Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jul 11

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for July 11, 2019:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Coupling qubits to sound in a multimode cavity

PuzzleFlex: Computing the kinematic motion of systems with loose joints

Will your future computer be made using bacteria?

Japan's Hayabusa2 probe makes 'perfect' touchdown on asteroid

Gene identified that will help develop plants to fight climate change

Ancient defense strategy continues to protect plants from pathogens

Bird with unusually long toes found fossilized in amber

Artificial 'muscles' achieve powerful pulling force

Patterns in DNA reveal hundreds of unknown protein pairings

New CRISPR platform expands RNA editing capabilities

Sheaths drive powerful new artificial muscles

At Last, AI beats professionals in six-player poker

HSC16aay is a Type IIn supernova, study suggests

Osteoblastic lysosome plays a central role in mineralization

What happens when you explode a chemical bond?

Astronomy & Space news

	Japan's Hayabusa2 probe makes 'perfect' touchdown on asteroid Japan's Hayabusa2 probe made a "perfect" touchdown Thursday on a distant asteroid, collecting samples from beneath the surface in an unprecedented mission that could shed light on the origins of the solar system.
	HSC16aay is a Type IIn supernova, study suggests New research presented by an international team of astronomers suggests that a recently detected transient, designated HSC16aay, is a Type IIn supernova. A research paper reporting the discovery and detailing the finding, was published July 2 on the arXiv pre-print server.
	Moon-forming disk discovered around distant planet Using Earth's most powerful array of radio telescopes, astronomers have made the first observations of a circumplanetary disk of gas and dust like the one that is believed to have birthed the moons of Jupiter.
	Hubble discovers mysterious black hole disc Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have observed an unexpected thin disc of material encircling a supermassive black hole at the heart of the spiral galaxy NGC 3147, located 130 million light-years away.
	Alternating currents cause Jupiter's aurora An international team of researchers has succeeded in measuring the current system responsible for Jupiter's aurora. Using data transmitted to Earth by NASA's Juno spacecraft, they showed that the direct currents were much weaker than expected and that alternating currents must therefore play a special role. On Earth, on the other hand, a direct current system creates its aurora. Jupiter's electric current system is kept going in particular by large centrifugal forces, which hurl ionized sulfur dioxide gas from the gas giant's moon Io through the magnetosphere.
	Divisive telescope to restart building next week in Hawaii Construction on a giant telescope will start again next week after lengthy court battles and passionate protests from those who say building it on Hawaii's tallest mountain will desecrate land sacred to some Native Hawaiians.
	Vega rocket fails after takeoff in French Guiana A rocket carrying a satellite for the United Arab Emirates failed shortly after taking off from French Guiana on Wednesday night, launch company Arianespace said.
	The Moon now has hundreds of artifacts. Should they be protected? Three rovers, six US flags, dozens of probes that either landed successfully or crashed, tools, cameras and trash: the Moon is dotted with hundreds of objects as a result of space exploration.
	Hayabusa2: the asteroid probe seeking solar system secrets Japan's Hayabusa2 space probe made its second touchdown on a distant asteroid on Thursday, in a bid to collect mineral samples that could reveal more about the solar system's evolution.
	Major shuffle at NASA in rush to meet Trump's moon deadline NASA has replaced the head of its human space exploration directorate in a major shake-up, US media reported Wednesday, as the agency scrambles to meet President Donald Trump's ambitious deadline to return astronauts to the moon by 2024.
	For climbing robots, the sky's the limit Robots can drive on the plains and craters ofMars, but what if we could explore cliffs, polar caps and other hard-to-reach places on the Red Planet and beyond? Designed by engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, a four-limbed robot named LEMUR (Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot) can scale rock walls, gripping with hundreds of tiny fishhooks in each of its 16 fingers and using artificial intelligence (AI) to find its way around obstacles. In its last field test in Death Valley, California, in early 2019, LEMUR chose a route up a cliff while scanning the rock for ancient fossils from the sea that once filled the area.
	Solar weather has real, material effects on Earth On Sep. 1, 1859, solar astronomer Richard Carrington witnessed sunspots that suddenly and briefly flashed brightly before they disappeared. Just before dawn the next day, auroras erupted over most of the Earth, reaching as far south as the Caribbean and Hawaii while southern lights were seen as far north as Chile. The event produced not only a visible light show in areas where they do not typically appear, but it also sent telegraph systems around the world haywire.
	Astronomers find evidence of atmosphere-like envelopes around galaxies A new study by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire, published today in journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, has found evidence that the gaseous envelopes around larger galaxies are similar to the state of Earth's atmosphere.
	Here's a fact: We went to the moon in 1969 Fifty years after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, some people insist it never happened and was all a big hoax by the U.S. government.
Former astronaut helps break flight record over poles A former astronaut is back at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after helping to shatter a pair of records for a round-the-world airplane flight over the North and South poles.
	New developments with Chinese satellites over the past decade To date, 17 Chinese self-developed FengYun (FY) meteorological satellites have been launched, which are widely applied in weather analysis, numerical weather forecasting and climate prediction, as well as environment and disaster monitoring. Currently, seven satellites are in operation.
	NASA selects UMD-led proposal to upgrade lunar instruments placed by Apollo missions In 1969, University of Maryland physicist Doug Currie helped design three still-in-use lunar instruments placed on the moon by Apollo 11, 14 and 15. Fifty years later, Currie is the lead scientist for a just-approved NASA project to place next-generation versions of these instruments on the Moon.

