Science X Newsletter Monday, Apr 23

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for April 23, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Researchers investigate 'why clothes don't fall apart'

Nanoparticle breakthrough could capture unseen light for solar energy conversion

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence DNA from all complex life on Earth

Did last ice age affect breastfeeding in Native Americans?

CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, researchers report

Swirling liquids work similarly to bitcoin

Astronomers detect almost one hundred new young stellar objects in Serpens South

Best of Last Week–Electron placed in dual state, a plastic eating enzyme and non-addicting alternatives for dental pain

MoS2 transistor that can be used with bendable OLED displays

Yale plays quantum catch in new research

Organic solar cells reach record efficiency, benchmark for commercialization

Paint job transforms walls into sensors, interactive surfaces

New testing of model improves confidence in the performance of ITER

After Facebook scrutiny, is Google next?

Princeton's tech watchers shine glaring light on web tracking, data slurping

Astronomy & Space news

	Astronomers detect almost one hundred new young stellar objects in Serpens South Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers have identified 152 X-ray sources, including 95 new young stellar objects (YSOs) in Serpens South star-forming cluster. The finding is detailed in a paper published April 13 in the arXiv pre-print server.
	Studying dwarf galaxies to get the big picture EPFL scientists have completed the fastidious task of analyzing 27 dwarf galaxies in detail, identifying the conditions under which they were formed and how they've since evolved. These small-scale galaxies are perfect for studying the mechanisms of new star formation and the very first steps in the creation of the universe.
	AI beats astronomers in predicting survivability of exoplanets Artificial intelligence is giving scientists new hope for studying the habitability of planets, in a study from astronomers Chris Lam and David Kipping. Their work looks at so-called "Tatooines," and uses machine learning techniques to calculate how likely such planets are to survive into stable orbits. The study is published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
	Galaxies grow bigger and puffier as they age: study A new international study involving The Australian National University (ANU) and The University of Sydney has found that galaxies grow bigger and puffier as they age.
	What do Uranus's cloud tops have in common with rotten eggs? Hydrogen sulfide, the gas that gives rotten eggs their distinctive odor, permeates the upper atmosphere of the planet Uranus - as has been long debated, but never definitively proven. Based on sensitive spectroscopic observations with the Gemini North telescope, astronomers uncovered the noxious gas swirling high in the giant planet's cloud tops. This result resolves a stubborn, long-standing mystery of one of our neighbors in space.
	Face recognition for galaxies: Artificial intelligence brings new tools to astronomy A machine learning method called "deep learning," which has been widely used in face recognition and other image- and speech-recognition applications, has shown promise in helping astronomers analyze images of galaxies and understand how they form and evolve.
	Four years of NASA NEOWISE data NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission has released its fourth year of survey data. Since the mission was restarted in December 2013, after a period of hibernation, the asteroid- and comet-hunter has completely scanned the skies nearly eight times and has observed and characterized 29,375 objects in four years of operations. This total includes 788 near-Earth objects and 136 comets since the mission restart.
	Studies show some types of life can survive conditions found on Mars Two new studies by University of Arkansas researchers bolster the case for some types of life being able to survive the harsh conditions found on Mars.
Angola loses first satellite, plans successor Angola on Monday confirmed the premature death of its first national telecoms satellite, Angosat-1, which was launched in December and was expected to have a working life of 15 years.
	New NASA boss gets 'hearty congratulations' from space NASA's new boss is already getting cheers from space.

