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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for December 20, 2017:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
Astronomy & Space news
 | Water on Mars absorbed like a sponge, new research suggestsWhen searching for life, scientists first look for an element key to sustaining it: fresh water. |
 | Radio observations point to likely explanation for neutron-star merger phenomenaThree months of observations with the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) have allowed astronomers to zero in on the most likely explanation for what happened in the aftermath of the violent collision of a pair of neutron stars in a galaxy 130 million light-years from Earth. What they learned means that astronomers will be able to see and study many more such collisions. |
 | Astronomers discover a 'hot Jupiter' orbiting a rapidly rotating starAn international team of astronomers has found a "hot Jupiter" exoplanet circling a rapidly rotating, metal-poor star. The newly discovered alien world, designated KELT-21b, is larger than Jupiter and orbits its host in less than four days. The finding is presented in a paper published December 8 on arXiv.org. |
 | Cosmic filament probes our galaxy's giant black holeThe center of our Galaxy has been intensely studied for many years, but it still harbors surprises for scientists. A snake-like structure lurking near our galaxy's supermassive black hole is the latest discovery to tantalize astronomers. |
 | Giant bubbles on red giant star's surfaceAstronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have for the first time directly observed granulation patterns on the surface of a star outside the solar system—the aging red giant π1 Gruis. This remarkable new image from the PIONIER instrument reveals the convective cells that make up the surface of this huge star, which has 700 times the diameter of the sun. Each cell covers more than a quarter of the star's diameter and measures about 120 million kilometers across. |
 | Halloween asteroid prepares to return in 2018There is one year to go until asteroid 2015 TB145 approaches Earth once again, just as it did in 2015 around the night of Halloween, during which astronomers studied its characteristics. This dark object measures between 625 and 700 metres; its rotation period is around three hours. In certain lighting conditions, the asteroid resembles a human skull. |
 | Habitable planets around pulsars theoretically possibleIt is theoretically possible that habitable planets exist around pulsars. Such planets must have an enormous atmosphere that convert the deadly X-rays and high energy particles of the pulsar into heat. This is the conclusion of a paper by astronomers Alessandro Patruno and Mihkel Kama, working in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The paper appears today in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. |
 | SpaceX unveils new Falcon Heavy rocket before January launchSpaceX unveiled its new Falcon Heavy rocket on Wednesday, a month before its first launch. |
 | Astronomers shed light on formation of black holes and galaxiesStars forming in galaxies appear to be influenced by the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, but the mechanism of how that happens has not been clear to astronomers until now. |
 | Robotic assistants on the International Space StationAstronaut crew time on the International Space Station is a precious commodity. By developing floating assistant robots, researchers on the ground are freeing astronauts to focus on completing tasks only humans can do. For more than 15 years, robotic helpers have been a consistent and evolving presence on our orbiting laboratory. |
 | 'Cosmic lantern' could help us further understand the fate of the universeNew research has provided a deeper insight into emission line galaxies, used in several ongoing and upcoming surveys, to help us further understand the composition and fate of the universe. |
 | Powerful new tool for looking for life beyond EarthNASA has developed an innovative new spectroscopy instrument to aid the search for extraterrestrial life. The new instrument is designed to detect compounds and minerals associated with biological activity more quickly and with greater sensitivity than previous instruments. Although no evidence of life outside of Earth has yet been found, looking for evidence of present or past life on other planets continues to be an important part of the NASA Planetary Exploration Program. |
Technology news
 | Auto-tuning data science—new research streamlines machine learningThe tremendous recent growth of data science—both as a discipline and an application—can be attributed, in part, to its robust problem-solving power: It can predict when credit card transactions are fraudulent, help business owners figure out when to send coupons in order to maximize customer response, or facilitate educational interventions by forecasting when a student is on the cusp of dropping out. |
 | Inventing the 'Google' for predictive analyticsCompanies often employ number-crunching data scientists to gather insights such as which customers want certain services or where to open new stores and stock products. Analyzing the data to answer one or two of those queries, however, can take weeks or even months. |
 | Halogens can increase solar cell performance by 25 per centNew research from the University of British Columbia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that using halogens—a class of elements that include fluoride, bromine, chlorine and iodine—in a dye-sensitized solar cell can increase conversion efficiency by 25 per cent. The discovery could set the stage for improved solar cell designs. |
 | Byron Bay Railroad signals solar train shuttle service openA solar train has been launched in Byron Bay, Australia. The announcement was sent out by the Byron Bay Railroad Company. |
 | Metal printing offers low-cost way to make flexible, stretchable electronicsResearchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for directly printing metal circuits, creating flexible, stretchable electronics. The technique can use multiple metals and substrates and is compatible with existing manufacturing systems that employ direct printing technologies. |
 | The importance of iCub as a standard robotic research platform for embodied AIRobotic research benefited in the last 10 years from a standardized open-source platform for research on embodied artificial intelligence (AI), the humanoid robot iCub. Created in Italy, today it is available in laboratories across Europe, the U.S., South Korea, Singapore and Japan, and more than 100 researchers worldwide contribute to develop its skills. Researchers at IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia focused on the importance of such a research platform in a paper published today in Science Robotics. |
 | The internet is giving a voice to those on the margins – losing net neutrality will take it awayIt's easy to argue that the internet as it exists now is not "neutral", with some companies and websites creating tech empires and online monopolies. But the decision of US telecoms watchdog, the Federal Communications Commission, to remove regulations that overtly guarantee net neutrality – the basic principle that all information on the internet should be treated equally and should be equally accessible – will certainly not improve matters. |
 | New occupancy detection device designed to save home energy usePhotoelectric infrared (PIR) sensors are the current choice for occupancy presence detection in buildings. The sensors are used for smart thermostats to control heating and cooling based on occupancy. A major problem is that these PIR sensors only detect individuals who are moving. A Stony Brook University research team is developing a new type of PIR sensor that is equipped with an electronic shutter and other technologies that enable fast and accurate occupancy detection including individuals who are stationary. |
