Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Science X Newsletter Wednesday, Feb 13

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for February 13, 2019:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Researchers develop a new system to detect abuse in online communities

Wave device could deliver clean energy to thousands of homes

Turning desalination waste into a useful resource

Bigger teams aren't always better in science and tech

Study helps solve mystery of how sleep protects against heart disease

Mnyamawamtuka: New dinosaur with heart-shaped tail provides evolutionary clues for African continent

Platelet 'decoys' outsmart both clots and cancer

Multimaterial 3-D laser microprinting using an integrated microfluidic system

Observations uncover details about the open cluster IC 4996

New study shows violent video games do not make teens more aggressive

Running an LED in reverse could cool future computers

How breast tissue stiffening promotes breast cancer development

Uncovering the evolution of the brain

Researchers develop fire-retardant coating featuring renewable materials

Drug-induced cellular membrane complexes induce cancer cell death

Astronomy & Space news

Observations uncover details about the open cluster IC 4996

Using the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) and data from ESA's Gaia satellite, astronomers have conducted a new study of the young open cluster IC 4996 and its vicinity. The research, presented in a paper published January 31 on arXiv.org, reports more details about properties of this cluster.

InSight prepares to take Mars' temperature

NASA's InSight lander has placed its second instrument on the Martian surface. New images confirm that the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package, or HP3, was successfully deployed on Feb. 12 about 3 feet (1 meter) from InSight's seismometer, which the lander recently covered with a protective shield. HP3 measures heat moving through Mars' subsurface and can help scientists figure out how much energy it takes to build a rocky world.

NASA rover finally bites the dust on Mars after 15 years

NASA's Opportunity, the Mars rover that was built to operate for just three months but kept going and going, rolling across the rocky red soil, was pronounced dead Wednesday, 15 years after it landed on the planet.

NASA about to pull plug on Mars rover, silent for 8 months

NASA is trying one last time to contact its record-setting Mars rover Opportunity, before calling it quits.

Image: From Earth with love

"Valentine's Day has struck again," tweeted ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet when he posted this image of a heart-shaped lake in Mongolia. Thomas took this image from the International Space Station during his Proxima mission in 2017.

Mapping historical changes in dark matter

Combining Einstein's theory of relativity with one of the most powerful telescopes in the world has helped an international team of researchers measure where and how dark matter structures grow in the universe. Their analysis suggests cosmic structures might be evolving more slowly than previously predicted.

How to keep lunar samples safe

A lunar rover that can analyse samples in situ and a Europe-wide facility to store extraterrestrial samples will help to protect moon samples from contamination and increase their usability in scientific experiments.

Image: Biomass Earth Explorer satellite

Set to fly in 2022, ESA's Biomass Earth Explorer satellite with its 12-m diameter radar antenna will pierce through woodland canopies to perform a global survey of Earth's forests – and see how they change over the course of Biomass's five-year mission.

Technology news

Researchers develop a new system to detect abuse in online communities

A team of researchers at Avignon University has recently developed a system to automatically detect abuse in online communities. This system, presented in a paper pre-published on arXiv, was found to outperform existing approaches for detecting abuse and moderating user-generated content.

Wave device could deliver clean energy to thousands of homes

A wave energy technology is being developed that could help generate low-cost electricity for thousands of houses.

Apple patent talk: Another keyless wonder as the car sees you approach

Ideas, complaints and arguments over the best safe—and convenient—systems for driver authentication are easy to find. Apple some time back filed a patent suggesting a way to access the vehicle. The car would recognize the owner's face and unlock the doors.

Guiding principles that regulate choice of grasp type during a human-robot exchange of objects

There is a time when successful cooperation between humans and robots has decisive importance—when one is required to hand an object to the other, and therefore, to coordinate their actions accordingly. Researchers are interested in making this interaction more natural for robots.

The first walking robot that moves without GPS

Desert ants are extraordinary solitary navigators. Researchers at CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, in the Institut des Sciences du Mouvement—Étienne Jules Marey (ISM), were inspired by ants as they designed AntBot, the first walking robot that can explore its environment randomly and navigate home automatically without GPS or mapping. This work, published in Science Robotics, opens up new strategies for navigation in autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Study unfolds a new class of mechanical devices

It took just over 10 years, but real science has finally caught up to the science fiction of Iron Man's transforming exoskeleton suit.

T-Mobile, Sprint execs defending merger to lawmakers

With their $26.5 billion merger hanging in the balance, top executives of T-Mobile and Sprint are taking their case to Congress, arguing that joining their companies won't hurt competition or jack up consumer prices for wireless service.

Governor urges 'data dividend' to share tech wealth

The new governor of the state that is home to Silicon Valley said Tuesday his team is working on a plan for a "data dividend" that internet firms would pay users.

Robot probes radioactive fuel at Japan's Fukushima plant

A robot will attempt to examine radioactive fuel at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant on Wednesday in a complex operation seen as key to clean-up efforts after the 2011 meltdown.

Apple lets veterans track their health records on the iPhone

Active members of the military and those who've left the service who receive care through Veteran Health Administration hospitals will be able to view all their personal medical data through the Health Records feature on their iPhones. Apple and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs made the announcement on Monday.