Technology news

	MoS2 transistor that can be used with bendable OLED displays A team of researchers from Yonsei University, and Chung-Ang University, both in Korea, has developed a MoS2 transistor that can be used with bendable OLED displays. In their paper published on the open access site Science Advances, the group explains overcoming the problem of resistance between the MoS2 and a transistor's source and drain to create an operational bendable 6x6 pixel array.
	Organic solar cells reach record efficiency, benchmark for commercialization In an advance that makes a more flexible, inexpensive type of solar cell commercially viable, University of Michigan researchers have demonstrated organic solar cells that can achieve 15 percent efficiency.
	Paint job transforms walls into sensors, interactive surfaces Walls are what they are—big, dull dividers. With a few applications of conductive paint and some electronics, however, walls can become smart infrastructure that sense human touch, and detect things like gestures and when appliances are used.
	After Facebook scrutiny, is Google next? Facebook has taken the lion's share of scrutiny from Congress and the media about data-handling practices that allow savvy marketers and political agents to target specific audiences, but it's far from alone. YouTube, Google and Twitter also have giant platforms awash in more videos, posts and pages than any set of human eyes could ever check. Their methods of serving ads against this sea of content may come under the microscope next.
	Princeton's tech watchers shine glaring light on web tracking, data slurping Hidden online trackers are hardly secure in their hiding place, not after this week's headlines for stories about how Facebook user information can be nabbed. The information can be obtained on various websites that support logging-in through the social platform.
	Robot designed for faster, safer uranium plant pipe cleanup Ohio crews cleaning up a massive former Cold War-era uranium enrichment plant in Ohio plan this summer to deploy a high-tech helper: an autonomous, radiation-measuring robot that will roll through miles of large overhead pipes to spot potentially hazardous residual uranium.
	China auto show highlights industry's electric ambitions The biggest global auto show of the year showcases China's ambitions to become a leader in electric cars and the industry's multibillion-dollar scramble to roll out models that appeal to price-conscious but demanding Chinese drivers.
	JavaScript for beginners: Grasshopper can teach coding If you are new at coding and don't want to rearrange your life as a result—changing work hours, spending wads on formal courses—you may want to know about Grasshopper, a new way you can learn to write code on your phone.
	Middle East energy subsidy reform updates 'patronage-based autocratic governance' A series of converging trends provided political cover for the reforms of long-standing energy subsidies launched by oil-exporting states in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new paper by an expert in the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. These subsidies are thought to be an important source of legitimacy for autocratic regimes.
	Daniel Craig's Aston Martin fetches $468,500 in New York James Bond actor Daniel Craig's Aston Martin, numbered with the character's signature 007, sold at auction Friday for $468,500.
	FAA orders emergency jet engine inspections after US plane failure The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday ordered emergency inspections of jet engines like the one that ruptured during a recent Southwest Airlines flight, leaving one passenger dead.
	Researchers illuminate the path to a new era of microelectronics A new microchip technology capable of optically transferring data could solve a severe bottleneck in current devices by speeding data transfer and reducing energy consumption by orders of magnitude, according to an article published in the April 19, 2018 issue of Nature.
	California regulators investigating worker safety at Tesla Workplace safety regulators say they are investigating two incidents at automaker Tesla's factory in Northern California.
	DOJ looks into how AT&T, Verizon handle defecting customers The Justice Department has opened an antitrust investigation into whether AT&T, Verizon and a standards-setting group worked together to stop consumers from easily switching wireless carriers.
	Taxi drivers, Uber square up on Istanbul's roads Istanbul's bright yellow taxis, ubiquitous and perennially honking for custom, appear ingrained in the daily life of the Turkish metropolis.
China's ZTE says it's seeking a solution to US tech ban ZTE Corp., one of China's biggest tech companies, said Sunday that it is taking steps to comply with a U.S. technology ban and that it is seeking a solution to the issue it says threatens its survival.
	Global carmakers gear up for China's auto show as sector opens Global carmakers will show off their latest models at the Beijing Auto Show this week, days after China unveiled plans to shift gears in the world's biggest car market by lifting foreign ownership restrictions.
	Surge in anonymous Asia Twitter accounts sparks bot fears It has been jokingly referred to as "Botmageddon". But a surge in new, anonymous Twitter accounts across swathes of Southeast and East Asia has deepened fears the region is in the throes of US-style mass social media manipulation.
	Russia adds Google IPs to registry of banned sites Russia's communications watchdog agency says it is adding some Google IP addresses to the state register of banned sites, as a dispute over a banned messaging app intensifies.
UK calls on social media firms to better protect children Britain's health secretary says the government will introduce new laws targeting online social media companies if they don't do more to protect children.
	Shanghai gets automated bank with VR, robots, face scanning Missed paying dues on your Communist Party membership? There's a bank for that - and it's fully automated.
	New study shows wearable technology also contributes to distracted driving A new study by Murtuza Jadliwala, assistant professor of computer science at The University of Texas at San Antonio, examines wearable technology and whether it affects drivers' concentration. Jadliwala and his collaborators discovered that while a driver texting with a wearable device can marginally reduce their level of distraction, it ultimately makes texting while driving just as dangerous as with an ordinary cell phone.
	Professor defends role in Cambridge Analytica data scandal The psychologist behind an app that harvested data from 50 million Facebook users defended his role in the scandal Sunday, saying he "never heard a word" of opposition from the social media giant.
	Online myth busters fight tide of fake news in India As grief and outrage over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old crescendoed in India last week, a wrenching video of the supposed victim singing "her last song" lit up phones across the country.
