Monday, July 23, 2018

Science X Newsletter Monday, Jul 23

Dear Reader ,

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

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Developing brain atlas using deep learning algorithms

Solar model used to predict exoplanet's ability to withstand stellar wind

Cell Studio: Serious games for immunology

Physicists demonstrate new method to make single photons

Researchers study the opaque accretion disk of Beta Lyrae A

Current noises of Majorana fermions

Researchers discover the 'optimism' of E. coli bacteria

Ytterbium: The quantum memory of tomorrow

Nanocrystals emit light by efficiently 'tunneling' electrons

The Milky Way's long-lost sibling finally found

Researcher sees possibility of Moon life

Surprising findings on the physics of water entry could lead to smarter design of ships

'Ribbon' wraps up mystery of Jupiter's magnetic equator

A 3-D model of a human heart ventricle

Surprising similarity between stripy black holes and high-temperature superconductors

Astronomy & Space news

Solar model used to predict exoplanet's ability to withstand stellar wind

A team with members from institutions across the U.S. has used an existing solar model to predict the ability of exoplanets to withstand localized stellar wind. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes their approach and how they think it might help with the search for life in places beyond Earth.

Researchers study the opaque accretion disk of Beta Lyrae A

An international team of astronomers has conducted a study of the opaque accretion disk of the multiple star system known as Beta Lyrae A (β Lyr A for short). The research reveals important insights into nature of this disk and also discloses some parameters of the system. The study was presented in a paper published July 12 on arXiv.org.

The Milky Way's long-lost sibling finally found

Scientists at the University of Michigan have deduced that the Andromeda galaxy, our closest large galactic neighbor, shredded and cannibalized a massive galaxy two billion years ago.

Researcher sees possibility of Moon life

While the Moon is uninhabitable today, there could have been life on its surface in the distant past.

'Ribbon' wraps up mystery of Jupiter's magnetic equator

The discovery of a dark ribbon of weak hydrogen ion emissions that encircles Jupiter has overturned previous thinking about the giant planet's magnetic equator.

Seeing Titan with infrared eyes

These six infrared images of Saturn's moon Titan represent some of the clearest, most seamless-looking global views of the icy moon's surface produced so far. The views were created using 13 years of data acquired by the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) instrument on board NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The images are the result of a focused effort to smoothly combine data from the multitude of different observations VIMS made under a wide variety of lighting and viewing conditions over the course of Cassini's mission.

Interstellar Technologies continues work on its own rocket despite MOMO-2 launch failure

Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies Inc. (IST) continues the development of its launch vehicle amid the recent failure of the MOMO-2 rocket that exploded shortly after liftoff.

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft finds that 'stolen' electrons enable unusual aurora on Mars

Auroras appear on Earth as ghostly displays of colorful light in the night sky, usually near the poles. Our rocky neighbor Mars has auroras too, and NASA's MAVEN spacecraft just found a new type of Martian aurora that occurs over much of the day side of the Red Planet, where auroras are very hard to see.

Astronaut drops in on Kraftwerk gig, plays duet from space

Kraftwerk fans are used to hearing otherworldly tunes, but the German electronic music pioneers took it to another level at a gig in Stuttgart.

Gala opens countdown to 50th anniversary of 1st moon landing

Former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin was noticeably absent from a gala kicking off a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, even though his nonprofit space education foundation is a sponsor and he typically is the star attraction.

How disc galaxies work

Disc galaxies like our own Milky Way, characterized by a flattened disc of stars and gas (often with a central bulge of material as well) have a wide range of masses, spatial extents, and stellar content. Nonetheless all disc galaxies, both locally and in the distant Universe, share some strikingly similar properties. Most notable is that the star formation rate correlates tightly with the galaxy's gas content, the gas motions (the "velocity dispersion"), and the dynamical lifetime (roughly, the time it takes for the galaxy to rotate once). Moreover, this curiously universal rate is remarkably small: only about one per cent of the gas in disc galaxies turns into stars over that timescale, with much of the activity concentrated in the galaxies' central regions. Most simple models of star formation predict that gravity should be much more effective in forming stars as it compresses the gas in molecular clouds. Observations indicate that both the correlations and the inefficiency extend down to the scale of individual molecular clouds.

Technology news

Developing brain atlas using deep learning algorithms

A team of researchers from the Brain Research Institute of the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) have developed a fully automated brain registration method that could be used to segment brain regions of interest in mice.

Call it car, call it aircraft, but Transition is in the wings

The first flying car? Yes, we agree. The kind of image we associate with an animated movie or new video game.

Machine learning experiment can image-match your pose

What about exploring pictures just by moving around? Lots of 11-year-olds would find this a great idea, especially if the alternative was a homework assignment on French verbs.

Self-destructive behaviour: Burberry not alone

Burberry, which has been in the crosshairs for burning tens of millions of dollars of its products, is far from the only firm to destroy unsold goods to maintain the exclusivity and luxury mystique of their brands.

DARPA has competition plans for insect-scale robots

Earlier this month, DARPA announced it is launching a new SHort-Range Independent Microrobotic Platforms (SHRIMP) program. SHRIMP will develop and demonstrate micro-to-milli robotic platforms for scenarios brought on by natural and critical disasters.