Nations must boost adult training in face of automation: OECD

Developed countries need to "urgently" boost adult training and education programmes to deal with future mass job upheaval brought on by automation, the OECD said Wednesday.

We just 3-D-printed a microphone in the lab – and the things coming next are pure science fiction

The idea of creating a physical object from a digital file is fascinating. It conjures memories of the replicators in Star Trek that can create everything from clothes to starship components to different foods. Today's 3-D printing is making impressive strides in that direction, to the great interest of many manufacturers. It is now possible to print the components for sophisticated electronic devices with fairly simple equipment, for instance – as my research team has just shown by producing what we believe to be the first 3-D-printed microphone.

Predicting consumer behavior with big data

Businesses of the past operated like a rookie playing darts, throwing something and hoping it sticks.

Successful launch of rocket from high-altitude balloon makes space more accessible to microsatellites

A startup that plans to use high-altitude balloons to deploy rockets has successfully fired a test launch, moving closer to its goal of helping end the backlog of microsatellites that wait months or longer to "hitch" a ride on larger rockets.

New tool tackles reproducibility crisis in science

The scientific community has been struggling with the problem of data reproducibility—a key step in the process that guides how most scientists create knowledge in their field.

Mobile phone accessibility improves, but gaps remain, study finds

Mobile phones are increasingly more accessible by people with disabilities, but significant gaps remain, according to a newly published study from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Inclusive Technologies (Wireless RERC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

App aims to make ride sharing easier

College students looking to share a ride for a weekend getaway, a trip home or a spring break vacation now have a new option from a Purdue University-affiliated startup.

Heat pipes smash the mould in ceramics

Heat-pipe technology is fueling a new generation of low-energy, low-emissions kilns recasting Europe's world-leading ceramics industry into a model of sustainability.

Smart sensors could transform how buildings are designed and occupied

Mould, mildew and damp cause misery for thousands of people in homes across the U.K., and cost housing associations, landlords and homeowners millions of pounds a year in repairs.

What a major offshore gas find means for South Africa's energy future

Many South African politicians, economists and specialists in the energy sector are celebrating the news that a promising show of natural gas has been discovered in deep water south of Mossel Bay. It was found in an offshore prospecting area called Brulpadda (Afrikaans for bullfrog), which is licensed to global energy giant Total.

New wheelchair design—a hand gear for better ergonomics

Using biomedical modelling, researchers at TU Wien have developed a completely new type of wheelchair. Specially designed handles make the drive more efficient and ergonomic.

French court orders Google to remove 'abusive' clauses

A French court has ordered Google to remove "abusive" clauses from the service conditions it requires consumers to accept to the internet giant's services, a consumer group said Wednesday.

Ford recalls 1.5 mn F-150 pickups

Ford announced Wednesday it is recalling 1.5 million of its best-selling F-150 pickup trucks due to a glitch in its transmission system that can lead to accidents.

Activists push to curb 'data discrimination' in US legislation

More than 40 activist organizations urged Congress on Wednesday to ensure "digital civil rights" in any regulations imposed on the tech industry as lawmakers consider privacy legislation.

Auto reliability up, but battery, shifting trouble persists

Automobiles are getting more reliable, but J.D. Power's annual survey finds problems with battery failures, transmission shifting and voice recognition systems.

Google investing billions in US operations

Google said Wednesday it will invest $13 billion in US data centers and offices this year as the internet giant continues to expand across the country.

Japan's Toshiba cuts profit outlook again

Struggling Japanese engineering firm Toshiba lowered its profit forecasts Wednesday with rising costs weighing on its energy operations.

China's Huawei soft power push raises hard questions

Canada's national game—brought to you by China's Huawei.

National strike brings Belgium to standstill

Belgium slowed to a standstill on Wednesday as a national strike closed airports, shuttered businesses and caused major disruption to railways.

France to lift investment in electric car battery cells

France is planning to invest 700 million euros ($790 million) over the next five years to boost its production of battery cells for electric cars.

Daimler draws future CFO Wilhelm from Airbus

German luxury automaker Daimler has chosen Harald Wilhelm as its next financial director, it said Wednesday, hiring him as he leaves the European aerospace group Airbus.

ACEA warns EU car sector threatened by 'hard Brexit'

A hard, no-deal Brexit, could have "very dramatic" consequences for the European car industry, a sector leader warned Wednesday while unveiling the 2019 sales forecast.

Medicine & Health news

Study helps solve mystery of how sleep protects against heart disease

Researchers say they are closer to solving the mystery of how a good night's sleep protects against heart disease. In studies using mice, they discovered a previously unknown mechanism between the brain, bone marrow, and blood vessels that appears to protect against the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries—but only when sleep is healthy and sound. The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, will appear in the journal Nature.