 | Bitcoin's energy use is out of control—but maybe that's the point?The soaring value of bitcoin is encouraging more and more companies and individuals to engage in "mining". Mining is actually a process which secures the distributed bitcoin network, and processes all of its transactions. Historically anyone could do this using a standard PC, but these days hardware that is purpose-built for more energy-efficient mining is a necessity to mine profitably. Every ten minutes miners across the globe compete to the be the first to solve a mathematical puzzle. The winner gets the "block reward", which is currently 12.5 bitcoins (at the time of writing worth more than US$200,000). |
 | How blockchain technology could transform the food industryThere has been a lot of noise on cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin of late. While some suggest cryptocurrencies are a fraud, others believe them to be the next biggest economic revolution the world has seen since the internet. Bitcoin has brought to light blockchain technology, which offers great potential for food safety and verification in the agrifood sector. Yet it is far from being the panacea for a range of issues affecting the industry—at least for now. |
Amazon drops sale of circumcision kit in UK after complaintThe British arm of Amazon has dropped sale of a circumcision training kit from its website after concerns were raised. | |
 | New blow for Uber as top EU court says it's a taxi companyRide-hailing service Uber suffered a new blow Wednesday as the European Union's top court ruled that it should be regulated like a taxi company and not a technology service, a decision that crimps its activities around Europe and could weigh on other app-based companies too. |
 | New software can model natural light from the occupants' perspectiveOCUVIS, a visualization software developed by a soon-to-be-launched EPFL spin-off, lets architects simulate 3-D building models to assess the performance of natural light indoors. After specifying the ambient conditions, architects can view the visual and non-visual characteristics of the resulting natural light in their designs. |
 | More businesses are trying mobile apps to lure and keep consumersIntense retail competition has led old standbys, such as Sears, to close dozens of stores. Walmart is venturing online more. And Amazon is expanding offline, opening stores and buying Whole Foods. The fight for retail dollars is fierce, and the battleground will soon migrate into the palms of customers' hands – via apps on their smartphones. |
Am I allergic to this? Label Insight, with fresh $21M, helps stores tell youLabel Insight, the Chicago-based company that helps stores tell customers what's in food and other goods, has raised $21 million in new funding, the company announced this week. | |
AIM, aka AOL Instant Messenger, dead at 20AOL's Instant Messenger service was finally erased from the internet Friday after the company made the announcement in October that Dec. 15 would be the chat platform's last day on Earth. | |
New company's technology lets quadriplegics use the phone without physical assistanceA day after Oded Ben Dov appeared on Israeli television to promote his video game technology, which allowed players to control their games by moving their heads, a viewer called him with another suggestion for the software. | |
Pandora, playing catch-up to Spotify, offers free music with adsPick a song. Any song. It's almost Christmas, so, how about a song of the season like "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues? | |
Cargill, Ecolab look to jump-start food innovationIn an effort to jump-start innovation in the agriculture industry, Cargill Inc. and Ecolab said Monday they will launch a program to fund entrepreneurs and startup companies in early 2018. | |
 | How to protect your internet-of-things devicesInternet-connected devices are nearly ubiquitous, with computer circuitry now found in a variety of common appliances. They can include security cameras, DVRs, printers, cars, baby monitors, and refrigerators—even "smart" lightbulbs and clothing. Collectively those devices are called the internet of things. |
 | 'Pokemon Go' unleashes its critters in Apple's AR playground"Pokemon Go" is moving into a different dimension on the iPhone, thanks to software that allows the game to play new tricks with its menagerie of digital critters. |
 | Robot drummer posts pictures of jamming sessions on FacebookThe study, by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, looks at how humans interact with robots over time and in particular how social media can enhance that relationship. |
UN rights expert 'very concerned' about US rollback of 'net neutrality'The UN's top expert on freedom of expression voiced alarm Wednesday at the decision by US regulators to roll back "net neutrality" rules, which require internet providers to treat all traffic equally. | |
 | Uber taps Barney Harford as COOUber has named Barney Harford its new COO, the same day the European Union's top court dealt it a blow, ruling that the ride-hailing company should be regulated like a transportation company and not a technology service. |
 | After net neutrality: Brace for internet 'fast lanes'Now that federal telecom regulators have repealed net neutrality, it may be time to brace for the arrival of internet "fast lanes" and "slow lanes." |
 | Electromagnetic emissions from smartphones analyzed for security vulnerabilityA platform to improve smartphone security and that of other electronic devices was recently presented in Canada in an international conference on security and privacy, the Workshop on Security and Privacy on Internet of Things. The research focuses on "lateral movement attacks," which happen when "someone tries to take advantage of an electric current producing a magnetic field for illicit purposes—in this case, the attacker tries to extract the private password from the encryption, to which he theoretically should not have access," explained researcher José María de Fuentes, UC3M Computer Security Lab (COSEC). |
 | Nearly zero-energy buildings remain a difficult challenge for Southern EuropeIn coming years, there is a legal commitment for all the countries of Europe to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which boils down to constructing nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs), buildings that consume the minimum energy. The EU Directive 31/2010 establishes two key deadlines: All public buildings must be nZEBs from 1 January, 2019, and by 1 January 2021, all new buildings must be nZEBs. "It is only one year until the first commitment, and yet many countries are a long way from meeting this level of energy efficiency in buildings. The countries that have made the most progress in this challenge are in central and northern Europe," explained Juan María Hidalgo, co-author of the study. |
 | New AI method keeps data privateModern AI is based on machine learning which creates models by learning from data. Data used in many applications such as health and human behaviour is private and needs protection. New privacy-aware machine learning methods have been developed recently based on the concept of differential privacy. They guarantee that the published model or result can reveal only limited information on each data subject. |
Sprint targets unnamed employees in alleged Uzbekistan-based cellphone schemeSprint has taken its battle against cellphone trafficking in house, suing 20 unnamed employees along with an Uzbekistan resident in U.S. federal court. And the company ran a sting operation to investigate the scheme. | |
Medicine & Health news
 | Best of Last Year—The top Medical Xpress articles of 2017It was a good year for medical research as a team at the German center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, found that dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain. Any exercise helps, the team found, but dancing offered the most beneficial effect. In addition to increasing the size of the part of the brain that normally deteriorates with age, dancing was found to lead to behavioral changes and improvements in balance. |
