Science X Newsletter Monday, Jul 2

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for July 2, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Self-replicator that is simultaneously created and destroyed may lead to better understanding of life

First confirmed image of newborn planet caught with ESO's VLT

Astronomers study the merging galaxy cluster Abell 3376 and its radio relics

Solar purifier creates its own disinfectant from water and sunlight

Study reveals secret origins of asteroids and meteorites

New cancer immunotherapy shows promise in early tests

Using virtual reality systems to teach chemistry in 3-D

Researchers see beam of light from first confirmed neutron star merger emerge from behind sun

Next-generation robotic cockroach can explore under water environments

Host plants tell insects when to grow longer wings and migrate

'Cataclysmic' collision shaped Uranus' evolution

Can humans reach even older age? We haven't maxed out yet, some scientists say

Air pollution contributes significantly to diabetes globally

Rocket developed by Japan startup in flames after liftoff

Bipedal robots ace dynamic walking on stepping stones

Astronomy & Space news

	First confirmed image of newborn planet caught with ESO's VLT Astronomers led by a group at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany have captured a spectacular snapshot of planetary formation around the young dwarf star PDS 70. By using the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT)—one of the most powerful planet-hunting instruments in existence—the international team has made the first robust detection of a young planet, named PDS 70b, cleaving a path through the planet-forming material surrounding the young star.
	Astronomers study the merging galaxy cluster Abell 3376 and its radio relics Using the Suzaku space telescope, astronomers have conducted an X-ray spectral study of the nearby merging galaxy cluster Abell 3376 and its two arc-shaped radio relics. The new research reveals more insights into the properties of the radio sources in this cluster. The findings are presented in a paper published June 20 on arXiv.org.
	Study reveals secret origins of asteroids and meteorites Most asteroids and meteorites originate from the splintering of a handful of minor planets formed during the infancy of our solar system, a new study shows.
	Researchers see beam of light from first confirmed neutron star merger emerge from behind sun A research team led by astronomers at the University of Warwick had to wait over 100 days for the sight of the first of confirmed neutron star merger to remerge from behind the glare of the sun.
	'Cataclysmic' collision shaped Uranus' evolution Uranus was hit by a massive object roughly twice the size of Earth that caused the planet to tilt and could explain its freezing temperatures, according to new research.
	Rocket developed by Japan startup in flames after liftoff A rocket developed by a Japanese startup company burst into flames seconds after a failed liftoff Saturday in northern Japan.
	SpaceX delivers AI robot, ice cream, mice to space station The International Space Station got its first robot with artificial intelligence Monday, along with some berries, ice cream and identical brown mice.
	China aims to outstrip NASA with super-powerful rocket China is working on a super-powerful rocket that would be capable of delivering heavier payloads into low orbit than NASA, a leading Chinese space expert was quoted as saying Monday.
	Dawn's latest orbit reveals dramatic new views of Occator crater NASA's Dawn spacecraft reached its lowest-ever and final orbit around dwarf planet Ceres on June 6 and has been returning thousands of stunning images and other data.
	New IR instrument searches for habitable planets A new instrument to search for potentially habitable/inhabited planets has started operation at the Subaru Telescope. This instrument, IRD (InfraRed Doppler), will look for habitable planets around red dwarf stars. Astronomers are hoping that investigating these small but numerous stars will uncover a plethora of new planets.
	ECOSTRESS launches to space station on SpaceX mission An Earth science instrument built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, and experiments investigating cellular biology and artificial intelligence, are among the research heading to the International Space Station following Friday's launch of a NASA-contracted SpaceX Dragon spacecraft at 5:42 a.m. EDT.
	Boldly going where no plant has gone before Joe Chappell's latest venture in plant-based drug development could be described, quite literally, as "out of this world."
	Galaxy in the early universe contains carbon after all In 2015, Jorryt Matthee thought he discovered an extremely distant galaxy called CR7, which lacked elements heavier than helium. Three years later, he shows with measurements using the ALMA telescope that the galaxy does have carbon after all, and even in normal concentrations. The American Astronomical Society recently paid attention to Matthee's research.
	Observing the universe with a camera traveling near the speed of light Astronomers strive to observe the universe via ever more advanced techniques. Whenever researchers invent a new method, unprecedented information is collected and people's understanding of the cosmos deepens.
	Transforming space exploration The University of Leicester is spearheading the development of new power generation technologies for space exploration as part of a European Space Agency funded programme.
	Image: Saturn's inside-out rings In this curious view, Saturn looms in the foreground on the left, adorned by shadows cast by the giant planet's rings. To the right, the rings emerge from behind the planet's hazy limb, stretching outwards from Cassini's perspective.
Fired up: Rocket engine designed for reusable flights tested With a massive cloud of vapor and a roar, a rocket engine designed as part of a reusable spacecraft is being test fired in Mississippi.

