Science X Newsletter Thursday, Mar 1

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 1, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Sunlight funnel collects light from all directions

Study suggests indigenous hunters mistakenly blamed for caribou population decline in northern Canada

Newly discovered giant viruses have 'the most complete translational apparatus of known virosphere'

NASA finds a large amount of water in an exoplanet's atmosphere

Diversity of cortical neurons captured in comprehensive computer models

Vodafone, Nokia are tech partners for 4G network on the moon

Nanostructuring increases efficiency of metal-free photocatalysts by factor 11

Experimentally demonstrated a toffoli gate in a semiconductor three-qubit system

Aqueous storage device needs only 20 seconds to go

Why premature cell division promotes cancers

Researchers develop dyes for 'live' extremophile labeling

New blood test could quickly predict if the drug palbociclib will help breast cancer patients

Researchers study flower that catapults pollen

Curiosity tests a new way to drill on Mars

Brain stimulation helps younger, not older, adults' memory

Astronomy & Space news

	NASA finds a large amount of water in an exoplanet's atmosphere Much like detectives study fingerprints to identify the culprit, scientists used NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes to find the "fingerprints" of water in the atmosphere of a hot, bloated, Saturn-mass exoplanet some 700 light-years away. And, they found a lot of water. In fact, the planet, known as WASP-39b, has three times as much water as Saturn does.
	Curiosity tests a new way to drill on Mars NASA's Mars Curiosity rover has conducted the first test of a new drilling technique on the Red Planet since its drill stopped working reliably.
	Can strongly lensed type Ia supernovae resolve one of cosmology's biggest controversies? In 1929 Edwin Hubble surprised many people – including Albert Einstein – when he showed that the universe is expanding. Another bombshell came in 1998 when two teams of astronomers proved that cosmic expansion is actually speeding up due to a mysterious property of space called dark energy. This discovery provided the first evidence of what is now the reigning model of the universe: "Lambda-CDM," which says that the cosmos is approximately 70 percent dark energy, 25 percent dark matter and 5 percent "normal" matter (everything we've ever observed).
	Hubble observes exoplanet atmosphere in more detail than ever before An international team of scientists has used the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study the atmosphere of the hot exoplanet WASP-39b. By combining this new data with older data they created the most complete study yet of an exoplanet atmosphere. The atmospheric composition of WASP-39b hints that the formation processes of exoplanets can be very different from those of our own Solar System giants.
	NASA InSight mission to Mars arrives at launch site NASA's InSight spacecraft has arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base in central California to begin final preparations for a launch this May. The spacecraft was shipped from Lockheed Martin Space, Denver, today and arrived at Vandenberg at 3:49 p.m. PST (6:49 p.m. EST). The launch period for InSight opens May 5 and continues through June 8. InSight will be the first mission to look deep beneath the Martian surface, studying the planet's interior by listening for marsquakes and measuring the planet's heat output. It will also be the first planetary spacecraft to launch from the West Coast.
	Signal detected from the first stars in the universe, with a hint that dark matter was involved A signal caused by the very first stars to form in the universe has been picked up by a tiny but highly specialised radio telescope in the remote Western Australian desert.
	Chemistry can change the ingredients in planet formation Planet and star formation starts with a lot of material collapsing, falling down onto itself because of gravity. In the middle of this, a protostar is being formed. This star will then start to get warm and eventually glow. "Around this forming star, there will be a round, circulating area. This area is called a disk and is full of a lot of material. We're talking about a lot of gas, for example, CO2 and water. And then there are some small particles which we call dust: very tiny, almost sand grains that are not gas."
	Mars Express views moons set against Saturn's rings New images and video from ESA's Mars Express show Phobos and Deimos drifting in front of Saturn and background stars, revealing more about the positioning and surfaces of the Red Planet's mysterious moons.
	Sounding rocket mission will trace auroral winds From the ground, the dance of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, can look peaceful. But those shimmering sheets of colored lights are the product of violent collisions between Earth's atmosphere and particles from the Sun.

