Science X Newsletter Thursday, Sep 13

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for September 13, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Story ending generation using incremental encoding

Eyes have a natural version of night vision

Blazes of light reveal how plants signal danger long distances

Famous theory of the living Earth upgraded to 'Gaia 2.0'

Apple unveils premium iPhone XS, health features for watch (Update)

Rare antibodies show scientists how to neutralize the many types of Ebola

The Apple Watch is inching toward becoming a medical device

Rosetta system unleashed by Facebook can say whoa to offensive memes

Kidney stones have distinct geological histories, study finds

One foot in the grave for pheasants that favor a side

How bacteria play pass the parcel—and help each other evade antibiotics

Enhanced 3-D imaging poised to advance treatments for brain diseases

High-resolution genomic map gives scientists unprecedented view of brain development

The next phase: Using neural networks to identify gas-phase molecules

Caspase-2 enzyme inhibitor shows promise for ameliorating fatty liver disease

Astronomy & Space news

	Magnetic waves create chaos in star-forming clouds New research by Stella Offner, assistant professor of astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin, finds that magnetic waves are an important factor driving the process of star formation within the enormous clouds that birth stars. Her research sheds light on the processes that are responsible for setting the properties of stars, which in turn affects the formation of planets orbiting them, and, ultimately, life on those planets. The research is published in the current issue of the journal Nature Astronomy.
	NASA space lasers to reveal new depths of planet's ice loss NASA is poised to launch Saturday its most advanced space laser ever, ICESat-2, a $1 billion dollar mission to reveal the depths of the Earth's melting ice as the climate warms.
	BUFFALO charges towards the earliest galaxies The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has started a new mission to shed light on the evolution of the earliest galaxies in the Universe. The BUFFALO survey will observe six massive galaxy clusters and their surroundings. The first observations show the galaxy cluster Abell 370 and a host of magnified, gravitationally lensed galaxies around it.
	VLBA measures asteroid's characteristics In an unusual observation, astronomers used the National Science Foundation's Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) to study the effects on radio waves coming from a distant radio galaxy when an asteroid in our Solar System passed in front of the galaxy. The observation allowed them to measure the size of the asteroid, gain new information about its shape, and greatly improve the accuracy with which its orbital path can be calculated.
	Cassini's final view of Titan's northern lakes and seas During NASA's Cassini mission's final distant encounter with Saturn's giant moon Titan, the spacecraft captured the enigmatic moon's north polar landscape of lakes and seas, which are filled with liquid methane and ethane.
	Aeolus wows with first wind data Just one week after ESA's Aeolus satellite shone a light on our atmosphere and returned a taster of what's in store, this ground-breaking mission has again exceeded all expectations by delivering its first data on wind – a truly remarkable feat so early in its life in space.
	Uncovering the birthplaces of stars in the Milky Way An international team of scientists led by Ivan Minchev of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) has found a way to recover the birth places of stars in our Galaxy. This is one of the major goals in the field of Galactic Archaeology, whose aim is to reconstruct the formation history of the Milky Way.
	Roscosmos and NASA chiefs discuss mysterious space leak The Russian space agency's chief has talked to his NASA counterpart about a mysterious leak at the International Space Station, Roscosmos said Thursday.