Platelet 'decoys' outsmart both clots and cancer

Heart disease, stroke, sepsis, and cancer collectively cause the greatest number of deaths worldwide. They also have something else in common: all of them are associated with activated platelets, the cells that circulate in our bloodstreams and normally help form blood clots to stop bleeding and promote healing when we are injured, but can also contribute to dangerous blood clots, tumors, and other problems. Several antiplatelet drugs have been developed to combat platelet-related conditions, but their effects are not easily reversible, and patients taking these drugs are at risk of uncontrolled bleeding if injured. Also, if these patients need to undergo surgery, they must stop their treatment for up to a week prior to the procedure, which raises their risk of developing blood clots.

New study shows violent video games do not make teens more aggressive

A pair of researchers with the University of Oxford and Cardiff University has conducted a study aimed at determining whether playing violent games cause young people to become more aggressive. In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, Andrew Przybylski and Netta Weinstein describe their study that involved surveying approximately 1,000 teens and their parents in Great Britain and what they learned from them.

How breast tissue stiffening promotes breast cancer development

A study provides new insight into how the stiffening of breast tissue plays a role in breast cancer development. By examining how mammary cells respond in a stiffness-changing hydrogel, bioengineers at the University of California San Diego discovered that several pathways work together to promote the transformation of breast cells into cancer cells. The work could inspire new approaches to treating patients and inhibiting tumor growth.

Uncovering the evolution of the brain

What makes us human, and where does this mysterious property of "humanness" come from? Humans are genetically similar to chimpanzees and bonobos, yet there exist obvious behavioral and cognitive differences. Now, researchers from the Salk Institute, in collaboration with researchers from the anthropology department at UC San Diego, have developed a strategy to more easily study the early development of human neurons compared with the neurons of nonhuman primates. The study, which appeared in eLife on February 7, 2019, offers scientists a novel tool for fundamental brain research.

Bioluminescent deep-sea creatures illuminate the effectiveness of new cancer therapies

Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a new laboratory tool, which is poised to improve the development and effectiveness of a burgeoning group of therapies that use patients' immune systems to fight cancer with genetically engineered CAR-T cells.

Researchers compare the effect of breastfeeding versus pumping on human milk microbiome

A large-scale analysis in humans reveals that indirect breastfeeding using pumped milk is associated with the depletion of oral bacteria and a higher abundance of potential pathogens compared with direct breastfeeding at the breast. The findings, published February 13 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, suggest that the milk microbiota is affected by bacteria both from the infant's mouth and from environmental sources such as breast pumps, although future research will be needed to assess the effects that these changes may have on the infant gut microbiome and infant health.

Decoding the human immune system

For the first time ever, researchers are comprehensively sequencing the human immune system, which is billions of times larger than the human genome. In a new study published in Nature from the Human Vaccines Project, scientists have sequenced a key part of this vast and mysterious system—the genes encoding the circulating B cell receptor repertoire.

Asthma pill targets airway muscles to decrease attacks

Results from a phase II clinical trial, experimental work on cells and computational modelling have together shown why the first pill for asthma in 20 years can help reduce asthma attacks.

New research findings could be key to improving outcomes for some brain cancers

Researchers from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center have found that a genetic mutation seen in about half of all brain tumors produces a response that prevents radiation treatment from working. Altering that response using FDA-approved drugs restores tumors' sensitivity to radiation therapy, extending survival in mice.

Human cells can also change jobs

Biology textbooks teach us that adult cell types remain fixed in the identity they have acquired upon differentiation. By inducing non-insulin-producing human pancreatic cells to modify their function to produce insulin in a sustainable way, researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, show for the first time that the adaptive capacity of our cells is much greater than previously thought. Moreover, this plasticity would not be exclusive to human pancreatic cells. A revolution for cell biology, to be discovered in the journal Nature.

Your mouth helps you smell tasty foods

Why do certain foods smell good to us?

Study suggests global warming could cause more cases of food poisoning

A team of researchers from the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto reports evidence that as the planet heats up, humans may become more susceptible to food poisoning. In their paper published in Royal Society Open Science, the group describes models of fly population increases caused by increases in temperatures in Canada in the coming years, and why they believe such increases will lead to more cases of food poisoning.

New path to overcoming drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

The HER2 protein, which encourages the growth of cancer cells, is present in about 20% of all breast cancers. While HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be very aggressive, today the prognosis is generally very good, thanks to the introduction of HER2 inhibitors such as trastuzumab (brand name Herceptin). However, not all HER2-positive breast cancers respond to existing HER2 inhibitors.

Team makes breakthrough toward developing blood test for pain

A breakthrough test developed by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers to measure pain in patients could help stem the tide of the opioid crisis in Indiana, and throughout the rest of the nation.

Scientists discover how neuroactive steroids dampen inflammatory signaling in immune system and brain

For the first time, scientists discovered how neuroactive steroids naturally found in the brain and bloodstream inhibit the activity of a specific kind of protein called Toll-like receptors (TLR4), which have been known to play a role in inflammation in many organs, including the brain.

Online support for GPs reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

New research from King's College London, published today in The BMJ, shows that electronically-delivered prescribing feedback and online decision support for GPs reduces unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory illness.

HPV shame could put women off cervical cancer screening

The social stigmas and myths surrounding the human papilloma virus (HPV) could make women anxious, including raising fears about their partners' fidelity and putting them off going for cervical screening, according to research presented at Cancer Research UK's Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham today (Wednesday).