	Electronics giant Philips posts 27% drop in Q1 profits Dutch electronics giant Philips Monday posted a 27 percent drop in first quarter profits, hit partly by the costs of restructuring and some acquisitions as it evolves its portfolio.
	Tech firms like Google, Amazon push power companies toward solar and wind, a blow to coal Every time you save a photo to the cloud, buy something on Amazon, open a Google doc or stream a movie, you're probably pulling electricity from a wind turbine in Texas or a solar farm in Virginia.
Google launches Chat to compete with Apple's iMessage Google is launching a new text messaging system for its Android platform to challenge Apple's iMessage in smartphone text messaging supremacy.
	Survey finds public trust in Facebook plummeted after Cambridge Analytical scandal Much of America believed in Facebook as the unassuming social network, connecting friends and family on the internet while protecting their privacy.
	Quantum radar will expose stealth aircraft Stealth aircraft in the Canadian arctic will be no match for a new quantum radar system.
	India's TCS crosses $100-bln market value Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became the first Indian company in a decade to breach the $100-billion market value barrier after stocks in the IT giant soared on Monday.
	Facebook rejects Australia media calls for regulation Tech giant Facebook has opposed calls by Australian media companies for digital platforms to be regulated, amid an inquiry into their impact on competition in news and advertising markets.
	Financial expert taking Facebook to UK court over fake ads A personal finance expert launched a lawsuit against Facebook in Britain on Monday, claiming the social media company is allowing the publication of scam ads featuring his name.
	Clouds in three dimensions ETH computer graphics specialists have analysed cloud formation and air flow in high resolution weather situations and visualised a high resolution weather situation in 3-D. The aviation industry and meteorologists may be able to benefit from this visualisation method in the future.
	Qatar Airways to expand despite 'large loss': chief Qatar Airways will continue to expand even as it prepares to announce "large" annual losses due to a blockade by neighbours, the airline's chief executive said on Monday.
	Wind energy's swift growth, explained The wind industry is growing quickly around the world, especially in China and the U.S., where the total amount of electricity generated by wind turbines nearly doubled between 2011 and 2017.
Bitcoin more vulnerable to attack than expected Calculations by University of Twente researchers show that Bitcoin is more vulnerable to attack than people had always assumed. If some Bitcoin users were to form a group that controls 20 percent of the currency's computing power, they could launch an attack and, within a few days, force all other users to accept a new standard for Bitcoin. The researchers presented their results last week, at a scientific conference organized by NASA in the United States.
New report reveals cybercriminal spending behaviours A University of Surrey senior lecturer in Criminology has teamed up with virtualisation technology company Bromium to produce "Into the Web of Profit", a research study revealing the socio-economic and spending differences among cybercriminals.
	New research modernizes rammed earth construction A building method as old as dirt is being re-examined as a 'new' and viable modern construction material.
	New control strategy helps reap maximum power from wind farms Every two and a half hours, a new wind turbine rises in the U.S. In 2016, wind provided 5.6 percent of all electricity produced, more than double the amount generated by wind in 2010, but still a far cry from its potential.
	EU probes Apple plan to buy music app Shazam The EU on Monday launched an in-depth probe of tech giant Apple's plan to buy leading song-recognition app Shazam because of fears the deal may reduce choice for consumers.
	Fake news, the First Amendment and failure in the marketplace of ideas The rise of social media and fake news challenge long-held assumptions about the First Amendment and are undermining the functioning of the "the marketplace of ideas," a Duke professor argues in a new article.
	Researcher in Facebook data scandal apologizes The academic at the center of the Facebook data-misuse scandal apologized for his actions, but said he thought he did nothing wrong at the time.
	Google parent Alphabet profit leaps on ad growth Google parent Alphabet on Monday reported a surge in quarterly profits, lifted by strong growth in the digital advertising segment it dominates along with Facebook.
	China's 'men only' job culture slammed in new report Leading Chinese firms including e-commerce giant Alibaba were heavily criticised Monday for gender discrimination in job adverts in a new report which said the landscape for the female workforce in China was deteriorating.
Campaign against online video-game bullies flops It seemed like a killer idea: combat sexist harassment in online video games by unleashing hit squads of talented female players to slay the bullies.
	Is it time to regulate targeted ads and the web giants that profit from them? In the wake of Facebook's massive breach of personal data of 87 million users, CEO Mark Zuckerberg answered questions from US politicians over two days of congressional hearings. These questions mostly focussed on the tight link between Facebook's business model of selling targeted personalised advertising and its need to capture, and exploit, large amounts of personal information from its users.
	EU probes Italy's latest Alitalia rescue loan EU anti-trust regulators on Monday opened an in-depth probe to establish whether a massive rescue loan by the Italian government to troubled airline Alitalia constituted illegal state aid.
	Merkel party warns competition 'impossible' against Facebook A leading politician from German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party warned Monday that Facebook's dominance makes competition "impossible", joining a broadside against the social network from Berlin.
Mideast ride-sharing app Careem says it was hacked The Mideast ride-sharing app Careem says it has been hacked.
	Neural network trained to assess fire effects Skoltech's Aeronet Lab has developed an algorithm that makes it possible to analyze satellite images of areas affected by fires and other natural disasters and to make a quick assessment of the economic damage. The algorithm is based on machine learning and computer vision.
	Nuclear materials developed for a sustainable future An EU-funded project has fostered links between national and European programmes to harmonise and implement scientific and technical research into materials for a safe and sustainable nuclear sector.
	Robot helps seriously ill Everton fan make history A seriously ill teenage Everton fan made history on Monday by becoming the world's first 'virtual matchday mascot' ahead of his beloved team's home Premier League match with Newcastle United.