States boost renewable energy and development when utilities adopt renewable standards

States that require utilities to increase renewable energy see expansion of renewable energy facilities and generation—including wind and other renewable sources, but especially solar—according to new research from Indiana University and two other institutions.

Biometric Mirror highlights flaws in artificial intelligence

In a world-first, University of Melbourne researchers have designed an artificial intelligence (AI) system to detect and display people's personality traits and physical attractiveness based solely on a photo of their face.

Organic Mega Flow Battery transcends lifetime, voltage thresholds

To sustain human civilization in the future, clean energy sources must be harnessed to replace the fossil fuels that are now polluting our atmosphere. Solar and wind energy can supply all the necessary energy. However, storage will be needed when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.

Research team explores model to fix noise in photos

Those meh photos that are too grainy can be given a new lease on digital life through a method worked up by researchers who found a way to cut the noise and artifacts. Noise in this context refers to visual distortion, as Cole's Classroom put it—specks that get in the way of enjoying your picture, the tiny colored pixels, sometimes looking like "grain" in film photography.

Facebook probes whether data firm violated policies: report

Facebook has suspended a Boston analytics firm from its site and says it is investigating whether the company's contracts with the US government and a Russian non-profit violated policies, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Fiat Chrysler board meets in light of CEO's surgery

The boards of Fiat Chrysler, Ferrari and CNH Industrial were called to urgent meetings Saturday in Italy in light of executive Sergio Marchionne's recent surgery and prolonged convalescence.

Jeep exec takes over Fiat, marking end of Marchionne era

Jeep executive Mike Manley will be the new CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles after longtime leader Sergio Marchionne's health suddenly deteriorated following recent surgery.

Private messaging apps increasingly used for public business

One app promotes itself as a way to discuss sensitive negotiations and human resources problems without leaving a digital record.

Italian media, politicians hail Marchionne as Fiat era ends

Italian media and politicians Sunday saluted Sergio Marchionne, who has stepped down after 14 years heading auto giant Fiat as he is suffering with serious health problems believed to be life-threatening.

Big Brother facial recognition needs ethical regulations

My mother always said I had a face for radio. Thank God, as radio may be the last place in this technology-enhanced world where your face won't determine your social status or potential to commit a crime.

Inside view could make organic solar cells more efficient

Organic solar cells have the potential to become a source of renewable energy which is inexpensive and fast to roll out and scale up. Physicists at the University of Oxford have explored some of the scientific fundamentals of how these cells form and perform.

Social gaming for better energy efficiency in public buildings

Tackling the energy inefficiency of public buildings, TRIBE developed a mobile game to educate and change behaviour. Its simulation draws on real data to demonstrate the human aspects of building use, such as ingrained attitudes and the pursuit of comfort.

E-commerce clicks can connect consumers to their causes

The European marketplace is increasingly geared to e-commerce, with turnover up 15 percent to EUR 530 billion in 2016. Yet, current architecture remains basic and misses opportunities, such as fundraising for social causes; a situation WIDGET 3.0 set out to rectify.

What makes some people simply able to 'carry on' in the face of adversity?

The ability to "keep calm and carry on" could explain why some people suffer less depression and anxiety when faced with adversity, research has discovered.

Schools eye facial recognition technology to boost security

The surveillance system that has kept watch on students entering Lockport schools for over a decade is getting a novel upgrade. Facial recognition technology soon will check each face against a database of expelled students, sex offenders and other possible troublemakers.

With an insatiable demand for data centers, some are worried Illinois can't keep up

Entering the data center that occupies the former Chicago Sun-Times' printing facility is like walking through the set of a James Bond film.

Model fuses social media, remote sensing data with goal of identifying nuclear threats

A new computational model allows researchers to draw on normally incompatible data sets, such as satellite imagery and social media posts, to answer questions about what is happening in targeted locations. The researchers developed the model to serve as a tool for identifying violations of nuclear nonproliferation agreements.

New application of blue light sees through fire

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated that ordinary blue light can be used to significantly improve the ability to see objects engulfed by large, non-smoky natural gas fires—like those used in laboratory fire studies and fire-resistance standards testing.

New data collection technology may help small airports improve operations counts

With just 521 airport traffic control towers in the U.S. and nearly 20,000 U.S. airports, documenting flight operations can be challenging, say airport managers. Costly too, as airports' can receive funding through the FAA's $1 billion-plus Airport Improvement Program, but this funding is highly dependent on documentation of an airport's operations.

French IT services group Atos to buy Syntel of US

French IT services group Atos said Sunday it has agreed to buy US information technology group Syntel in a move to significantly expand its presence in North America.

Tesla stock skids on reports it asked suppliers for refunds

Shares of Tesla tumbled Monday on reports that the company asked suppliers for refunds to help it turn a profit.

NY Daily News slashes newsroom staffing in half

The New York tabloid Daily News cut half of its newsroom staff Monday including Jim Rich, the paper's editor in chief.

No, Twitter will not ban Trump, here's why

Calls to ban Donald Trump from Twitter are at least as old as his presidency. But it's not going to happen, at least not while he's in office.

Mystery: Who bought websites implying US senators 'for sale'

Dozens of web addresses implying U.S. senators were "for sale" have been quietly and mysteriously purchased online, amid heightened concerns on Capitol Hill that foreign agents—especially Russians—might be trying to meddle in upcoming midterm elections.