Technology news

	Next-generation robotic cockroach can explore under water environments In nature, cockroaches can survive underwater for up to 30 minutes. Now, a robotic cockroach can do even better. Harvard's Ambulatory Microrobot, known as HAMR, can walk on land, swim on the surface of water, and walk underwater for as long as necessary, opening up new environments for this little bot to explore.
	Bipedal robots ace dynamic walking on stepping stones If bipedal robots are expected to successfully carry out intended tasks of search and rescue and disaster relief, then scientists and engineers will have to watch the robots' steps. It is built into the situation that the bipedal robots will have to move the operation along without tripping and falling in hazardous terrain.
	Facebook filed patent for ambient audio system: Rejoice they said they will not use it Now this seems curious. A company files a patent application for a system that it never intends to use. Why bother? Facebook, the company that filed, has its reasons but first let us see what the patent is all about. Facebook filed to patent a system that can remotely activate the mic on your smartphone using inaudible signals broadcast via a television.
	The vanishing nuclear industry Could nuclear power make a significant contribution to decarbonizing the U.S. energy system over the next three or four decades? That is the question asked by four current and former researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP). Their answer: probably not.
	Segway-Ninebot will be rolling into skates territory Ever wonder what it would be like to put on a pair of e-skates? Segway Europe posted a video late last month on a Coming Soon mission to tell the world of Segway Drift W1 e-Skates, from Segway-Ninebot.
Amazon eyes defense against hijacking of delivery drones by 'nefarious individuals' Amazon is pushing hard to get delivery drones into the sky, but the latest in a series of patents again highlights the potential risk to public safety.
Hear this: Apple said to have new, higher-end AirPods in the works Since we can never hear enough about the next big thing Apple might have in store, here's something that could be music to your ears.
	Facial recognition was key in identifying US shooting suspect Facial recognition technology, which has drawn criticism from civil liberties activists in recent years, was used to identify the suspect in Thursday's newsroom shooting which left five dead in Annapolis, Maryland.
Comcast says most services restored after widespread outage Comcast said most of its services had been restored following a widespread outage Friday.
	GM warns Trump tariffs could lead to 'smaller GM' General Motors warned Friday that it could be forced to cut jobs and raise prices on its cars if the President Donald Trump's confrontational approach on trade spirals into a trade war.
CEO Musk: Tesla hits weekly goal of making 5,000 Models 3s Electric car maker Tesla Inc. has delivered on its CEO's promise to build a lower-priced car at a rate of 5,000 per week by the end of June.
	Scanning in the fourth dimension Three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography is a widely used technology that visualizes an object's external and internal structure by assembling a series of two-dimensional images taken sequentially across or around it. However, as anyone who has had a medical magnetic resonance imaging scan will recall, this type of 3-D reconstruction requires the subject to be motionless throughout the capture process, which can take minutes. Capturing a 3-D structure that changes or deforms over time is much more difficult, and existing approaches often yield reconstructions marred by image artifacts and partial surfaces.
	A sentinel to watch over ocular pressure Fast, easy and uncomplicated – that sums up the EYEMATE sensor system developed jointly by Duisburg's Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and Hanover's Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH (Implandata). It is a real innovation in intraocular pressure measurement. EYEMATE is sure to make life easier for glaucoma patients and their eye doctors. This implant provides actionable information to optimize the therapy for patients afflicted with glaucoma.
	A factory to go In the future, companies will be able to offer flexible production close to their customers. A fully automated production line can be housed inside a 20-foot ISO container, which a heavy truck can transport quickly to wherever it is needed. Medical products can be manufactured in close proximity to a hospital, for instance. Fraunhofer researchers teamed up with partners to develop this mobile factory in the scope of CassaMobile, an EU project.
	Data scientists in hot demand thanks to Big Data Data scientist is one of the most attractive jobs of the 21st century. This impression is confirmed when you take a look at relevant online job portals. According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, in the USA demand exceeds supply by far – and this does not appear to be any different in Germany. But what is it that makes this job so interesting in the first place? Someone who knows this is Dr. Andreas Jedlitschka, Head of the Data Engineering Department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE and a member of the Expert Committee on Data Science of the Personal Certification Body at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT, Sankt Augustin.