Medicine & Health news

	How your brain learns to expect mud puddles in the park (and other things) When scientist Thorsten Kahnt was a high school student in Nuremberg, Germany, his friend Christian sported chin-length, curly brown hair. Then one day Christian appeared with newly buzzed hair, only half an inch long.
	Hacking human 'drug trafficking' network could make diabetes treatments more effective Making tiny changes to existing diabetes treatments can alter how they interact with cells, and potentially make the medicines more effective.
	What learning looks like in the brain When we learn the connections between neurons strengthen. Addiction or other neurological diseases are linked to abnormally strong connections. But what does learning look like on the cellular and molecular level? How do our cells change when we learn? Using super-resolution live-cell microscopy, researchers at Thomas Jefferson University zoomed into the connections between neurons that strengthen to discover structural changes that had never been seen before.
	Vitamin A derivative selectively kills liver cancer stem cells Acyclic retinoid, an artificial compound derived from vitamin A, has been found to prevent the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Now, in research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists have discovered that the compound targets one class of cancer stem cells, preventing them from giving rise to new tumors.
	Odd one out: Protein goes against the family to prevent cancer Melbourne researchers have made the surprise discovery that the 'odd one out' in a family of proteins known to drive cancer development is instead critical for preventing stomach cancers.
	New cell therapy aids heart recovery—without implanting cells Heart disease is a major global health problem—myocardial infarction annually affects more than one million people in the U.S. alone, and there is still no effective treatment. The adult human heart cannot regenerate itself after injury, and the death of cardiac muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, irreversibly weakens the heart and limits its ability to pump blood.
	Size, structure help poziotinib pose threat to deadly exon 20 lung cancer A drug that failed to effectively strike larger targets in lung cancer hits a bulls-eye on the smaller target presented by a previously untreatable form of the disease, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center report in Nature Medicine.
	Pediatric obesity, depression connected in the brain, study finds Early-life obesity and depression may be driven by shared abnormalities in brain regions that process rewards, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
	Watch your step: How vision leads locomotion Using new technologies to track how vision guides foot placement, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin come one step closer in determining what is going on in the brain while we walk, paving the way for better treatment for mobility impairments—strokes, aging and Parkinson's—and technology development—prosthetics and robots.
	The role of 'extra' DNA in cancer evolution and therapy resistance Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. Response to standard-of-care treatment is poor, with a two-year survival rate of only 15 percent. Research is beginning to provide a better understanding of the processes underlying cell-to-cell differences within GBM tumors - a crucial finding because these differences contribute to therapy resistance.
	Scientists create better laboratory tools to study cancer's spread Cancer that has spread, or metastasized, from its original site to other tissues and organs in the body is a leading cause of cancer death. Unfortunately, research focused on metastatic disease has been limited by a lack of experimental systems that mimic the way metastatic cancers grow in people.
Americans told to toss romaine lettuce over E. coli fears U.S. health officials on Friday told consumers to throw away any store-bought romaine lettuce they have in their kitchens and warned restaurants not to serve it amid an E. coli outbreak that has sickened more than 50 people in several states.
Brachytherapy for cervical cancer does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture A rare but potentially serious complication following radiation treatment for cervical cancer is a narrowing of the tube (the ureter) that takes urine from the kidneys to the bladder, which can lead to kidney damage and sometimes life-threatening infections. This is called ureteral stricture and, until now, there have been concerns that brachytherapy might increase the risk, although the treatment itself is associated with better survival.
E. coli's internal bomb may provide novel target for treatment strategy Bacteria's internal bomb, the so-called toxin-antitoxin (TA) system that is part of the normal bacterial makeup, may be triggered to make bacteria turn on themselves, providing a valuable target for novel antimicrobial approaches in drug design, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
Large Candida auris outbreak linked to multi-use thermometers in UK ICU Outbreaks of the fungal pathogen Candida auris (C. auris) in healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), may be linked to multi-use patient equipment, such as thermometers, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
New infection prevention tool improve transparency and standardization of practice Researchers developed a new colour-coded visual tool called Infection Risk Scan, or IRIS, which is set to make it easier for healthcare workers to measure in which areas a hospital complies with guidelines and where it needs to implement measures to improve infection control and the use antimicrobial therapies, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
West Nile virus reemerged and spread to new areas in Greece in 2017, researchers show Madrid, Spain: West Nile virus (WNV), which is transmitted via mosquito bites, reemerged and spread to new territories of Greece in 2017 following a two-year hiatus in reported human cases, according to findings presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
	New hope for treating diabetic wounds that just won't heal One of the most frustrating and debilitating complications of diabetes is the development of wounds on the foot or lower leg. Once they form, they can persist for months, leading to painful and dangerous infections.
Avoid piperacillin-tazobactam when treating BSI cause by ceftriaxone-resistant pathogens The antibiotic combination treatment piperacillin-tazobactam was significantly less effective than meropenem when treating potentially fatal bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and should be avoided when treating these organisms, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
Targeted radiotherapy for breast cancer offers good quality of life and fewer side effects Quality of life for women treated with a more targeted radiotherapy treatment - called accelerated partial breast irradiation - is at least as good as quality of life for women treated with standard radiotherapy, according to research presented at the ESTRO 37 conference and published simultaneously in The Lancet Oncology.
Seven-day antibiotic course delivers similar outcomes to 14-days for Gram-negative bacteraemia A seven-day course of antibiotic treatment for Gram-negative bacteraemia (GNB), a serious infection that occurs when bacteria get into the bloodstream, was shown to offer similar patient outcomes as a 14-day course, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
	Drinking water may help exercising seniors stay mentally sharp Older people should drink more water to reap the full cognitive benefits of exercise, new research suggests. The study, to be presented today at the American Physiological Society (APS) annual meeting at Experimental Biology 2018 in San Diego, explores the association between hydration status before exercising and exercise-enhanced cognition in older adults.
	Slower calorie burn in pregnancy may mean more retained baby weight in obese black moms Differences in the way women with obesity burn calories during pregnancy may be a contributor to long-term postpartum weight retention in black moms, according to researchers in Baton Rouge, La. Their new study shows that despite similar levels of food intake and activity levels—and a higher proportion of fat-free mass—obese black women burned fewer calories than their white counterparts. The findings, which suggest a need for more individualized pregnancy weight gain recommendations for obese women, will be presented today at the APS annual meeting at Experimental Biology 2018 in San Diego.
	Why zero-calorie sweeteners can still lead to diabetes, obesity Increased awareness of the health consequences of eating too much sugar has fueled a dramatic uptick in the consumption of zero-calorie artificial sweeteners in recent decades. However, new research finds sugar replacements can also cause health changes that are linked with diabetes and obesity, suggesting that switching from regular to diet soda may be a case of 'out of the frying pan, into the fire.'
Researchers describe role of novel mutations in fosfomycin resistance Researchers identified novel chromosomal mutations and described their role in the development of resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to broad-spectrum antibiotic fosfomycin, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
New vaccine could help people overcome bath salts abuse Researchers have developed a vaccine for one of the most dangerous types of synthetic cathinones, or bath salts. The vaccine blunts the illegal stimulant's effects on the brain, which could help recovering drug users who experience a relapse.
	Researchers discover potential source of gender differences in migraines Of the more than 38 million Americans who experience migraine headaches, 28 million are women. Compared to men, women also experience more frequent and severe migraines and don't respond as well to drug treatments. Findings from a new study conducted in rats reveal that females may be more susceptible to migraines and less responsive to treatment because of the way fluctuations in the hormone estrogen affect cells in the brain.
