by seeking volunteers who are physically fit and proficient with a gun to kill the animals that increasingly are damaging park resources.

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