EU anti-trust officials probe Thales, Gemalto merger

The European Union said Monday it has launched an anti-trust investigation into the planned purchase by French aerospace and defence group Thales of SIM manufacturer Gemalto.

Medicine & Health news

Monkey studies reveal possible origin of human speech

Most animals, including our primate cousins, communicate: they gesture, grimace, grunt, and sing. As a rule, however, they do not speak. So how, exactly, did humans acquire their unique talent for verbal discourse? And how do our brains manage this complex bit of communicative magic?

Breast cancer fuelled by mysterious Yin Yang protein

Scientists have unveiled clues about a mysterious molecule called Yin Yang1—and revealed it may fuel tumour growth in breast cancer.

Toxic chemical cocktails: scientists want safety overhaul

People and wildlife risk more harm from chemical mixtures than from separate exposure to the same chemicals, mounting scientific evidence shows.

Imaging in living cells reveals how 'junk DNA' switches on a gene

Researchers have captured video showing how pieces of DNA once thought to be useless can act as on-off switches for genes.

Study provides insight into how dying neurons control eating behaviors of the brain microglia

A new Mount Sinai study, published July 23 in the journal Nature Neuroscience, provides important insight into how microglia, cells that form a branch of the immune system inside the brain, go about their job of clearing out dying and non-functional neurons—and how they sometimes mistakenly attack healthy neurons, an event that can play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Warming temperatures could increase suicide rates across the US and Mexico

Suicide rates are likely to rise as the earth warms, according to new research published July 23 in Nature Climate Change. The study, led by Stanford economist Marshall Burke, finds that projected temperature increases through 2050 could lead to an additional 21,000 suicides in the United States and Mexico.

Scientists ID more than 1,200 genes linked to educational attainment

An international research team including CU Boulder scientists has identified more than 1,200 genetic variants associated with how much schooling an individual completes and developed a "polygenic score" predictive of more than 11 percent of the variation in educational attainment between individuals.

How we see others' emotions depends on our pre-conceived beliefs

How we see emotions on another person's face depends on our pre-conceived views of how we understand these emotions, researchers at New York University have found. Their study, which appears in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, makes new insights into how we recognize facial expressions of emotion, which is critical for successful interactions in business, diplomacy, and everyday social exchange.

'Hijacked' cell response to stress reveals promising drug targets for blood cancer

A signaling pathway that helps promote normal cell growth worsens a form of leukemia by taking control of another pathway better known for protecting cells from biological stress, a new study shows.

Limited restoration of MECP2 gene expression may relieve symptoms in Rett syndrome

A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) research team has developed a new female mouse model for the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome and in the process found evidence that relieving symptoms of the genetic disorder may require only partial expression of the normal copy of the involved gene, MECP2. The strategy used in the study, reported in the journal PNAS, may be useful in developing models for other disorders caused by mutations on the X chromosome.

Exercise cuts risk of chronic disease in older adults

New research has shown that older adults who exercise above current recommended levels have a reduced risk of developing chronic disease compared with those who do not exercise.

Test to save patients from invasive open biopsies

University of Queensland researchers are developing diagnostic tests for a genetic condition which can cause the body to fatally overheat while under a general anaesthetic.

Gene study pinpoints superbug link between people and animals

Scientists have shed light on how a major cause of human and animal disease can jump between species, by studying its genes.

How experience changes basics of memory formation

We know instinctively that our experiences shape the way we learn. If we are highly familiar with a particular task, like cooking for example, learning a new recipe is much easier than it was when we were a novice. New research from the University of California, Davis, shows that experience also changes the way our neurons become plastic and form new memories.

Scientists get first look at T cell responses in Ebola virus survivors

Scientists conducting the first comprehensive study of key immune system cells-collected from West African Ebola survivors-that kill Ebola infected cells have made a surprising discovery that provides important clues to developing effective vaccines against the infection.

Scientists uncover new connection between smell and memory

Neurobiologists at the University of Toronto have identified a mechanism that allows the brain to recreate vivid sensory experiences from memory, shedding light on how sensory-rich memories are created and stored in our brains.

First dementia prevalence data in lesbian, gay and bisexual older adults

The first dementia prevalence data from a large population of lesbian, gay and bisexual older adults was reported today at the 2018 Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Chicago.

Women under-treated for heart attacks die at twice the rate of men

Published in today's Medical Journal of Australia, the study of 2898 patients (2183 men, 715 women) reveals that six months after hospital discharge, death rates and serious adverse cardiovascular events in women presenting with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in the past decade were more than double the rates seen in men.

Amsterdam's red light district without a condom? 'Not for a million!'

"If they don't agree to using a condom, I kick them out," says Foxxy Angel, a 47-year-old platinum blonde sexworker, sporting some fearsome tattoos, in Amsterdam's notorious red light district.

High risk of 'losing control' of AIDS epidemic: experts

The AIDS epidemic risks resurging and spiralling out of control unless billions of extra dollars are pumped into prevention and treatment, experts warned Sunday on the eve of a major world conference.

Censors jump into action as China's latest vaccine scandal ignites

Chinese censors on Sunday deleted articles and postings about the vaccine industry as an online outcry over the country's latest vaccine scandal intensified.