Technology news

	PuzzleFlex: Computing the kinematic motion of systems with loose joints Small motions between individual parts in jigsaw puzzles, LEGO buildings, human backbones and systems of connectable modular robots can allow flexing of their entire structures. A team of researchers at Dartmouth College has recently carried out a study exploring the kinematics (i.e. the features or properties of motion in objects) of collections of rigid bodies that become flexible when combined together as a system. Their paper, pre-published on arXiv, introduces PuzzleFlex, a new method of computing free motions of a planar assembly of rigid bodies connected by loose joints.
	Artificial 'muscles' achieve powerful pulling force As a cucumber plant grows, it sprouts tightly coiled tendrils that seek out supports in order to pull the plant upward. This ensures the plant receives as much sunlight exposure as possible. Now, researchers at MIT have found a way to imitate this coiling-and-pulling mechanism to produce contracting fibers that could be used as artificial muscles for robots, prosthetic limbs, or other mechanical and biomedical applications.
	At Last, AI beats professionals in six-player poker An artificial intelligence program developed by Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with Facebook AI has defeated leading professionals in six-player no-limit Texas hold'em poker, the world's most popular form of poker.
	Raspberry Pi 4: Blogger finds charger roadblock Wait, what. Some users have found charging problems with their newly purchased Raspberry Pi 4, as their existing USB-C cables would not charge. Did the Raspberry Pi mess up?
	Malicious apps infect 25 million Android devices with 'Agent Smith' malware Malicious apps from a campaign called "Agent Smith" have been downloaded to 25 million Android devices, according to new research by cyber-security firm Check Point.
	Fossil fuels increasingly offer a poor return on energy investment An evaluation of the global energy return on investment for fossil fuels and renewable sources reveals a much more level playing field than previously believed.
	The best of both worlds: How to solve real problems on modern quantum computers In recent years, quantum devices have become available that enable researchers—for the first time—to use real quantum hardware to begin to solve scientific problems. However, in the near term, the number and quality of qubits (the basic unit of quantum information) for quantum computers are expected to remain limited, making it difficult to use these machines for practical applications.
Study explores how social movements can use virtual worlds Online virtual worlds can help social movements raise awareness and create safe spaces for their members, according to a new study by an academic at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
	France passes law taxing digital giants in defiance of US anger France's parliament on Thursday passed a law making it the first major economy to impose a tax on digital giants, defying a probe ordered by an angry US President Donald Trump that could trigger reprisal tariffs.
	Breakthrough gives artificial muscles superhuman strength Putting "socks" on artificial muscles made from inexpensive materials helps them produce 40 times more flex than human muscle, a global research project has found, featuring researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES).
	Airbnb cedes to EU pressure on price offers Airbnb has successfully fended off Brussels regulators in time for the summer holidays by agreeing to change how it presents rental prices to consumers, the EU said on Wednesday.
	Solar power system that works at night a renewable energy game-changer An innovative thermal battery being developed by Curtin University researchers will be key to a solar power system capable of producing electricity overnight, rivaling fossil fuels as a viable source of power for commercial and heavy industries around the world, including mining operations.
	A crystal clear step closer to commerical solar cells A synthetic approach developed by KAUST researchers generates homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
	New sensor could shake up earthquake response efforts Last week's massive southern California earthquakes shut down Ridgecrest Regional Hospital throughout the July 4 holiday weekend while the tiny town of Ridgecrest assessed the damages. A new optical sensor developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) could speed up the time it takes to evaluate whether critical buildings like these are safe to occupy shortly after a major earthquake.
	UK unveils draft law to tax tech giants Britain on Thursday unveiled draft legislation for a "digital services tax" on global tech giants, which it plans to impose until leading economies reach an agreement on the contentious issue.
	Anonymous apps risk fuelling cyberbullying but they also fill a vital role When the anonymous social media app YOLO was launched in May 2019, it topped the iTunes downloads chart after just one week, despite the lack of a major marketing campaign. Designed to be used with social network Snapchat, YOLO lets users invite people to send them anonymous messages. Its viral popularity followed that of other apps, such as the now infamously defunct Yik Yak as well as Whisper, Secret, Spout, Swiflie and Sarahah. All these cater to a desire for anonymous interaction online.
	Commercial supersonic aircraft could return to the skies Flying faster than the speed of sound still sounds futuristic for regular people, more than 15 years after the last commercial supersonic flights ended. The planes that made those journeys, the 14 aircraft collectively known as the Concorde, flew from 1976 to 2003. It traveled three times faster than regular passenger aircraft, but the airlines that flew it couldn't make a profit on its trips.
	Human workers can listen to Google Assistant recordings Google said its contractors are able to listen to recordings of what people say to its artificial-intelligence system Google Assistant.
	Ford, VW to broaden global alliance Ford and Volkswagen plan to unveil a broader global alliance on Friday that will focus on developing autonomous technology and electric vehicles.
	US launches probe of France's planned tech giants tax US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into France's planned tax on internet services that will hit American tech giants especially hard, officials said Wednesday.
	Artificial intelligence may be used to reveal secrets behind traditional folk music dating back thousands of years The secrets behind traditional folk music from across the globe and dating back thousands of years are likely to be revealed by using artificial intelligence, according to a leading academic expert.
	Most adults have never heard of TikTok. That's by design TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media platforms on the planet, with more than 500 million active users. Only YouTube, Facebook and Instagram boast more.
	Amazon to offer job skill training to 100,000 US workers Amazon announced plans Thursday to offer job training to around one-third of its US workforce to help them gain skills to adapt to new technologies.
	A taxonomic approach to understanding emerging blockchain identity management systems Traditional identity management has typically involved the storing of user credentials (e.g., passwords) by organizations and third parties, which often results in concerns over interoperability, security, and privacy. However, a possible solution has emerged through the use of blockchain technology to create novel identity management approaches with built-in control and consent mechanisms. This can potentially transform data governance and ownership models by enabling users to control their data and share select personal information, while helping businesses streamline operations by relying on verified user information without having to maintain the infrastructure themselves.
	Study provides framework for assessing historic wrought iron structures The Institution of Civil Engineers will honor the research of a New York University professor who employed terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to examine Ireland's historic Guinness Bridge.
	What will it take to live on the moon? With NASA planning to revisit the lunar surface by 2024 and send multiple expeditions by 2028, Rutgers University's Haym Benaroya is optimistic that people will someday live on the moon.
	With no 737 MAX exposure, Delta reports banner quarter Delta Air Lines rode strong consumer travel demand to banner earnings last quarter, benefiting from the company's lack of exposure to Boeing's grounded 737 MAX planes.
	'Robot umpires' debut in independent Atlantic League "Robot umpires" have arrived.
	Premera Blue Cross pays states $10 million over data breach Premera Blue Cross, the largest health insurer in the Pacific Northwest, has agreed to pay $10 million to 30 states following an investigation into a data breach that exposed confidential information on more than 10 million people across the country.
	Feds: Truck driver likely caused self-driving shuttle crash A collision between an experimental self-driving shuttle and a semi in downtown Las Vegas was probably the truck driver's fault, but the shuttle operator didn't have quick access to a controller that could have honked the horn or moved the autonomous vehicle, contributing to the accident, federal investigators have determined.
	Harley-Davidson's electric Hog: 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds Harley-Davidson is releasing details about the electric motorcycle it's rolling out this year that it hopes will capture the imagination of a new generation of riders and put a charge into its diminishing sales.
	Twitter appears to be back after outage Twitter was down for about an hour Thursday in an outage that appeared to affect users around the world.