Technology news

	Story ending generation using incremental encoding Researchers at the AI Lab of Tsinghua University have recently developed an incremental encoder-based model that can generate story endings. An incremental encoder is a type of encoding compression algorithm that is often used to compress sorted data, such as lists of words or sentences.
	Apple unveils premium iPhone XS, health features for watch (Update) Apple unveiled three new iPhones on Wednesday in a bid to bolster its spot in the premium smartphone market, along with an upgraded smartwatch that takes electrocardiograms and detects falls.
	The Apple Watch is inching toward becoming a medical device Apple is trying to turn its smartwatch from a niche gadget into a lifeline to better health by slowly evolving it into a medical device.
	Rosetta system unleashed by Facebook can say whoa to offensive memes When a meme is beyond goofy and crosses the line to outright offensive, is anyone minding the store?
	Novel flying robot mimics rapid insect flight A novel insect-inspired flying robot, developed by TU Delft researchers from the Micro Air Vehicle Laboratory (MAVLab), is presented in Science (14 September 2018). Experiments with this first autonomous, free-flying and agile flapping-wing robot improves the understanding of how fruit flies control aggressive escape manoeuvres. Apart from its potential in insect flight research, the robot's exceptional flight qualities open up new drone applications.
	New biofuel production system powered by a community of algae and fungi MSU scientists have a new proof of concept for a biofuel production platform that uses two species of marine algae and soil fungi. It lowers cultivation and harvesting costs and increases productivity, factors that currently hold back biofuels from being widely adopted.
	Earth's health could benefit from space solar power, self-sustaining farms and your diet What will it take to save this blue marble we call Earth?
	Helping computers fill in the gaps between video frames Given only a few frames of a video, humans can usually surmise what is happening and will happen on screen. If we see an early frame of stacked cans, a middle frame with a finger at the stack's base, and a late frame showing the cans toppled over, we can guess that the finger knocked down the cans. Computers, however, struggle with this concept.
	Half of Facebook users say they don't understand how news feed works Your relationship with Facebook could be, well, complicated.
	Another Tesla executive heads for exit Tesla confirmed on Wednesday that finance executive Justin McAnear is leaving the electric car maker as it strives to become profitable by the end of the year.
	Got $1,100? Apple shows off its most expensive iPhone yet Apple unveiled three new iPhones on Wednesday, including its biggest and most expensive model yet, as the company seeks to widen the product's appeal amid slowing sales.
	Researchers develop platform to help survive hurricanes, natural disasters Just a few minutes of warning during a natural disaster can mean the difference between life and death.
	Talking gloves, tactile windows: New tech helps the disabled Hadeel Ayoub slips a black glove onto her hand before beginning the swish of sign language that is meaningless to the untrained observer. Then she pushes a button on her wrist, and a small speaker relays the message drawn in the air: "Let's Dance!"
	Waste plastic in concrete could support sustainable construction in India Research at the University of Bath has shown waste plastic to be a viable partial replacement for sand in structural concrete, providing one possible solution for future sustainable construction whilst addressing sand shortages in India.
	Potholes: How engineers are working to fill in the gaps Potholes are a perennial problem. They are dangerous to road users, and the damage they cause to vehicles can be hugely expensive. The cost of repairing them is also vast. But still they appear, and reappear, in countless places. So why do these pesky crevices pose such a difficult challenge? And is there any light at the end of this pothole-filled tunnel?
	What is energy security, and how has it changed? The idea of energy security has been at the centre of much policy debate recently. The federal government defines energy security as the adequate supply of energy across the electricity, gas and liquid fuel sectors.
	Why driverless vehicles should not be given unchecked access to our cities Autonomous, or driverless, vehicles can support and promote active travel, such as walking and cycling, when two basic conditions are met:
	Booming electric car sales drive lithium rush in Portugal Mining firms are racing to open new lithium mines in Portugal, already Europe's biggest producer of the commodity, thanks to the surge in popularity of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries.
	GM recalls 1.2M pickups, SUVs for power steering problem General Motors is recalling 1.2 million big pickup trucks and SUVs mainly in North America because of power-assisted steering problems that have been cited in a number of accidents.
	New defence against 'superbug' infections Tiny implanted 3-D printed scaffolds infused with antibiotics could revolutionise the way doctors prevent deadly 'superbug' infections post-surgery, saving lives and long hospital stays.
	Database shines a bright light on Washington lobbying Follow the money. It's a famous phrase from the Watergate era, but it applies to everyday life in modern Washington as well. That advice just got easier for everyone to carry out, thanks to the launch of LobbyView.org, a new public database created by MIT political scientist In Song Kim.
	Facebook 'better prepared' for election meddling, Zuckerberg says Facebook is better prepared to defend against efforts to manipulate the platform to influence elections and has recently thwarted foreign influence campaigns targeting several countries, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday.
	Many populations fear big job loss from automation: survey The public is broadly fearful that automation will lead to significant job losses, with many populations skeptical the technologies will boost economic efficiency, according to a survey of 10 countries released Thursday.
	Will EU copyright overhaul 'break' the internet? EU lawmakers have backed a major overhaul of copyright law that was hailed by some as a much-needed win against Silicon Valley, but its impact on ordinary web-users remains unclear.
	Volkswagen to end iconic 'Beetle' cars in 2019 Volkswagen announced Thursday it would end production of its iconic "Beetle" cars in 2019 after adding a pair of final editions of the insect-inspired vehicles.
Mental health tech start-up NeuroFlow raises $1.2M NeuroFlow, the Philadelphia start-up trying to foster more engagement between therapists and their patients through technology, has raised another $1.2 million with expectations that total subscription will soon reach $1.5 million, the company announced recently.
	South Africa uses new tech to fight vicious gun violence As gunshots ring out in one of South Africa's most dangerous neighborhoods, a new technology detects the gun's location and immediately alerts police.
	Qualcomm to repurchase $16 billion of its shares from banks Qualcomm is buying back $16 billion of its own stock as part of a broader goal of repurchasing up to $30 billion of its shares.
	Why we love robotic dogs, puppets and dolls There's a lot of hype around the release of Sony's latest robotic dog. It's called Aibo, and is promoted as using artificial intelligence to respond to people looking at it, talking to it and touching it.
	Iron powder: a clean, alternative fuel for industry that replaces natural gas The Dutch government informed Dutch industry in January this year that by 2022, it should quit consuming natural gas. Students from Eindhoven University of Technology are working on a sustainable solution to replace industrial fossil fuel consumption: burning iron. This fuel generates no CO2 emissions, and the residual product, rust, can be fully recycled. The iron powder flames produce high temperatures, which is important for many industries. The student team, Team SOLID, has built a proof-of-concept installation that generates both heat and electricity.
	Amazon's Jeff Bezos unveils $2 bn philanthropic fund Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the richest person on the planet, said Thursday he was creating a philanthropic fund to help homeless families and launch preschools in low-income communities, committing an initial $2 billion to the cause.
	Ryanair cabin crew in five countries to strike Sept 28 Ryanair cabin crew from five European countries will go on strike on September 28, threatening hundreds of flights in the latest round of a bitter tussle between unions and the budget airline's management.