New assay selects patients with lung cancer for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab, have become important tools for managing non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Assessing the level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressed by a tumor can help clinicians determine how the patient should be treated. A report in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics describes a novel and rapid approach for quantifying PD-L1 expression levels in tumors that requires only small amounts of tissue that can be collected using minimally-invasive bronchoscopy techniques. This approach can also be used to discriminate malignant from benign tumors and identify mutational status, all of which can guide and refine therapeutic decisions.

Even as hospitals cut risky antibiotic use in-house, patients often go home with them

Even as hospitals try to cut back on prescribing powerful but risky antibiotics for their patients, a new study shows that many of those patients still head home with prescriptions for those same drugs—increasing their risk of everything from "superbug" infections to torn tendons.

Drinking and drug-use dreams in recovery tied to more severe addiction history

Vivid dreams involving drinking and drug use are common among individuals in recovery. A study from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Recovery Research Institute, published in the January issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment after online release in October 2018, finds these relapse dreams are more common in those with more severe clinical histories of alcohol and other drug problems.

PTSD alone didn't increase heart disease risk in veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by itself does not explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in veterans with this condition. A combination of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders and smoking, that are more common in patients with PTSD, may explain the association, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Cannabis use in teens raises risk of depression in young adults

While there has been a lot of focus on the role of cannabis use in psychosis, there has been less attention on whether cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of common mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Stimulating the vagus nerve in the neck might help ease pain associated with PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental condition caused by a traumatic event. People with PTSD may experience intrusive memories, negative thoughts, anxiety and chronic pain. The condition is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer ignored by women most at risk

Middle aged women in Australia aren't getting the message about the proven link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, at a time when more are drinking while cancer rates in their age bracket are increasing, according to a new study.

Chronic inflammation in middle age may lead to thinking and memory problems later

People who have chronic inflammation in middle-age may develop problems with thinking and memory in the decades leading up to old age, according to a new study published in the February 13, 2019, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

A new mouse model may unlock the secrets of type 1 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Toledo have found a new way to replicate in lab mice the development and progression of type 1 diabetes, a breakthrough that has the potential to reshape how the chronic disease is studied.

DNA methylation GrimAge strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan

The Grim Reaper arrives for each of us eventually—wouldn't it be nice to know when? Now, UCLA researchers have developed a new tool to help you plan ahead for your date with the Angel of Death.

Diets consisting of fewer calories improve cell performance

The number of calories a person eats directly influences the performance of cells. A group of researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) has shown that low-calorie meals have a protective effect against some diseases. Related studies were presented on day one of FAPESP Week London, taking place February 11-13, 2019. The studies were conducted under the auspices of the Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine .

Electrical activity early in fruit flies' brain development could shed light on how neurons wire the brain

Neurons somehow know which of their neighbors to connect with and which to avoid in the crowded environment of the central nervous system. But how?

Viral decoys—how the Ebola virus leads the immune system astray

A research team from Tübingen and Göttingen has described in the renowned journal Cell Reports a new mechanism how the Ebola virus escapes the immune system. The virus causes infected cells to release decoys that inactivate neutralizing antibodies and prevent immune cells from releasing important messenger molecules. These findings could lead to the development of new vaccines against hemorrhagic fever viruses.

Scientists identify new disrupted pathway in motor neurone disease

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a new pathway that is disrupted in motor neurone disease (MND), a discovery which could pave the way for new treatments.

New CDC data highlight E-cigarette epidemic's threat to nation's youth

Results of the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight the rapidly growing popularity of electronic cigarettes among youth. The results show that 4.9 million middle- and high-school students were current users of some type of tobacco product in 2018, an increase from 3.6 million in 2017, and that there were in excess of 3.5 million youth e-cigarette users in 2018, 1.5 million more than in 2017. The data show that not only are more kids using e-cigarettes, but they are also using them more frequently.

Regulating the MS-causing properties of Th17 cells

An international study group led by researchers from Osaka University identifies a protein regulator responsible for inducing the pathogenic properties of Th17 cells, leading to multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory autoimmune disorders

Improved access to greenspace for older adults needs to be considered

Older people's inability to engage in nature can leave them feeling sad, frustrated and angry, a University of Otago study has found.

Researchers identify the families with the most sibling bullying

Sibling bullying does have an effect on mental health later in life for both the victims and the bullies, it needs to be taken more seriously by parents and healthcare professionals. There are families where sibling bullying is more likely and can be prevented, say researchers in the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick.

How to help a friend with negative body image

It's common to feel uncomfortable with different aspects of our bodies or to want to make small changes here and there. However, sometimes this dissatisfaction with our bodies can start to become a burden. Here are some tips for helping a friend who may be struggling with negative body image and where to find support.

Mechanism discovered to activate the body's immune system against bacteria and regulate the microbiome

The microbiome in our intestine plays a vital role in people's health and the immune system Any lack of balance there has not only been linked to chronic inflammatory intestinal inflammation, but also type 2 diabetes and other diseases.

Having a sense of meaning in life is good for you. So how do you get one?