Technology news

	Vodafone, Nokia are tech partners for 4G network on the moon This is not a prank post, and, yes, April Fools is still many weeks away. With that out of the way, it can be reported that the moon will get a mobile phone network.
	Aqueous storage device needs only 20 seconds to go A KAIST research team has developed a new hybrid energy storage device that can be charged in less than a half-minute. It employs aqueous electrolytes instead of flammable organic solvents, so it is both environmentally friendly and safe. It also facilitates a boosting charge with high energy density, which makes it suitable for portable electronic devices.
	Researchers use recycled carbon fiber to improve permeable pavement A Washington State University research team is solving a high-tech waste problem while addressing the environmental challenge of stormwater run-off.
	Deep learning may help predict when people need rides Computers may better predict taxi and ride sharing service demand, paving the way toward smarter, safer and more sustainable cities, according to an international team of researchers.
	Consumers look to escapism when sentiment goes south Movie demand provides a handy barometer for the economy, and a pointer to the types of business that do well in a downturn, according to new research examining the world's largest film industry, Bollywood.
	A receiver for touch communication Battery lifetime is an important issue in wearable devices. Ideally, they should always be ready to receive control signals without consuming a lot of power. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now developed a zero-power receiver for touch communication that harvests its energy directly from the signal.
	AI can now create fake porn, making revenge porn even more complicated In January this year, a new app was released that gives users the ability to swap out faces in a video with a different face obtained from another photo or video – similar to Snapchat's "face swap" feature. It's an everyday version of the kind of high-tech computer-generated imagery (CGI) we see in the movies.
	Can sound be used as a weapon? Editor's note: Government and academic investigators continue to probe reports from Cuba that, starting in 2016 and continuing through 2017, U.S. and Canadian diplomats and tourists may have been subjected to a "sonic weapon," damaging their hearing, causing nausea, speech problems and potentially even mild brain injuries.
	Robotic spiders and bees: The rise of bioinspired microrobots Jumping robot spiders and swarms of robotic bees sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but researchers at The University of Manchester are already working on such projects and aiming to lead the world in micro robotics.
	Researchers create an AI to help us make sense of privacy policies If you're anything like the average Internet user, you probably didn't spend the estimated 244 hours it would take to read every privacy policy for every website you visited last year. That's exactly why a team led by Carnegie Mellon University just launched an interactive website aimed at helping users make sense of their privacy on the web.
	Mobile network equipment makers eye 5G windfall Struggling mobile network equipment makers are eyeing a possible boom in business from the first rollout of super-fast 5G wireless networks.
	France cracks down on undeclared Airbnb listings The French government announced plans Thursday to clamp down on Airbnb, saying it would fine the home-sharing giant for carrying ads from people who do not register their properties with local authorities.
Common bricks can be used to detect past presence of uranium, plutonium Researchers from North Carolina State University have demonstrated a technique that can determine whether bricks - the common building material - have ever been near a radiological source, and identify the specific type of source, such as high enriched uranium or plutonium. The technique is possible when there are no chemical residues left behind, and has security and nuclear nonproliferation applications.
	Apple surges ahead in wearables on smartwatch sales: survey Strong holiday season sales of Apple's newest smartwatch propelled the California tech giant into the lead in wearable tech in 2017, a market tracker said Thursday.
	Beware of replicating sexism in AI, experts warn Artificial intelligence could emulate human bias, including sexism, if there is no oversight on data used to create it, experts at the world's largest mobile phone fair in Barcelona warned Thursday.
Jim Rossman: Are you ready to ride? Tech expert takes on Six Flags' new VR coaster So are you a roller coaster person or not?
	Apple plans largest iPhone ever and a cheaper alternative, report says Looking for an iPhone later this year? Apple wants to cover your needs, whatever those may be.
	Miami's airport wants to read your face. You might be happy about that Face it, going through airport security is a vital, but time-consuming pain in the you-know-where.
	Why Amazon is sending you pictures of your front porch Have you suddenly started getting porch snapshots from your Amazon delivery person? You're not alone.
A power boost for mobile technologies Imagine you are shopping on your iPad for a new merino wool sweater for the winter, and when you visit a retail site, you can not only see countless views of your prospective purchase but you can reach out and feel the texture of the fabric. Or more consequentially: you are a physician performing an operation remotely using a telemedicine application, and you can virtually feel the patient upon whom you are operating.
	Television titans bulk up to battle internet rivals Traditional television titans are bulking up in a battle with online streaming giants Netflix and Amazon as viewers take to binging on shows when and where they want.
	Why the web has challenged scientists' authority – and why they need to adapt Academia is in the midst of a crisis of relevance. Many Americans are ignoring the conclusions of scientists on a variety of issues including climate change and natural selection. Some state governments are cutting funding for higher education; the federal government is threatening to cut funding for research. Resentful students face ever increasing costs for tuition.
	Remove 'terror content' within an hour, EU tells web firms Online platforms should take down "terrorist content" within an hour of it being reported, the EU said Thursday in new recommendations to internet companies to stem the flow of harmful content on the web.
	UK scraps plans for new inquiry into media wrongdoing The British government on Thursday scrapped plans for an inquiry into allegations of media law-breaking, a decision praised by press organizations but condemned by victims of tabloid intrusion.
	Equifax identifies 2.4 mln more affected by massive hack US credit bureau Equifax said Thursday it identified an additional 2.4 million American consumers affected by last year's massive data breach that sparked a public outcry and a congressional probe.
	Cyberattack against German government 'ongoing' Germany's government IT network is suffering an "ongoing" cyberattack, the parliamentary committee on intelligence affairs said Thursday, without confirming a media report that Russian hackers were behind the assault.
	Dyson shifts up a gear with electric car hub James Dyson, the Brexit-backing billionaire behind the vacuum cleaners that bear his name, is establishing a new UK research hub as he shifts up a gear in his drive into electric cars.
	Mobile phones help transform disaster relief Mobile phones are helping transform how relief agencies respond to humanitarian crises by enabling them to pin point where aid is needed most after hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters.
	Facebook apologises for censoring prehistoric Venus statue Facebook apologised on Thursday for censoring the prehistoric "Venus of Willendorf" figurine, considered a masterpiece of the paleolithic era.
Harley-Davison invests in electric vehicle company Harley-Davidson says it will collaborate with Alta Motors on the motorcycle maker's plans for an electric bike.
	Uber starts offering rides to the doctor Uber is driving deeper into health care by offering to take patients in every U.S. market where it operates to their next medical appointment.
	Twitter seeks help measuring 'health' of its world Twitter on Thursday asked for outside help assessing the health of its world of rapid-fire commentary in the hope of finding cures for trolls, bots, echo chambers and other ills.
In Florida, texting and driving still not a primary offense Will Florida join most of the rest of the country and place an outright ban on texting and driving? Probably not anytime soon.