Medicine & Health news

	Eyes have a natural version of night vision To see under starlight and moonlight, the retina of the eye changes both the software and hardware of its light-sensing cells to create a kind of night vision. Retinal circuits that were thought to be unchanging and programmed for specific tasks are adaptable to different light conditions, say the Duke scientists who identified how the retina reprograms itself for low light.
	Rare antibodies show scientists how to neutralize the many types of Ebola Two new studies by scientists at Scripps Research are bringing Ebola virus's weaknesses into the spotlight, showing for the first time exactly how human and mouse antibodies can bind to the virus and stop infection—not only for Ebola virus, but for other closely related pathogens as well.
	High-resolution genomic map gives scientists unprecedented view of brain development Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a massive database of the changes in gene activity of individual cells in the cerebellum during embryonic development and immediately after birth. The analysis of thousands of brain cells isolated from mice offers researchers a high-resolution map that enables scientists to view the detailed genomic changes cells undergo as the cerebellum wires its neural circuitry. The research will not only aid basic understanding of brain development, but also provide a foundation for understanding the cellular origins of brain disorders caused by errors in development. These anatomical defects include Joubert syndrome, Dandy-Walker malformation and pontocerebellar hypoplasia. The database will enable future studies tracing the cellular origins of childhood brain tumors such as medulloblastoma, astrocytoma and ependymoma.
	Caspase-2 enzyme inhibitor shows promise for ameliorating fatty liver disease Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered using mice and human clinical specimens, that caspase-2, a protein-cleaving enzyme, is a critical driver of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic and aggressive liver condition. By identifying caspase-2's critical role, they believe an inhibitor of this enzyme could provide an effective way to stop the pathogenic progression that leads to NASH—and possibly even reverse early symptoms.
	BPA replacements in plastics cause reproductive problems in lab mice Twenty years ago, researchers made the accidental discovery that the now infamous plastics ingredient known as bisphenol A or BPA had inadvertently leached out of plastic cages used to house female mice in the lab, causing a sudden increase in chromosomally abnormal eggs in the animals. Now, the same team is back to report in the journal Current Biology on September 13 that the array of alternative bisphenols now used to replace BPA in BPA-free bottles, cups, cages, and other items appear to come with similar problems for their mice.
	Regret is a gambler's curse, neuroscientists say What goes through a gambler's mind after she's placed her bet?
	People show confirmation bias even about which way dots are moving People have a tendency to interpret new information in a way that supports their pre-existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. Once they've made a decision about which house to buy, which school to send their kids to, or which political candidate to vote for, they have a tendency to interpret new evidence such that it reassures them they've made the right call. Now, researchers reporting in Current Biology on September 13 have shown that people will do the same thing even when the decision they've made pertains to a choice that is rather less consequential: which direction a series of dots is moving and whether the average of a series of numbers is greater or less than 50.
	Cancer drug and antidepressants provide clues for treating brain-eating amoeba infections The amoeba Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm swimming pools, lakes and rivers. On rare occasions, the amoeba can infect a healthy person and cause severe primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a "brain-eating" disease that is almost always fatal. Other than trial-and-error with general antifungal medications, there are no treatments for the infection.
	New cause of chronic stress identified in the brain In an international collaboration between MedUni Vienna, Semmelweis University in Budapest, the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and Yale University, researchers have identified a new process in the brain that is responsible for the delayed stress response and the long-term effects of stress: with a delay of 10 minutes after the "danger", the area of the brain that reacts to stress and responsible for further action is activated via the cerebral fluid. The findings could open up new perspectives for understanding the neuronal processes at play in post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stress and burnout.
	Cell environment influences type of liver tumor Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Two forms of primary liver cancer cover the majority of cases: About 10 to 20 percent of those affected develop a bile duct carcinoma within the liver (intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma; ICC), the far higher proportion of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). In recent years, in particular, the number of patients with the highly invasive intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas increased noticeably, although both tumor types show overlaps regarding their risk factors. A team of researchers led by Prof. Lars Zender from the University Hospital Tübingen and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) now elegantly demonstrated that the surrounding cellular environment with its dying liver cells determines the path taken by tumor cells. The results will be published in the prestigious journal Nature on September 12, 2018.
	Adjuvant for intradermal vaccine developed to deal with a pandemic A team of researchers from the U.S., Israel and Canada has developed an adjuvant for use as an intradermal vaccine to reduce deaths when pandemics occur. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their work, the adjuvant they developed and how it might be deployed in case of a deadly outbreak.
	Scientists identify new cellular target to weaken P. aeruginosa—a severe threat to patients with cystic fibrosis Scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) have identified new means of fighting drug-tolerant bacteria, a growing global threat as menacing as drug-resistant microbes. Little is known about the mechanisms leading to tolerance, a strategy that makes bacteria "indifferent" to antibiotics and almost "un-killable," which results in chronic infections extremely difficult to treat and cure.
	Mixed chemicals in beauty products may harm women's hormones As we go about our daily lives, we are exposed to many different chemicals that could have negative effects on our hormones. These hormonal changes have been linked to several adverse health outcomes such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding chemicals that influence hormone levels is important for public health—and particularly for women's health—since their exposure to these chemicals is often higher due to their presence in beauty and personal care products.
	Immune response mechanism described for fate determination of T cells After a pathogen infects the body, the immune system responds with a remarkable—and remarkably complicated—cascade of events.
	Elevated blood pressure is linked to increased risk of aortic valve disease People who have long-term raised blood pressure have an increased risk of aortic valve disease (AVD) - problems with the valve that controls how blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart out into the main artery, the aorta.