The pursuit of happiness and health is a popular endeavour, as the preponderance of self-help books would attest.

Use of clinical apps significantly improves quality of cardiovascular care

A pilot program using several clinical decision support tools in the outpatient setting to treat and educate stable ischemic heart disease patients has shown success in improving angina in these patients. Findings from the Florida Cardiovascular Quality Network study were presented at the American College of Cardiology's Cardiovascular Summit in Orlando. The conference brings together top experts to discuss and review innovative, relevant cardiovascular management and leadership strategies.

Oily formulations for efficient oral medications

A new recipe for pills and tablets that includes oils and tiny porous particles can help your body absorb medicines more than twice as effectively.

Gaming system helps with autism diagnosis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, social skills and other behaviours. Characteristic of some cases in both children and adults is repetitive movements or unusual behaviour – stereotyped movements.

Syphilis is making a comeback and causing some unusual health problems

Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infectious disease that has plagued humankind for centuries. Today, syphilis is diagnosed rapidly by a simple blood test, and easily treated with an inexpensive antibiotic. However, the disease may masquerade as other medical conditions, confusing even health care professionals. A delay in diagnosis and treatment may have serious medical consequences.

Too much screen time linked to an epidemic of myopia among young people

Ask anyone about the benefits of technology and it probably won't take them long to rhyme off a list of examples: it helps broaden your knowledge, connect with friends, both new and old, and allows you to see things you've never seen before.

From cannabis edibles to plant proteins: 2019 food trends

Food continues to find its way into the consciousness of Canadians.

Child abuse and professional confidentiality: 'Focus on proper care, not on remaining silent'

How long should and may a doctor remain silent if he suspects child abuse? A GP who often sees the whole family, or a paediatrician, fills a crucial role when it comes to picking up signals of child abuse. Mirjam Sombroek-van Doorm examined how tenable professional confidentiality of medical practitioners is and will defend her doctoral thesis on 19 February.

Larger physician bonus may improve care in chronic disease

(HealthDay)—Increased bonus size for physicians caring for patients with chronic disease is associated with improvements in care quality, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Network Open.

Health care spending per person increased to $5,641 in 2017

(HealthDay)—In 2017, health care spending per person reached $5,641, according to the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) annual Health Care Cost and Utilization Report.

Only 'modest' improvement in heart failure survival rates since 2000

Survival after a diagnosis of heart failure in the United Kingdom has shown only modest improvement in the 21st century and lags behind other serious conditions, such as cancer, finds a large study published by The BMJ today.

San Diego neuroscientist says brain-buzzing device causes weight loss

A San Diego entrepreneur just took first place in a big startup competition put on by all the University of California schools, winning judges over with its brain-manipulating wearable device used for weight loss.

Women's wellness: Understanding the depression gender gap

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression and it can occur at any age.

Everyday medications that can ruin your sex life

(HealthDay)—Many drugs—both prescription and over-the-counter—can cause side effects like dizziness or upset stomach. But some can affect you in surprising ways, like causing problems with your sex life.

Scientists uncover underlying genetic mechanism that leads to motor issues in autism spectrum disorders

Researchers from Cardiff University have established a link between a genetic mutation and developmental movement impairments in autism.

Alcohol: putting a value on the hidden costs of drinking

Is it better to spend £3 on a bacon sandwich or a pint of beer? Or to spend £2,000 on a holiday in the Seychelles rather than fix a leaky roof? As consumers we are usually very able to decide which option offers the better return on our investment – and often those returns will be improvements to our quality of life.

Babies with healthier diets are more active and sleep better—new findings

Physical activity is important at all stages of life. It prevents obesity, improves well-being and reduces the risk of many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. Evidence shows that being active at a young age tracks into adulthood, and that physical activity behaviours adopted when young are likely to carry through life. And now our study of babies' activity levels has shown how different factors, including sleep and diet, link together to improve baby health from the day they are born.

A fear of regret can lock us into bad relationships, jobs and habits – here's how to break free

How many times have you thought about starting a company, taking a year out to write that novel or leaving a loveless relationship but ended up doing nothing about it? A fear of regret – which is a powerful driver of maintaining the status quo in our lives – may be to blame.

Why anti-vaccine beliefs and ideas spread so fast on the internet

There's been a recent increase globally in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This can be seen in recent measles outbreaks in parts of the world where it was thought to have been eradicated.

Aspartame and artificial sweeteners – helping or hindering weight loss?

With our appetite for low or zero sugar products increasing, artificial sweeteners are big business.

Confusing and high bills for cancer patients add to anxiety and suffering

Weeks after my father passed away from cancer in 2010, my newly widowed mother received a bill for US$11,000.

Study calls on feds to invest in local volunteer disaster response, recovery groups

Data from 2017 Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and California natural disasters highlights key collaboration gaps and better ways to save money, time and lives in future disasters

Brain clock ticks differently in autism

The neural 'time windows' in certain small brain areas contribute to the complex cognitive symptoms of autism, new research suggests. In a brain imaging study of adults, the severity of autistic symptoms was linked to how long these brain areas stored information. The differences in neural timescales may underlie features of autism like hypersensitivity and could be useful as a future diagnostic tool.