First practice guidelines for clinical evaluation of Alzheimer's disease

Despite more than two decades of advances in diagnostic criteria and technology, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) too often go unrecognized or are misattributed, causing delays in appropriate diagnoses and care that are both harmful and costly. Contributing to the variability and inefficiency is the lack of multidisciplinary ADRD evaluation guidelines to inform U.S clinicians in primary and specialty care settings.

More than senior moments: better dementia detection is urged

Too few people with signs of mental decline or dementia are getting checked during routine medical visits or told when a problem is found, says a panel of Alzheimer's disease experts who offered new guidance Sunday.

New health calculator can help predict heart disease risk, estimate heart age

A new online health calculator can help people determine their risk of heart disease, as well as their heart age, accounting for sociodemographic factors such as ethnicity, sense of belonging and education, as well as health status and lifestyle behaviours. The process to build and validate the tool is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Enabling technology in cell-based therapies: Scale-up, scale-out or program in-place

Technologies that are reducing costs and changing the ways in which researchers and clinicians process and use therapeutic cells are showcased in the August 2018 special issue of SLAS Technology. With leadership from guest editor Christopher Puleo, Ph.D., and colleagues of General Electric Global Research (Niskayuna, NY), the issue presents two review articles that detail the status of cell bioreactors in both stem cell and tissue/organ engineering applications and five original research reports by life sciences researchers from universities, pharma companies and hospitals in Australia and across the United States.

Greater efforts are needed to address 'financial toxicity' of cancer treatment

In addition to facing new concerns about their health, individuals who are diagnosed with cancer often worry about the financial burdens of treatment. A new study indicates that many patients feel that such 'financial toxicity' is not adequately addressed by their doctors and other clinicians. The findings are published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

Mandate patient access to primary care medical records

Canada's provincial governments should mandate patient access to their electronic medical records, argue authors of a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Exhaled e-vapor particles evaporate in seconds—new study

A new peer-reviewed study published in the prestigious journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research shows that exhaled e-vapour product particles are actually liquid droplets that evaporate within seconds.

Researchers find that private insurance pays more for emergency department visits

Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that, over the past 20 years, private insurers have paid more for a visit to the emergency department than Medicare or Medicaid. For this work, titled "Per-visit Emergency Department Expenditures by Insurance 1996-2015"and published in the July edition of Health Affairs, UNC Family Medicine fellow Jonathan Yun, MD, MPH, and two other researchers, used data from the 1996 through 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to study charge and payment trends for ED visits paid by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

Understanding deaths from post-surgical complications

Death after surgery may follow a complication, but understanding which complications or co-morbidities are associated with death is challenging.

Simple supplement aids powerful rugby performance, study finds

Sore muscles and peak athletic performance do not mix. Otago researchers have found a common health supplement may solve the issue.

Growing kidney tissue simpler and faster will help fight disease

New treatments for kidney diseases and inherited kidney disorders could result from new research that is revolutionising the way human kidney tissue is grown from stem cells.

Birth study empowers pregnant women

New QUT research has shed light on why some women have 'normal' births and many don't, delivering vital information to help women make more informed maternity care decisions.

Many doctors go unpaid for clinical work between appointments, study finds

A new study led by researchers at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School and Healthcentric Advisors found that most primary care physicians are not being reimbursed for the many hours of work they do for their sickest patients between face-to-face appointments.

Natural blood doping and rewriting the textbooks

The phrase "rewriting the textbooks" is more than a cliché to me, because that's what I do. I revise each of my books every three years, updating the science.

World-first study shows benefits of 5:2 diet for people with diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes are just as likely to lose weight and control their blood glucose levels if they follow a 5:2 diet than an ongoing daily calorie-restricted diet, according to a world-first study by University of South Australia researchers.

How long should you stay away when you have a cold or the flu?

Most adults get around two to three colds a year, and children get even more. In terms of the flu, there are around 3-5 million severe cases of influenza worldwide each year and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths.

How can you avoid regaining those lost kilos?

The hardest part about losing weight is maintaining it. Many people manage to lose weight, but in time the kilos can slowly come back.

Study finds alcohol and drug treatment may be best served at home

Offering withdrawal services to certain people struggling with alcohol and other drug addictions in their own home may serve as an acceptable and less expensive treatment option, research led by Curtin University has found.

Blindness gene discovered

The human genome is made up of 20,000 genes, all of which may cause disease. At present, 4,141 genes have been identified as being responsible for genetic abnormalities, leaving around 16,000 genes with unknown implication in disease. Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, working in collaboration with scientists from Pakistan and the USA, have investigated a recessive genetic disorder that prevents the eyes from developing and results in childhood blindness.

The genetics of reward behaviour

Reward systems lie at the very heart of human behaviour – from eating tasty food to falling in love. Researchers with the EU project have turned to the zebrafish for details of the molecular basis that is also behind the development of many neuropsychological illnesses.

Why children should be taught about death in school

Have you ever thought about how you'd like your funeral to be? Or what dying might feel like? Or what should happen to your body?

Breakthrough could end animal testing in carcinogen research

Animal testing has been at the heart of chemical safety assessments since the 1970s. Looking at the most recent figures, in 2011, more than a million animals were used to test whether chemicals would be harmful to humans in Europe alone. While in 2016, 180,000 animals were used to assess chemical safety in the UK.