	Autonomous trucks for logistics centers Spatially demarcated areas such as company premises are ideal test areas for autonomous driving: the vehicles do not require road registration, traffic is manageable, other people who use the road are informed and unauthorized individuals are not allowed access. In the collaborative project AutoTruck, Fraunhofer is cooperating with industry to develop technologies for autonomous trucks in logistics centers. The results also inform the research on self-driving vehicles for normal road traffic.
	New kinematics for customized, high-precision milling Manufacturers generally must offer high-quality products at low prices in order to remain competitive. Three Fraunhofer Institutes are therefore working on the next generation of industrial robots which will facilitate cost-effective production processes. The researchers are focusing on developing a new kinematics for milling lightweight materials, metals, and steels. The aim: achieving a production tolerance of just 0.1 millimeters all over the robot workspace starting with the very first component.
	Dude, Dell is going public again Dell is going public again after a five-year sojourn as a privately held company.
	Illinois' crop-counting robot earns top recognition at leading robotics conference Today's crop breeders are trying to boost yields while also preparing crops to withstand severe weather and changing climates. To succeed, they must locate genes for high-yielding, hardy traits in crop plants' DNA. A robot developed by the University of Illinois to find these proverbial needles in the haystack was recognized by the best systems paper award at Robotics: Science and Systems, the preeminent robotics conference held last week in Pittsburgh.
	Computer graphics research team to present new tool for sketching faces Across popular social media platforms, users are posting countless images every day. On Instagram alone, there are more than 40 billion uploaded photos—a figure that's skyrocketing by 95 million daily. This presents a clear need for intuitive yet robust photo-editing tools that allow the average user to perform advanced editing functions.
	I.Coast studies first cocoa-fired power station Abidjan wants to build the world's first biomass power station fired by cocoa production waste, Ivory Coast and US officials said Monday.
	Facebook: 800K users may have had bug unblock blocked people Facebook says more than 800,000 users may have been affected by a bug that unblocked people they previously had blocked.
	Tesla makes 5,000 Model 3s per week, but can it continue? Tesla Inc. made 5,031 lower-priced Model 3 electric cars during the last week of June, surpassing its often-missed goal of 5,000 per week. But the company still only managed to crank out an average of 2,198 per week for the quarter.
	Lyft pushes into bikes with new acquisition US ridesharing giant Lyft said Monday it was acquiring bikesharing operator Motivate as it ramps up efforts against rival Uber in alternative forms of transportation.
	Diesel doesn't float this boat—team designs zero-emissions marine research vessel Marine research could soon be possible without the risk of polluting either the air or the ocean. It's thanks to a new ship design and feasibility study led by Sandia National Laboratories.
California high court: Yelp can't be ordered to remove posts Online review site Yelp.com cannot be ordered to remove posts against a San Francisco law firm that a judge determined were defamatory, a divided California Supreme Court ruled Monday in a closely watched case that internet companies warned could be used to silence online speech.
	Thyssenkrupp, Tata sign deal to become Europe's second biggest steelmaker German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp said Friday it had finally agreed the merger of its steelmaking business with India's Tata, making the merged firm Europe's second biggest steelmaker.
	Slovakia to feel most pain from Trump car tariffs: experts As the world's largest per capita car producer, Slovakia stands to be hit hardest if US President Donald Trump makes good on his threat to impose a 20 percent tariff on cars imported from the EU, analysts say.
	I never said that! High-tech deception of 'deepfake' videos Hey, did my congressman really say that? Is that really President Donald Trump on that video, or am I being duped?
	Airbus sticking to delivery targets despite engine delays Airbus said Monday it is sticking to its target of 800 aircraft deliveries this year, despite problems with getting timely delivery of new fuel-efficient engines for its A320neo jets.
	New financial apps demystify stocks and bonds for Latinos Carlos Garcia was three years into his first job in technology at Merrill Lynch when he first learned what a 401K retirement savings account was. He was floored when he learned that a colleague had already saved $30,000 in three years, and the company had matched it.
Oldest US nuke plant, near Jersey shore, closing Sept. 17 America's oldest nuclear power plant will shut down on Sept. 17, but the Oyster Creek plant near the New Jersey shore will stay right where it is for the next 60 years.