	Recalled blood pressure drugs not linked to increased short term cancer risk Products containing the withdrawn blood pressure drug valsartan are not associated with a markedly increased short term risk of cancer, finds an expedited analysis published by The BMJ today.
Half of European clinical trials have not complied with EU rules on reporting results Half of clinical trials on the EU register have not reported results, despite rules requiring results to be posted within 12 months of completion, finds a study published by The BMJ today.
Is cancer fundraising fuelling quackery? Figures published by The BMJ today show how crowdfunding for alternative therapies for patients with terminal cancer has soared in recent years. But there are fears that huge sums are being raised for treatments that are not backed by evidence and which, in some cases, may even do then harm.
	A potential new way to treat some of the most common blinding diseases Many eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, exhibit increased permeability of blood vessels in the macular (central) portion of the retina leading to abnormal fluid accumulation and vision loss. Therapies targeting a specific cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have transformed clinical care; however, not all patients respond well. A new report in The American Journal of Pathology shows that inhibiting a specific signaling molecule, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), either genetically or pharmacologically, reduces increased vessel permeability and blocks inflammation. Blocking aPKC may help protect vision in patients with potentially blinding eye diseases.
ACA expansion did not improve access to complex surgeries for low-income/minority patients A first look at the Affordable Care Act (ACA)'s Medicaid expansion finds that despite expectations, there was no increased use of complex surgical procedures at high volume hospitals—a proxy for high quality hospitals—among ethnic/racial minorities and low-income populations.
	Scientists use bear saliva to rapidly test for antibiotics If you're looking into the mouth of a brown bear, one of the world's top predators, your chances of survival probably aren't good. But a team of Rutgers and other scientists has discovered a technology that rapidly assesses potentially lifesaving antibiotics by using bacteria in saliva from an East Siberian brown bear.
	Requiring physical activity classes help sedentary college students be more active Requiring physical activity classes in college encourages sedentary students to become more active, while elective classes tend to draw those who are already motivated, new research from Oregon State University has found.
	Obesity alters airway muscle function, increases asthma risk New research suggests that obesity changes how airway muscles function, increasing the risk of developing asthma. The study is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology—Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.
What if needle pokes didn't hurt? Hospital implements strategies to eliminate or reduce needle pain in kids A major US children's hospital introduced a first-of-its-kind project to eliminate or reduce pain from elective needle procedures in all infants and children, reports a study in PAIN Reports, part of a special issue on research innovations in pediatric pain. The official open-access journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), PAIN Reports.
Daily and weekly cycles of epileptic seizures more common than previously thought The timing of seizures may be linked to natural rhythms in around 80% of people with epilepsy, according to the largest study of individual patients' seizure cycles including more than 1,000 people, published in The Lancet Neurology journal.
	High dose folic acid does not prevent pre-eclampsia in high risk women Taking high dose folic acid supplements in later pregnancy (beyond the first trimester) does not prevent pre-eclampsia in women at high risk for this condition, finds a randomised controlled trial published by The BMJ today.
	Diagnosing and treating resistant hypertension Resistant hypertension affects 12 percent to15 percent of patients treated for high blood pressure according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association. The statement, published in the Association's journal Hypertension, provides a comprehensive overview of how to diagnose and treat the condition based on a review of available scientific information.
	One in three college freshmen worldwide reports mental health disorder As if college were not difficult enough, more than one-third of first-year university students in eight industrialized countries around the globe report symptoms consistent with a diagnosable mental health disorder, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
Study details incidence and timing of immunotherapy-related fatalities Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researchers have answered questions about the incidence and timing of rare but sometimes fatal reactions to the most widely prescribed class of immunotherapies.
	Malicious brain cell identified—surprising finding fills gap in understanding astrocytes' role in brain disease Astrocytes—the star-shaped cells of our brain—are very busy. Their job description includes maintaining the blood-brain barrier, removing excess neurotransmitters, repairing brain tissue and more.
	How the immune system protects against Zika-induced neurological symptoms A type of immune cell that produces a protein called CD4 plays an important role in protecting mice infected with the Zika virus against severe neurological disease, according to a study published September 6 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Amelia Kahler Pinto of Saint Louis University, and colleagues. Based on the findings, vaccines that induce strong responses from these immune cells, known as CD4+T cells, should be developed to prevent invasion of the Zika virus into the brain and spinal cord.
	How a virus destabilizes the genome New insights into how Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induces genome instability and promotes cell proliferation could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies for KSHV-associated cancers, according to a study published September 13 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Erle Robertson of the University of Pennsylvania, and colleagues.
	Leptospirosis strains identified in Uruguay cattle Leptospirosis infections, caused by Leptospira bacteria, occur in people and animals around the world, but different strains of the bacteria may vary in their ability to cause disease and to jump between species. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have for the first time described the characteristics of the Leptospira variants that infect cattle in Uruguay.
	Researchers discover that allergy-driving protein influences signal transmission in the brain The chemotactic protein CCL17 attracts immune cells to where they are needed. Doctors have long known that a high level of CCL17 in the body indicates an allergic reaction. Researchers led by the University of Bonn have now discovered a completely new function: CCL17 also influences signal transmission in the brain. There may even be a molecular link to autism. The results have now been published in the journal Glia.
	Gene tech­no­logy brings more pre­cise in­for­ma­tion on the causes of dia­betes The main cause of all forms of diabetes is pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. Beta cells, found in the pancreatic islets, store and release insulin. Decades of research with animal and cellular models have expanded the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms causing the beta-cells to dysfunction. Diego Balboa's doctoral research now offers a more precise model that employs human pluripotent stem cells.
