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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for February 28, 2018:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
Astronomy & Space news
 | Unlocking the secrets of the universeLong ago, about 400,000 years after the beginning of the universe (the Big Bang), the universe was dark. There were no stars or galaxies, and the universe was filled primarily with neutral hydrogen gas. |
 | Black hole blasts may transform 'mini-Neptunes' into rocky worldsA team of astrophysicists and planetary scientists has predicted that Neptune-like planets located near the center of the Milky Way were transformed into rocky planets by outbursts generated by the nearby supermassive black hole. |
 | High-resolution image of the core of the Milky Way reveals surprisingly low star formationCompared to some other galaxies in our Universe, the Milky Way is a rather subtle character. In fact, there are galaxies that are a thousands times as luminous as the Milky Way, owing to the presence of warm gas in the galaxy's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). This gas is heated by massive bursts of star formation that surround the Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) at the nucleus of the galaxy. |
 | Making the moon: Study details new story for how the moon formedSimon Lock wants to change the way you think about the Moon. |
 | Black holes from small galaxies might emit gamma raysAs a general rule of thumb, if there is a puzzling phenomenon occurring somewhere deep in outer space, a black hole is often the culprit behind it. |
 | Research details mineralogy of potential lunar exploration siteA detailed study of a giant impact crater on the Moon's far side could provide a roadmap for future lunar explorers. |
 | Chasing a stellar flash with assistance from GaiaLast year, ESA's Gaia mission helped astronomers make unique observations of Neptune's largest moon, Triton, as it passed in front of a distant star. This is a preview of the superb quality and versatility of the Gaia data that will be released in April. |
 | Cosmonaut, two US astronauts return to Earth from ISSTwo NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut returned to Earth on Wednesday, rounding off a mission of more than five months aboard the International Space Station. |
 | Six decades of cosmology"Cosmologists are often wrong but never in doubt," Russian physicist Lev Landau once said. In the early days, astronomers began by observing and modelling stars in different stages of evolution and comparing their findings with theoretical predictions. Stellar modelling uses well-tested physics, with concepts such as hydrostatic equilibrium, law of gravitation, thermodynamics, nuclear reactions etc. Yet in contrast, cosmology is based on a large number of untested physical assumptions, like nonbaryonic dark matter and dark energy whose physics has no proven link with the rest of physics. In a recent paper published in EPJ H, Jayant V. Narlikar, professor emeritus at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, India, shares his personal reminiscences of the evolution of the subject of cosmology over six decades. He tells of the increase in our confidence in the standard model of cosmology to the extent that it has become a dogma. |
 | NASA space laser completes 2,000-mile road tripOnce in orbit after it launches this fall, NASA's ICESat-2 satellite will travel at speeds faster than 15,000 miles per hour. Last week, the satellite's instrument began its journey toward space riding a truck from Maryland to Arizona, never exceeding 65 mph. |
Technology news
 | Novel 3-D printing method embeds sensing capabilities within robotic actuatorsResearchers at Harvard University have built soft robots inspired by nature that can crawl, swim, grasp delicate objects and even assist a beating heart, but none of these devices has been able to sense and respond to the world around them. |
 | Hypersonic plane design tested in wind tunnel, discussed in journalEarlier this month a tantalizing thought from Boeing was presented, as "an aircraft that can fly more than five times the speed of sound, jetting across world in one to three hours. If Boeing has any say, it'll be a reality in 10-20 years." |
 | A lithium battery that operates at -70 degrees Celsius, a record lowResearchers in China have developed a battery with organic compound electrodes that can function at -70 degrees Celsius—far colder than the temperature at which lithium-ion batteries lose most of their ability to conduct and store energy. The findings, published February 28 in the journal Joule, could aid engineers in developing technology suited to withstand the coldest reaches of outer space or the most frigid regions on Earth. |
 | Custom carpentry with help from robotsEvery year thousands of carpenters injure their hands and fingers doing dangerous tasks such as sawing. |
 | Layered oxides for rechargeable zinc batteriesLayered oxides can form the basis of high-performance materials for battery electrodes. A KAUST team has developed a cheap and simple technique that creates this crucial element for rechargeable zinc-ion cells. |
 | Scientists confirm century-old speculation on the chemistry of a high-performance batteryScientists have discovered a novel chemical state of the element manganese. This chemical state, first proposed about 90 years ago, enables a high-performance, low-cost sodium-ion battery that could quickly and efficiently store and distribute energy produced by solar panels and wind turbines across the electrical grid. |
 | Human-in-the-loop optimization improves the function of soft, wearable robotsWhen it comes to soft, assistive devices—like the exosuit being designed by the Harvard Biodesign Lab—the wearer and the robot need to be in sync. But every human moves a bit differently and tailoring the robot's parameters for an individual user is a time-consuming and inefficient process. |
 | Video: Footage shows how drones can boost turtle conservationDrones are changing the face of turtle research and conservation, a new study shows. |
 | Scientist developed 3-D scans of beetles for Blade Runner 2049BUF, one of the main visual effects companies behind Blade Runner 2049, sought the collaboration of Javier Alba-Tercedor, a Professor of Zoology at the University of Granada, to obtain scans of different species of beetles used in the film's visual effects. Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has earned five Oscar nominations as part of the 90th Academy Awards (2018), one of which is for Best Visual Effects. |