Novel intervention for anxiety symptoms among people with bipolar disorder

Psychologists at Lancaster University have devised a novel psychological intervention to address anxiety in bipolar disorder (AIBD).

Children of mothers with type 1 diabetes have a higher body mass index

Children of mothers with type 1 diabetes are at significantly higher risk of being overweight and of exhibiting insulin resistance. This was published by scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Technical University of Munich in the journal Diabetologia.

Why do paper cuts hurt so much?

Consider, for a moment, the paper cut. It happens suddenly and entirely unexpectedly, usually just as you are finally getting somewhere on that task you had been putting off.

No-cost insect vector research resources for scientists fighting mosquito-transmitted diseases

Infravec2, the EU-funded global source for no-cost vector research products and services, announces multiple new products available from an upgraded online shopping site (https://infravec2.eu/vector-research-products/).

Systematic literature analysis on the effect of genetic factors on nutrition

Individualized dietary recommendations based on genetic information are a popular trend. But a team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has systematically analyzed scientific articles and determined that there is no clear evidence for the effect of genetic factors on the consumption of total calories, carbohydrates and fat. According to the current state of knowledge, the expedience of gene-based dietary recommendations has yet to be proven.

A molecular key for delaying the progression of multiple sclerosis is found

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells. Current treatment is based on modulating the activity of the immune system or preventing immune cells from accessing the central nervous system and damaging it. These therapies are effective in the early phases of the disease, but they do not prevent its advance and the associated progressive functional deterioration.

Finding drugs that are safe to take while pregnant

Expectant mothers often face a dilemma about whether to take medication when they fall ill due to fears it might harm their unborn baby, but new research is unravelling which drugs are safe to take during pregnancy.

Dying groundskeeper to testify in Roundup cancer trial

A California groundskeeper dying of cancer is slated to testify Monday before jurors hearing evidence in his lawsuit blaming Monsanto weed killer Roundup for his terminal illness.

Pregnancy and reproductive history may impact dementia risk

Research reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2018 in Chicago highlighted sex differences associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease across the life course, including the first ever large-scale study of reproductive history and dementia risk in women.

Saliva test could improve diabetes control and treatment

Diabetes assessment currently relies on measurement of blood sugar levels—but a simple saliva sample could replace this, says new research. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology and the most comprehensive of its kind to date, finds that proteins in saliva reflect high blood sugar and associated disease processes in young patients with type 1 diabetes, long before the appearance of clinical symptoms. This could lead to better prediction and prevention of long-term complications of the disease.

Large US study targets prostate cancer in black men

(HealthDay)—Black men in the United States have higher rates of aggressive prostate cancer than other males. Now, a $26.5 million study is underway to figure out why.

'Dangerous complacency' warnings at world AIDS conference

A world AIDS assembly opens in Amsterdam on Monday hoping to harness the star power of activists Elton John and Prince Harry to bolster the battle against an epidemic experts warn may yet spiral out of control.

Food additives a toxic mix for kids

(HealthDay)—Chemicals used to preserve, package and enhance food can harm children's health, a leading pediatricians' group says.

Gluten-free kids' foods fall short on nutrition

(HealthDay)—Gluten-free foods are one of the latest nutritional trends, with many parents assuming foods with a gluten-free label are healthier than foods with gluten.

Hope for peanut allergies? Pills, patches, drops and even nuts themselves are being studied

Every year, Americans make 30,000 emergency room visits because of food allergies, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Mayo Clinic introduces first-aid skill for Amazon Alexa

Mayo Clinic has introduced a new skill for Amazon Alexa, giving a hands-free way to access first-aid information. A skill is a new capability a person can add to their Amazon Alexa-enabled devices which creates a more personalized user experience.

C.S. Mott poll addresses child safety at amusement parks

(HealthDay)—One in five parents say they have not made plans with their children about what to do if they became separated at an amusement park or carnival, according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at the University of Michigan.

Unfavorable prepregnancy lipid levels linked to low parity

(HealthDay)—The risk of having no or only one child is elevated for women with an unfavorable prepregnancy lipid profile, according to a study published in the June issue of BMJ Open.

Increased coverage in states with medicaid expansion

(HealthDay)—Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

Availability of generic antivirals for hepatitis B increasing

(HealthDay)—Availability of generic antivirals for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Visual function deficits up in developmental dyslexia

(HealthDay)—School-aged children with developmental dyslexia (DD) more frequently have visual function deficits than typically developing (TD) children, according to a study published online July 19 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Epinephrine ups survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

(HealthDay)—Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Empagliflozin doesn't up risk of bone fractures

(HealthDay)—Empagliflozin does not increase the risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 15 in Diabetes Care.

Molecular autopsy may shed light on sudden death in young

(HealthDay)—Ultrarare, nonsynonymous variants are seen in 64 percent of victims of sudden unexplained death in the young (SUDY), with 10 of the 27 variants considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of Circulation.

Chinese premier orders investigation of vaccine makers

Chinese leaders are scrambling to shore up public confidence and oversight of the pharmaceutical industry after a rabies vaccine maker was found faking records, the latest in a slew of public health and safety scandals that have led outraged Chinese parents to direct their ire at the government.

Why alzheimer's may be tougher to spot in women

(HealthDay)—If your memory starts slipping, your gender may play a role in whether or not you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests. How?