New therapy for aggressive blood cancer discovered

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research have identified a new therapeutic strategy foR acute myeloid leukemia. They found that the activity of the mutated oncogenic protein C/EBPα is dependent on MLL1 histone methyltransferase complex. Laboratory tests showed that functional perturbation of MLL1 complex led to death of AML cells with C/EBPα mutations. Inhibitor treatment released the differentiation block of cancer cells and restored normal maturation of blood cells.

Noninvasive liquid biopsies rapidly, accurately determine response to cancer treatment

Results of two clinical studies have added to evidence that blood-based liquid biopsies can accurately track lung cancer treatment responses by measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) during immunotherapy and related treatments.

Safe consumption sites: Study identifies policy change strategies and challenges

A new qualitative study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identifies several key lessons from early efforts to establish sanctioned safe consumption sites in five U.S. communities. The results offer insights on one approach some localities are exploring to address the escalating drug overdose crisis in the U.S.

Drug-resistant TB cured with new approaches in post-war DRC

A high proportion of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) cases can be cured in conflict-affected communities with molecular diagnostics, shorter treatment periods and socioeconomic incentives, according to the results of a large, long-term study in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, in collaboration with the DRC National Tuberculosis Program.

Exercise gives older men a better brain boost

New research suggests that the relationship between physical and brain fitness varies in older adults by virtue of their sex. The study is published ahead of print in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Can prenatal exposures to BPA impact ovarian function?

While previous studies have shown the adverse health effects of prenatal exposure to the industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), there is little evidence surrounding effects specifically on ovarian function. A new study now finds there is sufficient data to raise concerns regarding exposure and ovarian performance.

No association between antiepileptic drug use and dementia

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition with a prevalence of around 2%. Many antiepileptic drugs are available to prevent epileptic seizures, allowing up to 80 percent of patients to become seizure-free. However, previous research has found a positive association between the use of AEDs and dementia.

Tick tock: Commitment readiness predicts relationship success, say scientists

Timing is everything, goes a popular phrase, and this is also true for relationships. As Valentine's Day approaches, social psychologists from Purdue University offer new research showing that a person's commitment readiness is a good predictor of relationship success. The results are published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.

DDT exposure tied to breast cancer risk for all women through age 54

All women exposed to high levels of DDT are at increased risk for breast cancer through age 54, but the timing of cancer risk depends on when they were first exposed, according to a new study published today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Women exposed before 14 years of age, particularly in infancy and early childhood, were most likely to develop premenopausal breast cancer, while those who were exposed after infancy were at increased risk of developing cancer later, at 50-54 years of age.

Customized drug interaction alerts address alert fatigue, protect patients

For anyone who regularly uses a computer, the experience of clicking through multipage user agreements is a shared frustration. Being bombarded with too much information can lead to people ignoring vital material.

J&J buys medical robotics company for $3.4 bn

US healthcare and consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson announced Wednesday it will acquire medical robotics company Auris Health for $3.4 billion, arguing the technology will become more central to surgery.

Physician-hospital integration does not improve quality of care

In an age of increased integration between physicians and hospitals, regulators should continue to scrutinize proposed hospital mergers and take steps to maintain competition, according to a new paper by experts at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

Recurring infections could lead to delayed bladder or kidney cancer diagnosis

Women with bladder or kidney cancer may lose out on a prompt diagnosis if they are already being regularly treated for recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to new research presented at Cancer Research UK's Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham today.

Teen pot use linked to later depression, suicide attempts

(HealthDay)—Pot may be particularly dangerous for the teenaged brain, a new review suggests.

How to help your teen use social media safely

(HealthDay)—Social media is now a key part of American youngsters' lives, so parents need to provide guidance and rules to help them enjoy its benefits and protect them from potential dangers, experts say.

Despite socioeconomic gains, black-white 'health gap' remains

Boston pediatrician Dr. April Inniss has read the studies. She has reviewed the reports. She's spoken with colleagues. She has even done her own research.

Lower birth weight may up risk for psychiatric disorders

(HealthDay)—After adjustment for family-related factors and gestational age, lower birth weight is associated with a small but significant increased risk for several psychiatric disorders, according to a study published online Feb. 6 in JAMA Psychiatry.

HRQoL scores decrease with treatment line in multiple myeloma

(HealthDay)—For patients with multiple myeloma (MM), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores decrease with treatment line, according to a study published in the January issue of Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia.

Obesity linked to adverse events in children with leukemia

(HealthDay)—For children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), obesity is associated with an increased risk for adverse events during premaintenance chemotherapy, according to a study published in the February issue of Pediatric Blood & Cancer.

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade seems effective in glioblastoma

(HealthDay)—Neoadjuvant administration of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade seems to enhance local and systemic antitumor immune response in glioblastoma, according to a study published online Feb. 11 in Nature Medicine.

MRI and computer modeling reveals how wrist bones move

We use our wrists constantly, but how do they work? In a just-published Journal of Biomechanics article, the researchers proved a longtime assumption about individuals' right and left wrists, while also finding differences between wrists of males and females: discoveries that could help inform and guide future treatments.