Basic password guidance can dramatically improve account security, study showsTechnology users should be offered more detailed support and guidance when creating account passwords in order to make them more secure and harder to crack, a study suggests. | |
 | Encrypted smartphones secure your identity, not just your dataSmartphones store your email, your photos and your calendar. They provide access to online social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and even your bank and credit card accounts. And they're keys to something even more private and precious – your digital identity. |
 | How a nuclear attack on North Korea would add to global cancer epidemicWith tensions high between the United States and North Korea, there is the possibility that the U.S. would launch a "tactical" nuclear strike in the Korean peninsula. There would be consequences far beyond damage to military sites proposed in such an attack. |
 | Living with artificial intelligence—how do we get it right?Powerful AI needs to be reliably aligned with human values. Does this mean that AI will eventually have to police those values? Cambridge philosophers Huw Price and Karina Vold consider the trade-off between safety and autonomy in the era of superintelligence. |
 | Sensors help smartphones keep eye on solo seniorsLooking after an elderly relative who lives alone can be a huge source of worry. But what if your smartphone could automatically alert you if your mother has stayed in bed all morning or suffered a fall? |
Self-driving cars with no in-vehicle backup driver get OK for California public roadsSelf-driving cars with no human backup behind the wheel will be legal on California roads for testing and transporting the public starting April 2. | |
Gadgets: Smart safe secures valuables remotelyThe new iKeyp Bolt smart home safe is the first of its kind to keep valuables locked up and controlled from anywhere. | |
 | 'Near-religious' marketing fervour grips smartphone worldWith "near-religious" fervour, mobile phone industry players gathered this week at their annual trade fair in Barcelona are vaunting their positive impact on the world even if they are also timidly starting to address fears over the dark side of new technology. |
 | Snapchat challenging Facebook among US youth: surveyFacebook remains the most popular social network among Americans but is facing a growing challenge from Snapchat for young audiences, a survey showed Wednesday. |
 | Google still under fire over EU anti-trust violationsRivals to Google urged the EU on Wednesday to keep up its fight against the search engine giant, saying proposals by the firm to avoid more EU mega-fines fell short. |
 | Startup commercializes MRI device that could enhance medical diagnosticsA Purdue-affiliated startup, MR-Link LLC, is developing a coin-sized, affordable device that once inserted into existing MRI machines could allow researchers and medical professionals to perform multiple imaging scans at once and more efficiently and effectively understand a patient's physiology. |
 | Alibaba sets up AI research centre in SingaporeChinese e-commerce giant Alibaba on Wednesday opened an artificial intelligence research institute in Singapore in partnership with a local university, as the battle to develop AI technology heats up. |
 | Parts pulled from Japan bullet trains over crack fearsThe Japanese company behind the country's iconic bullet trains said Wednesday it had supplied nearly 150 faulty wheel parts that could crack and potentially cause a derailment. |
Apple offers new wellness program for headquarters employeesAre you a doctor? Want to work with Apple employees? Here's your shot. | |
 | Russian hackers infiltrated German ministries' network: reportRussian hackers have infiltrated Germany's foreign and interior ministries' online networks, German news agency DPA reported Wednesday quoting unnamed security sources. |
 | Spotify's music service seeks to drum up $1 billion in IPOMusic-streaming pioneer Spotify is hoping to attract a new crowd of fans on Wall Street to help fend off a growing competitive threat posed by Apple. |
 | Bitcoin billionaire? Don't forget the IRSCryptocurrencies like bitcoin may not be regulated by the government, but they're still subject to being taxed. |
 | Facebook jobs service spreading to more countriesFacebook on Wednesday announced that its year-old job-hunting service is expanding to dozens more countries, aiming to connect members with local work. |
Medicine & Health news
 | Brain-gut communication in worms demonstrates how organs can work together to regulate lifespanOur bodies are not just passively growing older. Cells and tissues continuously use information from our environments—and from each other—to actively coordinate the aging process. A new study from the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute now reveals how some of that cross-talk between tissues occurs in a common model organism. |
 | Understanding the smallest brain circuitsRoberto Fernández Galán, an assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the university's School of Engineering, and a team of undergraduate researchers at Case Western Reserve have been recording the electrical activity of hundreds of neurons as they fire inside the brain of a mouse model-for up to half an hour at a time. |
 | New-found stem cell helps regenerate lung tissue after acute injury, study findsResearchers have identified a lung stem cell that repairs the organ's gas exchange compartment, according to a new study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The y isolated and characterized these progenitor cells from mouse and human lungs and demonstrated they are essential to repairing lung tissue damaged by severe influenza and other respiratory ailments. |
 | Genomic analysis underscores need for precision therapies that target pediatric cancerResearchers have determined that children and adults with cancer usually have different mutated genes driving their disease, which suggests they would likely benefit from different therapies. The finding, from a collaborative study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, underscores the need to develop precision medicines for pediatric cancer. |