Medicine & Health news

	New cancer immunotherapy shows promise in early tests Much cancer immunotherapy research has focused on harnessing the immune system's T cells to fight tumors, "but we knew that other types of immune cells could be important in fighting cancer too," says Ashish Kulkarni at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Now he and colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital, with others, report that in preclinical models they can amplify macrophage immune responses against cancer using a self-assembling supramolecule.
	Air pollution contributes significantly to diabetes globally New research links outdoor air pollution—even at levels deemed safe—to an increased risk of diabetes globally, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System.
	$20 blood test could help diagnose hepatitis B patients across Africa A simple $20 blood test could help diagnose thousands of patients with hepatitis B in need of treatment in some of Africa's poorest regions.
	Gene discovery unlocks mysteries to our immunity Australia's national science agency CSIRO has identified a new gene that plays a critical role in regulating the body's immune response to infection and disease.
	Zika virus may pose greater threat of miscarriages than previously thought, study finds Zika virus could pose a far greater threat to pregnancy than recent studies of miscarriage and stillbirth in human infections have reported.
	Metformin reverses established lung fibrosis Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown—for the first time—that established lung fibrosis can be reversed using a drug treatment that targets cell metabolism.
Teamwork between cells fuels aggressive childhood brain tumor Scientists have discovered that cancerous cells in an aggressive type of childhood brain tumour work together to infiltrate the brain, and this finding could ultimately lead to much needed new treatments, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine today.
	Loss of cilia leads to melanoma Most cells in the human body have a cilium, a slender cell protuberance that picks up signals from the cell's external environment. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now shown that these fine sensory antennae play a key role in the formation of melanoma. When cilia are prevented from developing in benign pigment cells, the cells degenerate and develop an aggressive form of melanoma.
	Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells into nerve cells In 2012, a team of scientists headed by Professor Benedikt Berninger first succeeded in reprogramming connective tissue cells present in the brain into neurons. Until now, however, it was completely unknown which intermediate states these pericytes pass through in the process, and how relevant these states are for successful reprogramming. Berninger and his team have now discovered that on the way to becoming neurons, pericytes need to go through a neural stem cell-like state. They succeeded in manipulating the signaling pathways in this intermediate state, which enabled them to either activate or inhibit neuronal reprogramming. The discovery may be the key to future possibilities of regenerating diseased brain tissue by directly reprogramming non-neuronal cells into neurons. The findings were recently published in Nature Neuroscience.
	Computer algorithm maps cancer resistance to drugs, therapy New methods of studying the evolution of treatment resistance in head and neck cancer are being developed by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
	Fresh grounds for coffee: Study shows it may boost longevity (Update) Go ahead and have that cup of coffee, maybe even several more. New research shows it may boost chances for a longer life, even for those who down at least eight cups daily.
	Experimental drug stops Parkinson's disease progression in mice Johns Hopkins researchers say they have developed an experimental drug, similar to compounds used to treat diabetes, that slows the progression of Parkinson's disease itself—as well as its symptoms—in mice. In experiments performed with cultures of human brain cells and live mouse models, they report the drug blocked the degradation of brain cells that is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The drug is expected to move to clinical trials this year.
	Mid- to late-life increases in marker of chronic inflammation tied to dementia Researchers at Johns Hopkins have added to evidence that rising and chronic inflammation as measured by a biomarker in the blood in middle and late age are linked to visible structural changes in the brains of people with poor cognition and dementia.
	Three research-based ways to maximize the fun of leisure activities Everyone's so busy these days that it is easy to think you need to schedule time to have fun.
	This virus actually may boost—not weaken—our immune system Our immune system is at its peak when we're young, but after a certain age, it declines and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to fight off new infections.
	Researchers uncover new understanding of certain psychiatric diseases Research scientists from The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Hempstead, NY, in conjunction with their colleagues at Rockefeller University in New York City, have developed a new understanding of how certain psychiatric diseases—those that involve uncontrollable reactions to stimuli such as the high and low experiences attributed to bi-polar disorder, the impulsivity of an individual suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and even suicidality—manifest and potentially can be treated. These findings were published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
	A well-known animal health drug could stop outbreaks of malaria and Zika virus Medicines given to household pets to kill fleas and ticks might be effective for preventing outbreaks of malaria, Zika fever and other dangerous insect-borne diseases that infect millions of people worldwide, according to a new study led by scientists at Calibr, a non-profit drug discovery institute closely affiliated with Scripps Research and TropIQ Health Sciences, a Dutch social enterprise.
	Brain stimulation decreases intent to commit physical, sexual assault Stimulating the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for controlling complex ideas and behaviors, can reduce a person's intention to commit a violent act by more than 50 percent, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania and Nanyang Technological University published in the Journal of Neuroscience. What's more, using such a minimally invasive technique, called transcranial direct-current stimulation, increased the perception that acts of physical and sexual assault were morally wrong.
	Stem cells restore function in primate heart-failure study Researchers at UW Medicine in Seattle have successfully used human stem cells to restore heart function in monkeys with heart failure. The findings suggest that the technique will be effective in patients with heart failure, the leading cause of death in the world.
	Viruses are found to be the most common cause of meningitis but diagnosis is often delayed The first major paper looking at the causes and consequences of meningitis in the UK has found that viruses are now the most common cause of meningitis in adults and a cause of substantial long-term ill health. The paper also found that the management of many patients with meningitis is sub-optimal.
	Treating AFib with ablation reduces mortality and stroke Using catheter-based ablation instead of medications alone reduces the risks of death and stroke in patients with the common form of heart arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib, new research from UC Davis physicians shows.
	Revenge of a forgotten medical 'genius' It's not an uncommon fate for a pioneering scientist: languishing unrecognised in his time before dying in obscurity. But as his 200th birthday approaches, the life-saving work of a Hungarian obstetrician is finally getting its due.