Medicine & Health news

	Diversity of cortical neurons captured in comprehensive computer models The Allen Institute for Brain Science has produced the first comprehensive, publicly available database of predictive neuron models, along with their corresponding data. The generalized leaky integrate-and-fire (GLIF) and biophysically detailed models are described in two articles published in the journal Nature Communications.
	New blood test could quickly predict if the drug palbociclib will help breast cancer patients A new study has found a blood test for cancer DNA could predict if a woman is responding to the new breast cancer drug palbociclib, months earlier than current tests.
	Brain stimulation helps younger, not older, adults' memory We've all asked ourselves these types of questions: Where did I leave my keys? What was his name? Where did I park my car?
	New insight into body's response to killer fungus Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have made a new discovery that could help in the fight against a fungus that kills around 200,000 people every year and causes lung and allergic diseases in millions of others.
	In nature, an imperfect immune system drives the evolution of deadly pathogens As annual flu shot patrons know, immune systems are not perfect and must be constantly reinforced to protect against rapidly evolving pathogens.
	In pursuit of pleasure, brain learns to hit the repeat button In a scientific first, researchers have observed in mice how the brain learns to repeat patterns of neural activity that elicit the all-important feel-good sensation. Until today, the brain mechanisms that guide this type of learning had not been measured directly.
	Unlocking a cell's potential to regenerate the heart Some organisms have a remarkable capacity for regenerating tissue. If a fish or salamander suffers heart damage, for instance, their cells are able to divide and successfully repair the injured organ. Imagine if you could do the same.
	Retraining the brain's vision center to take action Neuroscientists have demonstrated the astounding flexibility of the brain by training neurons that normally process input from the eyes to develop new skills, in this case, to control a computer-generated tone.
More than just a cosmetic procedure—'tummy tuck' reduces back pain and incontinence In addition to restoring the pre-pregnancy shape of the abdomen, abdominoplasty ('tummy tuck') surgery with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence after childbearing, reports a study in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Most health providers in New York not ready to care for veterans, study finds Only about 2 percent of the physicians and other health care providers in New York State are equipped to provide timely and quality care to veterans in the community, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
	New statistics reveal the shape of plastic surgery New data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows continued growth in cosmetic procedures over the last year. According to the annual plastic surgery procedural statistics, there were 17.5 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2017, a 2 percent increase over 2016.
Children's use of non-dental services for oral pain could be costing the NHS £2.3 million a year Thousands of children with oral pain are being taken by parents to pharmacies and non-dental health services, including A&E, instead of their dentist, and could be costing NHS England £2.3 million a year, according to research led by Queen Mary University of London.
Experts call for more evidence to test impact of GP video consultations Researchers have called for more evidence to understand the safety and effectiveness of video consultation, and its impact on patient access and GP workload. In a paper published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, the team from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health at Imperial College London said that while there is evidence that video consulting is acceptable to patients and offers many potential benefits, at least to those of younger age, its safety and efficacy in primary care currently remains largely untested.
Getting a GRiP on chemoresistance: A review of GRP78 as a therapeutic target in cancer Innate or acquired resistance to current standard-of-care therapies is a major hindrance to successful chemotherapeutic intervention. There is a critical need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for chemoresistance in order to accelerate the development of more efficacious treatment strategies.
Latino parents report high levels of psychological distress due to US immigration policies A new report published today in the Journal of Adolescent Health says that the recent changes in U.S. immigration policy have triggered serious psychological distress for many Latino parents, including those living in the United States legally.
Opioid crisis affects children and teens too Children and adolescents undergoing surgery can be swept up in the ongoing opioid epidemic, according to a review and update in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, official journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).
	New test brings reliable tuberculosis diagnosis to rural Africa Tuberculosis, a distant memory to most Americans, remains a serious public-health threat in developing countries, in part because the most common test for the disease was developed a century ago and is not the most reliable. Now, a team of basic chemists working in collaboration with doctors and public health researchers in South Africa has developed a new test that makes it easier to diagnose and therefore treat the disease.
	Chinese scientists decipher origins of repopulated microglia in brain and retina The regenerative capability of the central nervous system (CNS) is largely limited due to its intrinsic properties and external environment. Traditional thinking holds that once the brain is injured, it is impossible to repair and restore the tissue to normal. However, this notion has been challenged by a recent study.
	Genetic factors driving natural variation in innate immune cell parameters Why do people respond differently to infections or vaccines? Why are some people allergic to pollen? These are still unanswered questions in immune studies. A research consortium led by CNRS research director Dr. Lluis Quintana-Murci has recently described immune variation on a large scale within the French population. To achieve this, they studied an expansive collection of biological specimens from 1,000 French volunteers aged 20 to 69.
Anxiety as a protective factor after a heart attack Fear protects people from danger. A team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Zentrum München has discovered that this applies even to pathological anxiety disorders. Patients who generally suffer from severe anxiety are likely to heed the symptoms of a heart attack earlier and seek medical treatment sooner, thus improving their chances of survival.
Using antibody in treatment of 'bubble boy disease' shows early promise Researchers at the School of Medicine said they are encouraged by early results from a clinical trial in which participants are being given an antibody-based treatment rather than chemotherapy or radiation to prepare them for a blood stem cell transplant.
	Researchers move closer to improved method of detecting breast cancer Engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have moved closer to developing an alternative method of detecting and possibly treating breast cancer.
	Study shows how unpaid family medical leave undermines U.S. economic growth Adequate paid family and medical leave in the United States is necessary for the health and economic welfare of individuals and families. Adequate paid leave ensures workers are able to tend to a newborn baby with health benefits for both baby and parents, and the positive health dividends continue for years to come. It allows workers to care for seriously ill family members, aiding their fullrecovery. It provides workers with chronic illnesses the ability to remain attached to the labor force. It is also in alignment with a strong economy.
	Study finds prediabetes patients at heightened risk for cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases Researchers at the Emory Rollins School of Public Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that high proportions of patients with prediabetes are at substantial risk for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Their findings are published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