 | The dynamics of directed axon migration in the brainIn a new study, NAIST scientists, in collaboration with researchers at the Osaka National Hospital and University of Tokyo, report that the L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1-CAM) is crucial for directed axon migration. The study shows that L1-CAM grips and slips on laminin to steer axons to their final destination. It further explains how disruption of this L1-CAM system leads to CRASH syndrome, which describes an assortment of neural disabilities that are all attributed to an underdeveloped brain. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). |
 | Genome sequencing uncovers therapy for rare brain tumorBrain tumors are among the deadliest forms of cancer, due in large part to their sensitive location and the challenge of performing surgery to remove them. New research led by David Solomon, MD, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology at UC San Francisco, provides much-needed targeted treatment options for patients whose tumors cannot be surgically removed. |
 | New research suggests sonic weapon not likely in Cuban embassy employee illnessesA team of medical researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has all but ruled out a sonic weapon as the cause of the mysterious ailments suffered by personnel working at the U.S. embassy in Cuba last year. Instead, they have found that while the symptoms are real, they cannot identify the cause. In their paper published in JAMA, the team describes the health problems identified in people working at the embassy last year. |
 | RNA-based therapy cures lung cancer in mouse modelsBy turning down the activity of a specific RNA molecule researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, have cured lung tumors in mice by 40-50 percent. The results, published in Nature Communications, represent the tip of the iceberg in an extensive research project in which 633 new biomarkers for 14 types of cancer have been identified. |
 | Mapping the neural circuit governing thirstThere are few feelings more satisfying than gulping down water when you are thirsty. But how does your brain know when you are dehydrated or satiated, and how does it use this information to initiate or terminate drinking? Caltech scientists have now mapped the circuit of neurons within the mouse brain that regulates thirst by stimulating and suppressing the drive to drink water. This circuit offers insight into thirst regulation in the mammalian brain, possibly including humans. |
Regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment justified for some cervical lesionsRegular monitoring ("active surveillance") rather than immediate treatment is justified for moderate cervical lesions - abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, often called cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade 2 or CIN2 - suggests a review of the evidence published by The BMJ today. | |
Levels of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in England estimated to be 20%Research published by Public Health England (PHE) estimates that at least 20% of all antibiotic prescriptions written in primary care in England are inappropriate. This implies that antibiotic prescribing nationally should be reduced by 10% by 2020, in accordance with the national ambition to cut levels of inappropriate prescribing in half. These data are published in five articles in a supplement to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. | |
 | Helpful, hopeful news for bone marrow transplant patientsLeukemia can be a terrifying diagnosis for the more than 60,000 U.S. patients who are told they have this blood cancer every year. But the treatment for this disease can be just as frightening. For patients with certain forms of leukemia, the only chance they have for a cure is to receive a massive dose of radiation and chemotherapy that kills their hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the cells responsible for making new blood, and then receive new HSCs from a healthy donor. |
Forage-based diets on dairy farms produce nutritionally enhanced milkOmega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential human nutrients, yet consuming too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Today, Americans consume 10 to 15 grams of omega-6 for every gram of omega-3. | |
20 minute video developed for child daycare providers during disastersChildren present with unique needs, particularly in a disaster. One challenge is that children may be completely dependent on adults for their care. With this in mind, and considering the physical, psychological and legal needs of children during and after a disaster, a group of stakeholders devised the outline for an educational pre-disaster video for child daycare providers in Los Angeles County using the Delphi technique. The ultimate goal of the Delphi technique is to achieve an unbiased consensus among experts. | |
 | 'Obesity paradox' debunked: Obese people really don't live longer than normal weight people with heart diseasePut down that second helping of chocolate cake. |
Records study suggests gender affirming surgeries on the rise along with insurance coverageIn a national medical records analysis, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say there is evidence that the number of gender affirming surgeries performed in hospitals for transgender individuals is on the rise, along with increased access made possible by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance coverage for the procedures. | |
 | Fish oil and probiotic supplements in pregnancy may reduce risk of childhood allergiesIn one of the largest ever research reports of how a pregnant woman's diet affects her baby's allergy and eczema risk, scientists from Imperial College London assessed over 400 studies involving 1.5 million people. |
 | Researchers find new target on lethal brain tumor that can be hunted by immune cellsAn international team of researchers has genetically engineered cancer-killing immune cells that can hunt brain tumors displaying a new molecular target that is highly prevalent on brain cancer cells. Based on the findings from their early, preclinical studies, the researchers believe their approach holds promise for a new immunotherapy treatment for glioblastoma, which is the most lethal primary brain tumor. |
 | Glowing molecule can reveal live tuberculosis bacteriaA molecule made in the lab may change the way tuberculosis is diagnosed in the field. |