Verbal autopsies capture more accurate burden of disease in Uganda

Training community health workers to perform verbal autopsy interviews captured more accurate and complete data about the number and causes of deaths in a rural sub-county of Uganda than current health facility-dependent surveillance methods, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and their in-country partners. These results were published in PLOS ONE.

Heartbeats and memory suppression – the new tools for controlling fear

Most of us feel afraid when faced with a threat or danger, but people with phobias and anxiety feel overwhelming levels of fear in situations that are relatively harmless. Scientists want to moderate this response by using drugs to wipe out scary memories or by harnessing the power of heartbeats to improve therapy.

Tourists at upmarket Chinese ski resort hit by novovirus

Dozens of tourists celebrating the lunar new year at an upmarket ski resort in northeastern China have been struck down by novovirus, the winter vomiting bug, the tour operator admitted.

Eight die of measles in Ukraine this year as outbreak worsens

Eight people have died of measles in Ukraine since the start of the year, already half as many as died in the whole of 2018, authorities said on Wednesday.

Double NHS decision for CAR T cell immunotherapy in Scotland

Two cancer immunotherapies have been reviewed for NHS use in Scotland.

Does that medicine work for women? Why signing up for a medical study could be your next feminist move

You've marched in the Women's March, cheered for women in Congress, grappled with the wide-ranging implications of the MeToo movement, talked with your kids (of both genders) about sexual harassment.

Sweet Valentine treats that won't bust your diet

(HealthDay)—You don't have to give up tropical drinks and chocolatey desserts for Valentine's Day and other celebrations. Just streamline them and boost their health profile.

Gun control and homicides in the USA

Does gun ownership lead to increased crime? This question is hotly debated, especially in the United States. Proponents of gun control point to gun-related violence, while proponents of the right to bear arms argue that gun ownership has a deterrent effect. David Schindler and Christoph Koenig found that purchase delays also had 3% lower homicide rates.

Now's your chance to change your Medicare Advantage plan

Medicare Advantage enrollees get a new, second chance to find the right health coverage this year.

Many LGBTQ youth don't identify with traditional sexual identity labels

A large proportion of sexual and gender minority youth do not identify with traditional sexual identity labels—such as gay, lesbian, and bisexual—but instead describe previously little understood sexual identities using emerging sexual identity labels such as pansexual, non-binary, or asexual, according to a new University of Connecticut study.

Hundred children die in DR Congo measles outbreak

More than a hundred children in Democratic Republic of Congo have died of measles since the start of the year, an outbreak that has added to deadly epidemics of cholera and Ebola, the UN said on Wednesday.

Oral complications are rare in older women treated for osteoporosis

Oral complications are rare in women taking medications for postmenopausal osteoporosis, according to a study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Biology news

Natural selection and spatial memory link shown in mountain chickadee research

Chickadees with better learning and memory skills, needed to find numerous food caches, are more likely to survive their first winter, a long-term study of mountain chickadees has found.

New study finds ecosystem changes following loss of great white sharks

A new study has documented unexpected consequences following the decline of great white sharks from an area off South Africa. The study found that the disappearance of great whites has led to the emergence of sevengill sharks, a top predator from a different habitat. A living fossil, sevengill sharks closely resemble relatives from the Jurassic period, unique for having seven gills instead of the typical five in most other sharks.

White-tailed deer shape acoustic properties of their forest habitat

White-tailed deer feeding habits shape the acoustic properties of their forest habitat, potentially affecting the vocal communication of understory-dwelling songbirds and other species, according to a study published February 13, 2019 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Timothy J. Boycott from Vassar College and colleagues.

Chimp communication gestures found to follow human linguistics rules

A team of researchers with members from the U.K., Switzerland and Spain has found that chimpanzees use communication gestures in ways that follow human linguistic rules. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study of chimps communicating with one another in the wild, and compares their observations against human communication rules.

New species of spider discovered with unusual social skills

A researcher at Royal Holloway, University of London, has discovered a new species of spider in Indonesia.

New clue in curious case of cassowary casque

A team of Australian scientists has completed research that could help solve a 200-year-old mystery surrounding an iconic Australian bird.

Cryofixation and electron tomography reveals novel compartment in arbuscular mycorrhiza

Agricultural productivity depends on supplying crops with adequate nutrients. To that end there is interest in using an ancient plant symbiosis with fungi to improve the ability of crops to absorb nutrients from the soil. Found in most plants, the symbiosis is formed when select soil fungi invade plant root cells, using plant lipids and sugars to proliferate without harming the plant. The fungal cells reward the plant's hospitality by sending hyphae out into the soil and absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate, transporting them back into the root and providing them to the plant. Because the fungus mimics the function of plant roots the symbiosis is known as mycorrhiza ("fungal roots"). A number of startup companies are centered on developing fungal inoculum that lead to the development of crop mycorrhizal symbioses.

Newly isolated human gut bacterium reveals possible connection to depression

Research team studies the compelling connection between one of NIH's "most wanted" bacteria and mental health.