 | Study uncovers clues about why common cancer drug causes hearing lossScientists have found a new way to explain the hearing loss caused by cisplatin, a powerful drug used to treat many forms of cancer. Using a highly sensitive technique to measure and map cisplatin in mouse and human inner ear tissues, researchers found that forms of cisplatin build up in the inner ear. They also found a region in the inner ear that could be targeted for efforts to prevent hearing loss from cisplatin. The study is published in Nature Communications, and was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health. |
 | CRISPR treatment prevents hearing loss in miceUsing molecular scissors wrapped in a greasy delivery package, researchers have disrupted a gene variant that leads to deafness in mice. |
 | Proof-of-concept study reveals feasibility of eliminating rabies in AfricaRabies is a viral disease that kills tens of thousands of people every year, predominantly in Africa and Asia. The disease is transmitted through the bites of infected dogs and foxes. In West- and Central Europe, rabies was eliminated some 20 years ago. Switzerland was declared free of rabies in 1999 after implementing a strategy targeting foxes. |
 | First step toward CRISPR cure of Lou Gehrig's diseaseUniversity of California, Berkeley scientists have for the first time used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disable a defective gene that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in mice, extending their lifespan by 25 percent. |
 | Can't switch your focus? Your brain might not be wired for itTake a look at the images above. A healthy brain can quickly switch its focus from the large shapes to the individual parts that make up the bigger pictures. |
A repurposed drug could open door to more stem cell transplantsA medication used to treat joint and skin conditions might also help people whose only hope of surviving cancer is receiving stem cells from a donor, according to research by a University of British Columbia scientist. | |
 | One serving of leafy greens a day may slow brain aging by 11 yearsWhile cognitive abilities naturally decline with age, eating one serving of leafy green vegetables a day may aid in preserving memory and thinking skills as a person grows older, according to a study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The study results were published in the December 20, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. |
 | Overlooked immune cells hold breakthrough for treating aggressive cancersThe latest generation of cancer treatments spring from the discovery that the human immune system is able to beat the disease. Like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," what research teams around the world have spent decades searching for was right in their own backyard all along. |
 | Researchers see gene influencing performance of sleep-deprived peopleWashington State University researchers have discovered a genetic variation that predicts how well people perform certain mental tasks when they are sleep deprived. |
 | Defending against environmental stressors may shorten lifespanA shorter life may be the price an organism pays for coping with the natural assaults of daily living, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their colleagues in Japan. The scientists used fruit flies to examine the relationship between lifespan and signaling proteins that defend the body against environmental stressors, such as bacterial infections and cold temperatures. Since flies and mammals share some of the same molecular pathways, the work may demonstrate how the environment affects longevity in humans. |
 | There's still no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's(HealthDay)—Medical science has failed to prove that any treatment, therapy or brain exercise can help prevent dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, an extensive new review has concluded. |
 | Smoking cessation drug may increase risk of adverse cardiovascular eventVarenicline, one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for helping people quit smoking, may put them at higher risk for a cardiovascular event, according to new research published online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. |
UofL, Harvard, USF provide model for medical schools to teach signs of human traffickingAs many as 88 percent of human trafficking victims in the United States interact with a health care professional while they are being exploited. These professionals' ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking and intervene appropriately, however, is lacking due to an absence of training. | |
 | Aggression in childhood: Rooted in genetics, influenced by the environmentOver the past few months, many local cases of assault and harassment have come to light and been widely discussed in the news, both here and in the U.S. and Europe. Why do people have these types of aggressive impulses? To look for an answer, Stéphane Paquin, a PhD candidate in sociology at Université de Montréal working under the supervision of Éric Lacourse and Mara Brendgen, led a study on 555 sets of twins to compare incidences of proactive and reactive aggressive behaviour. His results demonstrate that, at age 6, both types of aggression have most of the same genetic factors, but the behaviour diminishes in most children as they age. Increases or decreases in aggression between the ages of 6 and 12 appear to be influenced by various environmental factors rather than genetics. |
 | New study suggests health benefits of swapping animal proteins for plant proteinsSubstituting one to two servings of animal proteins with plant proteins every day could lead to a small reduction in the three main cholesterol markers for cardiovascular disease prevention, a new study suggests. |
 | Unmarried heart patients face higher risk of deathCompared to married heart disease patients, being unmarried was associated with a higher risk of dying, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. |
Decriminalizing prostitution could reduce sexual violence and STD transmissionA new study published in the Review of Economic Studies finds that Rhode Island's 6-year prostitution decriminalization policy increased the size of the sex market, but it also appears that during this period both rape offenses and female gonorrhea incidence declined dramatically. | |
 | Blueberry vinegar improves memory in mice with amnesiaDementia affects millions of people worldwide, robbing them of their ability to think, remember and live as they once did. In the search for new ways to fight cognitive decline, scientists report in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that blueberry vinegar might offer some help. They found that the fermented product could restore cognitive function in mice. |
Mild obsessive-compulsive symptoms in healthy children are linked with cerebral changesA new study carried out by the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the Institute of Global Health of Barcelona (ISGlobal) associates first-time mild obsessive-compulsive symptoms to characteristics and specific alterations of the cerebral anatomy. Such symptoms are present in a much higher percentage of cases than those that require specialized medical and psychological attention. The work, recently published by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, provides a new perspective regarding prevention strategies for long-term mental health disorders. | |
 | Monocytes have many facesWhen the immune system mobilizes its troops, antigen-presenting cells play an important role. They emerge from white blood cells (monocytes) that circulate in the blood. An international research team under the leadership of the University of Bonn has now taken a closer look at these important helpers. The research revealed that the monocyte-derived cells are not identical descendants, but rather a very diverse mixture. This finding is important for the further development of tailor-made immunotherapies for combating tumor cells. The scientists now present their findings in the renowned journal Immunity. |