 | RBC, plasma transfusions drop from 2011 to 2014(HealthDay)—From 2011 to 2014, there were decreases in red blood cell (RBC) and plasma transfusions among hospitalized patients, according to a research letter published in the Feb. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. |
 | Omics, sweet omics – curing the incurable, one disease at a timeThey are many rare genetic diseases that strike perhaps only one in a million people. Often incurable, they can be profoundly debilitating and frequently life-threatening. Though each particular disease is rare, they number in the thousands – which means that together they affect about 30 million Europeans or around 7% of us. Treating these diseases is challenging and until recently, no cure was thought to be even possible for most of them. Now, hopes are rising for people living with rare genetic diseases as new treatments are being developed. |
High incidence of neonatal infections in MadagascarEvery year, 4 million children die before the age of one, mainly in resource-limited countries; one-third die from severe infections. The first month of life accounts for one third of deaths before the age of one. This situation is all the more complex in a context of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In 2012, the Institut Pasteur and Institut Pasteur de Madagascar initiated the BIRDY program with the aim of documenting neonatal infections and assessing the state of antibiotic resistance. | |
 | Evaluation of tau phosphorylation-related targets for Alzheimer's treatmentInSysBio continues to investigate the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) using the quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modeling approach. The QSP model describing the tau protein was published in PLOS ONE. |
Study analyzes common misconceptions about depression among older adultsDetermining whether depression affects older adults differently than younger adults and if it calls for the same treatment was the focus of a recent study conducted by University of Maine researchers. | |
 | Allergen chip identifies allergies in horsesAn allergen microchip developed at the Medical University of Vienna can be used to identify allergic sensitisation in horses. This is the main finding of an international study recently published in leading journal Allergy. "Our best friends are more like us than we perhaps thought – even in terms of their immune system," explains lead author of the study, Erika Jensen-Jarolim, who has dual affiliation, both to MedUni Vienna's Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research and to the inter-university Messerli Research Institute of Vienna University of Veterinary Medicine, the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna. |
New path studied to create dry probiotic apple cubesResearchers of the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Universidade Federal do Ceará (Brazil) have completed a study that lays the foundation to produced packaged apple cubes enriched with Lactobacillus casei probiotics. The work has been published in the most recent edition of the Journal of Functional Foods. | |
 | More isn't always better when it comes to health care, older Americans sayDoctors and older patients may disagree more often than either of them suspects about whether a particular medical test or medicine is truly necessary, according to findings from a new poll of Americans over age 50. |
 | Familial breast cancer not only inherited genetically, finds new studyMutations in known breast cancer genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are identified in only approximately 20 per cent of women who are offered genetic testing for familial breast cancer. |
Higher waist and hip measures may add up to greater risk for heart attack among womenHigher waist and hip size are more strongly associated with heart attack risk than overall obesity, especially among women, according to research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. | |
 | The key to treating multiple sclerosis could be inside sufferers' own bodiesFat often gets a bad press, but if it didn't coat the cables that connect our neurons, we'd be in a lot of trouble. Sufferers of multiple sclerosis and a host of other nervous system diseases have first-hand experience of this, with few safe and effective treatment options available. Only now are new treatments appearing on the horizon that might just make a big difference. |
 | Nearly all cannabis seized by UK police is high-strength 'skunk'– here's why we should be worriedFully 94% of the cannabis seized by British police in 2016 was high-potency cannabis known as "skunk", our latest research reveals. By comparison, skunk comprised 85% of cannabis seized in 2008, and just 51% in 2005. This should be cause for alarm as previous research has shown that using skunk increases a person's risk of developing psychosis, roughly threefold, compared with those who never use cannabis. Cannabis potency is also linked to rising rates of treatment for cannabis-related problems. Cannabis now accounts for around 50% of all first-time admissions to specialist drug treatment centres. |
 | How mathematics is helping to fight cancerNearly half of Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death. |
Booze ads cause risky drinking in young peopleYoung people are more likely to start drinking alcohol earlier and at risky levels as a direct result of alcohol companies targeting them via advertising, a review by Curtin University has found. | |
Tweaking RNA protects cells from harmful inflammationShould a cell detect an invader, it alerts the immune system to trigger inflammation, a blunt and sometimes damaging defensive response. By studying a defect that underlies Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, an autoinflammatory disorder affecting the brain, scientists in Charles M. Rice's lab have gained new insights into how cells manage potentially harmful inflammatory signals. | |
 | Home-based blood pressure monitoring should be commonplace in NHS, say researchersResearchers from the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge carried out a trial which showed that when GPs base their medication adjustments on regular blood pressure readings taken by patients at home, blood pressure is significantly lower after 12 months when compared with those who are managed exclusively in the clinic. |