	A single drop of blood makes skin cells line up What happens to skin cells when they are confronted with blood? A team of researchers from Oslo University Hospital, led by Emma Lång and Stig Ove Bøe, performed experiments on blood-deprived cells that were subsequently exposed to blood serum. Remarkably, all the cells started to move and grow in the same direction as soon as the blood serum was added. Assistant Professor Liesbeth Janssen and master student Marijke Valk from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) developed a matching simulation model, revealing new insights into the mechanisms of wound healing. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications this week.
	Healthcare cuts strongly linked to the resurgence of measles Recent trends show that primary reason for the measles outbreak affecting several European countries is the decline in vaccination coverage. The spread of anti-scientific theories has been blamed, but it's not the only reason.
	Sleep apnea could favour tumor growth at young ages A scientific study, conducted with animal models, states that sleep apnea can favour lung cancer growth in young individuals. Thus, aging would be a protecting factor against the fast tumor development, induced by this sleep alteration.
	Breast cancer screening does not reduce mortality Fewer women are dying from breast cancer in recent years, but surprisingly, this decline is just as large in the age groups that are not screened. The decline is therefore due to better breast cancer treatment and not attributable to screening. This is shown by a major Danish-Norwegian study titled "Effect of organised mammography screening on breast cancer mortality: A populationbased cohort study in Norway," which has just been published in the International Journal of Cancer.
	Fingolimod cuts multiple sclerosis relapses in pediatric patients (HealthDay)—Among pediatric patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, fingolimod is associated with a lower rate of relapse but a higher rate of serious adverse events than interferon beta-1a, according to a study published in the Sept. 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Highest opioid-related mortality seen in construction jobs (HealthDay)—Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for heroin-related overdose deaths and methadone-related overdose deaths from 2007 to 2012 were highest among construction workers, according to research published in the Aug. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Parents' technology use can negatively impact children (HealthDay)—Parents' use of digital devices may exacerbate their child's poor behavior, according to a study recently published in Pediatric Research.
	Hidden condition could be the real reason many people struggle with maths Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have found that many children are suffering from an undiagnosed developmental condition, which affects their ability to learn mathematics.
	At least 15 men near ground zero have breast cancer (HealthDay)—At least 15 men who worked near Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a New York City law firm claims.
	People in most deprived areas more likely to die alone at home, research says People living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are 24 percent more likely to die alone at home than those in the least deprived areas, new research says.
	Low academic achievement can lead to drug abuse decades later, research finds A Virginia Commonwealth University researcher has found that poor academic achievement can lead to substance abuse. Data collected from Swedish participants over a period of 15 to 20 years indicate a strong correlation.
	Are we treating body dysmorphic disorder the wrong way? While it's long been thought that body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), new findings show this is not as clear-cut as it would appear.
	New approach improves detection of diseases at birth The combination of a new sequencing technique and machine learning can speed up the diagnosis of diseases in newborns and reduce false-positive results, Yale researchers and their collaborators report.
	Computer avatars play a part in dementia detection Diagnosis of dementia is made via cognitive function tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and medical imaging systems at hospitals, a fairly large system for the purpose. As the population ages, an increasing number of people are developing dementia. Thus, easy-to-use dementia detection tests are sought after. In previous studies, diagnoses were made mainly using neuropsychological questions, so habituation to the same questions lowered performance in detecting dementia.
	Commonly used SNRIs may cause dependence and withdrawal when stopped The difficulties that people have in discontinuing antidepressant medications has been in the news recently. An analysis published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics on the effects of discontinuing commonly used antidepressant drugs like venlafaxine and duloxetine indicates that these drugs may cause dependence and withdrawal syndromes when they are stopped.
Physical therapy aids in recovery as alternative to opioid use Physical therapy as an alternative to opioid use in pain management has gained national attention as more light shines on addiction, overdose and death due to opioids.
	Zimbabwe cholera deaths rise to 25 as WHO steps up response The death toll from a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe has risen to 25, the government said Thursday as the World Health Organisation warned that the water-borne disease is spreading rapidly in the capital Harare.
	To help beat heart disease, stay upbeat (HealthDay)—Optimism and a sense of purpose can improve your heart health, new research suggests.
	How to reassure kids when Hurricane Florence strikes (HealthDay)—Adults have spent a lifetime hearing about or experiencing natural disasters such as Hurricane Florence, which is targeting the Carolinas this week.
	Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common but least effective surgeries More than 70,000 knee arthroscopies were performed in 2011 in Australia and, though rates of the surgical procedure are now falling, it still remains one of the most common surgical procedures.
	Consumers cite health concerns, cost as reasons they eat less meat Two out of every three participants in a U.S. consumer survey report that they are eating less of at least one type of meat, according to a study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, based at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
	Researchers testing new brain cancer vaccine Rush University Medical Center is part of a new clinical trial testing whether an experimental vaccine can help patients' immune systems stop the spread of glioblastoma—an aggressive form of brain cancer with very few current treatment options.
	How obesity discrimination is just as common as racism Ever notice how the proverbial "bad guy" in children's cartoons and movies tends to be a larger size? Or how popular TV shows tend to portray fat people as comedic, lonely or freaks?
	Disrupting genetic processes reverses ageing in human cells Research has shed new light on genetic processes that may one day lead to the development of therapies that can slow, or even reverse, how our cells age.
With STDs at an all-time high, why aren't more people getting a proven treatment? Nearly 2.3 million times last year, Americans learned they had a sexually transmitted disease.
Scientific institutions continue to lag behind the #TimesUp movement Scientific and medical institutions must fundamentally reconsider how they address sexual harassment in the workplace, three national leaders in gender equity in medicine argue in a Perspective published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
	For women with genetic risk, twice-a-year MRI beats mammograms Getting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans twice a year instead of one annual mammogram is far more effective at detecting early breast cancers in young women with a high-risk genetic profile than mammograms alone, according to a research team based at the University of Chicago Medicine and the University of Washington, Seattle.