	Young athletes interested in healthy protein, not French fries The greasy food being served at hockey rinks isn't really what young hockey players want, according to a study from the University of Waterloo.
People with false-positive cancer screening results may be more likely to receive future screening An analysis of electronic medical records indicates that patients who previously had a false-positive breast or prostate cancer screening test are more likely to obtain future recommended cancer screenings. Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings suggest that false-positives may be reminders to screen for cancer. Additional studies are needed to explore whether false-positives have a detrimental effect on quality of life or increase anxiety about cancer.
	Endangered salamander offers clues on healing spinal cord injury One of the most vexing problems with spinal cord injuries is that the human body does not rebuild nerves once they have been damaged. Other animals, on the other hand, seem to have no problem repairing broken neurons.
	Liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes still a danger to children despite recent decline in exposures A new study published online today by Pediatrics and conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that there were more than 8,200 calls to US poison centers regarding exposures to liquid nicotine and e-cigarettes among children younger than 6 years of age from January 2012 through April 2017, averaging 129 calls each month or more than 4 a day.
Growing evidence that probiotics are good for your liver Increased awareness of the importance of the microbes that live in our gut has spurred a great deal of research on the microbiome and fueled a booming probiotics industry. A new study suggests probiotics can improve not only the health of our gut but liver health, as well.
	Opioid use linked to increased risk of falls, death in older adults Opioid use linked to increased risk of falls, death in older adultsRecent opioid use is associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults and an increased risk of death, found new research in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Shorter courses of prostate cancer radiotherapy are safe and effective Radiotherapy given in high doses over a shorter period of time is safe and effective for prostate cancer patients, according to research presented at the ESTRO 37 conference today.
	Asthma and hay fever linked to increased risk of psychiatric disorders Patients with asthma and hay fever have an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, finds a new study published in open-access journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. Almost 11% of patients with common allergic diseases developed a psychiatric disorder within a 15-year period, compared to only 6.7% of those without - a 1.66-fold increased risk. While previous studies have linked allergies with certain psychiatric or emotional disorders, this is the first to find a connection between common allergies and the overall risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The findings could have implications for how doctors care for and monitor patients with allergic diseases.
	Use 'proper form' when practicing yoga (HealthDay)—Yoga can make you flexible and strong, but it can also hurt you if not practiced correctly, an orthopedic expert warns.
	High FGF-23 linked to recurrent cardiac events after ACS (HealthDay)—Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is associated with increased risk of recurrent major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to a study published online April 18 in JAMA Cardiology.
	FDA approves first drug for rare form of rickets (HealthDay)—Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.'s Crysvita (burosumab-twza) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages 1 year and older with x-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).
	Couples in retirement face average health care costs of $280,000, Fidelity estimates Got a spare quarter-million bucks sitting around?
Applying Silicon Valley smarts to age-old diseases On the second floor of an infectious-disease research facility in this African capital, Dr. Joseph Kamgno, the country's leading expert on parasitic roundworms, stood at his desk staring down at the black, hard-shelled case that had just arrived from a bioengineering lab at the University of California, Berkeley.
	Irritable bowel syndrome patients obtain robust, enduring relief from home-based treatment program In the largest federally funded non-drug clinical trial for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), patients with the most severe and persistent symptoms achieved robust and sustained relief by learning to control symptoms with minimal clinician contact. Led by University at Buffalo researchers in collaboration with colleagues at New York University and Northwestern University, the study was published online before print in Gastroenterology.
	Let it go: Mental breaks after work improve sleep If you've had a bad day at work thanks to rude colleagues, doing something fun and relaxing after you punch out could net you a better night's sleep.
	A common anti-inflammatory therapy may help reduce risk of developing Parkinson's disease A recent study from researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai provides new insights into a link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson's disease, and may have significant implications for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson's disease.
	Researchers identify brain mechanism linking PTSD and opioid addiction Researchers at Western University have shown that the recall of traumatic memories enhances the rewarding effects of morphine, shedding light on the neurobiological link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid addiction.
	Detecting Alzheimer's disease before it's too late The rate at which the protein beta-amyloid accumulates into the sticky plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is already slowing by the time a patient would be considered to have preclinical AD, according to a longitudinal study of healthy adults published in JNeurosci. The research suggests that anti-amyloid therapies would be most effective before individuals reach the threshold for preclinical AD, long before the first signs of memory issues.
	Suicide and homicide rates show large racial disparities across US states Southern and Western states have the highest rates of white firearm suicide, while Midwestern states have highest rates of black firearm homicide, according to new research from McGill University. The findings place a spotlight on states where firearm policies may help reduce homicide and suicide rates.
	Fat cells seem to remember unhealthy diet It only takes 24 hours for a so-called precursor fat cell to reprogram its epigenetic recipe for developing into a fat cell. This change occurs when the cell is put into contact with the fatty acid palmitate or the hormone TNF-alpha, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen.
	A study links soil metals with cancer mortality Spanish epidemiologists and geologists have found associations between esophageal cancer and soils where lead is abundant. Lung cancer has been associated with high copper content in soil; brain tumors are linked with areas rich in arsenic, and bladder cancer is associated with high cadmium levels. These statistical links do not indicate that there is a cause-effect relationship between soil type and cancer, but they suggest that the influence of metals on the geographical distribution of tumors should be analyzed.
	Biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome Little is still known about the exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome. An international team with significant involvement from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has provided initial clues about the organic triggers of the disease, which affects an estimated one out of six people.
	Medical chemists discover peptic ulcer treatment metallodrug effective in 'taming' superbugs Antimicrobial resistance caused by "superbugs" is a major public health issue of global concern. Drug-resistant infections kill around 700,000 people worldwide each year. The figure could increase up to 10 million by 2050, exceeding the number of deaths caused by cancers, according to figures of the World Health Organization (WHO).
	Eating fish could prevent Parkinson's disease A new study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, shines more light on the link between consumption of fish and better long-term neurological health. Parvalbumin, a protein found in great quantities in several fish species, has been shown to prevent the formation of certain protein structures closely associated with Parkinson's disease.
	Culture shapes the brain: How reading changes the way we think From a research perspective, reading and writing is a fascinating phenomenon. After all, the first writing systems date back less than 6,000 years – the blink of an eye in the timescale of human evolution. How the human brain is nonetheless able to master this complex task is a key question. Current topics of scientific interest include exploring the differences between practised readers and illiterate individuals—and the consequences for people with reading difficulties—as well as the impact of poor reading and writing skills on global democracy.
	Advice on common kids' skin conditions Just reading the words "contagious skin diseases" can make you feel itchy all over. Pools, locker rooms, contact sports and pets all offer opportunities for your kids to catch "icky" skin conditions—such as warts, ringworm and impetigo—you'd rather they didn't bring home. Although usually harmless, these skin diseases can be uncomfortable, and can also trigger feelings of self-consciousness.
	Playground study tests accuracy of kids' activity trackers Mum and dad wear them so the kids want one too. But how well do children's activity trackers keep up with these little bundles of energy?
	Dementia an extra challenge in natural disasters Natural disasters are traumatic for anyone involved but the dangers are even greater for people with dementia. A new guide from the QUT-based Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration: Carers and Consumers (DCRC-CC) aims to prepare those who care for people with dementia to cope.