 | Could fish oil in pregnancy prevent weight-related health issues in children?Research underway in Auckland could give expectant mothers a new, simple way to improve the lifelong health of their child. |
 | Improving wound healingTime heals all wounds – or so the saying goes. But our ability to heal damaged organs or tissues, such as the skin, is by no means perfect and results in formation of a scar. Scars are more fragile and less elastic than undamaged skin, and they lack hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands as these do not regenerate. In particular, large wounds like those caused by burns can lead to serious functional and cosmetic impairments. |
 | Cancer metastasis: Cell polarity mattersIt's not only the number of migrating cancer cells that determines the risk for metastasis, but also their characteristics, scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) report in Nature Communications. For circulating cancer cells to invade tissues and settle at other sites in the body, they have to exhibit a specific polarity. This discovery might contribute to better predicting individual risk for metastasis and find appropriate therapies that can reduce it. |
 | 3-D simulations reveal synergistic mechanisms of the human heartUnderstanding how the blood flow within this part of the heart affects the way it works could help prevent cardiac problems. In a new study in the European Physical Journal E (EPJ E), published by Springer, EDP Sciences and Società Italiana di Fisica (SIF), Valentina Meschini from the Gran Sasso Science Institute, L'Aquila, Italy and colleagues introduce a model that examines the mutual interaction of the blood flow with the individual components of the heart. Their work stands out by offering a more holistic and accurate picture of the dynamics of blow flow in the left ventricle. The authors also perform some experimental validations of their model. |
 | Water in the chest – new findings on pleural effusionLung cancer patients are particularly susceptible to malignant pleural effusion, when fluid collects in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, in partnership with the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), have discovered a novel mechanism that causes this to happen. Their study, published in Nature Communications, now refines the mechanistic picture. |
 | Disappearing mosquitoes leave clues about basic ecologyPalmyra Atoll is a tiny speck in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1,000 miles south of Hawaii and less than 3 square miles in area. Its only human inhabitants are small groups of scientists who use the island as a natural laboratory. For a long time, they endured attacks from another of Palmyra Atoll's residents—mosquitoes. |
 | Appropriate risk management is crucial for effective strategic leadership, says new reportOrganisations cannot exploit strategic opportunities or protect themselves from potential losses or failures, without a clear steer from the top on appropriate risk taking, according to a new report led by the University of Plymouth for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). |
Researchers identify 36 new genes implicated in cardiac diseaseOne in four deaths in the United States each year are due to heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's the leading killer of both men and women, but the disease's genetic complexity makes it difficult to treat. | |
Aspirin lowers risk of death for patients with diabetes, heart failureFor people living with both Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, taking an aspirin each day appears to lower the risk of dying or being hospitalized for heart failure, according to research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. But the data also reveal aspirin use may increase the risk of nonfatal heart attack or stroke, a somewhat contradictory finding that surprised researchers. | |
Machine learning techniques show promise for supporting medical decisionsSeveral studies being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session demonstrate how the computer science technique known as machine learning can be used to accurately predict clinical outcomes in patients with known or potential heart problems. Collectively, the findings suggest that machine learning may usher in a new era in digital health care tools capable of enhancing health care delivery by aiding routine processes and helping physicians assess patients' risk. | |
Internet search trends mirror heart disease patternsSearch engine queries related to common heart disease symptoms track closely with geographic and seasonal trends for coronary heart disease hospitalizations, according to research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. | |
Breastfeeding may have long-term heart health benefits for some momsWomen with normal blood pressure during pregnancy and who breastfed their babies for at least six months following birth had better markers of cardiovascular health years later compared to women who never breastfed, based on research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. The same benefits were not observed in women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. | |
ECG on smartwatch accurately detects AFibA newly-designed wristband and corresponding app that works with a smartwatch can accurately display the heart's electrical activity and notify people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) if their heart is beating normally or not, according to data being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. In one-third of cases, the rhythm picked up by the wearable device was unclassified; however, when coupled with physician's review, it could reliably differentiate between AFib and normal heart rhythm. | |
Marked increase in cardiovascular risk factors in women after preeclampsiaWomen diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy were significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol within five years compared with women who did not have preeclampsia, in a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. | |
Effective pediatric cancer treatment is possible in the midst of a refugee crisisChildhood cancer is highly curable and, through collaboration, effective treatment is possible even in a crisis, according to an analysis from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. The report appears online today in the journal Cancer. | |
Football associated with heart changes, increased cardiovascular riskFootball players show structural changes in the heart and face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. | |