	'Slow but sure' progress toward less toxic tools to fight cancer John Ryan is just one of the miracles to emerge from the Johns Hopkins cancer unit in Baltimore. An immunotherapy treatment—highly effective in a minority of patients—saved his life after a lung cancer diagnosis.
When mentors do this one thing, it can help reduce teen delinquency When educators and coaches make kids feel like they matter, it reduces delinquency and destructive behavior. A new study led by a University of Kansas researcher reveals the importance of non-family adults in mentoring youth.
	Supplemental antioxidants may reduce exacerbations in cystic fibrosis An antioxidant-enriched vitamin may decrease respiratory exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to new research published online in April in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
	Dragonfly wing technology to defend against post-surgery infection Cell biology researchers are partnering with nanotechnology experts in South Australia to fight post-surgery infection by creating implants based on dragonfly wings.
	Air pollution – a neglected cause of death  In 2015, around 4.5 million people died prematurely from diseases attributed to ambient air pollution, including 237,000 children under the age of five from respiratory infections. This is the result of a study published by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Patients with type 1 diabetes saw blood sugars improve with liraglutide Researchers from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo have found that adding liraglutide to insulin treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes results not only in better blood sugar control but simultaneous improvements in blood pressure, body weight and the amount of insulin patients need to take.
	Common chemical products making Australians sick, study finds New research reveals almost one in five (18.9 per cent) Australians report chemical sensitivity, with more than one-third (6.5 per cent) medically diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), suffering health problems from exposure to common chemical products.
	Screening a tiny section of DNA could help East Asian patients avoid severe reactions to some medications Researchers from Japan's Tohoku University and colleagues have found that a simple DNA test can predict if East Asian patients are likely to have bad reactions to thiopurine medications.
	Virtual reality burger game tests the appetite for playing by the rules Can you play by the rules and make lots of money or is it worth taking risks? That's the question researchers at the University of Nottingham are asking with a unique virtual reality game.
	Mindfulness is key to tinnitus relief A leading UK study has found that a new mindfulness based approach to tinnitus could transform the treatment of the condition.
	Senses of taste and smell more important than we think Research smell and taste is a relatively new field in Norway, but Postdoctoral Fellow Preet Bano Singh at the Faculty of Dentistry is breaking new ground in this area.
	Reward and unease are closely linked in the brain Mice that lack a certain receptor in the brain are attracted to situations associated with discomfort, such as inflammation and nausea, according to a new study from Linköping University, Sweden. The finding has been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
	New marker for favourable prognosis in gastric and esophageal cancer Tumours that develop at the transition of the stomach to the oesophagus, so-called adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal transition (AEG), are still difficult to treat and the chances of recovery are still low. Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of MedUni Vienna and AKH Vienna have now been able to show that patients with non-metastatic AEGs have a better prognosis if their tumour cells produce the signal molecule PD-L1. The study has now been published in the top journal OncoImmunology.
	How forced pregnancies and abortions deny women control over their own bodies For most women in Australia, the decision about whether or not to have a baby is a profoundly personal one. But for some, control over this decision is taken away from them, usually by an abusive male partner. This can happen via the use of verbal pressure, threats, blackmail, physical violence or rape.
	Prison does profound harm to mothers and their children – even after sentences of a few weeks When Michelle, a mother of two-year-old twins, was sentenced to nine weeks in prison for benefit fraud, she said "everything changed" between her and her children in those few short weeks. Michelle (names have been changed to protect anonymity), who spoke to me as part of recent research into the harm that prison does to mothers, told me that it took her a long time to readjust to living together again when she was released. "It took a long time to feel normal again. I still get nightmares about not getting out of prison."
	Antioxidant supplements fail to improve sperm quality in infertile men Despite many study results suggesting that antioxidants have a positive effect on abnormal sperm parameters associated with male infertility, a large US clinical trial of 174 couples has found that an antioxidant formulation taken daily by the male partner for a minimum of three months made no difference to sperm concentration, motility or morphology, nor to the rate of DNA fragmentation.
Discovery of new biomarker could provide personalized treatment options for bladder cancer A potential new target for treatment has been identified in an aggressive form of bladder cancer, Mount Sinai researchers report in a recent study. Bladder cancers are categorized into subtypes based on molecular features. These subtypes are associated with different prognoses and responses to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. A type of bladder cancer called p53-like bladder cancer, named after an active gene signature its associated with, is typically associated with a particularly aggressive course though prognosis among individuals can be quite variable. The research team at Mount Sinai has identified two microRNA activity-based biomarkers that can provide insights regarding which patients with p53-like bladder cancer may have a better versus worse prognosis. MicroRNA is a type of genetic material that regulates gene expression.
	Foleys aren't fun: Patient study shows catheter risks A new study puts large-scale evidence behind what many hospital patients already know: Having a urinary catheter may help empty the bladder, but it can hurt, lead to urinary tract infections, or cause other issues in the hospital and beyond.
Study help standardize use of therapeutic comas for epileptic patients Status epilepticus, a dangerous condition in which epileptic seizures follow one another for a duration of five or more minutes without the victim's regaining consciousness between them, is the second most common neurological emergency in the United States, with a recorded maximum of around 150,000-plus cases per year. In 60-70 percent of cases, the patient responds to antiepileptic medications and benzodiazepines.
New scorecard makes it easier to determine operative risk A specially developed scorecard to assess the condition of elderly patients with cancer makes it easier for doctors to determine the risks of an operation. This makes it easier to identify which patients are fit enough for an operation and for which patients the operative risk is too great. This will make it easier for doctors to prepare their patients for the outcome of an operation and to take steps to prevent any problems. These are the findings of the doctoral thesis of Monique Huisman from the University Medical Center Groningen. She will be awarded her Ph.D. at the University of Groningen on 4 July.