	High risk of malnutrition in older people Almost 75 per cent of older adults involved in a recent Massey University study were at risk of malnourishment, or were malnourished, when they were admitted to hospital.
Six-day antibiotic cellulitis treatment resulted in higher rates of relapse than 12-day treatment Cellulitis treated with a six-day course of intravenous antibiotic flucloxacillin resulted in greater rates of relapse at 90 days post treatment despite having similar short-term results to the 12-day course, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
	Researchers develop 3-D printing of dentures When Tae Kim bought his first 3-D printer nearly 10 years ago for $400,000, he was well ahead of the curve.
	Why Kenya isn't winning the war against malaria in some counties In the past 15 years the Kenyan government has made great strides in preventing and controlling malaria. It has issued insecticide treated bed nets, sprayed people's homes with insecticides and ensured that there is widespread diagnostic testing. These efforts have resulted in a significant drop in transmission rates.
	'Drug sanctuaries' offer hope for a post-antibiotic world We are at risk of entering a post-antibiotic era.
	Is there an optimal time of day to work out? We all know we should exercise regularly, but it can be difficult to fit exercise into our busy schedules. Most people can only exercise before or after work, so it's worth examining whether the time of day we exercise affects outcomes such as weight loss and sleep.
	Do scientists study the right cancer cells? Last year the rather religious sounding film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks was released in the US. It documents the tragic real life story of a young woman who died in the early 1950s due to rapidly growing ovarian cancer.
More than half of heart patients continue smoking after hospitalisation More than half of heart patients continue smoking after hospitalisation, according to results of the EUROASPIRE V survey presented today at EuroPrevent 2018, a European Society of Cardiology congress.1 Nearly half of obese patients have no plans for weight loss.
Researchers discover molecular basis for increased cardiovascular disease in older women Researchers have discovered the molecular basis for the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in older women. The study, which is presented today at Frontiers in CardioVascular Biology (FCVB) 2018, a European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress found that older women had mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced antioxidant proteins, and increased inflammation.
	A bone fracture glue is successfully tested on live animals, with stronger fixation than dental fillers Acute bone fractures may soon be treated with an adhesive patch inspired by dental reconstruction techniques. Scientists in Sweden report a new method which they say offers unprecedented bonding strength and a solution to the incredibly difficult problem of setting an adhesive in the wet environment inside the body.
Blood test reveals progress of concussion recovery in athletes A high-sensitivity blood test can reveal when it might be safe for concussed hockey players to return to play. In a study published by the journal Neurology, researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, has identified a superior blood-based biomarker for assessing subtle brain injury.
	Seeing prostate cancer in a new light A new method offering more successful diagnosis and management of prostate cancer has been identified by researchers at the University of Dundee.
Research on NFL players' brains might help survivors of domestic violence LaTasha Unseld was nervous, but she wanted to read the 5,283 words she'd written. And she would not let her headache stop her. After all, as she told the court, her headache was due to her ex.
Women's wellness: Birth control pill benefits, risks and choices The birth control pill is surrounded by misinformation. Get the facts on common concerns and questions about taking the pill. If you take the birth control pill (oral contraceptive), you're probably happy with its convenience and reliability. Still, you may have questions about how birth control pills could affect your health, the benefits and risks of birth control pills, and newer options available.
	How to hijack degrading complexes to put cancer cells asleep Newcastle and Dundee University researchers have uncovered an alternative path of how the breast cancer drug palbociclib drives malignant cells into cell death, senescence.
	Aneurysm strikes baseball pitcher, but why? A neurosurgeon explains the mysterious condition Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Danny Farquhar, 31, suffered a brain hemorrhage in the White Sox dugout after throwing 15 pitches Friday night, April 20, devastating his family, teammates and fans. The cause was a ruptured brain aneurysm, according to reports. Farquhar is in critical condition at Rush University Medical Center.
	How images change our race bias Images are not static. They grab our attention, incite desire, alter our relations to others, and tweak our beliefs, as they usher us into new worlds.
	Frequent walking—from personal health to sustainable mobility For his thesis, Derek Christie studied people who walk outdoors for more than one hour per day. Little research has been done into these frequent walkers, who could nevertheless help to shape public policies on mobility.
	Multiple sclerosis may be linked to sheep disease toxin Exposure to a toxin primarily found in sheep could be linked to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans, new research suggests.Carried out by the University of Exeter and MS Sciences Ltd., the study has found that people with MS are more likely than other people to have antibodies against the Epsilon toxin, or ETX, - suggesting they may have been exposed to the toxin at some time.
	Researchers make significant discovery around how inflammation works A research team from Queen's University Belfast, in collaboration with an international team of experts, have made ground-breaking insights into how inflammatory diseases work.
	Staying healthy between MD visits (HealthDay)—Wellness exams are important for monitoring your health and detecting any problems early on. But there are also self-care steps to take to protect yourself the other 364 days of the year.
Breakfast fans gain less weight over time (HealthDay)—Starting each day with breakfast may help you keep the pounds off through the years, a preliminary study finds.
	Could vaping lead teens to pot smoking? (HealthDay)—Teens who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to try marijuana in the future, especially if they start vaping at a younger age, a new study shows.
Caregivers can help assess whether older adults are dealing with delirium Delirium is a sudden change in mental status that often occurs when older adults are in the hospital or after they have surgery. More than 20 percent of older adults may experience delirium. The condition can lead to longer hospital stays, the need to be placed on a respirator (a machine that helps you breathe), long-term changes in your cognitive (mental) health, physical disability, and even death.
Guns used in cross-border crimes originate from states with more lax laws Opponents of gun control have frequently pointed to high rates of gun violence in cities such as Chicago to argue that strong state gun control laws are not effective.
	Bias keeps women with higher body weights away from the doctor: study A study out of Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health linked past experiences with bias and discrimination and avoidance of doctors in women with higher body weights.
	Study highlights need for strength training in older women to ward off effects of aging Regular physical activity may help older women increase their mobility, but muscle strength and endurance are likely to succumb to the effects of frailty if they haven't also been doing resistance training.
New study shows prenatal cannabis use associated with low birth weights With marijuana use during pregnancy on the rise, a new study led by the Colorado School of Public Health shows that prenatal cannabis use was associated with a 50 percent increased likelihood of low birth weight, setting the stage for serious future health problems including infection and time spent in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
	Johns Hopkins performs first total penis and scrotum transplant in the world Many soldiers returning from combat bear visible scars, or even lost limbs, caused by blasts from improvised explosive devices, or IEDs. However, some servicemen also return with debilitating hidden injuries—the loss of all or part of their genitals. Now, the Johns Hopkins reconstructive surgery team that performed the country's first bilateral arm transplant in a wounded warrior has successfully performed the first total penis and scrotum transplant in the world.
	Dementia trend shows later onset with fewer years of the disease The diagnosis is one that a family never wants to hear: Your father has Alzheimer's disease. Your mother has stroke-related dementia.
Norovirus confirmed after 100 college students fall ill Health officials have confirmed that norovirus sickened about 100 students at Western Connecticut State University and prompted the school to close for the day for disinfecting.
Cigarillo packaging can influence product perception, study finds Text and pictorial warnings about the health effects of little cigars and cigarillos didn't fully curtail the appeal of bright colors and descriptions of flavors on packaging, a study by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found.
	New mobile app addresses depression in pregnant and postpartum women A researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has launched a mobile app that will give obstetric providers an important new tool for assessing perinatal depression in women and guiding them to treatment. Perinatal depression affects one in seven women and is the most common medical complication of pregnancy.