	Viruses show new promise in treating cancer Viruses have shown renewed promise in the treatment of cancer, after new research has shown they retain their cancer-killing ability even when injected into the bloodstream.
	The art of storytelling: researchers explore why we relate to characters For thousands of years, humans have relied on storytelling to engage, to share emotions and to relate personal experiences. Now, psychologists at McMaster University are exploring the mechanisms deep within the brain to better understand just what happens when we communicate.
	Swedish regulator ends investigation of birth control app Swedish regulators have closed their investigation of a birth control app after finding that the rate of unwanted pregnancies, which had gained media attention, was actually in line with clinical data.
	Prostate cancer care for older men estimated to cost Medicare $1.2 billion Researchers from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center estimate that screening for and treating prostate cancer in men aged 70 years or older, which is not recommended by national guidelines, cost Medicare more than $1.2 billion over a three year period for each group of men diagnosed in the United States each year.
Bacteria passed on in the womb is linked to premature birth and breathing difficulties Babies born very prematurely are more likely to harbour Ureaplasma bacteria, according to new research to be presented on Sunday at the European Respiratory Society International Congress.
	New study finds HIV outbreak in Indiana could have been prevented An HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs in Indiana from 2011 to 2015 could have been avoided if the state's top health and elected officials had acted sooner on warnings, a new study by the Yale School of Public Health finds.
	Apple's smartwatch has a heart monitor now There will soon be another way to monitor your heart—from your wrist.
	Pediatricians have a role in encouraging play among children (HealthDay)—Pediatricians should encourage parents to ensure their children play, according to a clinical report published in the September issue of Pediatrics.
	Gains in insurance coverage seen for lesbian, gay, bisexual adults (HealthDay)—Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults report continued problems affording care despite coverage gains offered by the Affordable Care Act, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
	Physicians need training for mass casualty incidents (HealthDay)—Proper training and post-incident steps can help lessen the secondary trauma health professionals experience providing care during mass casualty incidents (MCIs), according to an article published in the American Medical Association's AMA Wire.
	Pharmacovigilance needed for rheumatology patients (HealthDay)—Recommendations have been developed for pharmacovigilance in rheumatology, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of new drugs, according to a position statement issued by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
	Prurigo nodularis more likely in African-Americans (HealthDay)—African-American patients are more likely to have prurigo nodularis (PN), which is associated with systemic, cardiovascular, and psychiatric comorbidities, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
	Worse health status with shorter telomere length in COPD (HealthDay)—Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with shorter telomere length have worse health status, according to a study published in the August issue of CHEST.
	Largest study of 'post-treatment controllers' reveals clues about HIV remission Most HIV patients need to take daily anti-retroviral therapy—if they suspend treatment, HIV will rebound within 3-4 weeks. But clinical trials have revealed that a small fraction of patients can stop taking medications yet keep the virus suppressed for 24 weeks or longer, maintaining viral control without the assistance of medication.
	Calorie counts on restaurant menus have customers ordering less Bye-bye artichoke dip. Heavyweight appetizers and fatty entrees may not get much love when restaurants list calories on their menus.
	More water, mom? H2O is top kids' beverage in U.S. (HealthDay)—U.S. kids are drinking far more water than sodas and fruit drinks, health officials say.
Dozens of high fever deaths cause panic in northern India Indian health authorities are rushing medical supplies to north Indian towns and villages where at least 50 people have died from fever over the past two weeks, topping the number of fever-related deaths over a three-month period last year.
	Certain environmental pollutants may contribute to poor kidney health Certain highly pervasive environmental pollutants may have a variety of negative effects on kidney health, according to an analysis of all relevant studies published on this topic to date. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), point to the need for additional research to clarify and address these effects.
	Romania seeks EU funds to deal with African swine fever Romania's prime minister has requested financial help from the European Union to deal with the financial effects of a serious outbreak of African swine fever.
	Staying a happy couple during a home reno (HealthDay)—Spending to make your home nicer, safer and more efficient can save you money in the long run, but it could cause stress in your relationship in the here-and-now.
	Major trial of statins to treat multiple sclerosis begins The biggest ever trial for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) in the UK has begun under UCL research leadership.
Giving children with Down Syndrome the tools they need to learn Children with Down syndrome could benefit from new research at the University of Reading that is teaching children and adults how to learn.
	Investigator at CHLA to study bone loss associated with cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability originating in childhood. Approximately 2 of every 1000 babies born acquire this condition that results from abnormal development or damage to the brain. Since CP affects a child's ability to control his or her muscles, physical activity can be difficult or even impossible. Since physical activity is required for mechanical loading that allows the muscles to exert stress on the bones and cause increased bone development, individuals with CP often have low bone mass or "weak bones" and a greatly increased risk of bone fracture.
	Testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD Researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that testosterone replacement therapy may slow disease progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The paper is currently available in Chronic Respiratory Disease.
Anti-inflammatory diet linked to reduced risk of early death Adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with lower risks of dying from any cause, dying from cardiovascular causes, and dying from cancer in a recent Journal of Internal Medicine study.
	CDC: infant mortality rate varies greatly among states (HealthDay)—Infant mortality rates in the United States vary substantially by state, according to a QuickStats report published in the Aug. 24 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Risks posed by spreading oil and gas wastewater on roads (HealthDay)—Spreading oil and gas (O&G) wastewaters on roads may pose human and environmental risks, according to a study recently published in Environmental Science & Technology.
Cholera outbreak has killed 55 in Niger: UN A cholera outbreak in Niger has killed 55 people and sickened thousands near the country's border with Nigeria since July, the UN has said, warning that the disease "has spread" to new regions.