Medicine & Health news

	Study suggests possible link between sugary drinks and cancer A study published by The BMJ today reports a possible association between higher consumption of sugary drinks and and an increased risk of cancer.
	Team breaks down major players in cell to score future cancer therapy wins A soccer team is made up of 11 players with each person having a specific role and place on the field. In the world of biology, each individual cell also has many moving parts and pieces, each with specific roles and places to be. If one of those pieces isn't working correctly, it can affect the entire cell, much like a soccer team doesn't perform as well if every player is not doing his or her job.
	Ancient epigenetic changes silence cancer-linked genes An epigenetic change, a form of DNA control, that deactivates some genes linked to cancer late in human development has been conserved for more than 400 million years, new research led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research suggests.
	For malnourished children, new therapeutic food boosts gut microbes, healthy development A new type of therapeutic food, specifically designed to repair the gut microbiomes of malnourished children, is superior to standard therapy in an initial clinical trial conducted in Bangladesh.
	New vaccine strategy boosts T-cell therapy A promising new way to treat some types of cancer is to program the patient's own T cells to destroy the cancerous cells. This approach, termed CAR-T cell therapy, is now used to combat some types of leukemia, but so far it has not worked well against solid tumors such as lung or breast tumors.
	Area of brain linked to spatial awareness and planning also plays role in decision making New research by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago shows that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), an area of the brain often associated with planning movements and spatial awareness, also plays a crucial role in making decisions about images in the field of view.
	Cancer biologists identify new drug combo When it comes to killing cancer cells, two drugs are often better than one. Some drug combinations offer a one-two punch that kills cells more effectively, requires lower doses of each drug, and can help to prevent drug resistance.
	High-risk pregnancy: The interferon effect High-risk pregnancies occur frequently, and have multiple causes. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of pregnant women miscarry during their first trimester of pregnancy. Slow fetal growth may also arise as a result of maternal infection with certain microbes, parasites or viruses (such as toxoplasmosis or infection with rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes or Zika) or because of genetic or autoimmune diseases. Teams from the Institut Pasteur, the CNRS, Inserm, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital (AP-HP) and Université de Paris have identified a new cellular mechanism that alters placental development, potentially causing serious complications during pregnancy. The mechanism is linked with the production of interferon, a molecule produced in response to infection, especially viral infection. The findings are published in Science on July 11, 2019.
	Study suggests standard personality tests may not work well outside of WEIRD cultures An international team of researchers has found evidence that suggests standard personality tests may not work as intended outside of mostly white, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic (WEIRD) societies. In their paper, published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their analyses of thousands of personality survey responses from people all over the world, and what they found.
	Experiments suggest infants point because they want to touch something out of reach A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and EHESS, CNRS, Paris, reports evidence that infants point because they want to touch something out of reach. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes experiments they conducted with infants and people of other ages, and what they found.
	An 'EpiPen' for spinal cord injuries An injection of nanoparticles can prevent the body's immune system from overreacting to trauma, potentially preventing some spinal cord injuries from resulting in paralysis.
	Cancer scientists identify new drug target for multiple tumor types A research team headed by scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at UC San Diego has identified an enzyme involved in remodeling the plasma membrane of multiple cancer cell types that is critical to both survival of tumors and their uncontrolled growth.
	No evidence of added benefit for most new drugs, say researchers More than half of new drugs entering the German healthcare system have not been shown to add benefit, argue researchers in The BMJ today.
	Standing frame intervention improves life for people with multiple sclerosis, research shows A new study has shown that people in the advanced stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) experience significant improvements in movement and balance thanks to a specialised standing frame.
	Are the 'viral' agents of MS, ALS and schizophrenia buried in our genome? What if the missing 'environmental' factor in some of our deadliest neurological diseases were really written in our genome?
	Discovery may have implications for diabetes management and therapy Theodoros Zanos, Ph.D., head of the Neural & Data Science Lab & assistant professor at the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and his collaborators, discovered how the vagus nerve relays signals from the periphery to the brain to help regulate glucose, potentially uncovering a new way to measure blood glucose levels. This finding progresses research into future bioelectronic medicine treatments and diagnostics for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The findings were published today in the Springer Nature journal, Bioelectronic Medicine.
	Can computer use, crafts and games slow or prevent age-related memory loss? A new study has found that mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk or delay of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment, and that the timing and number of these activities may also play a role. The study is published in the July 10, 2019, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
	Study finds no correlation between brain function and head impacts after 2 seasons of tackle football Many parents, potential players and medical providers are increasingly wary of youth contact sports participation. The concern over the potential short- and long-term effects of head impacts experienced by youth football players has likely driven decreasing participation, according to a group of researchers.
	Immune system effectiveness appears key to antibiotic success against persistent bacteria Mathematical modeling suggests that the rate at which a patient's immune system clears slow-growing variants of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria is a key determinant of whether antibiotics can cure the infection. Tsuyoshi Mikkaichi and Alexander Hoffmann of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the MRSA Systems Immunobiology Group present this work in PLOS Computational Biology.
	Facial plastic surgery in men enhances perception of attractiveness, trustworthiness In the first of a kind study, plastic surgeons at Georgetown University Medical Center found that when a man chose to have a nip or a tuck on his face, it significantly increased perceptions of attractiveness, likeability, social skills, or trustworthiness.
	Adding immunotherapy after initial treatment can benefit metastatic lung cancer patients Treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab after they've completed locally ablative therapy—meaning all known sites of their cancer were either treated with surgery, radiation, or other definitive treatments—almost tripled the median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the historical average. Research from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania found the average PFS of study participants was 19.1 months, compared to 6.6 months. JAMA Oncology published the findings today.