FDA proposes new rule on food labeling in vending machines

(HealthDay)—A new rule proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests that the type size on packaged foods sold in vending machines be at least 1.5 times the size of the net weight declaration on the front of the package.

Virtual reality may help students experience life with dementia first hand

Virtual reality technology gives high school students greater insight into what it's like to be Alfred—a 74-year-old African American man with suspected mild cognitive impairment (MCI), plus age-related vision and hearing loss, or Beatriz, a middle-aged Latina, as she progresses through the continuum of Alzheimer's disease.

Enzyme lays the foundations for allergic immune response

While in search of the causes of allergies and asthma, a chance discovery has yielded new clues: researchers led by Dr. Marcus Peters have ascertained that the enzyme guanylate cyclase in cells lays the foundations for the type of immune response. Allergic symptoms are more or less pronounced depending on which immune response gains the upper hand. "This is particularly interesting as there are active pharmaceutical ingredients that stimulate the enzyme or even inhibit it," explains Marcus Peters. The teams from the Experimental Pneumology division at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) led by Prof Dr. Albrecht Bufe and the Pharmacology and Toxicology division led by Prof Dr. Doris Koesling report on their discovery in the journal Scientific Reports from 20th July 2018.

Eight new mouse models for Alzheimer's disease available to researchers

The MODEL-AD Center, an ambitious project to develop and distribute precise mouse models of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), has released eight new models carrying genetic mutations found in patients.

How cannabis and cannabis-based drugs harm your brain

Long-term use of either cannabis or cannabis-based drugs impairs memory say researchers. The study has implications for both recreational users and people who use the drug to combat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain.

Study shows how the brain controls food cravings

A newly published study from the University of Waterloo shows that when activity in a specific part of the brain is suppressed, our desire for high-calorie foods increases.

Breakthrough in battle against type 2 diabetes

Experts from the University of Stirling have made a breakthrough in understanding how people respond to lifestyle treatment for preventing Type 2 diabetes.

Discovery reveals how obesity causes disease—and two ways to stop it

New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine explains why obesity causes harmful inflammation that can lead to diabetes, clogged arteries and other health problems. Doctors may be able to use this knowledge to battle these chronic diseases and others driven by damaging inflammation.

The 'secret sauce' for high-performing NICUs

Leaders of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the nation share the same play books as they strive to provide safe, high-quality medical and surgical care for vulnerable newborns. A growing number of quality collaborations share best practices and evidence-based guidelines across the nation in the hopes of replicating quality and safety success stories while minimizing harms.

In Southern Mozambique, only half of people diagnosed with HIV enroll in medical care

HIV diagnosis is the first of many steps in the path to global disease control. However, in Southern Mozambique, more than half of people diagnosed with HIV do not initiate the next steps in the cascade of HIV care, and this is particularly true for those that perform the test at home. The study, led by ISGlobal—an institution supported by "la Caixa" Foundation—reveals the need to develop interventions to facilitate access to care and treatment among the population.

New research: High burden of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs

New research: High burden of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs highlights the urgent need for harm reduction and treatment strategies

Ever gone to put your keys in the fridge, not the milk? New research sheds light on why

Many people will have experienced the frustration of putting their car keys in the fridge while leaving the milk out on the side, or the embarrassment of answering "yes" when asked if they would like the chicken or the fish.

Emergency departments can be an effective venue for Hepatitis C virus testing

Boston Medical Center has shown that testing for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) outside the typical high-risk population can be successfully implemented in an emergency department setting, resulting in more patients being screened, diagnosed and treated who might not have been otherwise. The new study, published in Academic Emergency Medicine, is the first report of a large scale emergency department program, which increased the monthly rate of HCV screening by more than 6,000 percent by testing regardless of patients' perceived risk for the disease.

Paying parents to read to their children boosts literacy skills

Researchers have found a surprising way to help boost the skills of children with language impairment: Pay their parents to read to them.

A promising approach to translational research on stem cells for Parkinson's disease

A major factor underlying Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathology is the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, and thus current therapies often aim to restore dopamine signaling. However, these treatments are not curative. The most promising approach for truly reversing disease progress involves the replacement of the specific dopamine neurons that have been lost, and this is the focus of a special issue on Parkinson's Disease, published in Stem Cells and Development, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The special issue is available free on the Stem Cells and Development website until August 24, 2018.

Rationalizations by low-paid microworkers raise questions of ethics, rigor

Microworkers that researchers hire from online sites may feel conflicted by their low wage, leading them to both overestimate the importance of their work and put forth less effort, according to Penn State researchers.

Cognitive consequences of age-related increase in brain activity

Increased frontal brain activity in healthy older adults reflects reduced efficiency rather than a way to maintain cognitive function, finds a study of two human samples published in JNeurosci. The findings contradict a leading theory in the neuroscience of aging.

Estrogen could promote healthy development of preterm infants

Premature birth alters the balance of interneurons in the cerebral cortex that can be restored with estrogen treatment, according to a study of human brain tissue and preterm rabbits published in JNeurosci.

Overnight brain stimulation improves memory

New research in humans demonstrates the potential to improve memory with a non-invasive brain stimulation technique delivered during sleep. The results, published in JNeurosci, come from a project funded by the United States Department of Defense that aims to better understand the process of memory consolidation, which could translate into improved memory function in both healthy and patient populations.