	3-D-written model to provide better understanding of cancer spread Purdue researcher Luis Solorio has helped create a lifelike cancer environment out of polymer to better predict how drugs might stop its course.
Immune response may contribute to pediatric epilepsy Irregular concentrations of T-cells in the brain contribute to the development of seizures in pediatric epilepsy, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Muscle regeneration compromises stability in muscular dystrophy A new study finds that muscle fibers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) split during regeneration to such an extreme that the muscle is weakened beyond repair. The article is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology—Cell Physiology.
	Researchers go skin deep to explore what causes wrinkles The prospects – and consequences – of ageing are of concern to us all, especially when considering the likelihood of developing wrinkles. They are not only a hallmark of ageing but also play a fundamental role in how we physically interact with many products and devices, from moisturiser cream and make up to razor and the fabrics of our clothes.
Ramadan fasting can be safe for patients with heart failure Ramadan fasting can be safe for patients with heart failure, according to research presented today at the 29th Annual Conference of the Saudi Heart Association (SHA29), held 1 to 3 March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Experts from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) will present a special programme.
	Solitary confinement is counter-therapeutic, according to study Placing women with learning disabilities in 'seclusion' to control their behaviour while they are incarcerated in secure inpatient units, is counter-therapeutic says new research from Lancaster University.
Changes in the eye connected to a decline in memory Researchers in the US have found that changes in the blood vessels of the eye are associated with a greater decline in people's memory and language skills over a 20-year period. Their findings are published today in the scientific journal, Neurology.
	Yo-yo dieting doesn't necessarily make you heavier in the long run Many of us have lost weight to feel better about our bodies before donning a bathing suit for a beach holiday, or getting into that just-too-tight outfit for a special occasion.
	Racism impacts your health "Outside in public: Smiling, dressed real fine, manners on point. I am well schooled on how to be respectful, how to take up space, how to use silence when necessary. Travelling home on transit listening to music to drown out my day —filled with injustices from the minute I left my 'sanctuary' ten hours earlier. Fumbling for keys, nearly pushing the door down to my home. All I experienced outside threatens to crash down my door and engulf my insides and swallow me whole. My breath struggles to calm itself. Grief shadows me through the hallway. I self-talk my way into the kitchen, slipping my armour off; my thick silver bangle hits the floor, the sound awakening me to reality. I am home. I sit still for a minute and contemplate how I will go out again to face the monster of anti-Black racism. I drink my tea quickly, and begin to make dinner." - Feb 9, 2018, author's journal
	What is listeria and how does it spread in rockmelons? Two people have died after eating rockmelon (cantaloupe) contaminated with listeria. A total of ten cases have been confirmed in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria between January 17 and February 9, and more are expected.
Study sheds new light on why the effectiveness of a popular HIV prevention method varies in women Why do some women get HIV infection, even though they are using tenofovir gel for prophylaxis?
	Mice, motor learning, and making decisions Early understandings of the brain viewed it as a black box that takes sensory input and generates a motor response, with the in-between functioning of the brain as a mystery.
	Women with Alzheimer's lose their verbal communication skills quicker than men A new research review, conducted by academics at the University of Hertfordshire, has identified that the cognitive areas where women usually have the upper hand over men, such as verbal communication, are those quickest to decline in women as the Alzheimer's disease progresses.
	Compound in red wine, chocolate prevents smallpox virus cousins from replicating The secret to stopping some viruses from making people sick might be hidden in red wine and chocolate—but that doesn't mean having more bonbons and vino is in order, Kansas State University researchers say.
	Research points to new treatment plan to beat high blood pressure It is known that changing diet can be effective in reducing high blood pressure but now new research, led by a University scientist, has revealed that people's natural gut bacteria can alter the effectiveness of dietary change.
	Schools shouldn't wait for red flags to address student mental health needs One out of every four or five. That's how many students will display a significant mental health problem over the course of their lifetime.
	Lower accident risk through variable interfaces for smartphone apps Many pedestrians use their smartphones while they walk along. Instead of paying attention to traffic, their eyes are glued to the display, which poses a huge risk potential. When making a call, listening to music, typing, checking e-mail, or using apps, the amount of attention being paid to street traffic is very limited. That is why Fraunhofer scientists have investigated how an app's user interface should be designed to minimize the degree to which users are distracted from their surroundings. The studies focused on the size of fonts and interaction buttons.
Vitamin D reduces mortality A normal intake of vitamin D can reduce the risk of death substantially in people with cardiovascular disease, a Norwegian study shows.
Teachers and other school-based professionals can effectively treat children's mental health problems School-based services delivered by teachers and other school-based professionals can help reduce mental health problems in elementary-aged children, reports a study published in the March 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP).
Ethnic differences in need for heart pacemakers may have genetic link A team of researchers at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), UK, has found evidence to show that South Asian people (from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) are less likely to require a pacemaker for an abnormally low heart rate compared to white people of European origin.
	Why a 10,000-year clock is being built under a mountain – and why 10,000 years is too long Construction is underway on a "10,000 year clock". This is a clock that will have a year hand, a century hand, and a cuckoo that comes out every 1,000 years. The American inventor Danny Hillis wrote about the idea in 1995, and, thanks to a US$42m investment from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the clock is now being installed inside a Texas mountain. The aim of building a clock designed to work for 10 millennia, Bezos says, is to encourage long-term thinking.
	A gentle approach to treating microbial keratitis Microbial infections of the cornea can have serious consequences, including blindness in the worst case. The treatment of keratitis, a condition caused by certain pathogens, always presents major challenges to ophthalmologists. These corneal infections frequently cannot be successfully treated with the therapies currently available. Fraunhofer researchers are pursuing a new approach: contact lenses with germicidal properties could offer an alternative to conventional therapies. Initial tests in the laboratory and on donor corneas were successful.
	Training the dizziness away Many people are plagued by dizziness. To date, doctors have had to visually use their best judgment to determine its severity. Now the innovative EQUIVert system is here to provide objective diagnoses for the first time. EQUIVert offers another special feature: It enables patients to train their sense of balance anytime they wish – safely, effectively and conveniently.
Football managers must talk the talk as well as walk the walk, research finds Football managers must choose their words and their interview strategies with care if they want to win over the fans and project a successful image, according to University of Warwick linguistics expert Kieran File.