Biology news

	Blazes of light reveal how plants signal danger long distances In one video, you can see a hungry caterpillar, first working around a leaf's edges, approaching the base of the leaf and, with one last bite, severing it from the rest of the plant. Within seconds, a blaze of fluorescent light washes over the other leaves, a signal that they should prepare for future attacks by the caterpillar or its kin.
	Kidney stones have distinct geological histories, study finds A geologist, a microscopist and a doctor walk into a lab and, with their colleagues from across the nation, make a discovery that overturns centuries of thought about the nature and composition of kidney stones. The team's key insight, reported in the journal Scientific Reports, is that kidney stones are built up in calcium-rich layers that resemble other mineralizations in nature, such as those forming coral reefs or arising in hot springs, Roman aqueducts or subsurface oil fields.
	One foot in the grave for pheasants that favor a side Pheasants that more strongly favoured one foot over the other die younger than those that don't, new research suggests.
	How bacteria play pass the parcel—and help each other evade antibiotics Bacteria are very sneaky in their efforts to develop resistance to antibiotics. Some strains of bacteria package up the genetic instructions for how they defend themselves and cause disease, and pass this information on to neighbouring, naïve, bacteria—essentially gifting their colleagues with the defences they need to survive against our medical armoury of antibiotics.
	Creating a continental bird migration forecast September is the peak of autumn bird migration, and billions of birds are winging their way south in dramatic pulses. A new study published in the journal Science reports that scientists can now reliably predict these waves of bird migration up to seven days in advance. The study details the underlying methods that power migration forecasts, which can be used as a bird conservation tool.
	Scientists discover influenza protein behavior that could aid drug development Influenza A viruses are highly adaptable, managing to infect and replicate rapidly and to spread efficiently from person to person. An outbreak has the potential to kill millions of people globally, and many scientists are racing to develop drugs that target the fundamental processes of the virus, such as its genetic replication or acid transport.
	Bull ant venom could put the bite on pain Venom from the giant red bull ant is helping University of Queensland scientists understand the evolution of animal toxins in work that could lead to better treatments for pain.
	A way to detect likelihood of off-target cuts in CRISPR-Cas9 An international team of researchers has developed a way to detect the likelihood of making off-target cuts when using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the new technique and how well it worked when tested.
	New understanding of worm stem cells could lead to human therapies Research from Oxford University published today in the journal Genome Research has found that a special combination of epigenetic modifications crucial to stem cell growth evolved in animals much earlier than previously appreciated. These findings imply that human stem cells, and those of simple animals such as planarian worms, have much more in common at the epigenetic level than previously thought. These insights could enhance the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine-based approaches to treating tissues and organs damaged by disease or age.
	Pigments in butterfly wings lead scientists to colorful conclusions A study of the pigment molecules that give color to the wings of butterflies, led by two City College of New York professors and two former students, was published in the science journal PLOS ONE.
	Scientists look to map the genes of thousands of animals A group of scientists unveiled the first results Thursday of an ambitious effort to map the genes of tens of thousands of animal species, a project they said could help save animals from extinction down the line.
	Nuns get hands dirty, and wet, to save Mexico salamander Rolling up the sleeves of her immaculate white habit, Sister Ofelia Morales Francisco plunges her hands into an aquarium, grabs a large, slimy salamander and lifts it dripping into the air.
Open insulin, 'DIY bio' and the future of pharma The development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical drugs in the United States is a complex landscape involving intellectual property and strict federal regulations.
	Climate change may drive 10 percent of amphibian species in the Atlantic rainforest to extinction Global warming could lead to the extinction of up to 10 percent of frog and toad species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest biome within about the next 50 years. The temperature and precipitation regimes predicted to occur between 2050 and 2070 will be lethal for species that are less well adapted to climate variation and inhabit certain areas of the Atlantic rainforest.