 | Images of the brain refute a theory of the 1960s on the domain of languageIn 1968, when there were no techniques to observe how the brain worked in vivo, the neurologist Norman Geschwind discovered that a region of the temporal lobe in deceased persons, the planum temporale, was larger in the left than in the right hemisphere. As in most of the population, language processing is located in that hemisphere, so the neurologist proposed that asymmetry was an indicator of the lateralization of that function. |
New approaches in medical genomics: A step forward in Parkinson's diseaseIt is widely known that genomics has already begun to influence medicine and that bioinformatics holds the key for developing new medical approaches, but how does medical genomics really work? Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, in collaboration with scientists at the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC) and the Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), have provided a clear example of how genomics is changing medicine. | |
Study finds cancer cells manipulate fat metabolism for survivalMayo Clinic scientists have discovered a new survival strategy used by tumour cells where they switch off fat metabolism when oxygen is low. | |
Molecular super enhancers: A new key for targeted therapy of brain cancer in childrenEpendymoma refers to a heterogeneous group of cancers that can occur at any age, and is one of the most common types of brain cancer in children. The genetic causes for its development are largely unknown and there are no targeted treatments to date. Scientists from the Hopp Children's Cancer Center at the NCT Heidelberg (KiTZ), in collaboration with colleagues from the U.S. and Canada, have now developed a molecular approach that opens new treatment prospects. | |
 | Scientists established a comprehensive protein interactions map of the replication machinery of a chronic virusChronic viral infections like HIV or hepatitis are among the biggest threats to human health worldwide. While an acute viral infection usually results in full recovery and effective immune memory, chronic viruses evade the immune system and remain permanently in the host's body. Treating such viruses is a difficult task, as the molecular events during the development of a chronic infection remain largely elusive. |
'Tis the season for respiratory virusThere may be something in the air this holiday season, and it's not snow. It's something much less festive – respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Baylor College of Medicine expert Dr. Pedro A. Piedra breaks down the dangers of this common virus. | |
 | Scientists able to predict behaviour by measuring brain's stateThe state of your brain can be used to predict your future decisions before you even see the options, researchers have discovered. |
 | One in five chronic disease patients report discrimination in health careAlmost one in five older patients with a chronic disease reported experiencing health care discrimination, according the results of a large national survey analyzed by the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. |
 | For adults 60 and older, just 4,000 steps a day improve attention and mental skillsWalking more than 4,000 steps a day can improve attention and mental skills in adults 60 and older, according to UCLA research published December 12 in a preprint edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. |
 | Can you burn calories while sitting at a desk?A new study suggests that continuous movement while sitting may increase metabolic rate more than standing at a desk. |
 | Electronic cap treatment improves brain tumour survivalApplying low frequency electric fields to the scalp of people with an aggressive type of brain tumour improves survival, according to a clinical trial. |
 | Brains of old monkeys and humans share same signs of Alzheimer'sVery old rhesus monkeys exhibit similar patterns of brain pathology as human Alzheimer's patients, researchers report in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. |
Festive season accentuates isolation of dying older peopleOlder people lack support from their communities towards the end of their lives, with many becoming progressively more socially isolated before their death. Both older people and their families and whānau require support which is tailored to match the diversity of our ageing population. | |
Revealing commonalities between central and peripheral nervous system progenitorsThe nervous system is arguably the most complex organ of the vertebrate body. The eye, ear and olfactory epithelium are part of the peripheral nervous system and provide visual, sound and smell information to the brain. As part of the central nervous system the brain integrates this information to build up a picture of our environment and to guide appropriate behaviour and body function. During development, the brain and the sense organs arise from different parts of the embryo, the neural tube and the non-neural, placodal ectoderm, respectively. Subsequently, they differentiate along different pathways to give rise to complex structures that contain many different cell types with specialised functions. | |
 | BMI is underestimating obesity in Australia, waist circumference needs to be measured tooA new study has found the waistlines of Australian adults are increasing faster than body weight. |
 | Expert says guilt is a healthy part of child developmentNobody likes to feel guilty about anything, but U of T Mississauga psychology professor Tina Malti says that developing a sense of guilt in childhood is an important and healthy part of personal growth. |
 | Antidepressant may help combat the course of multiple sclerosisThe antidepressant clomipramine may also alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically in its progressive form, i.e. when it occurs without relapses or remissions. As yet, drugs for this type of MS have been virtually non-existent. Researchers collaborating with Prof V. Wee Yong, Ph.D., from the University of Calgary and Dr. Simon Faissner from Ruhr-Universität Bochum screened 1,040 generic therapeutics and, based on preclinical studies, identified one that is suitable for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. They published their results in the journal Nature Communications. |
 | Why most of us lean to the right when we kissYour brain is an organ of two halves – the left side and the right side. And there are many brain functions, such as language skills or which hand you write with, which are organised mostly in one side of the brain or the other. |
 | The adolescent brain learns more easilyThe brains of adolescents react more responsively to receiving rewards. This can lead to risky behaviour, but, according to Leiden University research, it also has a positive function: it makes learning easier. Publication in Nature Communications. |
Group interventions reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minorsParticipation in a post-traumatic stress group can be an effective help for unaccompanied refugee minors. In a new study with 46 participants, one in five young people completely recovered from their symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many reported improved symptoms after having participated in a group. The method used is known as Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), and the study from Uppsala University is the first in Scandinavia using this method. | |
 | New study identifies those most at risk of developing a life-threatening heart infectionA team of international researchers, led by the University of Sheffield, have measured the risk of developing or dying from the life-threatening heart condition infective endocarditis (IE), for people with predisposed heart conditions. |
 | Low-dose X-ray exposure does not harm human stem cellsBiophysicists have shown that following low-dose exposure to X-rays (at 80 milligrays), stem cells remain healthy, proliferate, and do not accumulate DNA damage to be passed on to their progeny. The paper was published in the journal Aging. |
