Sunday, May 6, 2018

Science X Newsletter Sunday, May 6

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for May 6, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

NASA blasts off Mars-bound spaceship, InSight, to study quakes

Researchers develop portable 3-D skin printer to repair deep wounds

NASA counts down to liftoff of Mars lander, InSight

One scientist's 30-year quest to get under Mars' skin

SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship returns to Earth

After death, Hawking cuts 'multiverse' theory down to size

Banks don't want to be weakest link in blockchain revolution

Tests show no hidden Tutankhamun chambers: ministry

NASA's first deep-space CubeSats say: 'Polo!'

AI researchers study gaze and personality links outside the lab

Astronomy & Space news

NASA blasts off Mars-bound spaceship, InSight, to study quakes

NASA on Saturday launched its latest Mars lander, called InSight, designed to perch on the surface and listen for "Marsquakes" ahead of eventual human missions to explore the Red Planet.

NASA counts down to liftoff of Mars lander, InSight

NASA counted down Saturday to the long-awaited launch of its latest Mars lander, InSight, designed to perch on the surface of the Red Planet and listen for "Marsquakes."

One scientist's 30-year quest to get under Mars' skin

Philippe Lognonne has waited three decades to hear the heartbeat of Mars.

SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship returns to Earth

SpaceX's unmanned Dragon cargo ship splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, the company said, a few hours after leaving the International Space Station Saturday carrying 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms) of gear.

NASA's first deep-space CubeSats say: 'Polo!'

NASA has received radio signals indicating that the first-ever CubeSats headed to deep space are alive and well. The first signal was received at 12:15 p.m. PST (3:15 p.m. EST) yesterday; the second at 1:58 p.m. PST (4:58 p.m. EST). Engineers will now be performing a series of checks before both CubeSats enter their cruise to deep space.

Technology news

Researchers develop portable 3-D skin printer to repair deep wounds

University of Toronto researchers have developed a handheld 3-D skin printer that deposits even layers of skin tissue to cover and heal deep wounds. The team believes it to be the first device that forms tissue in situ, depositing and setting in place, within two minutes or less.

Banks don't want to be weakest link in blockchain revolution

Blockchain, the cutting-edge technology behind virtual currencies like bitcoin, has the potential to play a disruptive role in the global finance sector, experts say, as banking behemoths seek to connect with its opportunities.

AI researchers study gaze and personality links outside the lab

The journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience have published a paper about how artificial intelligence can help predict your personality from your eye movements.

Toyota invests Can$1.4 billion in Canada plants

Toyota announced Friday it would invest Can$1.4 billion ($1.09 billion) in two factories in central Canada where the Japanese manufacturer plans to build its largest hybrid hub in North America.

Google self-driving van involved in crash in Arizona, driver injured (Update)

A self-driving van that was part of Google's tests in Arizona was involved in an accident Friday when a car being driven by a human swerved to avoid another human-driven car and crashed into it.

Swiss Guards: World's oldest standing army gets new headgear

The world's oldest standing army is getting some new headgear.

First company to $1 trillion: Apple zeroes in on historic market cap for ultimate 'icing on the cake'

For the past few months, Apple has flirted with the possibility of becoming the first company ever to reach the once-thought-impossible $1 trillion market capitalization.

Tech firm offers new hires student loan assistance to make Bay Area more affordable

Sexy office perks like free food, gym classes and tropical retreats are so last year. These days, a growing number of companies are offering employees a more practical incentive—helping them pay off their student loans.

Al Franken returns to spotlight with cybersecurity speech

Al Franken edged back into the spotlight Tuesday, speaking at a cybersecurity conference in Lisbon, Portugal, four months after resigning from the U.S. Senate amid sexual misconduct allegations.

Don't want to be hit for extras on your flight? Bots—and FIU—could help

If the complexities of booking flights is making you long for a road trip, some robot relief is on the way.

Police: Sedan that collided with Waymo vehicle ran red light

A driver whose sedan collided with a self-driving vehicle owned by Waymo has been cited for running a red light, police in a Phoenix suburb said Saturday.

VW board eyes damage claims against former CEO Winterkorn

A VW spokesman says the German automaker's supervisory board is checking whether it can demand damage claims from former VW CEO Martin Winterkorn in connection with the company's diesel emissions cheating scandal.

US companies weigh price hikes as material costs rise

Higher costs for oil, industrial metals and other materials have emerged as a headwind during US earnings season, amplifying inflation worries at the same time the labor market is tightening.

Spain's Bilbao fights to lead European wind power sector

With a brand-new factory and a cluster of specialised firms, the Basque city of Bilbao is the focus of Spain's wind power industry which is fighting to hold its own in the face of fierce competition from China and northern Europe.