Study questions if tongue-tie surgery for breastfeeding is always needed New research raises questions as to whether too many infants are getting tongue-tie and lip tether surgery (also called frenulectomy) to help improve breastfeeding, despite limited medical evidence supporting the procedure. In a new study, published July 11 in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, nearly 63 percent of children who were referred to a pediatric ear nose and throat surgeon for tongue tie and/or upper lip tether surgery ended up not needing the procedure, and were able to successfully breastfeed following a thorough feeding evaluation from a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including a speech-language pathologist. A feeding evaluation program implemented on a wider scale may prevent infants from getting a surgery that might not be beneficial to improve breastfeeding, according to the study's authors.
	Researchers survey immune molecules found inside mycetoma lesions Mycetoma is a common neglected disease caused by either fungi or bacteria which organize themselves into grains—areas of inflammation surrounded by a collagen capsule. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have studied two immune molecules inside these grains and discovered patterns to where the molecules appear.
	House mouse shapes Toxoplasma gondii distribution The humble house mouse has dramatically shaped parasitic Toxoplasma gondii populations in West Africa and around the world, according to research in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. As different strains affect their hosts differently, the research, led by Lokman Galal and Aurelien Mercier of INSERM and the University of Limoges, provides insights into which populations are infecting humans and animals and suggests mechanisms for their intercontinental spread.
	Chronic kidney disease patients face continual, significant gaps in care Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, as well as statin use below the recommended guidelines for cholesterol control, according to a study by researchers at UC San Francisco.
	Capping medical residency hours does not hamper new doctors' quality of training When new rules capped training hours for medical residents at 80 hours per week in 2003, critics worried that the change would leave physicians-in-training unprepared for the challenges of independent practice.
	Scientific statement on predicting survival for cardiac arrest survivors To better facilitate research on appropriately determining prognosis after cardiac arrest and to establish better treatments for recovering from brain injury, a working group composed of a Johns Hopkins Medicine physician and American Heart Association (AHA) experts have released a scientific statement that provides best practices on how to predict recovery in comatose survivors. The statement was released in the July 11 issue of Circulation.
	Even in svelte adults, cutting about 300 calories daily protects the heart New data from a two-year Duke Health trial suggests when it comes to cutting your risk for killer ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, there's always room for improvement.
	A near-fatal Valley Fever case opens doors to new treatment method Of the 8,000 Californians who will contract Valley Fever this year, most will recover without treatment, and those with more serious cases will require an antifungal medication that clears the infection. But a few will experience a life-threatening form of the disease that ravages the body for reasons unknown.
	Scientists map high-risk areas for hepatitis E EPFL scientists have created the first world map of regions with the highest prevalence of the hepatitis E virus (HEV). They hope that their map—freely available online—will help governments and NGOs design more effective prevention campaigns based on reliable data, particularly when it comes to setting up refugee camps. The scientists' research has just been published in Scientific Reports.
	Enzyme responsible for dangerous properties of brain tumor stem cells The relapse of brain tumors after therapy is driven by cancer stem cells that were not affected by the treatment. In mouse models of glioblastoma, scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) were now looking for molecular markers that specifically characterize brain tumor stem cells. They identified an enzyme that is responsible for the threatening stem cell properties of glioblastoma and at the same time represents a possible Achilles heel of cancer stem cells.
	Finger-prick blood test could help reduce antibiotic use for some patients A simple finger-prick blood test could help prevent unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics for people with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study by researchers from Cardiff University, University of Oxford and King's College London.
	Endometriosis: Immune cell discovery could provide relief for women with 'hidden' painful disorder A key cause for the pelvic pain experienced by women with endometriosis has been uncovered, potentially opening new opportunities for pain relief for the condition.
	Men who avoid teen parenthood through partners' use of abortion gain long-term economic benefits Studies have shown an association between adolescent girls' access to abortion services to end an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy and subsequent educational attainment, avoidance of bad relationships and socioeconomic status.
	First step to induce self-repair in the central nervous system Damaged peripheral nerves can regenerate after an injury, for example, following a forearm fracture. Axons, the long projections of neurons that transmit stimuli or signals to other cells, are affected in the case of injury and need to regrow to recover their function. The research team led by Prof. Claire Jacob at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and at the Swiss University of Fribourg investigated the details of this repair process and have demonstrated that the same mechanism could be activated in cells of the central nervous system—after a spinal cord injury, for instance. Their results have been published in the renowned journal Cell Reports.
	How procrastinators and doers differ genetically Some people tend to postpone actions. In women, this trait is associated with a genetic predisposition toward a higher level of dopamine in the brain. This is what researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the Technical University of Dresden discovered using genetic analyses and questionnaires. They were unable to identify this correlation in men.
	Study finds association between air pollution, coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese population New research from the University at Buffalo provides pathophysiologic evidence of the effect of air pollution on cardiovascular disease in China. The findings also suggests that China may need to revise its standard for one type of pollutant.
	Bone health not improved by increasing protein intake in healthy adults Increasing protein intake beyond official recommendations has little to no benefit for bone health in healthy adults, new research in the journal Osteoporosis International reports.
	Nurse combatting the 'Angelina effect' through new decision aid Crystal Chu has grown accustomed to her patients' sometimes-impulsive responses after they're diagnosed with cancer in a single breast.
	Our brain-computer interfacing technology uses music to make people happy Whether it's the music that was playing on the radio when you met your partner or the first song your baby daughter smiled to, for many of us, music is a core part of life. And it's no wonder—there is considerable scientific evidence that foetuses experience sounds while in the womb, meaning music may affect us even before we are born.
	Diet and exercise do not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes The assumption that minimizing weight gain in obese pregnant women is advantageous for avoiding gestational diabetes has not been borne out. This was shown by a study conducted by MedUni Vienna's Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Indeed, it might even be detrimental to the mother and the unborn child to restrict carbohydrate intake during pregnancy. These results have recently been published in the leading journal Diabetes Care.
	Lab tests show experimental Ebola treatments effective Two experimental Ebola treatments being used in the current outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have proved effective in laboratory tests with human cells, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study was published online July 9 in the The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
	How to exercise in the summer without heat exhaustion With a kilometer to go, triathlete Sarah True was pulled from the 2019 Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany, due to heat exhaustion. She was in the lead by seven minutes after having swum, biked and run nearly 225 kilometres. The temperature was 38C.