	Morphological transitions of biological filaments under flow The study of complex suspensions made of particles suspended in a simple fluid has been growing lately, with many opportunities for industry or lab-on-a-chip technology. The macroscopic flow properties of these suspensions depend on the nature of the suspended micro-particles, such as their size or flexibility, and remain poorly understood. These flow properties directly result from the microscopic interaction between the viscous flow and the particles. Researchers from ESPCI Paris collaborated with a team from the University of California San Diego to investigate the dynamics of a microscopic flexible filament in a flow. Their results have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
400 years of genetic records cast new light on the parents of heritage apple varieties The humble apple may well be one of the most written about and important fruits in modern history, contributing to everything from the fabled discovery of the gravitational pull of the Earth, to its mythological status as a forbidden or magical fruit.
	Magnetic bacteria and their unique superpower attract researchers As a graduate student in the 1970s, microbiologist Richard Blakemore probably wasn't expecting to discover a new bacterial species with a never-before-seen ability. While studying bacteria that live in muddy swamps, he observed that some tended to swim reliably toward the same geographical direction. Even when he rotated the microscope, they persisted in wiggling toward one direction. After confirming that their swimming behaviors were unaffected by light, Blakemore suspected they might be responding to the weak magnetic fields naturally present on Earth.
	Insects coping with climate change As the seasons move through their annual procession, they are accompanied by the presence of a spectacular diversity of insects. Bees, butterflies, moths – you name it, if you look closely you'll see them.
	Out of control means off the menu Fishing pressure on threatened shark populations has increased dramatically in recent years and it is urgent that consumers reject shark fin products altogether—a study in Marine Policy by researchers from the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and WildAid Hong Kong reveals.
	New genetics tool helps answer evolutionary questions The age of big data is here. Thanks to innovations in genetic sequencing technology, scientists can now generate massive datasets describing the genomes of Earth's diverse set of species. This ever-growing genomic encyclopedia has the capacity to reveal the forces shaping complex patterns of genetic variation between individuals, populations and species—if scientists can only unlock its secrets.
US judge delays grizzly bear hunts in Rockies two more weeks A U.S. judge on Thursday delayed for two more weeks the first grizzly bear hunts in the Lower 48 states in almost three decades, saying he needed more time to consider if federal protections for the animals should be restored.
	Whale meet nations in flare up over Brazil project Supporters and opponents of whale hunting were at loggerheads late Wednesday at a meeting of the 89-nation International Whaling Commission (IWC) in Brazil.
	Mercury pollution threatens to impair the ability of birds to migrate Migrating birds today must contend with numerous dangers and challenges that never existed before, from twirling wind turbines and shiny glass buildings in the sky to ever-shrinking amounts of stopover habitat and scores of outdoor cats lying in wait. A report from the Connecticut-based Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is now warning of a new, invisible threat to bird migration ─ mercury pollution. The article, recently published online in the journal Ecotoxicology, presents a sobering assessment of the many ways in which global mercury pollution from coal combustion and other human activities threatens to interfere with the ability of birds to successfully migrate, including their ability to navigate, sustain flight for long periods, rapidly refuel during stopovers, and avoid sickness and oxidative stress.
	New knowledge on the condition of cull sows prior to transportation to the abattoir About half of Danish sows are culled and destined for slaughter each year—approximately 500,000 animals—and are sent on their last journey to the abattoir. So far, this group of animals has received almost no scientific attention. Recently, researchers from Aarhus University carried out one of the first studies of the clinical condition of cull sows on the day of transportation to slaughter, and the results are now published in a scientific journal.
	IWC passes Brazil project to protect whales Tempers flared at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) on Thursday as it voted to back a Brazilian proposal which would safeguard whales in perpetuity, after a bitter debate.
Thousands of Pacific walruses again herd up on Alaska coast The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring Pacific walruses resting on Alaska's northwest coast.

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