Getting flu vaccine cuts risk of death by half in people with heart failureFor people with heart failure, getting a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine in a given year was associated with a 50 percent drop in the risk of death during flu season and a 20 percent drop in the risk of death during the rest of the year, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. | |
Breast cancer and lymphoma treatments save lives, but may make heart failure more likely for somePatients with a history of breast cancer or lymphoma were more than three times as likely to develop heart failure—a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs—compared with a similar group of patients who did not have cancer, according to data being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. | |
 | Austria mulls pro-smoking bill despite protestsAustrian government MPs presented a bill on Wednesday which would continue to allow smoking in bars and restaurants, despite a huge groundswell of opposition. |
 | Senators target physicians, drug manufacturers in opioid billA bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday introduced legislation that would waive limits on physicians treating addiction patients and place restrictions on how long a provider could initially prescribe opioids to patients. |
 | Strategic plan for developing a universal influenza vaccineDeveloping a universal influenza vaccine—a vaccine that can provide durable protection for all age groups against multiple influenza strains, including those that might cause a pandemic—is a priority for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Writing in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, NIAID officials detail the Institute's new strategic plan for addressing the research areas essential to creating a safe and effective universal influenza vaccine. |
Study reveals growing severity of US firearm injuries requiring hospital admission since early 90sNew data published in the journal Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open today show an annual increase in severity of non-fatal firearm injuries needing hospital admission across the United States since the early 1990s. | |
Common knee operation in elderly constitutes low value care, new study concludesA new Medicare records study by Johns Hopkins researchers has added to mounting evidence that a common surgery designed to remove damaged, worn ends of the thin rubbery cartilage in the knee joint brings little or no benefit to people over the age of 65. | |
Researchers identify the types of genetic mutations associated with nephrotic syndromeA study being conducted at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo State, Brazil, assembles efforts in clinical and basic research on childhood nephrotic syndrome, focusing on kidney transplant patients. The aim is to identify the genetic mutation profile associated with the disease and thereby facilitate early diagnosis, providing a foundation for more accurate medical decisions and enhancing family counseling. | |
 | ALS-linked protein's journey into nervous system cells more complex than we thoughtUniversity of Bath scientists have developed a better understanding of a key protein associated with brain diseases including ALS (motor neurone disease) and dementia by studying how it enters central nervous system cells. |
 | For girls who mature early, psychological problems last into adulthoodFor the past 50 years, researchers have known that girls who get their periods earlier than their peers are more psychologically vulnerable as teenagers. They have more frequent and severe mental health problems, from depression to anxiety, eating disorders, delinquency, substance abuse and failing or dropping out of school. But next to nothing was known about how long those problems last. |
 | 1 in 14 pregnant women still smokes(HealthDay)—Though the dangers of smoking during pregnancy to both mother and baby are well-known, just over 7 percent of women still light up while pregnant, a new government report shows. |
 | To tell the truth: kids' edition(HealthDay)—Teaching kids about telling the truth is a critical life lesson. And your approach can determine how motivated your kids are to be honest. |
 | Alternatives to whole liver transplants feasible for children(HealthDay)—Alternatives to whole liver transplants for children have become safer, according to a study published recently in The Journal of Pediatrics. |
 | New risk score assesses stroke risk after MI without A-fib(HealthDay)—A new risk score incorporates readily accessible risk factors associated with the occurrence of stroke in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a study published in the Feb. 20 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. |
 | Subthreshold phototherapy after birth cuts later phototherapy(HealthDay)—Subthreshold phototherapy during birth hospitalization is associated with reduced readmission for phototherapy, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in JAMA Pediatrics. |
 | Sleeve gastrectomy linked to improved glycemia in mice(HealthDay)—Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is associated with an improvement in glycemia, via increased insulin sensitivity, according to a study published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes. |
Lithium treatment for bipolar disorder linked to lowest risk of rehospitalisationIndividuals with bipolar disorder have the lowest risk of rehospitalisation if treated with lithium, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in JAMA Psychiatry. Long-acting injections of antipsychotics were also effective, reducing the risk of rehospitalisation by 30 per cent compared with their oral counterparts. | |
How to improve your body confidenceWhen it comes to self-acceptance and how we feel about our bodies, we can be hard on ourselves. So how can we improve our attitudes about our bodies? Baylor College of Medicine's Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale gives her tips on how to achieve a positive self-image. | |
Free online tool to accelerate Alzheimer's treatment created by USC and top medical groupsAn online tool that helps older people monitor their brain health has been developed at the Keck School of Medicine of USC with other medical groups. | |