	What articulation-relevant brain regions do when we listen Brain regions that are involved in the articulation of language are also active in the perception of language. This finding of a team from the BrainLinks-BrainTools Cluster of Excellence of the University of Freiburg makes a significant contribution to clarifying a research question that has been hotly debated for decades. The scientists have published their results in the journal Scientific Reports.
	Can doctors identify older patients at risk of medication harm following hospital discharge? Medication-related harm (MRH) is common in older adults following hospital discharge. A new British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study has examined whether doctors can predict which older patients will experience MRH requiring care following hospital discharge, and whether clinical experience and confidence in prediction influence the accuracy of predictions.
	Better connectivity of brain regions with training Researchers at the Leibniz-Institutes für Wissensmedien (IWM) and of the Graduate School and Research Network LEAD at the University of Tübingen now found out: Short and intensive arithmetic training strengthens the neuronal connections between brain regions in adults. This neuronal plasticity through numerical learning was already detectable after only five training sessions. Results of the study have been published in the renowned journal Cortex.
	The psychology of believing in free will From coffee table books and social media to popular science lectures, it seems it has has become increasing fashionable for neuroscientists, philosophers and other commentators to tell anyone that will listen that free will is a myth.
	Flu lasts for more than an hour in air and on surfaces – why cleaning can really help Influenza, or flu, viruses cause about 200,000 hospitalizations every year in the U.S. Annual seasonal vaccination is our best line of defense, but in recent years, it has become clear that mismatches in the vaccine can limit its effectiveness.
	Chronic pain remains the same or gets better after stopping opioid treatment: study Stopping long-term opioid treatment does not make chronic, non-cancer-related pain worse and, in some cases, makes it better, Washington State University researchers have found.
	Compounds found in green tea and wine may block formation of toxic metabolites A new Tel Aviv University study suggests there is hope of treating certain inborn congenital metabolic diseases—a hope found in green tea and in red wine.
	Does a full hospital mean higher infection risk? Hospitals today spend a lot of time and effort to protect their patients from developing new infections while they're hospitalized—especially the most dangerous types that can threaten their health even more than the problem that sent them to the hospital in the first place. They also carefully track these hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and even get paid more by the Medicare system if they achieve lower rates.
Better social support and access to exercise classes could help people with lung conditions Regular contact with healthcare professionals, support from peers and access to regular organised exercise sessions help people with chronic lung conditions to be physically active, new research has found.
Benefit cuts announced following Medicaid ruling Gov. Matt Bevin's administration is cutting dental and vision coverage for nearly a half-million Kentuckians after his Medicaid overhaul plan was rejected in court.
	What people want from a trip to the ER "I just needed to know what was causing the pain," said one patient. People walk into an emergency room because something is wrong. It might be life-threatening or benign. It could cause long-term damage if ignored, or it may be fine to wait out the symptoms.
	Algorithm identifies hypertensive patients who will benefit from intensive treatment Using data from large clinical trials, UT Southwestern researchers developed a way to predict which patients will benefit most from aggressive high blood pressure treatment.
	Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy more likely to develop CVD risk factors Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are common pregnancy complications involving high blood pressure that develops for the first time during pregnancy and returns to normal after delivery. Previous studies have shown that women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke later in life compared to women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy. What is less clear is to what extent women are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease risk factors and when these risk factors begin to emerge after a hypertensive pregnancy, knowledge critical to inform screening guidelines.
Patients don't mind if doctors sport tattoos or piercings Patients don't mind if their emergency care doctors sport tattoos or piercings, or both, suggests an observational study published online in Emergency Medicine Journal.
	Can aspirin treat Alzheimer's? A regimen of low-dose aspirin potentially may reduce plaques in the brain, which will reduce Alzheimer's disease pathology and protect memory, according to neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center, who published the results of their study today in the July issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
	Owls see as humans do A study of barn owls published in JNeurosci suggests the visual systems of humans and birds may be more similar than previously thought.
	Beat the heat on your summer vacation (HealthDay)—Before you head out for a sunny summer getaway, get familiar with the signs of heat-related illnesses. Once at your destination, build in time for your body to adjust to the climate.
	Former diving champ nearly missed signs of heart valve disease Len Rapkins can barely remember a time when he wasn't fit.
	A bright future might help teens steer clear of violence (HealthDay)—Offer teens the possibility of a good future, and you might help them become more peaceful people.
	Sitting tied to raised risk of death from 14 diseases (HealthDay)—Get up off of the couch: Sitting too much may kill you even if you exercise regularly.
	Patient engagement in asthma treatment plans may improve quality of life (HealthDay)—Older adults with asthma and a greater desire for involvement in decision making have higher asthma-related quality of life, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
	Follow-up lacking for women with severe maternal morbidity (HealthDay)—Women in New Zealand who experienced severe maternal morbidity (SMM) often do not receive information, an offer of support, or a follow-up appointment before their hospital discharge, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics.
	Intensive management program benefits high-risk patients (HealthDay)—For high-risk patients, use of an intensive management program is associated with greater receipt of outpatient care with no increase in total costs, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
	Conservative management up for low-risk prostate CA in veterans (HealthDay)—Among U.S. veterans with low-risk prostate cancer, use of conservative management increased from 2005 to 2015, according to a research letter published online June 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Ethics of genealogy data use for solving crimes discussed (HealthDay)—Use of online genealogy data for solving crimes raises complex ethical issues, according to an article published online May 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
	FDA expands approval of closed-looped insulin delivery system (HealthDay)—Approval of the MiniMed 670G hybrid closed looped system for diabetes management has been expanded to include individuals aged 7 to 13 years with type 1 diabetes, according to a report published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
	About 10 percent of youth report smoking hookah (HealthDay)—About 10 percent of youth report smoking hookah, with smoking mainly occurring in the home environment, according to a study published online July 2 in Pediatrics.