	Hemp shows potential for treating ovarian cancer Results from some of the first studies to examine hemp's ability to fight cancer show that it might one day be useful as plant-based treatment for ovarian cancer. Hemp is part of the same cannabis family as marijuana but doesn't have any psychoactive properties or cause addiction.
	Meditation, aerobic exercise help women recover after sexual assault Women who are sexually assaulted and suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can learn to decrease negative thoughts and enhance self-worth by a combination of meditation and aerobic exercise, according to a new Rutgers University-New Brunswick study.
New guideline: Start taking MS drugs early on For most people, it's better to start taking drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) early on rather than letting the disease run its course, according to a new guideline for treating MS from the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline is published in the April 23, 2018, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and presented at the 70th AAN Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, April 21 to April 27, 2018. The guideline is endorsed by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
	Hippo pathway found essential to orchestrate the development of the heart Using a technology that provides a 'high-resolution view' of the status of individual cells, a team of researchers has gained new insights into the embryonic development of the mouse heart. They discovered that during development, when progenitor heart cells progressively differentiate into various cell types, the Hippo pathway is essential to coordinate the development of these cell types into a working heart. The study appears in the journal Developmental Cell.
	Upswings in older-age cognitive ability may not be universal A growing body of evidence indicates that rates of dementia may be declining, in part because older adults' cognitive abilities, such as learning and memory functions, are better than those of older adults in the past. But most data have come from almost entirely white cohorts living in high-income countries, calling into question the universality of the trend.
	CDC broadens romaine lettuce warning as E. coli outbreak continues (HealthDay)—In the wake of an E. coli outbreak that has made more than 50 people in 16 states sick, Americans are now being warned to toss out any romaine lettuce they might have bought in a grocery store.
	New rules on saving kids stricken with cardiac arrest Saving a child with heart disease whose heart has stopped requires a different approach than reviving a child with a healthy heart, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
	Choroidal thickness changes in patients with untreated DM (HealthDay)—The choroidal thickness changes in patients with untreated diabetes mellitus over time, according to a study published online April 14 in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
	Phone app linked to improved psoriasis treatment adherence (HealthDay)—A smartphone app is associated with improved short-term adherence to a cutaneous foam treatment for psoriasis, according to a study published online April 14 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
	Birch pollen-related foods can trigger dermatitis reactions (HealthDay)—In patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and birch pollen allergy, consumption of birch pollen-related foods is associated with allergic reactions and deterioration of AD, according to a study published online April 13 in Allergy.
	Celecoxib lowers opioid use post head and neck cancer surgery (HealthDay)—For patients undergoing head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery, perioperative use of celecoxib is associated with reduced use of opioids after surgery, according to a study published online April 18 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
	Too few adults taking epilepsy meds have seizure control (HealthDay)—Although most adults with epilepsy report taking epilepsy medication, less than half of those report having their seizures controlled, according to research published in the April 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Pediatric exposures to liquid nicotine down from 2015 to 2016 (HealthDay)—Pediatric exposures to liquid nicotine decreased from 2015 to 2016, but exposure still poses serious risks to children, according to a study published online April 23 in Pediatrics.
Measles serious threat for babies, toddlers, unvaccinated youths, ECDC says The vast majority of measles cases in Europe were reported in unvaccinated patients, and children younger than two years old were at a higher risk of dying from measles than older patients, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
Correcting tiny differences in patient's position for radiotherapy could increase survival chances Very small differences in the way a patient lies during radiotherapy treatment for lung or oesophageal cancer can have an impact on how likely they are to survive, according to research presented at the ESTRO 37 conference.
Illinois bill would force insurers to cover egg, embryo freezing At 23, Erin Keith didn't know if she wanted children, but she knew she wanted a choice.
Sigmoidoscopy reduces colon cancer risk for men, but not women Offering sigmoidoscopy screening to men and women in Norway reduced colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in men, but had little or no effect in women. These findings suggest that current guidelines recommending that women get screened for CRC with flexible sigmoidoscopy should be reconsidered. Results of a randomized trial are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Stories of child patients in early NHS unearthed A University of Manchester historian is to highlight the untold experiences of children who were admitted to hospital in the early years of the NHS.
Prognostic biomarker and treatment target for P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection Researchers discovered an easily measured gene linked to a high fatality rate, which could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bloodstream infection, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
Additional precautions by healthcare workers did not prevent spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Contact precautions, used in addition to the standard precautions, the basic level of infection control applied to all patients, did not limit or prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria in non-intensive care unit (ICU) hospital wards, according to research presented at the 28th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID).
	New RNA therapeutics address the direct cause of neurodegenerative diseases The European research project B-SMART has achieved first results in the development of RNA-based nanomedicines to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The scientists succeeded in developing an effective nanoparticle with customisable characteristics which is now being tested in a preclinical trial. The nanoparticle development marks a crucial step on the way towards the overall research objective: to design innovative nanotechnological RNA delivery systems targeting the direct cause of the disease in the brain instead of only treating the symptoms. In order to ensure scalability and a safe transfer of the scientific results to the clinic, the researchers have been focusing on a reliable and reproducible nanoparticle production method based on microfluidics.
Study reveals large differences in drug prescriptions for newborns between NICUs Little is known concerning how extensively drugs are prescribed to newborns in different neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A new British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study of nearly 1,500 newborns admitted during 12 months to four different NICUs in The Netherlands found that drug use varies widely.
	European rights court rejects case on terminally ill toddler The European Court of Human Rights on Monday rejected a case from British parents who want to take their terminally ill toddler to Italy for treatment instead of allowing a U.K. hospital to remove him from life support.
Acute aortic dissection should be suspected with pulse or neurologic deficit and hypotension In the appropriate clinical setting, suspicion for acute aortic dissection should be raised when patients present with findings that have a high specificity and high positive likelihood ratio (hypotension, pulse deficit, or neurologic deficit). That is the finding of a study to be published in the April issue of Academic Emergency Medicine, a journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM).
Special series examines the use of pasteurized donor human milk for vulnerable infants While the health effects of breastfeeding are well-recognized and apply to both mothers and children, some mothers may not be able to produce a milk supply to meet the needs of their child. When infants require hospitalization in the immediate newborn period doing to being born preterm or having other health complications, human milk is a vital life-saving medical intervention. If the use of mother's own milk is contraindicated (such as with a HIV positive mothers) or if a mother is unable to produce enough milk to meet her infant's needs, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) is the recommended alternative. In 2016, 5.25 million ounces of PDHM were distributed to hospitals caring for vulnerable infants across the United States and Canada.
Researchers see promise for safer opioid pain reliever Researchers at the University of Michigan have engineered a new compound that animal tests suggest could offer the pain-relieving properties of opioids such as morphine and oxycodone without the risk of addiction. With more than 100 Americans dying from opioid overdoses every day, there is an urgent need for drugs that offer strong pain-relieving properties without leading to addiction.
CDC chief makes $375K, far exceeding his predecessors' pay The new head of the nation's top public health agency is getting paid nearly twice what his predecessor made and far more than other past directors, government officials confirmed.