 | First-ever transgenic ticks to help fight tick-borne diseases such as Lyme diseaseMonika Gulia-Nuss, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, is working on generating transgenic ticks in her lab, the first of their kind, in order to explore new targets for vector control. Vector control is any strategic method used to limit organisms that spread disease pathogens, such as Lyme disease. |
What happens in the brain during unconsciousness?When patients undergo major surgery, they're often put under anesthesia to allow the brain to be in an unconscious state. | |
 | Obesity not a risk factor for acute respiratory illnesses, study findsFeb. 28, 2018 - Although obesity has been considered a risk factor for more-severe cases of the flu, a new study found that it is not a risk factor for severe acute respiratory illnesses, including the flu, in children or adults. |
 | Moms who co-sleep beyond six months may feel more depressed, judgedRecent trends and popular advice telling moms not to sleep with their babies may make mothers who do choose to co-sleep with their infants more likely to feel depressed or judged, according to Penn State researchers. |
 | Genetics or lifestyle: A study brings new hope for improving our healthThe question of nature vs nurture extends to our microbiome - the personal complement of mostly-friendly bacteria we carry around with us. Study after study has found that our microbiome affects nearly every aspect of our health; and its microbial composition, which varies from individual to individual, may hold the key to everything from weight gain to moods. Some microbiome researchers had suggested that this variation begins with differences in our genes; but a large-scale study conducted at the Weizmann Institute of Science challenges this idea and provides evidence that the connection between microbiome and health may be even more important than we thought. |
Patients may live longer after hip replacement, study suggestsHip replacement surgery not only improves quality of life but is also associated with increased life expectancy, compared to people of similar age and sex, reports a study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR), a publication of The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. | |
 | Beneficial skin bacteria protect against skin cancerScience continues to peel away layers of the skin microbiome to reveal its protective properties. In a study published in Science Advances on February 28, University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers report a potential new role for some bacteria on the skin: protecting against cancer. |
Firearm injuries drop during NRA conventions, research showsThousands of firearm injuries occur in the United States each year, but the likelihood of such injuries appears to drop substantially when gun enthusiasts hold large national meetings, according to research led by Harvard Medical School. | |
 | Have smartphones, pot become deadly for pedestrians?(HealthDay)—For the second year in a row, U.S. pedestrian deaths hit highs not seen in decades, new data shows. |
 | Eyes may be window into future memory loss(HealthDay)—By looking deeply into your eyes, doctors might be able to predict your future risk for dementia and memory loss. |
 | Nut consumption may aid colon cancer survivalPeople with stage III colon cancer who regularly eat nuts are at significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence and mortality than those who don't, according to a new, large study led by researchers at Yale Cancer Center. |
'Botox' improves appearance of facial scars in reconstructive surgeryIn patients undergoing reconstructive surgery of the face, treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A, or 'Botox') can improve the final appearance of surgical scars, reports a clinical trial in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. | |
 | Study first to demonstrate brain mechanisms that give The Iceman unusual resistance to coldDutch adventurer Wim Hof is known as "The Iceman" for good reason. Hof established several world records for prolonged resistance to cold exposure, an ability he attributes to a self-developed set of techniques of breathing and meditation—known as the Wim Hof Method—that have been covered by the BBC, CNN, National Geographic and other global media outlets. Yet, how his brain responds during cold exposure and what brain mechanisms may endow him with this resistance have not been studied—until now. |
 | Echo of Obamacare: Dems divided over vow to repeal tax lawRepublicans spent much of the last decade firing up their base with a vow to repeal President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. But when it came to doing the deed, they found promises much easier than execution. |
 | Mandatory exercise at the office, Sweden's latest crazeWorkers spending their lunch break at the gym may be commonplace in most Western countries, but in Sweden some employers are pushing the idea even further, making on-the-job exercise compulsory. |
Europe's 1st successful sciatic nerve transplant in PolandDoctors in Poland say they have successfully completed Europe's first transplant of a sciatic nerve from a deceased donor. The recipient is officer from an anti-terrorism police unit. | |
Biology news
 | Echolocation in humans found to be more sensitive than thoughtA team of researchers from the U.K., the Netherlands and the U.S. has found that echolocation in blind people is more sensitive than previously thought. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes experiments they conducted with blind echolocation experts and what they learned from them. |
 | Missing link found between pathways involved in cell developmentA new mechanism that coordinates human development in response to signals from outside the cell has been discovered by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. Reported in Nature, the study revealed that the SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins (SMAD2/3) link and coordinate many different pathways in the cell that were previously believed to be separate. |
 | Team discovers E. Coli is more resilient than previously knownA team of Russian scientists led by Skoltech Professor Mikhail Gelfand has discovered a new process by which the bacteria E. Coli (Escherichia Coli) processes lactose, thus enabling its survival. Most bacteria are able to survive under a broad variety of ecological circumstances. Often, they are able to adapt their nutritional intake to their surroundings. |