More scrutiny needed for less-deadly foodborne bacteria

Employing advanced genetic-tracing techniques and sharing the data produced in real time could limit the spread of bacteria—Bacillus cereus—which cause foodborne illness, according to researchers who implemented whole-genome sequencing of a pathogen-outbreak investigation.

New footage released of rare giant pangolins in Africa

Researchers from a British Zoo on Wednesday released rare footage revealing the secret lives of giant pangolins, considered one of the world's most trafficked mammals.

Elusive 'black panther' alive and well in Kenya, study shows

Whispers of sightings of the elusive black leopard have long swirled around central Kenya, and scientists have now confirmed its presence there with a series of rare images taken by camera traps.

US Senate votes to expand nationals parks, protected lands

The US Senate approved a landmark expansion of protected lands Tuesday, the first major gain for conservationists in two years after repeated setbacks by the Trump administration.

Newly discovered turtle species is facing extinction

For decades, it has been assumed that the Chinese Softshell Turtles from East Asia all belonged to one and the same species, Pelodiscus sinensis. Widely distributed all the way from the Russian Far East through the Korean Peninsula to China and Vietnam, the species was said to vary substantially in terms of its looks across localities. However, around the turn of the century, following a series of taxonomic debates, scientists revalidated or discovered a total of three species distinct from the 'original'.

Careful using that f-word to describe dingoes, study warns

A UNSW Sydney study says more evidence is needed before declaring the dingo a feral animal, casting a shadow over state governments' justification for culling Australia's largest carnivorous mammal.

Vets can do more to reduce the suffering of flat-faced dog breeds

Veterinarians have a professional and moral obligation to reduce or prevent any negative health impacts of disorders in animals. But what if animals are bred with known disorders? And what if those disorders are a big part of what makes them cute?

They call it puppy love, but what is it really?

Humans just love seeing animals demonstrate love: cuddly chimps grooming each other, say, or penguin pairs carefully passing their egg in the driving snow. Videos of cows joining dog packs or cats and birds becoming friends dot our social media feeds, shared hundreds of thousands of times.

It's fish on ice, as frozen zoos make a last-ditch attempt to prevent extinction

Twenty-six of the forty-six fish species known to live in the Murray-Darling basin are listed as rare or threatened. Recent fish kills in the iconic river system are a grim reminder of how quickly things can take a turn for the worst.

Protecting not-so-wild places helps biodiversity

Few places on our planet remain untouched by humans.

Why the pine marten is not every red squirrel's best friend

Pine martens are returning to areas of the UK after an absence of nearly a century. Following releases in mid-Wales during 2015, reintroductions are proposed in north Wales and southern England for 2019.

Lake Malawi is home to unique fish species. Nearly 10% are endangered

An estimated 9% of the 458 fish species assessed in Lake Malawi are at high risk of extinction. This is worrying, not least because the lake, and the fish species that occupy it, are very unique.

No stink bugs allowed: Study shows size of gaps needed for invasion

Brown marmorated stink bugs are master home invaders. Particularly in winter, when they seek shelter from the cold, if a structure has a gap or entrance large enough to fit through, they will find it.

Future of US citrus may hinge on consumer acceptance of genetically modified food

A tiny insect, no bigger than the head of a pin, is threatening to topple the multibillion-dollar citrus industry in the U.S. by infecting millions of acres of orchards with an incurable bacterium called citrus greening disease.

In the squirrel world, prime real estate is determined by previous owner, study reveals

A young squirrel lucky enough to take over territory from an adult male squirrel is like a teenager falling into a big inheritance, according to a new University of Guelph study.

Scientists look to past to help identify fish threatened with local extinction

Marine scientists from the University of Queensland, WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) and other groups have developed a methodology to assess fish stocks that combines new data with archeological and historical records—some dating back to the 8th Century AD. In a study conducted in along the coast of Kenya, the researchers reconstructed species' occurrences by combining modern underwater transect surveys and catch assessments with historical records that included observations from 18th century naturalists and data from archaeological sites including ancient middens dating back more than a thousand years.

This fish has been called ugly and prehistoric. Here's why Texas wants to protect it

They are probably one of the most unique creatures plying Texas waters.

Human antiviral 'GS-441524' shows great promise against feline infectious peritonitis

The emergence of exotic diseases such as Ebola and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in people has prompted intensive research into new drug treatments, and this is indirectly bringing benefit to cats. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of a number of chronic viral infections of cats that resemble those in people, and is estimated to kill up to 1.4% of cats around the world. The infectious agent is a mutant coronavirus (FIPV) that is notoriously difficult to control: the parent enteric coronavirus is present in virtually all catteries and shelters and is shed by 60% or more of pet cats from multi-cat households, and vaccines are ineffective.

Planned hippo cull in Zambia sparks fury

Zambia plans to slaughter 2,000 hippopotamuses to control overpopulation, officials said Wednesday, as conservationists lashed the scheme as a ploy to make money from trophy hunters.

Study shows endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to equine metabolic syndrome

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a horse's environment may play a role in the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). This finding, made by Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at The University of Minnesota, could explain some of the variability in EMS severity that can't be explained by other commonly measured factors, such as diet, exercise and season. The study was published in Chemosphere.


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