 | The U.S. may be in for a tough flu season—4 questions answeredThis year, Australia suffered a record number of flu infections. This has some experts concerned that the U.S. will suffer a harsh flu season as well. Irena Kenneley, associate professor of nursing at Case Western Reserve University, explains what the news means and why it's important for Americans to receive their annual flu vaccine. |
 | Why finding new HIV targets takes so long: Some basics about basic researchAlthough great strides have been made at combating human immunodeficiency virus, leading to better quality of life and a longer life expectancy for those living with the virus, significant problems remain. |
New study reveals reversibility of genetic nervous system diseaseIn children and adults with Friedrich's ataxia, an inherited disease that causes damage to the nervous system, a loss of coordination typically progresses to muscle weakness and can involve vision, diabetes, and other problems over the course of several years. Until now, mimicking those symptoms and progression in mice for research studies has been difficult. | |
 | Overweight kids don't have to be overweight adults(HealthDay)—Overweight children often become obese adults, with attendant problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. |
 | Put safety on your toy shopping list(HealthDay)—As time gets tight for holiday gift-buying, you might have an urge to grab whatever's still on the shelf. But when it comes to toys, keep safety in mind, health experts say. |
 | Reining in kids' expectations for holiday gifts(HealthDay)—There's little doubt that gift giving has become a central focus of the holiday season, but as a parent you can still rein in kids' expectations when it comes to presents. |
 | Two cases of progressive cutaneous anthrax described(HealthDay)—Two cases of cutaneous anthrax which started on the right forearm and progressed are described in a case report published online Dec. 12 in the International Journal of Dermatology. |
 | Narrow-spectrum antibiotics best for children with acute RTIs(HealthDay)—For children with acute respiratory tract infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are not associated with better clinical or patient-centered outcomes compared with narrow-spectrum antibiotics, according to a study published in the Dec. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. |
One-time hydrocephalus operation brings good outcomes for babiesHydrocephalus, an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, is typically treated by surgically placing a shunt to continually drain cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen, protecting the brain from excess pressure. However, shunts nearly always fail over time and must be replaced, requiring emergency neurosurgery—which is not readily available in many areas. A randomized trial in today's New England Journal of Medicine shows good results with an alternative, potentially one-time operation called endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC). | |
 | Using MRI to understand why some women go into early laborScientists are using the latest imaging techniques usually used to map the brain to try and understand why some pregnant women miscarry or go into early labour. |
 | Commonalities in late stages of inherited blinding diseases suggest targets for therapyGene therapy holds promise for treating a variety of diseases, including some inherited blinding conditions. But for a gene therapy to be effective, one must know the precise gene responsible for a given individual's disorder and develop a tailored treatment. For diseases that may be caused by mutations in many different genes, developing individual gene therapy approaches can be prohibitively costly and time-intensive to pursue. |
 | Whole eggs better for muscle building and repair than egg whites, researchers findPeople who consume 18 grams of protein from whole eggs or from egg whites after engaging in resistance exercise differ dramatically in how their muscles build protein, a process called protein synthesis, during the post-workout period, researchers report in a new study. Specifically, the post-workout muscle-building response in those eating whole eggs is 40 percent greater than in those consuming an equivalent amount of protein from egg whites, the team found. |
 | Smartphone app monitors cancer patients recoveryCancer patients receiving chemotherapy can be remotely monitored using their smartphone sensors and an algorithm that detects worsening symptoms based on objective changes in patient behavior, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. |
 | New research into the influence of alcohol on sexual objectificationMen under the influence of alcohol are more likely to see women as sexual objects. This is according to a study which moves beyond the mere anecdotal to investigate some of the circumstances and factors that influence why men objectify women. The research is published in Springer's journal Sex Roles and is led by Abigail Riemer of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the US. |
Entitled people don't follow instructions because they see them as 'unfair'From job applications to being in line at the DMV, instructions, and the expectations that we follow them, are everywhere. Recent research found people with a greater sense of entitlement are less likely to follow instructions than less entitled people are, because they view the instructions as an unfair imposition on them. The results appear in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. | |
Many brain tumor patients do not receive adequate end-of-life careWhile more than 60 percent of patients with the brain tumors called malignant gliomas enroll in hospice services, almost a quarter of them do so within a week of death, probably too late for patients and family members to benefit from hospice care. A study by research team from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center also finds that certain groups are more likely than others to receive a week or less of hospice services. | |
Treating refugees from Western perspective leaves providers, patients lost in translationFor years, research has shown that female Somali Bantu refugees may be hesitant to use hormonal birth control and other methods of family planning. | |
Expensive new cancer therapy may be cost effectiveResearchers from the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, selected to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the newly approved CAR-T therapies, have found the clinical benefit may justify the expensive price. | |
Better treatment, not more spending, saves heart attack patients, study findsA new long-term look at heart attack care and spending in America since the turn of the century shows more survival, more spending, and more variation between hospitals on both scores. | |
 | New guidelines aim to prevent medics from failing to diagnose patients with liver diseaseNew recommendations, led by experts at the University of Birmingham, have been published to improve the use of liver blood tests. |
 | Struggling to get your kids to eat healthy? 'Don't give up!' researchers sayVaried diets and persistence in exposing infants and children to healthy foods, even when they don't like them at first, are key to promoting healthy eating behaviors, a new review paper has concluded. |
Researchers discover key link between mitochondria and cocaine addictionFor years, scientists have known that mitochondria in brain cells play a role in brain disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress responses. But recently, scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have identified significant mitochondrial changes that take place in cocaine addiction, and they have been able to block them. | |
 | Fake social media accounts can be hazardous to your healthFake social media accounts already have a reputation of swaying political discourse, but a Keck School of Medicine of USC researcher says these automated accounts are even more dangerous—they can be bad for your health. |