	Galcanezumab can cut frequency of cluster headache attacks Galcanezumab can reduce the frequency of episodic cluster headache attacks, according to a study published in the July 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Focus on ovarian cancer surgical volume may not be best metric Limiting ovarian cancer surgery to high-volume surgeons and hospitals to improve survival could restrict care at many low-volume centers with better-than-expected outcomes, according to a study published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	NIH to fund testing and development of HIV vaccine After decades of failing to develop an effective vaccine against HIV, the federal government has committed $129 million to a new effort led by Scripps Research.
	Annual mammography screenings aren't the best option for female survivors of some childhood cancers Female survivors of childhood cancers who have been treated with thoracic radiation, such as survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life compared to the general population.
	More support needed for young carers of parents with mental illness New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) says there is a "clear need" for more support for young carers of parents with a mental illness as they move into adulthood.
	Mad cow disease: A computational model reveals the mechanism of replication of prions An article published in the journal PLOS Pathogens reports a realistic computational model for the structure and mechanism of replication of prions, infectious agents responsible for mad cow disease and other neurodegenerative disorders of human and animals.
	Scientists identify spasm in women with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis often becomes chronic and can persist (or recur) following surgical and hormonal interventions. According to results published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, treating pelvic floor muscle spasm with botulinum toxin may relieve pain and improve quality of life. The study was conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health.
	Team approach to cardiac care increases chance of surviving heart attack complications When multidisciplinary health care teams were engaged in caring for patients suffering from refractory cardiogenic shock, a severe condition that can occur after a heart attack, the likelihood of survival increased significantly, by approximately 50 percent. The proof of concept study by investigators at University of Utah Health was published online in the July issue of Circulation.
	Raising eyebrows on neuroinflammation: Study finds novel role for 'skin plumping' molecule This clear, gooey substance, which is naturally produced by the human body, has been popularized by cosmetic and skin care products that promote healthier, plumper and more supple skin. Also recognized for its abilities to speed up wound healing, reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis, and relieve dry eye and discomfort, a neuroscientist at Florida Atlantic University's Brain Institute (I-BRAIN) and Schmidt College of Medicine, has discovered a novel mechanism and role in the brain for hyaluronic acid.
New study discovers genetic changes linked to leukaemia in children with Down's syndrome Researchers at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with colleagues from Hannover Medical School and Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, have discovered the specific gene mutations that are required for the development of leukaemia in children with Down's syndrome. Children with Down's syndrome have a 150-fold increased risk of myeloid leukaemia, and while some of the genetic causes of this have been previously established, this is the first study to identify a wide range of mutations and how they functionally interact to lead to leukaemia. The study was published today in the journal Cancer Cell.
	How DNA outside cells can be targeted to prevent the spread of cancer Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is DNA found in trace amounts in blood, which has escaped degradation by enzymes. Scientists from Tokyo University of Science, led by Prof Ryushin Mizuta, have now discovered exactly how cfDNA is generated. They also talk about the applications of DNase1L3—the enzyme mainly responsible for generating cfDNA—as a novel molecule to prevent the spread of tumors. Prof Mizuta says, "The results of this study are an important step toward one phase of an exciting new era of genomic medicine."
	REM sleep silences the siren of the brain Upset by something unpleasant? We have all been there. Fortunately, it also passes. A new day, a new beginning. At least: if you have restful REM sleep. Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience discovered why you will be better able to bear tomorrow what you are distressed about today. And why that can go wrong.
	Targeting new treatments for concussions by transforming brain pathology Badri Roysam, chair of the University of Houston Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is leading a $3.19 million project to create new technology that could provide an unprecedented look at the injured brain. The technology is a marriage, as Roysam calls it, between a new generation of "super microscopes," that deliver detailed multi-spectral images of brain tissue, and the UH supercomputer at the HPE Data Science Institute, which interprets the data.
	Researchers identify health conditions likely to be misdiagnosed For a patient, a diagnostic error can mean the difference between life and death. While estimates vary, likely more than 100,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled each year due to medical diagnoses that initially miss conditions or are wrong or delayed.
	Study finds nearly half of shared e-scooters being ridden illegally A QUT observational study of electric scooter riding in central Brisbane has found nearly half of shared e-scooters were being ridden illegally.
	Mosquito surveillance uncovers new information about malaria transmission in Madagascar Riley Tedrow, Ph.D., a medical entomologist at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has uncovered new findings about malaria transmission in Madagascar. In a recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, he also describes real-world application of an effective mosquito surveillance strategy using low cost traps and a recently reported tool that simultaneously tests each mosquito for its species, what it fed on, and the presence of malaria parasites.
	Shortening trainee doctor hours hasn't harmed patients When reforms shortened working hours for U.S. doctors-in-training, some worried: Was that enough time to learn the art of medicine? Would future patients suffer?
	How plague pathogens trick the immune system Yersinia have spread fear and terror, especially in the past, but today the plague pathogens have still not been completely eradicated. The bacteria inject various enzymes, including the enzyme YopO, into the macrophages of the immune system. There it is activated and prevents the defense cells from enclosing and digesting the plague bacteria. Using the latest methods, scientists from the Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Bonn have now deciphered how YopO changes its shape and thus contributes to confusing the immune system. The results have now been published in the journal Structure.
	Anxious? Cut down on caffeine Caffeine can boost energy, improve alertness and produce a general feeling of well-being—when used in moderation.
	The Victorians believed that women aged faster than men – a myth that persists today The global anti-ageing market is worth at least $250 billion – an astonishing amount, and it's growing. Anti-ageing treatments are supposedly used to correct "premature ageing". But what does this really mean? Surely, ageing is just ageing. It is a process that occurs over time—at the time that it's supposed to.
	'Crosstalk' between genes promotes brain inflammation in Alzheimer's A new study by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) offers clues about how to prevent inflammation of brain tissue, which promotes Alzheimer's disease (AD). The findings of this study online now and appearing in the September 4, 2019 print issue of the journal Neuron, could contribute to the development of new therapies for AD.
	Elevated systolic BP may up risk for valvular heart disease (HealthDay)—The cumulative effect of elevated systolic blood pressure appears to be associated with an increased risk for major valvular heart disease, according to a study published online July 10 in JAMA Cardiology.