Facebook F8: Four things you need to know about the conference

Here are the four biggest announcements from Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook's annual F8 conference for software developers on Tuesday.

Sale of debt-laden Air India fails to take off

The Indian government's attempt to sell debt-laden national carrier Air India is in danger of hitting the skids as a key deadline looms with no bidder in sight.

Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway is sound even without him

Investor guru Warren Buffett, 87, told shareholders Saturday that his holding company Berkshire Hathaway will continue to prosper after he is gone.

T-Mobile, Sprint customers will be fine if the deals keep coming

A year ago, my wife and I were still paying through the nose for two cellphone lines from Verizon Wireless that somehow consistently cracked the $200 monthly barrier.

Air France's future in the balance, warns economy minister

France's economy minister on Sunday warned that the survival of strike-hit Air France was in the balance following the departure of the company's chief executive over a pay dispute.

Medicine & Health news

Swiss clinic slams Australia over scientist, 104, who wants to die (Update)

A member of a Swiss clinic set to help Australia's oldest scientist end his life has said it is an "atrocity" that Australia had not allowed the 104-year-old to die at home.

Depression among parents of newborns can persist six months after NICU discharge

Young parents who have less education and care for more than one child are more likely to have persistent symptoms of depression that linger six months after their newborn is discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), according to a Children's National Health System research presentation during the Pediatric Academic Societies 2018 annual meeting.

EPO protects preemies' brains by modifying genes essential for generating new brain cells

Erythropoietin (EPO) helps to protect and repair vulnerable brains though it remains a mystery how the anemia drug does so. Genetic analyses conducted by a multi-institutional research team finds that EPO may work its neuroprotective magic by modifying genes essential for regulating growth and development of nervous tissue as well as genes that respond to inflammation and hypoxia. Findings from the pilot study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies 2018 annual meeting.

COstatus monitor provides direct measure of neonates' cardiac output

Clinicians caring for vulnerable babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need to closely monitor their vital signs, but precisely gauging the function of their tiny hearts has remained elusive.

Placental ALLO levels rise during pregnancy and peak as fetuses approach full term

Just as a runner steadily builds up endurance in order to peak at just the right time, the placenta carefully calibrates how much of the hormone allopregnanolone (ALLO) it produces during pregnancy. The placenta ramps up ALLO production in the second trimester of pregnancy and achieves peak production just as fetuses approach full term, according to multi-institutional research presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 annual meeting.

Which targeted nutritional approaches can bolster micro-preemies' brain development?

The volume of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and calories consumed by very vulnerable preemies significantly contributes to increased brain volume and white matter development, however additional research is needed to determine specific nutritional approaches that best support these infants' developing brains, according to research to be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies 2018 annual meeting.

Study uses eye tracking to assess receptive language in children

A new study found that eye tracking (ET) can be explored as a modality for assessing receptive language (RL) in typically developing (TD) children and those with neurodevelopmental delay (NDD). The research findings will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Stricter state firearms laws associated with lower pediatric mortality rates from firearms

States with stricter firearm laws have lower rates of firearm-related deaths in children, according to cross-sectional analyses to be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 annual meeting. The Children's-led research team also found that states with laws that mandated universal background checks prior to firearm and ammunition purchase were associated with lower rates of firearm-related mortality in children, compared with states that lacked these laws.

Drug duo approved for aggressive thyroid cancer

(HealthDay)—Two anti-cancer drugs administered together have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat an inherited form of thyroid cancer.

Low neighborhood walkability increases risk of asthma in kids

(HealthDay)—Children living in neighborhoods with low walkability are at increased risk of asthma, according to a study published online April 17 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Emotional intelligence predictors in radiation therapists ID'd

(HealthDay)—Some factors that predict radiation therapists' emotional intelligence (EI) can be addressed, according to a study published online April 23 in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.

Pharmacists can play role in identifying frailty

(HealthDay)—As the number of older people in the United States continues to increase, pharmacists and health care professionals need to recognize and address the health care challenges associated with age, including frailty, according to an article published in Drug Topics.

Sprained your knee? The cost of a brace could sprain your wallet

One July evening, Carol Harnett was in a crosswalk in downtown Portland, Ore., when a driver made an illegal turn and hit her. Transported by ambulance to a hospital, she was diagnosed with a severely sprained right ankle and left wrist, as well as a concussion.

Q&A: Gynecologic exams not necessary for all adolescent girls

Dear Mayo Clinic: At what age should a teenage girl have her first Pap smear and gynecologic exam? Should this be done by a pediatrician or another provider?