 | Rheumatic diseases associated with increased dementia risk(HealthDay)—Patients with various rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of dementia, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. |
 | Cisatracurium ups some ARDS outcomes versus vecuronium(HealthDay)—Among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cisatracurium does not improve mortality versus vecuronium but is associated with improvements in other outcomes, according to a study published online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. |
 | Femtosecond laser safer for post-vitrectomy cataract surgery(HealthDay)—Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery demonstrates comparable visual outcomes to conventional phacoemulsification, with a trend toward better intraoperative and postoperative safety, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology. |
 | Switching dual antiplatelet therapy beneficial after ACS(HealthDay)—Switching dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) from aspirin plus ticagrelor or prasugrel to aspirin plus clopidogrel after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) provides benefits regardless of initial platelet reactivity, according to a study published in the Dec. 26 issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. |
 | Oral care guidelines can improve quality of oral health care(HealthDay)—Development and implementation of standardized oral care treatment and referral guidelines can improve the overall quality of oral health practice for older sub-acute patients, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research. |
 | DPP-4 inhibitor has dissociated effects on β-cell function(HealthDay)—For healthy adults and individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D), a single dose of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin is associated with increased standardized insulin secretion, with no impact on β-cell glucose sensitivity, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. |
Drug combo proves effective for pattern hair loss in women(HealthDay)—Once-daily capsules containing a combination of minoxidil and spironolactone appear to be safe and effective for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (PHL), according to a case-series study published online Dec. 12 in the International Journal of Dermatology. | |
 | Microneedling plus TCA peel performs well in acne scarring(HealthDay)—Microneedling combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling is more effective than microneedling by dermaroller plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or microneedling alone for treatment of acne scarring, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. |
 | Levonorgestrel IUD feasible for low-risk, early uterine cancer(HealthDay)—A levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is effective in the majority of patients undergoing conservative treatment for low-risk endometrial cancer and complex atypical hyperplasia, according to a case-series study published online Dec. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology. |
 | Self-reported symptoms in elderly predict readmission(HealthDay)—Post-discharge symptoms self-reported by frail, elderly adults may predict 30-day hospital readmission and emergency department visits, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. |
After the diagnosis: How cancer affects sexual functioningA cancer diagnosis disrupts a person's life in many ways, including sexually. A study led by the University of Houston found that more than half of young cancer patients reported problems with sexual function, with the probability of reporting sexual dysfunction increasing over time. | |
 | Science Says: Are poinsettias poisonous? Some holiday truthsAre poinsettias really poisonous? Are snowflakes really pure as the driven snow? Does feasting really put on the pounds? Sure as sugarplums, myths and misconceptions pop up every holiday season. Here's what science says about some of them: |
Are phages our best bet against antibiotic-resistant bacteria?Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, and they hold considerable potential for combatting antibiotic-resistance and other threats to human health. Timed with the hundredth anniversary of their discovery, a new review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology examines the challenges and opportunities of developing phages as health-promoting, commercially-viable biopharmaceuticals. | |
 | Researchers focus on pain management in older adultsResearchers at The University of Texas at Arlington are focusing their attention on pain management in older adults, a segment of the population which presents a specific series of challenges to health providers. |
 | Holidays can be hard on lonely seniors(HealthDay)—More than one in three elderly Americans describe themselves as lonely, and the holidays can be especially isolating for them, geriatric experts warn. |
High out-of-pocket costs may place oral cancer medications out of reachSticker shock may be leading many insured Americans with cancer to forego treatment with a wide range of oral cancer drugs, suggests a study published online this week in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the findings point to high out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to potentially life-saving or life-prolonging treatments. As breakthroughs in cancer care continue, the study raises questions about whether patients will able to take advantage of new treatment options. | |
 | Running away from addiction: How exercise aids smoking cessationNew research in mice sheds light on the mechanism underlining exercise's protective effect against nicotine dependence and withdrawal. |
Studies provide new insights on mosquito-borne chikungunya virus infectionThe frequency of chronic joint pain after infection with chikungunya in a large Latin American cohort was 25% at a median of 20-months post-infection. In the Arthritis & Rheumatology study, significant predictors of persistent joint pain included being a college graduate, headache, knee pain, missed work, normal activities effected, four or more days of initial symptoms, and four or more weeks of initial joint pain. | |
Researchers examine social functioning in middle-aged adults with autism spectrum disordersA new Autism Research report describes the social functioning of 169 adults with autism spectrum disorders in mid-life who were first identified with autism in childhood in the 1980s. Participants spanned all levels of cognitive and functional ability, with more than 75% functioning in the cognitively impaired range. | |
Tics are common in famous boys choir'Tis the season for choirs to raise their voices in holiday song. A new Annals of Neurology study shows that there is a high frequency of tics in an extremely highly achieving group of pre-pubertal singers. 35% of 40 young singers in the Boys Choir exhibited tics during a public concert of Bach's Christmas Oratorio. | |
Community factors may determine whether sexual minority parents view their community as tolerant vs supportiveA new Family Relations study has found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) parents feel more positive about where they live when that place is more legally, politically, and religiously supportive of LGB people; when there are more LGB-friendly employers; and when there are other LBG-headed households. | |
Diabetes, but not diabetes drug, linked to poor pregnancy outcomesNew research indicates that pregnant women with pre-gestational diabetes who take metformin are at a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes—such as major birth defects and pregnancy loss—than the general population, but their increased risk is not due to metformin but diabetes. | |