	Use of palliative care, oxygen therapy increasing for COPD (HealthDay)—For patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of formal palliative care services and long-term oxygen therapy has increased but remains low, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
	Timely interventions help spot signs of teen dating violence One in 10 youth experience dating violence. They've been purposely hit, slapped or hurt while in a relationship—actions that can impart long-lasting effects on the victim.
	Back to the future: Low-tech food-safety trainings still best for some audiences While current training for food safety and sanitation usually incorporates high-technology presentations, such as videos and slide shows, there is still a need for low-tech approaches, according to Penn State researchers.
	Scientists visualize the connections between eye and brain Most of the human brain's estimated 86 billion nerve cells, or neurons, can ultimately engage in a two-way dialogue with any other neuron. To shed more light on how neurons in this labyrinthine network integrate information—that is, precisely how multiple neurons send and combine their messages to a target neuron—a team of researchers at BIDMC and Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) focused on a rare case in which information only travels in one direction: from the retina to the brain.
More evidence supports link between orthostatic hypotension and CVD Orthostatic hypotension (OH)—a rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing up from a sitting or lying down position—is a frequently encountered clinical sign among patients. Clinicians most often consider OH as indicative of dehydration. However, new research led by scientists at BIDMC bolsters the notion that adults with OH may have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease.
Most teens with gynecomastia don't need hormone lab tests Routine assessment by an endocrinologist and laboratory tests to measure hormone levels aren't necessary in most adolescent boys with gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), concludes a study in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Complication of 'fat freezing' procedure may be more common than thought Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that eliminates excess fat by freezing it. But a complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) -a hardened area of localized fat developing after cryolipolysis - may be more common than previously thought, suggests a paper in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
	Research warns Indonesia gay bashing is fueling HIV epidemic Disowned by his father and ill-equipped to deal with the stigma of HIV/AIDS, a young man who died in the central Indonesian city of Yogyakarta early this year had "effectively committed suicide" by stopping anti-viral medication, according to a doctor familiar with the case.
	3D-printed living tissues could spell the end of arthritis Bioinks containing stem cells are being used to 3-D print living tissues that can be inserted into the body and provoke a damaged joint to heal itself.
Partnership problems and not career planning mainly explain why women are freezing their eggs Contrary to common suggestion, women are opting to freeze their eggs not to pursue education or careers but for reasons "mostly revolving around women's lack of stable partnerships with men committed to marriage and parenting". This is the conclusion of the largest qualitative study so far in elective egg freezing; 150 subjects from four IVF clinics in the USA and three in Israel were interviewed, each of whom had completed at least one cycle of oocyte cryopreservation for social reasons.
	Deaths tied to viral videos inspire prevention research Deaths that have been tied to social media challenges are capturing the attention of Clemson University researchers who want to begin developing new ways of protecting adolescents and young adults from harming themselves.
	Joslin researchers report excessive fetal growth despite well-controlled type 1 diabetes A new study has shown that despite excellent glycemic control and low glycemic variability throughout their pregnancies, women with type 1 diabetes tended to give birth to infants who were large for gestational age. Researchers documented elevated fetal weight and abdominal circumference percentages throughout the pregnancies that were consistent with accelerated prenatal growth, as documented in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (DTT).
	Novel pretargeted radionuclide therapy for HER2-expressing cancers shows promise In a mouse model, researchers have demonstrated that a novel, affibody-based pretargeted radionuclide therapy for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-expressing cancers is non-toxic to the kidneys and improves survival. The study is reported in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine's July featured article of the month.
Researchers determine the rate of return to sport after shoulder surgery Athletes with shoulder instability injuries often undergo shoulder stabilization surgery to return to sport (RTS) and perform at their preinjury activity level. Returning to sports in a timely fashion and being able to perform at a high level are priorities for these athletes undergoing surgery. Time and ability to RTS is often difficult to predict and based on a myriad of variables, including the individual's severity of injury, the type of sport (overhead, collision, contact, recreational), the athlete's level of competition, compliance with the rehabilitation program and type of surgery.
	CRISPR genome editing technology can correct alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency Groundbreaking research demonstrates proof-of-concept for using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to correct the gene mutation responsible for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, successfully making a targeted gene correction in the livers of affected mice that restored at least low levels of normal AAT. In the studies, both published in Human Gene Therapy.
	The increasingly efficient teenage brain Some brain networks become more densely connected during adolescence while others become less so, according to a new analysis published in eNeuro of neuroimaging data collected from more than 700 children and adolescents from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. These changes in network connectivity may underlie the refinement of cognitive abilities that develop during the teenage years.
	Assessing antidepressant exposure during pregnancy and Autism-like behavior in mouse pups Maternal use of the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) can alter the brain circuits in her offspring that control behaviors reminiscent of autism spectrum disorder, suggests a study in mice published in eNeuro. These results have no immediate bearing on the treatment of depression in pregnant women.
High prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in a VA healthcare system Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is rampant at primary care clinics within the Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system in Pittsburgh, despite the rise of antibiotic resistance. About half of all prescriptions reviewed were prescribed unnecessarily. In another quarter of cases, the incorrect antibiotic was prescribed, or the duration of the prescription wasn't consistent with guideline recommendations. The research was published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
	Unraveling genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease The strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease may impair the brain's ability to convert its primary fuel source into usable energy, finds a study of female mice published in JNeurosci. The research suggests therapeutic strategies that promote brain energy conversion in risk gene carriers could help to reduce risk or delay onset of the disease.