New study examines urban-rural residence and rates of child physical abuse hospitalizations

After adjusting for poverty, rates of child physical abuse (CPA) hospitalizations only varied for black children across the urban-rural spectrum, according to findings of a new study examining the rates of CPA hospitalizations and urban-rural status of children's county of residence. In addition, central metro counties remain important areas for prevention efforts, particularly for black children. Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Study shows early family and community support are essential to children's academic success

A new study found that as childhood stress increases, school performance and attitudes decrease in a strong and graded fashion. Similarly, children with increased family and community protective factors have improved outcomes in school. Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Correlation between secondhand marijuana and tobacco smoke exposure and children ED visits

Children exposed to the combination of marijuana and tobacco smoke have increased emergency department (ED) visitation and otitis media episodes compared to children with no smoke exposure, according to a new survey being presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting. This association was not seen in children exposed to only marijuana smoke or to only tobacco smoke. This is the first study to demonstrate the notable impact between second hand marijuana smoke exposure and child health.

Long-term effects of pre-birth exposure to anti-depressants 12 years later

Selective serotonin reuptake (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy is associated with better performance on a computerized task to measure cognitive skills in 12 year olds, according to a new study being presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting.

New studies measure screen-based media use in children

A new study examines the effectiveness of the ScreenQ, a measure of screen-based media use in children. Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting.

Few transgender teens and parents willing to delay hormone therapy to preserve fertility

Research on transgender teens' and their parents' attitudes regarding fertility preservation will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto. A new study found that while more research is needed on the subject, fertility preservation is a major factor for only a minority of transgender teens and their parents in deciding to delay hormone therapy.

Training pediatricians critical to improving quality of care for transgender youth

Two new studies reveal the importance of better understanding the health care utilization of transgender children and adolescents and the need to train pediatricians to care for this population's unique needs.

Mothers of children born with NAS are more likely to experience mental health problems

According to a new study, mothers of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have a higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses in the first two months postpartum, in comparison to mothers of infants without NAS. Findings from the study will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Reduction in federal funding could reduce quality of specialized pediatric care

Hospitals caring for children with serious, chronic illness are highly dependent on public payers, according to a new study. The research found that proposals to dramatically reduce federal expenditures on Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) could destabilize current specialty care referral networks serving all children, including the majority of privately-insured children in greatest need of high quality, specialized, pediatric care. Findings from the research will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Influenza vaccine delays are a problem for pediatricians

Pediatricians report influenza vaccine delivery delays as a significant problem, particularly for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program vaccines, leading to many missed opportunities for vaccination, according to a new survey being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting.

At-risk adolescents are less likely to express depression on social media as they age

Findings from a new study reveal at-risk adolescents are less likely to post about depressive symptoms on social media as they age. The research suggests that adolescents with a diagnosis of depression may feel less stigmatized describing depressed mood on social media than previously hypothesized. The research will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Majority of late preterm infants suffer from morbidities resulting in hospital stay

A new study found the majority of late preterm infants (LPTs) suffer from morbidities resulting in hospital stay. Although factors that result in LPT births do contribute to morbidity, physiological immaturity plays an important role in producing poorer outcomes. The research will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting in Toronto.

Study examines impact of extended maternity leave on breastfeeding in active duty mothers

While there is no demonstrable difference in initiation of breastfeeding between six-week and 12-week maternity leave policies, there is a significant increase in breastfeeding duration and exclusivity through nine months for active duty mothers under the 12 week policy, according to a new study being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting.

Survey finds many adolescents are not talking to their doctors and parents about sex

Nearly half of adolescents (45 percent) reported that they were not routinely asked about sex by their primary care providers (PCPs) and only 13 percent were offered sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, according to results of a new survey being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting. The survey also found that 90 percent of parents reported that they talk to their adolescents about sex but only 39 percent of adolescents reported the same.

Study shows barriers exist for Texas adolescents seeking emergency contraception

Barriers exist for Texas adolescents seeking emergency contraception, according to findings from a new study being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting. The study evaluated the availability of levonorgestrel (LNG) 1.5mg oral tablet, also known as the morning-after pill, in Texas and assessed knowledge of pharmacy staff about this medication.

Factors associated with sexual coercion among adolescents in rural communities

A new study examining factors associated with sexual coercion among 10th graders in a rural Midwestern, low-to-middle income high school found that sexual coercion was reported by 18 percent (13 percent of males and 23 percent females). The research findings will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting.

Biology news

These puppies may be Maryland's first cloned dogs, and superheroes in their own right

A Bel Air woman loves her long-haired chihuahua so much that she paid a Texas animal cloning company $50,000 so that her dog—or a version of him—will be at her side forever.


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