 | Learning through drama helps nurses face the futureLearning through drama has unique potential for preparing future nurses and specialist nursing staff for their future professional role, as shown by research from Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden. Using role play and exploring various healthcare situations enables nursing students to develop skills that are hard to achieve through traditional education. |
Effects of tramadol on cognitive and sports performanceResearchers from the University of Granada have published the first randomised controlled trial of the effects of tramadol on cognitive and sports performance. | |
 | During the holidays, giving gifts to the dead can help you cope with griefEvery December, my family decorates two Christmas trees: one for our living room and one for the cemetery, where my sister is buried. |
 | Light up the holidays safely(HealthDay)—Colorful lights and candles can make the holidays sparkle, but child safety should be a priority when decking the halls or trimming a tree, a leading pediatricians' group says. |
 | These annual checkups help seniors not only survive but thriveBea Lipsky shuffled into her wellness coach's office one morning this fall and parked her walker by the wall. Lipsky, 89, had had a trying year, enduring a hernia operation and two emergency room visits for heart problems. She's losing her hearing, and recently gave up her dream of riding in a hot air balloon for her 90th birthday. |
Results from Alliance CABOSUN trial lead to US FDA approval of extended indicationThe Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (the Alliance), in conjunction with industry partner Exelixis, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) tablets for the expanded indication of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults. The FDA's priority review and approval of cabozantinib was based on results from the Alliance randomized phase II CABOSUN trial in patients with previously untreated RCC, which demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) versus sunitinib, a current standard of care. Today's label expansion follows the initial FDA approval of cabozantinib in April 2016 for the treatment of patients with advanced RCC who have previously received anti-angiogenic therapy. | |
Biology news
 | How fungus manipulate fruit flies into hosting spores and releasing themA team of researchers at the University of California has learned more about the means by which a type of fungus invades fruit flies, takes over their bodies and uses them to reproduce. In their paper uploaded to the bioRxiv preprint server, the group describes their study of the relationship between the fungus and fruit flies and what they learned. |
 | Pesticides and poor nutrition damage animal healthThe combined effects of pesticides and a lack of nutrition form a deadly one-two punch, new research from biologists at the University of California San Diego has shown for the first time. |
 | Fish sex so loud it could deafen dolphinsA species of Mexican fish amasses in reproductive orgies so loud they can deafen other sea animals, awed scientists said Wednesday, calling for preservation of the "spectacle" threatened by overfishing. |
 | Political instability and weak governance lead to loss of species, study findsA vast new study of changes in global wildlife over almost three decades has found that low levels of effective national governance are the strongest predictor of declining species numbers - more so than economic growth, climate change or even surges in human population. |
 | Electron microscope images reveal how cells absorb a vital mineralColumbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have obtained the first detailed snapshots of the structure of a membrane pore that enables epithelial cells to absorb calcium. The findings could accelerate the development of drugs to correct abnormalities in calcium uptake, which have been linked to cancers of the breast, endometrium, prostate, and colon. |
 | Study suggests dangerous crop fungus produces toxic chemical to repel insectsA team of researchers from Cornell and North Carolina State University has conducted a study examining a possible connection between a toxin produced by a crop-damaging fungus and insects that may attempt to feed on it. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study and what they found. |
 | Could deer hold clues about the link between malaria resistance and sickle cell?Scientists have identified the genetic mutations that cause sickle cells in deer, according to new research in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. |
 | Study warns that snake fungal disease could be a global threatNew research suggests that a potentially fatal snake fungus found in several species in the United States and three in Europe could be global in scale. The study, published today in the journal Science Advances, shows that the snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiodiicola can infect snakes of many species regardless of their ancestry, physical characteristics, or habitats. The study's authors, including researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the University of Maryland, College Park, warn that future surveys for the disease should assume that all snake species harbor this pathogen. |
 | For the first time scientists have directly observed living bacteria in polar ice and snowFor the first time scientists have directly observed living bacteria in polar ice and snow - an environment once considered sterile. The new evidence has the potential to alter perceptions about which planets in the universe could sustain life and may mean that humans are having an even greater impact on levels of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere than accepted evidence from climate history studies of ice cores suggests. |
 | World War I-era maps help track history of kelp forests in Pacific NorthwestIn the early 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized a problem. The United States relied heavily on fertilizer to grow crops and support its burgeoning economy, yet a crucial ingredient for fertilizer—potash, a mixture of potassium and salts—was mined almost exclusively in Germany. German mines supplied nearly the entire world's supply of potash, and at the time the U.S. used about a fifth of its output, half of the amount exported from Germany. |
 | When one reference genome is not enoughMuch of the research in the field of plant functional genomics to date has relied on approaches based on single reference genomes. But by itself, a single reference genome does not capture the full genetic variability of a species. A pan-genome, the non-redundant union of all the sets of genes found in individuals of a species, is a valuable resource for unlocking natural diversity. However, the computational resources required to produce a large number of high quality genome assemblies has been a limiting factor in creating plant pan-genomes. |
 | High nighttime temperatures negatively impact canola plant productionPlants don't sleep like humans do—but just like some people don't rest well in the heat, some plants don't either. The canola plant isn't as productive if the temperature is high at nighttime, and scientists are trying to find out why. |
 | More complex biological systems evolve more freelyOur genes (aka. the genotype) determine our characteristics (aka. the phenotype). Evolution acts on changes in the phenotype, which occur when mutations change the underlying genotype. But what changes to the phenotype can be produced by mutations is not without bounds—ants cannot suddenly grow trunks or become the size of an elephant. Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) found that in a gene regulatory system in the bacterium Escherichia coli, the more components that are mutated, the more freely the system can evolve. This is the result of a study published by a team led by Calin Guet, Jonathan Bollback, and first author Mato Lagator in eLife. |