	PE, death not reduced with early vena cava filter placement (HealthDay)—Early prophylactic placement of a vena cava filter compared with no placement of a filter after major trauma does not result in a reduced incidence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism or death at 90 days, according to a study published online July 7 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research was published to coincide with the annual meeting of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, held from July 6 to 10 in Melbourne, Australia.
	Health care professionals exhibit gender bias (HealthDay)—Survey results show that health care professionals have implicit and explicit gender bias, according to a study published online July 5 in JAMA Network Open.
	Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis ups bone erosion risk (HealthDay)—Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) is a risk factor for bone erosions, even with clinical disease remission, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
	Oliceridine studied for IV pain relief after abdominoplasty (HealthDay)—Oliceridine is being proposed as an analgesic option for the relief of moderate-to-severe acute postoperative pain, according to a study recently published in Pain Practice.
	How to find your best exercise style (HealthDay)—Are you trapped in an exercise routine that's good for your body, but isn't motivating your spirit? It's time to find your exercise style.
	Five threats to heart health you may not be aware of Many people can recite the major risk factors for heart disease, the stuff of posters, public service ads and dire warnings: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, lack of exercise.
	More evidence fried food ups heart disease, stroke risk (HealthDay)—Check out the menus at any county fair—corn dogs, fried Oreos, even fried butter—and you'll quickly see that Americans love fried foods. But yet another study suggests that it's time to put that corn dog down.
	Survivors' near-miss experiences on 9/11 linked to post-traumatic stress People who narrowly avoid disaster do not necessarily escape tragedy unharmed, and their knowledge of the victims' fate shapes how survivors respond to traumatic events, according to the results of a new paper by a University at Buffalo psychologist that explores the effects of near-miss experiences associated with the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
	Mayo mindfulness: Tips to tame stress Is stress making you frustrated and irritable? Stress relievers can help restore calm and serenity to your chaotic life. You don't have to invest a lot of time or thought into stress relievers. If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.
	Researchers say early puberty in girls may be 'big bang theory' for migraine Adolescent girls who reach puberty at an earlier age may also have a greater chance of developing migraine headaches, according to new research from investigators at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.
	For non-Hispanic whites in the US, life expectancy outlook worsens For the better part of a century, life expectancy in industrialized countries like the United States steadily improved. But during the past three decades, and particularly since 2010, the trend has slowed or, in some places, reversed for non-Hispanic white populations in the U.S. It's been especially stark for 25- to 44-year-olds and for women, as well as in rural communities.
	New virus found in one-third of all countries may have coevolved with human lineage In 2014, a virus called crAssphage that infects bacteria was discovered as part of the body's intestinal environment. Now, a new study has investigated the origin and evolution of this virus, which may have coevolved with human lineage.
	Is an elusive U.S. total ban on asbestos finally in sight? (HealthDay)—A new U.S. government rule on asbestos is at best a toothless measure against the cancer-causing material, critics charge.
	Greater prevalence of anal cancer precursors for women living with HIV than prior reports The prevalence of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), which precede anal cancer, is much higher in women living with HIV than previously reported, a multi-site, national study involving hundreds of patients has found. Conducted by researchers from the AIDS Malignancy Consortium, a National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials group, the results call for new strategies to be developed for wider screening of women living with HIV, who have disproportionally higher rates of anal cancer compared to the general population of women. The study appears in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Drug companies' sexually explicit ads reaching too many youngsters Virtually every day, millions of children and adolescents are being bombarded by sexually explicit direct-to-consumer advertising, despite pharmaceutical CEOs' claims to the contrary.
	New alternate cell growth pathway could lead to better treatments for metastatic cancers While researchers have a basic understanding of how primary cancer cells grow, less is known about metastasis, the deadly process by which cancers spread. A team led by Dr. Paul Krebsbach, dean of UCLA's School of Dentistry and professor of periodontics, has found that mEAK-7, a gene they discovered last year, may play a significant role in cancer metastasis, at least in lung cancers.
Reckitt pays US $1.4bn to settle opioid treatment spat British consumer health giant Reckitt Benckiser announced Thursday it will pay up to $1.4 billion (1.2 billion euros) to settle a dispute with US authorities over the sale and marketing of an opioid addiction treatment.
	Between 16% and 18% of preadolescents have ideas of suicide The researchers studied a group of 720 boys and 794 girls who attended 13 schools in Reus. They were monitored during three developmental periods: 10 years old, 11 years old and 13 years old. At the beginning of the study, the students answered a series of psychological tests that were used to detect which of them presented emotional symptoms related to depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). From their responses, two groups were created: one group at risk of emotional problems and a control group.
Machine learning about glaucoma Untreated glaucoma is a major cause of sight loss. There are several forms and they are all essentially caused by damage to the optic nerve due to increased pressure within the eye. A collaboration between scientists in Algeria and Belgium has led to a new "intelligent system" for glaucoma detection that promises to help diagnose the condition sooner rather than later and allow patients to be treated in a timely manner and their sight saved.
	A healthy twist on a classic eggplant recipe (HealthDay)—Eggplant is a high-fiber food that will leave you feeling satisfied and well-nourished. Most people think of the classic purple-colored vegetable, but eggplant comes in many varieties, colors and even shapes. All are perfect for a lighter take on a classic eggplant dish that your whole family will love.
Study suggests surgery better than observation for older patients with meniscus tear Patients over age 50 who underwent an all inside arthroscopic repair technique had lower rates of subsequent total knee surgery than a similar group that was only observed, according to research presented at the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting today.
Opioid use is reduced in patients treated with NSAIDS Patients receiving a post-surgery prescription of ibuprofen with a rescue prescription of Percocet used less opioids than a group of similar patients who were prescribed just Percocet. The research was presented by a group from the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City today at the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting.
Study suggests arthroscopy more effective than MRI for chondral defects of the knee Using arthroscopy to stage a lesion in the chondral area of the knee is more accurate than magnetic resonance imaging, according to researchers from the Rothman Institute, La Jolla, Calif. The findings were presented today at the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.
Does platelet-rich plasma therapy lower risk of meniscus repair The use of platelet-rich plasma therapy can reduce the risk of a second meniscus failure after operation but does not seem to protect patients who have had surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament, according to research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine.