Largest genetic database on Alzheimer's disease now re-open for business

The National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) will begin making large-scale DNA sequence data available to investigators. The goal is to make Alzheimer's disease-relevant genetic data available to as many investigators as possible to accelerate research. The data will be processed by the Genomic Center for Alzheimer's Disease (GCAD) at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and all sequence and phenotype data will be integrated from different sources, in a process called harmonization, so that investigators can immediately begin analyses.

Mother's touch supports pup's brain development

A mother's presence may have immediate and long-term effects on her child's developing brain by modulating the serotonin system, suggests a study of rat moms and their pups published in eNeuro. The research provides a potential mechanism by which separating a child from his or her mother early in life could derail development.

Health care industry branches into fresh meals, rides to gym

That hot lunch delivered to your door? Your health insurer might pick up the tab.

TGen-led study shows mutated gene is likely cause of 3-year-old girl's severe disorder

A young girl with severe neurological symptoms finally has a diagnosis, following the discovery by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) of a genetic mutation that likely caused the girl to experience a cascade of symptoms.

New research underscores the importance of language development in low-income, high-risk children

Language sets the stage for how children grow, develop, and learn. University of Miami Assistant Professor of Psychology Lynn Perry, whose research focuses on language and cognitive development in children, says a child's early years of language development are critical for the fundamentals of school readiness, such as literacy skills and social and emotional growth.

Researchers explore popular food trends in nutritional review

What's the bottom line on the potential heart health benefits of popular health foods? In their second paper on controversial nutrition trends, researchers from the American College of Cardiology Nutrition & Lifestyle Workgroup of the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Council discuss nutritional "hypes" and controversies around dairy products, added sugar, legumes, coffee and tea, alcohol, energy drinks, mushrooms, fermented foods, Omega-3s and vitamin B12. The review article publishes today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Time delays to thrombectomy for stroke reduce patient lifetime and economic value of care

Every minute that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for a stroke patient is delayed decreases the patient's quality of life and lifespan, and reduces the significant monetary benefits that EVT provides. A new study shows that using a Markov model of lifetime quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of EVT-treated patients, every 10 minutes of delayed care reduced a patient's disability free lifetime by about 40 days.

New stroke imaging technology could reduce potential for patient brain damage

A new study, presented today at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's (SNIS) 15th Annual Meeting, found that new stroke imaging technology could decrease delays in care by up to 60 minutes, giving patients a better chance at making a full recovery.

Depleting microbiome with antibiotics can affect glucose metabolism

A new study from the Salk Institute has found that mice that have their microbiomes depleted with antibiotics have decreased levels of glucose in their blood and better insulin sensitivity. The research has implications for understanding the role of the microbiome in diabetes. It also could lead to better insight into the side effects seen in people who are being treated with high levels of antibiotics. The study appeared in the journal Nature Communications on July 20, 2018.

Right-sided colon cancer patients have poorer survival than those with left-sided disease

ORLANDO (July 23, 2018): Patients with colorectal cancer tumors on the right side may have poorer five-year survival rates than those whose tumors are located on the left side. However, a new large-scale retrospective study is the first to demonstrate a potential improvement of these outcomes. Study results show that nearly doubling the benchmark number of lymph nodes removed during operations for right-sided colon cancers improves the survival rate for these patients, according to researchers who presented these findings at the 2018 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Quality and Safety Conference.

Five ways to push yourself to stay fit

(HealthDay)—Continually progressing keeps exercise interesting and further increases your fitness level.

Pilot program improves staff confidence in dealing with airway emergencies

A patient safety team has restructured their protocols for treating airway failure in such a way that the change has measurably improved staff confidence to handle airway emergencies and can serve as a model for other health systems. These changes came when the team at Hackensack (N.J.) Meridian Health encountered a serious safety event last year when a breathing tube failed and a patient required an emergency operation. About 10 percent of the life-threatening events that occur in hospitals involve problems with keeping patients' breathing airway functional, the researchers explained.

Biology news

Cell Studio: Serious games for immunology

Researchers at the Tel Aviv University, Israel, Dortmund University, Germany, and Arizona State University, U.S., have collaborated to engineer an interactive 3-D simulation in silico that can mimic in vitro, or in vivo experiments as seen under the microscope using interactive game engines. The novel platform, known as Cell Studio, can simulate an organic microenvironment with biological and biophysical rules at the cellular level. Several biological scenarios can be simulated, including a 2-D or 3-D spatial patch of tissue or cell culture, cell mitosis, cell differentiation and apoptosis. This work was recently published in AIP Bioengineering.

Researchers discover the 'optimism' of E. coli bacteria

A team of researchers from across the Princeton University campus collaborated to determine how E. coli bacteria respond when they are deprived of three key nutrients: carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus.

A 3-D model of a human heart ventricle

Harvard University researchers have bioengineered a three-dimensional model of a human left heart ventricle that could be used to study diseases, test drugs and develop patient-specific treatments for heart conditions such as arrhythmia.

Build an ark? Biologists discuss conservation prioritization

Conservation biologists recognize a sobering reality.