	From puberty to menopause, women's hormones serve them well, expert shows in new book When Martie Haselton was a graduate student at the University of Texas, she realized that what she found attractive in a man was changing and that her hormones were playing a role in that change and in finding a potential mate. She observed shifts in her behavior during certain times of the month, and noticed similar patterns in her female friends.
	Mass media exposure increases demand for vaccinations Mass media exposure can motivate people to get vaccinated, especially during disease outbreaks, according to researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Soroka University Medical Center.
Cancer survivors need better support to get jobs and access loans, say researchers More and more people are surviving cancer. Yet support for people who survive cancer and the research that underpins their care is insufficient, particularly when it comes to non-medical issues. A new special issue of the Journal of Cancer Policy, which will be published in March following the 3rd EORTC Cancer Survivorship Summit to be held in Brussels on March 1st and 2nd, shines a light on the issues and calls for more long-term research, better cross-analysis of different cancer types and better support for those who survive the disease.
	Brain injury may boost risk of Alzheimer's earlier in life Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease earlier in life, according to a study from UT Southwestern's Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.
Music boosts exercise time during cardiac stress testing If you exercise while listening to music, you may have noticed it can help boost your energy and make your workout seem quicker. Similarly, a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session suggests listening to music during a standard cardiac stress test can help extend the time someone is able to perform the test, yielding important information about an individual's heart health and capacity for exercise.
	Repeated anesthesia in infancy increases anxiety-linked behavior in nonhuman primates Rhesus macaques repeatedly exposed to anesthesia during infancy display persistent anxiety-linked behaviors later in life in response to social stress, a study from Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai shows.
Research highlights the need to support family carers when discharging dying patients New research funded by Marie Curie has highlighted the importance of identifying the support needs of family carers before dying patients are discharged from hospital so that carers are better prepared for end of life caregiving at home.
2008 Great Recession led to increase in obesity, diabetes and mental health issues The 2008 Great Recession resulted in changes to individuals' health behaviour, with a significant increase in the likelihood of obesity, diabetes and mental health problems, according to a new study from City, University of London and King's College London.
Regular walking may protect against heart failure post menopause Walking for at least 40 minutes several times per week at an average to fast pace is associated with a near 25 percent drop in the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women, according to new research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session. The benefit appears to be consistent regardless of a woman's body weight or whether she engages in other forms of exercise besides walking.
	Certain smiles aren't all they're cracked up to be Sweaty palms, a racing heart, a faltering voice. Many people find public speaking unpleasant. The mere anticipation of social evaluation increases the activity of almost all body systems related to stress, with particularly strong activation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the human body's central stress response system.
	Memory overload? That's when the eyes step in eyes What happens when the information you try to remember becomes too much for the brain? Apparently we turn to our eyes for help, suggests a recently published Baycrest study.
Study looks to help more new mothers with postpartum depression One in seven mothers suffers from postpartum depression, but for low-income women, the rate is more than twice as high.
Mothers need better safe infant feeding support post-disaster, study finds In the wake of a natural disaster, displaced families face a number of hardships that may lead to poor health and nutrition. In these conditions, babies and mothers are particularly vulnerable, but their unique feeding needs are often overlooked in disaster relief efforts.
	Researchers develop new approach that uses single PET scan to personalize cancer treatment Researchers have developed a same-day, noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET)-based imaging approach to assess PD-L1 positive tumors, and the study is presented in the featured article of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine's March issue.
In-depth mineral review provides foundational resource for dairy scientists Life is dependent on minerals. Accordingly, the diets of animals must contain certain minerals in both large amounts, via marcrominerals, and small amounts, via microminerals. In a thorough and wide-ranging review published in the Journal of Dairy Science, Jesse Goff, DVM, PhD, professor and Anderson Chair in Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, examined necessary minerals as well as the mechanisms for their absorption in cows, providing insight into these vital elements.
Violence against girls in conflict-affected populations reinforces gender norms In some areas affected by conflict, adolescent girls and young women are perceived as responsible for their own safety and considered as burdens and threats to family honor should they become victims of violence or pregnant prior to marriage, according to a study just released by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. This latest research on gender based violence (GBV) also indicates that girls need to take responsibility for managing their interactions with boys and men. The findings are published online in the journal Child Abuse and Neglect.
Inflammatory bowel disease increases likelihood of a heart attack An analysis of medical-record data from more than 17.5 million patients found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at elevated risk for a heart attack, regardless of whether or not they have traditional risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking. People between the ages of 18 and 24 are at the highest risk, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session.
A positive outlook may improve outcomes for people with chest pain When it comes to coping with chronic angin a—chest pain or pressure that comes on when the heart isn't getting enough oxygen, usually during physical activity—a positive outlook may help improve outcomes over time, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session.
	NIH pilot project will match researchers to genes, gene variants of interest Databases such as the 1000 Genomes Project and the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) harbor large numbers of genotypes (an individual's collection of genes). Until now, it has been difficult for researchers to re-contact individuals with genotypes of interest and investigate the health consequences of their genes and gene variants.
For pregnant soldiers, recent deployment linked to higher risk of premature delivery Female soldiers who give birth within six months of returning from military deployment face twice the risk of having a preterm baby as other active-duty servicewomen, a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine has found.
	No link between current or previous marijuana use and kidney disease, say researchers Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with an increasing trend of use among middle-aged and older individuals. However, potential health effects of marijuana use in the general population have not been extensively studied, and little is known about potential effects on kidney function. According to a new cross-sectional study of adults aged 18-59 in the US, there is no association between current or previous marijuana use and kidney function. The results are reported in The American Journal of Medicine.
Promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries The healing ability of the central nervous system is very limited and injuries to the brain or spinal cord often result in permanent functional deficits. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report in the scientific journal Cell that they have found an important mechanism that explains why this happens. Using this new knowledge, they were able to improve functional recovery following spinal cord injury in mice.
New report examines social security's process for determining disability in adults A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examines to what extent and in which ways health care utilization—such as in-patient hospitalizations, emergency department use, and hospital readmission—reflects disease severity, disability, and ability to perform gainful activity. The committee that conducted the study was unable to find an association between health care utilization and disease severity as it relates to the Social Security Administration's (SSA) determination of severe impairment—an impairment or combination of impairments severe enough to prevent a person from performing any gainful activity regardless of age, education, or work experience.
Trial of omega fatty acid supplementation in toddlers born preterm shows promising results Researchers from Nationwide Children's Hospital have shown that omega fatty acid supplements may improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms in toddlers who were born very preterm (more than 11 weeks early). The study was published recently in the Journal of Nutrition.
	Diet-treated chronic illness may lead to disordered eating (HealthDay)—Interventions for diet-treated chronic illnesses may increase the risk for disordered eating in children, according to a review published online Feb. 22 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
	Retinopathy associated with accelerated cognitive decline (HealthDay)—Retinopathy is associated with accelerated rates of 20-year cognitive decline, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in Neurology.
Coverage increased after ACA for patients with diabetes (HealthDay)—For adults aged 18 to 64 years with diabetes, there was an increase in health insurance coverage after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a study published online Feb. 23 in Diabetes Care.
	Step up your strength training (HealthDay)—Strength training is an essential part of a complete workout program. But whether you use free weights, machines or resistance bands, keep challenging your muscles by stepping up your routine as you progress.
	Prognostic role of elevated mir-24-3p in breast cancer Despite improvements in local, regional and systemic therapies for breast cancer, 40,610 women are expected to die from metastatic breast cancer in the US in 2017.
	New research points to better way to treat depression Scientists on the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered a new target for treating major depressive disorder, a disease that affects more than 16 million American adults. Their research shows that individuals with high levels of an enigmatic receptor called GPR158 may be more susceptible to depression following chronic stress.
	Stem-cell study points to new approach to Alzheimer's disease Improving the trafficking of cellular proteins in brain cells holds possibilities for new treatments and even prevention for Alzheimer's disease, results of a new study suggest.
	Déjà vu and feelings of prediction: They're just feelings Most people can relate to the prickly, unsettling experience of déjà vu: When you're in a new situation, but you feel like you've been there before.
	Networks of brain activity predict vulnerability to depression Tapping into the electrical chatter between different regions of the brain may provide a new way to predict and prevent depression, according to new research by Duke University neuroscientists and electrical engineers.
Researchers use cigarette smoking behavior to identify genes that regulate blood pressure Using a technique that is opening the door to more complex analyses of the human genome, researchers have identified dozens of new genetic variations that affect blood pressure. Scientists discovered the new genetic regions—and confirmed the role of many previously known ones—by looking specifically at cigarette smoking behavior, one of many lifestyle factors that impact blood pressure.
Multimodal approach to pain management reduces opioids, prescriptions after joint replacement A multimodal approach to pain management (using two or more different methods or medications to manage pain) rather than using opioids alone was associated with a decrease in opioid use, opioid prescriptions and common opioid-related complications in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacements, according to a study published today in the Online First edition of Anesthesiology, the peer-reviewed medical journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
	Estrogen suspected, examined as cause of cervical cancer Two University of Houston researchers, working to find cancer cures, received grants from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), the organization that funds groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs in the state.
	Scientists design new skin cell culture technique to study human papillomavirus A new cell culture strategy promises to illuminate the mysterious early stages of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to research published in PLOS Pathogens by Malgorzata Bienkowska-Haba and colleagues at Louisiana State University.
	New insights into how a virus-blocking bacterium operates in mosquitos New research reveals details of the mechanism by which the bacterium Wolbachia blocks viruses in mosquito cells, suggesting that it reduces viral replication inside cells and that rapid degradation of viral RNA is involved. Professor Scott O'Neill, Program Director of the World Mosquito Program, led by Australia's Monash University, and colleagues report their findings in PLOS Pathogens.
Voice problems: Updates to treatment and care of patients with hoarseness The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update) today in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The updated guideline provides some substantially revised, evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers when treating patients with hoarseness, a very common complaint that affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in their life.
ESL students with special needs fail to get language instruction, study finds Students learning English as a second language who also have special needs are more likely to fall between the cracks of elementary school education, finds researcher Sara Kangas of Lehigh University in a paper to be recognized March 28, 2018, by the International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF).
	New research may explain the link between hemodialysis and brain function decline A new study reveals that hemodialysis may reduce blood flow to the brain in older patients being treated for kidney failure. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), may help explain why previous studies have found a link between hemodialysis and worsening cognitive function in elderly patients.
Patients with head injuries do better when treated by trauma centers, even if it means bypassing other hospitals Patients who sustain severe head injuries tend to have better outcomes if they are taken to a designated trauma center, but 44 percent of them are first taken to hospitals without these specialized care capabilities, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In the largest study of its kind, researchers found that patients under 65 were significantly more likely to fare well—going home from the hospital without the need for nursing care or inpatient rehabilitation—if taken to a trauma center first, rather than a non-trauma center. Patients over 65 were significantly less likely to die from their head injury when they went first to a trauma center.
Brazil yellow fever cases on track to surpass last outbreak Brazil has confirmed 723 cases of yellow fever, putting the current outbreak on track to surpass the previous, unusually large one.
	Argentina president urges Congress to start abortion debate Argentina's conservative President Mauricio Macri said Thursday that Congress should launch a debate on broader legalization of abortion, though he said he opposes it.