Biology news

	Host plants tell insects when to grow longer wings and migrate Scientists at Washington State University and China Jiliang University have discovered that the quality of the host rice plant determines whether the brown planthopper, a major pest on rice in Asia, grows short wings or long wings.
	Can humans reach even older age? We haven't maxed out yet, some scientists say On the day that one becomes an octogenarian, nature bestows a mathematical birthday gift: a gradual reprieve from the relentlessly increasing likelihood that he or she will die in the coming year.
	Researchers find vitamin D receptor is target for disruption by environmental chemicals New research from North Carolina State University sheds light on the ways in which environmental chemicals can affect vitamin D receptors (VDR). The work shows that compounds identified as possible VDR disruptors in the Tox21 database interact with VDR in vitro and supports the efficacy of high throughput screening programs to identify compounds of interest.
	All the forests in the world from a single layer of cells From ancient European beech trees to gigantic Californian redwoods and Australian mountain ashes, new research has found the enormous trunks of these trees are all formed from a single layer of cells no wider than the tip of a needle.
	Australian scientists crack the genetic code of koalas A team of Australian and international scientists, led by Professor Rebecca Johnson, Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute and Professor Katherine Belov, University of Sydney, have made a significant break-through successfully sequencing the full koala genome, with the findings published today in Nature Genetics.
	Fern-tastic! Crowdfunded fern genomes published On July 17, 2014, the world decided it wanted to learn the genomic secrets hidden in the beautiful little, floating water fern, Azolla filiculoides. Not only did they want to know, but they paid for it too—a whopping $22,160 from 123 backers—through a crowdfunding site called Experiment.com.
	Mayo researchers find off/on switch for DNA repair protein Damage to DNA is a daily occurrence but one that human cells have evolved to manage. Now, in a new paper published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Mayo researchers have determined how one DNA repair protein gets to the site of DNA damage. The authors say they hope this discovery research will help identify new therapies for ovarian cancer.
	Loss of lemurs might endanger many of Madagascar's largest tree species Widespread logging and hunting have endangered virtually all of Madagascar's 100-plus species of iconic lemurs, and a new study by Rice University ecologists illustrates how saving the animals may also be key to saving the island's largest trees.
	Bacteria can 'divide and conquer' to vanquish their enemies Some bacteria can release toxins that provoke their neighbours into attacking each other, a tactic that could be exploited to fight infections.
	Honeybees finding it harder to eat at America's bee hot spot A new federal study finds bees are having a much harder time finding food in America's last honeybee refuge.
	Great white spotted off Spain in decades first: marine group A great white shark was spotted in waters off Spain's Balearic Islands this week in what is the first such sighting by scientists in at least 30 years, a marine conservation group said Saturday.
	A new twist on how parasites invade host cells Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which multiplies within a host and irreversible tissue damage. Humans primarily become infected by eating undercooked meat and poorly washed fruits and vegetables. After infecting the digestive system, the parasite enters deep tissue in the nervous system, among other places, and remains there to develop, nearly undetected.
	Bacteria proven to be worth their salt Bacteria isolated from desert plants could provide the key to maintaining productive agriculture in arid regions.
	Scientists identify novel function of self-renewal factor of spermatogonial stem cells A research team reports a novel function of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a self-renewal factor for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) which is the origin of sperm production. Although it has demonstrated that both FGF2 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is indispensable for SSC self-renewal and survival in vitro, the present study reveals that FGF2 has different properties from GDNF in mouse testis. This finding will contribute to the regulation of SSCs in vivo for the treatment of male infertility.
	What odors do female blackbuck antelope find enticing in a male? At Tal Chhapar, a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the Thar desert, a strange drama is staged twice every year. In the blistering heat of summer from March to April and the post-monsoon months of September and October, up to 100 blackbuck antelope males stake out territories on the flatland to entice females to mate with them in a unique assemblage called a lek.
	Scale is a key ingredient when tracking biodiversity, researchers say To fully understand biodiversity and how it is changing, you need to look near, far, and in-between, according to a new study.
	Professor Fiona? Famous baby hippo an educational force Just call her Professor Fiona.
	Dispersion of seagrasses via vegetative fragments NUS marine biologists have developed a model describing the dispersal of seagrass via vegetative fragments for the ecological engineering of coastlines.
VTT develops piglet vaccination to reduce antibiotics use VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a vaccine, diluted into drinking water, to treat diarrhoea on piglets being weaned. The vaccine reduces the global resistance problem caused by excessive antibiotic use.
Dogs with jobs join cat fight Who let the dogs out? And why? Wildlife warriors have enlisted dogs in the fight to save our threatened animals from feral cat predation.
	Giant panda population research shows new challenges Conservationists often work to save species without having long-term population data. That can present major challenges for the science of saving species, as this kind of information is critical for making informed conservation policy and management decisions. In a recently published study in the journal Conservation Letters, a team of scientists reports results of a large-scale study examining giant panda habitat use trends and changing threats to their survival. This benchmark study is based on nearly 70,000 person-hours of survey work by China's State Forestry Administration throughout the panda's range in Sichuan, covering three-quarters of the entire species range.
	French director red-faced after pink flamingo disaster A French director said Monday he would abandon filming at a Mediterranean wetlands after a pilot sparked a panic among a huge flock of pink flamingos, causing hundreds of them to abandon their eggs.
	Valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan listed as UNESCO heritage site The Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley, home to the oldest water management system in North America, was added Monday as a "mixed site" to the UNESCO World Heritage list, reflecting its significance as both a natural and cultural area.

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