Scientists probe 'magical' royal jelly for clues to control cancer

Royal jelly, or milky-white "bee milk," has long been known for its mysterious growth effects on future queen honey bees, while also hailed by some as an anti-aging, cholesterol-lowering super supplement. But how this "queen magic" actually happens, and its potential benefit to humans, has remained a mystery to scientists.

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers reveal dual function of FACT in gene regulation

In eukaryotic cells, linear genetic DNA wraps around histones to form stable nucleosomes that further assemble to form chromatins. Nucleosomes represent big barriers to the transcription machine RNA polymerase.

Microclimates may provide wildlife with respite from warming temperatures

Sheltered pockets of cooler and more variable conditions in the British countryside may help native species of flora and fauna survive warming temperatures caused by climate change, researchers have found.

Should you share data of threatened species?

Scientists publishing locations of rare species have been blamed for helping poachers drive them to extinction, such as the local extinction of the Chinese cave gecko.

Acidic oceans cause fish to lose their sense of smell

When carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater carbonic acid is formed, making the water more acidic. Since the Industrial Revolution, oceanic CO2 has risen by 43% and is predicted to be two and a half times current levels by the end of this century.

Scientists generate key life event in artificial mouse 'embryo' created from stem cells

The creation of artificial embryos has moved a step forward after an international team of researchers used mouse stem cells to produce artificial embryo-like structures capable of 'gastrulation', a key step in the life of any embryo.

Warming alters predator-prey interactions in the Arctic

Wolf spiders are so abundant that they outweigh real wolves in the Alaskan Arctic by several orders of magnitude. Their sheer numbers make them one of the important predators on the tundra. They may also be important in buffering some effects of climate change.

Deep learning cracks the code of messenger RNAs and protein-coding potential

Researchers at Oregon State University have used deep learning to decipher which ribonucleic acids have the potential to encode proteins.

Researchers find connection between viruses and inflammatory bowel disease

A study led by a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals a key connection between viruses and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

A warmer Midwest could lead to a common bird being less common over the next century

A warmer future may lead to a common Midwestern songbird becoming considerably less common, according to a team of researchers whose study of the population-level impacts of climate change on Acadian flycatchers was published today in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Elastic slingshot powers snipefish feeding

The snipefish, an ocean-dwelling relative of the seahorse, has a very long, skinny snout ending in a tiny mouth. A recent study by UC Davis graduate student Sarah Longo shows that snipefish feed with an elastic-boosted head flick at almost unprecedented speed.

Diverse salmon populations enable 'resource surfing' bears to eat tons of fish

Research shows that Kodiak brown bears that sync their stream-to-stream movements to salmon spawning patterns eat longer and more than bears that don't, with one bear in the study consuming greater than 2 tons of fish in one summer.

Study supports Maine's current management practices for ruffed grouse hunting

Maintaining current hunting regulations for ruffed grouse will help ensure sustainable population management in the state, according to a new University of Maine study.

A numbers game—killing rabbits to conserve native mammals

Invasive species have a devastating effect on biodiversity. In Australia, introduced red foxes and feral cats have been implicated in the majority of the extinctions of the native mammal fauna, which has been decimated since European arrival.

Bigger eyes but reduced brain power in nocturnal fishes

Coral reefs buzz with activity around the clock. As the day-active fishes retreat at dusk, the night-active or nocturnal fishes venture out to forage and hunt. Equipped with special traits, these fishes are adapted to lead a life in darkness. So how do the dark surroundings influence the way they see?

How old is my pet in dog years or cat years? A veterinarian explains

"Just how old do you think my dog is in dog years?" is a question I hear on a regular basis. People love to anthropomorphize pets, attributing human characteristics to them. And most of us want to extend our animal friends' healthy lives for as long as possible.

Vessel tracking exposes the dark side of trading at sea

First ever large-scale analysis of fishing vessel interactions exposes the potential extent of the unmanaged exchange of goods at sea, raising global concerns over illegal fishing and human rights abuses. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, brings transparency to trading at sea. It provides the first ever public view of the extent to which these exchanges could be occurring and exposes the need for a global collaboration to improve fisheries management.

Guns and roses: Afghan farmers enjoy sweet smell of success

Standing in a field of roses in eastern Afghanistan, former poppy grower Mohammad Din Sapai quickly but carefully plucks the delicate petals that will be turned into rose water and oils for sale around the world.

Crocodile in Paradise: Thailand hunts reptile in resort town

Thailand is in hot pursuit of a cagey crocodile that has made unwelcome appearances off the beaches of resort island Phuket only to slip through the clutches of local authorities.

NIST builds statistical foundation for next-generation forensic DNA profiling

DNA is often considered the most reliable form of forensic evidence, and this reputation is based on the way DNA experts use statistics. When they compare the DNA left at a crime scene with the DNA of a suspect, experts generate statistics that describe how closely those DNA samples match. A jury can then take those match statistics into account when deciding guilt or innocence.

Expert and advocate for iconic monarch butterfly has died

Lincoln Brower, who was considered one of the foremost experts on the iconic monarch butterfly and a scientist who advocated for the declining species' protection, has died. He was 86.

Honeybee pheromones safely repel elephants, study finds

An organic formulation containing honeybee pheromones has been found to safely repel elephants, offering promise for a new strategy to prevent the world's largest land animals from destroying crops or causing other damage in areas where humans conflict with elephants, according to a study published July 23, 2018 in Current Biology.


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