Biology news

	Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence DNA from all complex life on Earth An international consortium of scientists is proposing what is arguably the most ambitious project in the history of biology: sequencing the DNA of all known eukaryotic species on Earth.
	Did last ice age affect breastfeeding in Native Americans? The critical role that breast feeding plays in infant survival may have led, during the last ice age, to a common genetic mutation in East Asians and Native Americans that also, surprisingly, affects the shape of their teeth.
	CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, researchers report Coral reefs on the precipice of collapse may get a conservation boost from the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and their collaborators.
	Trichomonosis discovered amongst myna birds in Pakistan A strain of the disease responsible for killing off nearly two thirds of the UK's greenfinches has been discovered in myna bird populations in Pakistan.
	First genetic evidence of ongoing mating between two distinct species of guenon monkeys A researcher from Florida Atlantic University is the first to document that two genetically distinct species of guenon monkeys inhabiting Gombe National Park in Tanzania, Africa, have been successfully mating and producing hybrid offspring for hundreds maybe even thousands of years. Her secret weapon? Poop.
	Hungry birds as climate change drives food 'mismatch' Warmer springs create a "mismatch" where hungry chicks hatch too late to feast on abundant caterpillars, new research shows.
	Virulence switch in 'Iraqibacter': potential Achilles heel? Microbiologists have identified a component of a genetic switch, which they call a potential "Achilles' heel", for a type of bacteria often associated with wounded warriors.
	Fight against Zika, dengue get boost from reliable spread of bacteria A Vanderbilt team took the next leap forward in using a little-known bacteria to stop the spread of deadly mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika and dengue.
	New DNA screening reveals blood sources for vampire bats The vampire bat's diet consists of blood. It prefers to feed on domestic animals such as cows and pigs, but when it does so, there is a risk of transmitting pathogens such as rabies. Now, a new study lead by Assistant Professor Kristine Bohmann from the Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, describes a new DNA method to screen vampire bat stomach and faecal samples to determine which animals the bats have fed on blood from. Furthermore, the authors show that the technique can be used to assess the vampire bat's population structure.
	Could eating moss be good for your gut? An international team of scientists including the University of Adelaide has discovered a new complex carbohydrate in moss that could possibly be exploited for health or other uses.
	How are the bacteria in our guts related to each other? New technique provides insight Researchers at the University of California Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI) have validated a new method for use in microbiome studies that could help detect subtle changes in the composition of a microbial community and provide insight into the evolutionary history of community members. The method is more sensitive than current technologies, and could revolutionize the way microbiome data is analyzed. The findings are published April 17 in mSystems.
	Scientists generate an atlas of the human genome using stem cells Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have generated an atlas of the human genome using a state-of-the-art gene editing technology and human embryonic stem cells, illuminating the roles that our genes play in health and disease. The scientists have reported their findings in the journal Nature Cell Biology.
	Why freeloader baby-eating ants are welcomed to the colony It might seem surprising that a colony of ants would tolerate the type of guests that gobble both their grub and their babies.
	Five new blanket-hermit crab species described 130 years later from the Pacific At the turn of the twentieth century, two independent marine scientists—JR Henderson in 1888, and A Alcock in 1899, described two unusual blanket-hermit crabs from the Indo-West Pacific.
	Just one more ash dieback spore could push European ash trees to the brink Ash dieback threatens 95% of all European ash trees and has already killed or severely damaged a quarter in southern Sweden and destroyed more than 80% of young ash trees in Norway.
	Scientists identify genetic catalysts that speed up evolution of antibiotic resistance Researchers at Oxford University have shown that it is possible to identify genetic catalysts that accelerate the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria—and that this knowledge could be used to design treatments to stifle the development of resistance.
	Audit finds biodiversity data aggregators 'lose and confuse' data In an effort to improve the quality of biodiversity records, the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) use automated data processing to check individual data items. The records are provided to the ALA and GBIF by museums, herbaria and other biodiversity data sources.
	Threatened Cambodia river dolphins making 'historic' rebound The population of Cambodia's critically endangered river dolphin is growing for the first time in decades, conservations said Monday, hailing a major turnaround for the freshwater species.
	Antibiotic resistance can be caused by small amounts of antibiotics Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem in health care globally. To prevent further development of resistance, it is important to understand where and how antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises. New research from Uppsala University shows that low concentrations of antibiotics can cause high antibiotic resistance to develop in bacteria.
	Meet the mud dragon—the tiny animal that lives on the beach You might not know it, but you have probably met the mud dragon before. They live at the beach, hidden in the sand and floating in the shallows.
	Helping farmers and reducing car crashes—the surprising benefits of predators Humans may be Earth's apex predator, but the fleeting shadow of a vulture or the glimpse of a big cat can cause instinctive fear and disdain. But new evidence suggests that predators and scavengers are much more beneficial to humans than commonly believed, and that their loss may have greater consequences than we have imagined.
	Conservation through religion? Scientists confirm that sacred natural sites confer biodiversity advantage Sacred natural sites (SNS) are found all over the world. They are thought to play an important role in conservation but until recently there was little systematic investigation of this claim. Now, new research published in the journal Biological Conservation by an international and multidisciplinary team, led by the University of Ioannina and including Bangor University, has shown that there is a notable conservation benefit to SNS. The researchers of the project, known as THALIS-SAGE, chose for their study the region of Epirus, in north-western Greece, that is host to numerous sacred groves protected through religion for hundreds of years.
	500th rehabilitated black cockatoo released into wild An endangered black cockatoo has become the 500th rehabilitated cockatoo to be released into the wild as part of a collaborative research project involving Murdoch University.
Dicer-like enzymes with sequence cleavage preferences Researchers keep discovering new functions of small RNAs. For instance, they can be used as a defense mechanism against viruses or self-replicating genome invaders. These tiny pieces of RNA are often produced by a cleavage of long precursors by so called Dicer proteins. To their surprise, researchers from the University of Bern have found that some Dicers acquired a unique and as yet unknown feature that allow them to cleave the RNA precursors in a very specific way, resulting in small RNAs that work much more efficiently.
	Scientists use rocket scanner to learn how whales hear Researchers have used a scanner designed for rockets to collect the first-ever computed tomography (CT) scan of an entire minke whale. By combining the CT scan results with custom-developed computer simulation tools, the researchers model how the whales hear sounds produced by other whales or by human-created (anthropogenic) sources such as ship propellers.
	Landmark paper finds light at end of the tunnel for world's wildlife and wild places A new WCS paper published in the journal BioScience finds that the enormous trends toward population stabilization, poverty alleviation, and urbanization are rewriting the future of biodiversity conservation in the 21st century, offering new hope for the world's wildlife and wild places.
	Researchers use 'environmental DNA' to identify killer whales in Puget Sound When endangered killer whales swim through the sheltered waters of Puget Sound, they leave behind traces of "environmental DNA" that researchers can detect as much as two hours later, a new study has found.
	Minor cereals offer major promise for organic farming The potential benefits of less cultivated varieties of cereals are garnering more interest in a drive towards healthy nutrition.
	Where's mum? Three bear cubs rescued in Bulgaria Three bear cubs have been rescued in Bulgaria after villagers found them roaming alone on a road in the country's southern Rhodope mountains, the Four Paws animal charity said Monday.

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