Biology news

	Study suggests indigenous hunters mistakenly blamed for caribou population decline in northern Canada A trio of researchers from the University of Alberta, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Saskatchewan has conducted a study of population trends for Caribou in the Northwest Territories (NWT) in Canada and has found evidence suggesting population declines are not due to indigenous hunting. In their paper published on the open access site Science Advances, Brenda Parlee, John Sandlos and David Natcher outline their research results and suggest population declines are actually due to mineral exploration.
	Newly discovered giant viruses have 'the most complete translational apparatus of known virosphere' A team of researchers with members from several institutions in France, Brazil and Sweden has discovered two new strains of giant viruses, which they note have "the most complete translational apparatus of the known virosphere." In their paper published in the journal Nature Communications, the group describe characteristics of the viruses including details about their genomes.
	Why premature cell division promotes cancers The accumulation of mutations in the human genome is at the origin of cancers, as well as the development of resistance to treatments. The Cyclin E and Myc genes are active in the control of cell division. When they mutate in response to a carcinogen, these genes induce cells to replicate their DNA prematurely during the cell cycle. This abnormal cell division causes a tumor to develop. Why is this the case? Biologists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, show that precocious entry of the genome into the replication phase leads to molecular collisions occurring on the DNA and induces new mutations. These results, published in the journal Nature, could be used to develop new therapeutic approaches.
	Researchers develop dyes for 'live' extremophile labeling Researchers from MIPT and their colleagues from Research Center Juelich (Germany) and Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia have described a new method for studying microorganisms that can survive in extreme conditions. The scientists identified a fluorescent dye that enabled them to observe the life cycle of bacteria in real time.
	Researchers study flower that catapults pollen Flowers are just about the last thing in nature you'd list as fast, but the mountain laurels' filaments are an exception.
	Female nursery web spiders judge males based on gift quality, not the wrapping paper One of the central features of courtship behavior in the nursery-web spider (Pisaura mirabilis) is that the male must have a gift on hand in order to make a good impression on the females. So before setting out to look for a mate, the male spider traps a prey insect and wraps it festively in silk threads ready for presentation. If accepted, the food parcel is consumed by the female during mating. A new study carried out by LMU biologist Cristina Tuni reveals that successful mating depends solely on the quality of the gift, as the female does not react to any sex chemicals (pheromones) present in the male's silk. – This is rather surprising, in light of the fact that chemical communication via volatile or tactile pheromones is such a widespread feature of mating and reproductive behavior in the animal world. The new study appears in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.
	Researchers reveal findings about virus that lives in Yellowstone hot springs For seven years as a graduate student at Montana State University, Rebecca Hochstein hiked into the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park.
	Maize fields entice geese to winter in Denmark Increasing numbers of geese remain in Denmark for the winter. They forage in the growing number of maize fields all over the country. Researchers warn that in the long term, these geese may cause problems for agriculture.
New insight on the formation of East Asian flora Wu & Wu (1996) first proposed the former Eastern Asiatic region to be an independent Floristic kingdom. However, there are still some questions that need to be discussed. As many living fossil plants (Cenozoic plant relicts) are only found in East Asia today, many researchers have suggested that the East Asiatic Floristic is an ancient flora and the cradle of North American, European floras, and even the modern Paleo-tropical flora.
	Pesticides found to accumulate in fat tissue Pesticides accumulate in bodies with high fat content. This conclusion has been reported by scientists from the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), who have been studying seabirds and marine mammals of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea for several years.
Structure of a stem cell niche Stem cells—specialized cells that can self-renew and generate functional cells—maintain adult tissues. They reside in a specialized microenvironment, known as a niche, that regulates their self-renewal and activities. Understanding the structure and signaling of the niche is important for developing stem-cell based regenerative therapies.
	American kestrels, most common predatory birds in U.S., can reduce need for pesticide use Farmers are reducing the environmental impacts of pesticide use by attracting birds of prey to their lands. In some areas, American kestrels—small falcons—are replacing chemicals by keeping pests and invasive species away from crops.