 | How algae change their internal solar panels to stay aliveA collaboration between the Benning and Kramer labs is revealing how nature's solar panels, found inside algae, constantly grow and shrink in size to adjust to changes in their environments, a crucial system that ensures their hosts stay healthy and alive. |
 | DNA study of cow stomachs could aid meat and dairy productionMeat and milk production from cattle could one day be boosted, thanks to analysis of microbes in cows' stomachs. |
 | Infectious disease in hoverflies linked to honeybee healthIn research published on 28 February, 2018 in Biology Letters, scientists from Royal Holloway, University of London, Oxford University and Cornell University have shown for the first time that viruses that are harmful to honeybees are also present in hoverfly pollinators. |
 | Trapping multidrug-resistant bacteria in molecular glueResearchers at VIB, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven have devised a novel approach to develop antibacterial drugs. With antibiotic resistance on the rise worldwide, such new drugs are urgently needed. The Flemish biotech spin-off Aelin Therapeutics will exploit the technology to produce new antibiotics for the clinic. |
 | Land partnerships have high potential to preserve biodiversity as climate shiftsConservation partnerships between protected lands and their non-protected neighbors could significantly improve a region's ability to accommodate species migration in response to shifting climates, according to a study published February 28, 2018 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by William Monahan of the U.S. National Park Service and David Theobald of Conservation Science Partners, Inc., U.S. |
 | New tardigrade species Macrobiotus shonaicus sp. nov. identified in JapanA new tardigrade species has been identified in Japan, according to a study published February 28, 2018 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Daniel Stec from the Jagiellonian University, Poland, and colleagues. |
 | Jigsaw puzzle configuration helps plant epidermal cells withstand high pressurePlant cells are under tremendous pressure. To prevent themselves from bursting, plants had to come up with something unique: According to scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, epidermal cells with an irregular shape can withstand their internal pressure better than round and other uniformly shaped cells. |
 | New research illustrates how birds help to produce rare wild chili peppersIf you've enjoyed some spicy food lately, you might have a bird to thank. |
 | Landscape genetics branches out to help conserve riverside forestsThe conservation of river floodplain ecosystems is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Forests on the banks of rivers or along streams often support a rich and unique array of plant and animal life, due, in part, to the high soil moisture. These areas are important in maintaining water quality, preventing erosion and provide important habitat for wildlife. Many of these so-called riparian forests have been fragmented or developed due to their waterside location. The utility of rivers in transportation, for example, has led to the development of these forests into agricultural and residential areas. Flood prevention and control measures have also fragmented many of these sites. It is well-known that this fragmentation affects the ability of plants and animals to move freely, as well as affecting other ecological processes, such as nutrient and gene flow. Ensuring that these forests remain connected with each other through the establishment of "corridors," areas of habitat connecting otherwise fragmented habitats, is vital in conserving these ecologically important sites. Information on how to implement a network of these corridors to allow maximum effectiveness is limited, especially for river floodplain ecosystems. |
 | Cracking the mysteries of the elusive, majestic whale sharkIt's the biggest shark—and the biggest fish—in the sea, often found roaming in warm waters around the globe with its huge mouth agape in search of dinner. |
 | Japan firm seeks to spawn salmon farm revolutionJapan may be an island nation surrounded by the bounty of the sea, but businessman Tetsuro Sogo is looking inland to raise one of the country's most loved sushi fish: salmon. |
 | Newly discovered CRISPR mechanism may prevent dangerous errorsEven as CRISPR gene-editing technology is offering insights into genetic diseases, researchers are discovering new things about how it actually works. |
 | EU food agency says three pesticides harm bees as ban calls growThe European food safety watchdog said Wednesday that three pesticides currently partly banned in the EU pose a risk to wild bees and honey bees, in a long-awaited report. |
 | Number of people killed by animals each year in the US remains unchangedA new study released in the latest issue of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine shows that animal encounters remain a considerable cause of human harm and death. Researchers analyzed fatalities in the United States from venomous and nonvenomous animals from 2008-2015. They found that while many deaths from animal encounters are potentially avoidable, mortality rates did not decrease from 2008-2015. The animals most commonly responsible for human fatalities are farm animals, insects (hornets, wasps, and bees), and dogs. |
 | Disappearing act: Biologists document the secondary extinction of a disease-carrying mosquitoThe Asian tiger mosquito—carrier of such diseases as dengue, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya and Zika—appears to have vanished from Palmyra. |
Researchers create tool to manage urban cat population crisisAccurate numbers are the cat's pyjamas when it comes to solving the current cat population crisis. But measuring the feline population has been difficult, until now. | |
 | Risso's dolphins plan their divesSlipping beneath the surface of the water in pursuit of food sets the timer ticking for hungry dolphins; the pressure is on to locate food and make it back to the surface before they run out of oxygen. |
 | Lacoste swaps its crocodile for logos of endangered speciesFrench fashion brand Lacoste on Wednesday swapped the crocodile logo on its shirts for the first time in its history for 10 of the most endangered species on the planet. |
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