Biology news

	Gene identified that will help develop plants to fight climate change Hidden underground networks of plant roots snake through the earth foraging for nutrients and water, similar to a worm searching for food. Yet, the genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern which parts of the soil roots explore remain largely unknown. Now, Salk Institute researchers have discovered a gene that determines whether roots grow deep or shallow in the soil.
	Ancient defense strategy continues to protect plants from pathogens Scientists at the University of Cambridge have uncovered striking similarities in how two distantly related plants defend themselves against pathogens despite splitting from their common ancestor more than 400 million years ago.
	Patterns in DNA reveal hundreds of unknown protein pairings Sequencing a genome is getting cheaper, but making sense of the resulting data remains hard. Researchers have now found a new way to extract useful information out of sequenced DNA.
	New CRISPR platform expands RNA editing capabilities CRISPR-based tools have revolutionized our ability to target disease-linked genetic mutations. CRISPR technology comprises a growing family of tools that can manipulate genes and their expression, including by targeting DNA with the enzymes Cas9 and Cas12 and targeting RNA with the enzyme Cas13. This collection offers different strategies for tackling mutations. Targeting disease-linked mutations in RNA, which is relatively short-lived, would avoid making permanent changes to the genome. In addition, some cell types, such as neurons, are difficult to edit using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing, and new strategies are needed to treat devastating diseases that affect the brain.
	Lack of crop diversity and increasing dependence on pollinators may threaten food security A multinational team of researchers has identified countries where agriculture's increasing dependence on pollination, coupled with a lack of crop diversity, may threaten food security and economic stability. The study, which was published in the journal Global Change Biology on July 11, 2019, is the first global assessment of the relationship between trends in crop diversity and agricultural dependence on pollinators.
	Keeping a cell's powerhouse in shape A German-Swiss team around Professor Oliver Daumke from the MDC has investigated how a protein of the dynamin family deforms the inner mitochondrial membrane. The results, which also shed light on a hereditary disease of the optic nerve, have been published in Nature.
	Biologists design a plug-and-play controller for gene expression Researchers from two University of Texas System institutions have engineered biological components that can rewire genetic response pathways, creating a template for designing new cellular behaviors with wide-ranging potential applications.
	Nanohaloarchaeota cultures reveal they are symbionts and not free-living organisms Researchers employed multiple microbiology and omics techniques to experimentally determine that Nanohaloarchaeota are symbionts, rather than free-living organisms as had been originally thought.
	Sounds of intense emotion may be universal language across species, study shows People can tell how other people are feeling by the sounds they make and now, new research from the University of Alberta shows that may also apply to different animals.
	The battle between virus and host cell When viruses enter the body, such as during an influenza or a gastrointestinal infection, the processes within the infected cells change: In the worst case, the virus takes the helm and reprograms the cell to its advantage. It then produces viral components on a massive scale allowing the intruder to multiply exponentially.
	Successful T cell engineering with gene scissors The idea of genetically modifying a patient's own immune cells and deploying them against infections and tumors has been around since the 1980s. But to this day modified T cells are still not as effective as natural T cells and have been only been of limited clinical value. Using the new CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool, a team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now engineered T cells that are very similar to physiological immune cells.
	Insects feel chronic pain after injury Associate Professor Greg Neely and his team of pain researchers in the Charles Perkins Centre have found compelling evidence that insects feel persistent pain after injury.
	Oldest completely preserved lily discovered in Brazil Already 115 million years ago, tropical flowering plants were apparently very diverse and showed all typical characteristics. This is the conclusion of an international team of researchers led by Clément Coiffard, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. The team reported in the renowned journal Nature Plants on the oldest completely preserved lily, Cratolirion bognerianum, which was discovered at a site in present-day Brazil. With the help of 3D computer tomography at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, details on the back of the fossilised plant could also be analysed. The results raise new questions about the role of the tropics in the development of past and present ecosystems.
	Scientists discover a novel perception mechanism regulating important plant processes An international research team has revealed a novel mechanism for the perception of endogenous peptides by a plant receptor. The discovery of this activation mechanism sets a new paradigm for how plants react to internal and external cues. The study "Mechanisms of RALF peptide perception by a heterotypic receptor complex" was published today in the journal Nature.
	DNA analysis reveals cryptic underwater ecosystem engineers They look like smears of pink bubblegum on the rocks off British Columbia's coast, indistinguishable from one another.
	Whispering southern right whale mums and calves seek refuge in surf Most mammalian new mums are fiercely protective of their precious offspring; even 5-8 m long southern right whale calves are vulnerable to attack by voracious killer whales. Mia Nielsen from Aarhus University, Denmark, explains that whale mothers and calves often try to hide from predators by gravitating to cloudy water. But the loss of visual contact could force mothers and their young to call to each other more, increasing the risk of attracting the wrong attention. Knowing that humpback whale mothers resort to whispering to their young to protect them from harm, Nielsen and her colleagues, Lars Bejder from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Peter Madsen, also from Aarhus University, decided to listen in on the conversations between southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) mothers and their calves, to find out how they go unnoticed. The team publishes its discovery that the mothers and their calves shelter in the noisy surf, stay in close proximity and effectively whisper—calling softly less than once per dive—to avoid attracting any unwanted attention in Journal of Experimental Biology.