	Curing blindness with stem cells – here's the latest science In 2006, Nature published a paper describing how stem cells could be used to restore sight in blind mice. This study, and similar subsequent studies, created a lot of excitement about the potential of stem cells to cure blindness in humans. Fast forward 12 years and we still don't seem to be quite there – one notable human clinical trial in Japan was stopped in 2015 due to a risk of tumour development in a patient's eye. So are we any closer to using stem cell therapies to treat blindness, or will we always be "ten years away"?
	Researchers track down "forged" superfoods Chia seeds, Moringa powder, Açai or Goji berries, the list of foods with alleged health benefits is increasing constantly. Health-conscious consumers love "superfoods" that are attributed stress-reducing and detoxifying properties as well as properties strengthening the immune system. Now, in the cold season in particular, there is a growing trend of consumers to use not only proven household remedies, such as hot lemon or sage tea, but medicinal plants from abroad, such as Indian basil, also known as tulsi. The problem: The more exotic the foods are, the less the consumer can be sure to have the original product. Mix-ups or product counterfeiting are increasing. For this reason, researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed genetic bar codes for superfoods.
	Search for vanishing frogs leads to discovery of new species FIU biologist Alessandro Catenazzi went in search of vanishing frogs in the Amazon. What he found was an entirely new species.
	Why Barbra Streisand's cloned dogs aren't identical to the original pet Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could bring back a deceased loved one? Such ideas used to be pure science fiction, but recent advances in biotechnology seem to have brought this possibility within reach (at least for the wealthy).
	Defying the koi herpes virus Whether grilled, spicy with bell peppers or breaded in flour and fried floating in oil – the carp is one of the most popular edible fish. A dreaded threat to the up to 15 kilos fried fish: the koi herpes virus (KHV). It can be dormant in the carp for months before the most deadly KHV infection erupts – enough time to infect numerous other farmed fish. Together with three other partners, Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a process that will help diagnose the virus more reliably and accurately.
	Native wildflowers bank on seeds underground to endure drought Native wildflowers were surprisingly resilient during California's most recent drought, even more so than exotic grasses. But signs of their resilience were not evident with showy blooms aboveground. Rather, they were found mostly underground, hidden in the seed bank, according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
	Just conservation is where environmental issues and social justice commingle More people, limited resources. Environmental ethicists consider best practices for conflict resolution and fairness when people and the environment are at odds.
	New study confirms Cambodia's last leopards on brink of extinction A new study has confirmed that the world's last breeding population of leopards in Cambodia is at immediate risk of extinction, having declined an astonishing 72% during a five-year period. The population represents the last remaining leopards in all of eastern Indochina - a region incorporating Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
	A bird in the bush equals money in the hand A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Foundations of Success (FOS) finds that an ecotourism strategy based on "direct payments," where local people are compensated for the amount of wildlife seen by tourists, has resulted in a reduction in illegal hunting and an increase in wildlife sightings.
	Health of world's last male northern white rhino in decline The health of the world's last male northern white rhino has deteriorated, bringing the rhino subspecies a step closer to extinction caused by poaching.
	Caught on camera: Amazonian crop raiders Papped snaffling in the jungle, a striking set of photos reveal the secret lives of Amazonian crop-raiding animals.
Researchers discover mitochondria-to-nucleus messenger protein Researchers have identified a protein, G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 (GPS2), that moves from a cell's mitochondria to its nucleus in response to stress and during the differentiation of fat cells. While proteins with similar functions had previously been found in yeast and worms, this is first direct messenger discovered in the cells of mammals.
	Mexican troops partner with activists to save vaquita porpoise Armed Mexican navy and federal police officers have begun riding aboard patrol boats operated by US environmental group Sea Shepherd in a bid to save the critically endangered vaquita marina porpoise, the group said Wednesday.
	Successful anti-poaching operation leads to five-year conviction for three poachers in Republic of Congo Three poachers responsible for slaughtering eleven elephants in and around Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in January were convicted to five years' imprisonment by the local district court last week, according to WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). The poachers, who had ventured deep into the remote Ndoki forest and spent three weeks killing elephants for their ivory, walked into an ambush setup by park rangers as they exited the forest on February 2nd. Three of the six poachers were apprehended.

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