 | Sardines take us to the sources of biodiversity in the Amazon RiverThe Amazon River harbors the largest biodiversity of freshwater fish in the world. What is the origin of this abundance of species? Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, have integrated a range of potential factors into a single statistical model to study the genesis of genetic diversity within a typical species, the Amazonian sardine. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, their study describes the contribution of each factor and the synergies at work. This approach, which can easily be used for any species, could be integrated into the study of the impact of various planned projects, such as the creation of new dams on the Amazon, as well as any human large-scale alteration in various ecosystems. |
 | Nature demonstrates how bacteria degrade lignin and provides better understanding to make biofuelsThe production of biofuels from plant biomass is a highly promising source of energy, but researchers are trying to find microbes that readily degrade recalcitrant lignin found in plant biomass. Recent comprehensive genomic and metabolomic analysis of a known lignin-degrading bacterium provides insight into how this degradation is accomplished. |
 | New research reveals England's only resident bottlenose dolphinsThe south-west of England is known as a hotspot for cetaceans but until recently little was known about the bottlenose dolphins glimpsed off the coast. |
Fish's rapid response to climate changeWhen a chemical alarm cue is released into one of two flumes, the normal response for a fish is to swim down the flume without the chemical. But when the water is more acidic, some fish do not behave normally: instead they swim down the flume that contains the chemical alarm and so toward "danger." | |
 | How plants form their seedsVegetable, fruit, or grain – the majority of our food results from plant reproduction. Researchers at UZH have now discovered the key to how plants regulate pollen growth and seed formation. In addition to seed formation, knowledge about these signaling pathways can be used to influence plant growth or their defense against pests. |
 | Shining a light on bacterial cell divisionImagine trying to defeat an army of invaders that can double its population size every twenty minutes. This is what the human body is facing when it becomes infected with a harmful strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria which can multiply rapidly and cause a host of unpleasant and potentially dangerous illnesses, such as diarrhea, respiratory illness and pneumonia. |
 | New ancient dolphin species Urkudelphis chawpipacha discovered in EcuadorA new dolphin species likely from the Oligocene was discovered and described in Ecuador, according to a study published December 20, 2017 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Yoshihiro Tanaka from the Osaka Museum of Natural History, Japan, and colleagues. |
 | (Re)-acquiring the potential to become everythingA new study in Nature Genetics identifies a specific population of pluripotent embryonic stem cells that can reprogram to totipotent-like cells in culture. Moreover, the scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum München and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) have identified bottlenecks and drivers of this reprogramming. |
 | Mobile genetic elements that alter the function of nearby genesRaúl Castanera-Andrés, an engineer in the Agri-Food Engineering and Rural Environment Department of the NUP/UPNA-Public University of Navarre, has worked on detecting mobile genetic elements (transposons) in basidiomycete fungi, a type of well-known fungi because they produce edible mushrooms and are active degraders of lignocellulosic waste. |
Florida tries to stem the tide in iguana invasionGrowing up on Key Biscayne in the 1970s, Paul Zuccarini had no idea the commonplace green iguanas he loved to chase were as exotic as the tourists that descended every winter. | |
 | Most dog treats exceed recommended daily energy allowanceMost commercially available dog treats contain a range of undefined ingredients, including sugars, and often exceed the recommended daily energy allowance for treats ('complementary feed'), warn researchers in the Vet Record today. |
 | Two studies find stress reprograms cellsIn a pair of publications, researchers have shown how cells adapt to stressors—like water loss—by reprogramming their internal signaling networks. The studies describe previously unknown mechanisms that cells use to send signals between cellular machinery and avoid cell death. According to the authors, drugs that enhance the adaptation mechanisms could help cells stave off multiple diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The studies were published in Cell Reports and Molecular Cell. |
 | Plant defense following the iron-maiden principleCalcium phosphate is a typical component of teeth and bones. It has recently been shown that plants of the rock nettle family also use this very hard mineral in their "teeth" to defend themselves against their animal enemies. Botanists of Bonn University have now demonstrated that calcium phosphate is a lot more widespread in plants than previously suspected. Even thal cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) uses trichomes hardened with an incrustation of this biomineral to defend itself against enemies such as aphids. The results have now been published online first in the scientific journal "Planta". The print version will be published in January. |
 | Life in marine driftwood: The case of driftwood specialist talitridsDriftwood in the sea - either floating or stranded on beaches - is a common feature particularly in temperate regions. Large quantities of driftwood, termed driftwood depositories, may collect at the mouth of small streams associated with marshes and have been present for some 120 millennia - since the origin of flowering plants. |
Genetic modification and genome editing rely on active roles for researchers and industryHow society regards the use of genetic modification and genome editing can have a significant influence on how these technologies are regulated by authorities and on the pace of technological advancement. In a review published in the Journal of Dairy Science authors from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences discuss potential applications of genetic modification and genome editing of cattle for food production, considering both the breeding program and its ethical aspects. The authors concluded that an active role by all those involved is necessary to support scientific developments. | |
Study examines conflict between farmers and livestock predatorsA new Journal of Wildlife Management study conducted in South Africa has found that black-backed jackals, a similar species to coyotes and dingoes, prefer to eat livestock rather than similar-sized wild prey, which has important consequences for livestock husbandry and the management of predators. | |
 | Device may save seabirds from the dangers of fishing gearA new Animal Conservation article summarizing 4 years of study found that a device called the Hookpod can help prevent birds from being inadvertently caught by fishermen. |
 | Conservation group says Japan aiding in illegal ivory trade (Update)Japan's lax controls over its domestic stock of ivory are encouraging illegal exports to other countries and undermining efforts to end trafficking in elephant tusks, a report said Wednesday. |
 | Chinese scientists reveal a novel signaling pathway for cold tolerance in riceThe ability of plants to tolerate cold stress is fundamental in determining the growing season and geographical distribution of plants. Local temperature anomalies caused by global climate change directly threaten crop production. Improvement of cold tolerance in rice varieties requires clarifying the regulatory mechanisms of chilling signaling pathways. |
 | High-tech camera helps protect sows and pigletsEach animal's growth, development, reproduction, and well-being is critically important for a profitable enterprise. Precision farming allows producers to monitor individual animal feed consumption, movement, temperature, sickness, weight, and other factors—often without any human intervention. |
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