	Mathematical model explores daily rhythms in pain sensitivity A new computational model successfully predicts how daily pain sensitivity rhythms affect pain processing, both in healthy adults and in people with neuropathic pain. Jennifer Crodelle of New York University and colleagues present these findings in PLOS Computational Biology.
	The nose of E. coli zips open and closed With ice-cold electron microscopy microbiologists from Leiden gain more insight into how bacteria respond to their environment. Publication in mBio.
	Molecular 'clutch' puts infection-fighting cells into gear Two proteins that act as a 'clutch' in cells to put them in gear and drive our immune response have been identified for the first time.
	Living with rats involves understanding the city as an ecosystem Rats! They eat our food, chew through our property and spread all sorts of nasty diseases. And they are gross (right?), with those naked tails and quick, unpredictable movements. Rats invade our homes—our castles!—the one place where we should be safe and in control.
	Understanding dog personalities can prevent attacks The news of a fatal dog-bite incident in Melbourne last night has shocked dog lovers around the country.
	No new males: Climate change threat to Cape Verde turtles Rising temperatures could mean no male loggerhead turtles hatch at a key breeding ground by the end of this century, new research suggests.
	Mystery behind striped barley solved Plants with green leaves and stems are a common sight and are one of the most natural things on earth. But when considering that this colouring is achieved by small chlorophyll-filled organelles called chloroplasts, distributed within plant cells, where they utilise their green pigmentation to convert solar energy into chemical energy, this green colouration no longer seems to be such a trivial thing. Because of their fundamental role in plant biology, chloroplasts and their ability to colour plants have long been the focus of intense research. Specifically, genetically impaired chloroplasts which no longer or only partially express pigments, are used to identify genes and understand the molecular mechanisms within plant cells.
	Wakanda forever! Scientists describe new species of 'twilight zone' fish from Africa Africa has new purple-clad warriors more than 200 feet beneath the ocean's surface. Deep-diving scientists from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative and the University of Sydney spotted dazzling fairy wrasses—previously unknown to science—in the dimly lit mesophotic coral reefs of eastern Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The multicolored wrasses sport deep purple scales so pigmented, they even retain their color (which is typically lost) when preserved for research. The scientists name this "twilight zone" reef-dweller Cirrhilabrus wakanda (common name "Vibranium Fairy Wrasse") in honor of the mythical nation of Wakanda from the Marvel Entertainment comics and movie Black Panther. The new fish is described today in ZooKeys.
	Scientists gain new insights into the mechanisms of cell division Mitosis is the process by which the genetic information encoded on chromosomes is equally distributed to two daughter cells, a fundamental feature of all life on earth. Scientists led by Alexander Dammermann at the Max Perutz Labs, a joint venture of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, now examine how centrioles contribute to this process. The findings, published in Developmental Cell, help to elucidate the function of these tiny cellular structures in mitosis.
	Mustering a milder mustard The mustards, broccolis and cabbages of the world share a distinct and bitter taste. Some consider the flavor of cruciferous plants their strongest attribute. But even in India and China, where Brassicas have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years, scientists have sought to tone down the chemical compounds responsible for their pungent flavor. Turns out the same compounds that make them bitter also make them toxic at some levels.
	Coral skeleton crystals record ocean acidification The acidification of the oceans is recorded in the crystals of coral skeletons. This is a new tool for studying past environmental changes and combating climate change. Such is the main conclusion of a study led by the Spanish scientist Ismael Coronado Vila, from the Institute of Paleobiology in Warsaw (Poland).
	Yield-boosting stay-green gene identified from 118-year-old experiment in corn A corn gene identified from a 118-year-old experiment at the University of Illinois could boost yields of today's elite hybrids with no added inputs. The gene, identified in a recent Plant Biotechnology Journal study, controls a critical piece of senescence, or seasonal die-back, in corn. When the gene is turned off, field-grown elite hybrids yielded 4.6 bushels more per acre on average than standard plants.
	In the remote Cambodian jungles, we made sure rare Siamese crocodiles would have enough food For nine hours, my colleague Michael Shackleton and I held onto our scooters for dear life while being slapped in the face by spiked jungle plants in the mountains of Cambodia. We only disembarked either to help push a scooter up a slippery jungle path or to stop it from sliding down one.
	Wildlife service withdraws request for approval to dump rat poison on Farallon Islands The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday withdrew its request that the California Coastal Commission sanction its controversial mouse eradication proposal on the Farallon Islands.
Skopje zoo's chimp returns after recovering from depression Koko the chimpanzee, once a star in Skopje's zoo, has returned home after spending 10 years in the Netherlands recovering from depression, the zoo says.
	Condor chick confirmed at Zion National Park in Utah A sweeping red-rock cliff at Utah's Zion National Park is now the home of a new California condor chick as the species makes a comeback in the wild three decades after they were on the brink of extinction, biologists have confirmed.

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