Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jul 25

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for July 25, 2019:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Giant gate-tunable bandgap renormalization and excitonic effects in a 2-D semiconductor

Astronomers observe the awakening of a Be/X-ray binary

Einstein's general relativity theory is questioned but still stands for now

Brain parts involved in parenting in frogs revealed

Study suggests dark-colored wing feathers may help birds fly more efficiently

Immune therapy takes a 'BiTE' out of brain cancer

New space discovery sheds light on how planets form

Mouse, not just tick: New genome heralds change in Lyme disease fight

Microrobots show promise for treating tumors

VPN providers address vulnerability findings by researchers

Shape shifting protocells hint at the mechanics of early life

Quantum uncertainty helps solve an old problem

Electricity-driven undersea reactions may have been important for the emergence of life

Underwater glacial melting is occurring at higher rates than modeling predicts

Hidden genetic variations power evolutionary leaps

Astronomy & Space news

	Astronomers observe the awakening of a Be/X-ray binary Using ESA's XMM-Newton space telescope, astronomers have spotted bright X-ray outbursts emitted by a Be/X-ray binary known as A0538−66. The discovery marks the ending of an over three-decade-long period of quiescence of this system. The finding is detailed in a paper published July 18 on arXiv.org.
	New space discovery sheds light on how planets form Researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered a planet orbiting one of the brightest young stars known, according to a study published in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Aged at approximately 45 million years old, the star and its planet could provide valuable information on how planetary bodies form.
	Shining a new light on the evolution of supernovae A research team led by UNSW Canberra scientist Ivo Seitenzahl is shining a new light on the evolution of supernovae—a hotly contested topic amongst astrophysicists.
	Thanks, Gaia: Astronomers spy Europa blocking distant star On 31 March 2017, Jupiter's moon Europa passed in front of a background star—a rare event that was captured for the first time by ground-based telescopes thanks to data provided by ESA's Gaia spacecraft.
	Star nearing death offers a preview of our Sun's fate An international team of astronomers has witnessed a rare dynamic event foreshadowing the death of a red giant star for the first time – a discovery that reinforces predictions about our Sun's ultimate demise.
	China launches first private rocket capable of carrying satellites A Chinese startup successfully launched the country's first commercial rocket capable of carrying satellites into orbit Thursday, as the space race between China and the US heats up.
	India farmers shocked as suspected meteorite crashes into rice field A suspected meteorite the size of a football plunged into a rice field in eastern India, startling farmers, authorities said Thursday.
	The Apollo experiment that keeps on giving Neal Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins departed from the moon 50 years ago, but one of the experiments they left behind continues to return fresh data to this day: arrays of prisms that reflect light back toward its source, providing plentiful insights. Along with the Apollo 11 astronauts, those of Apollo 14 and 15 left arrays behind as well: The Apollo 11 and 14 arrays have 100 quartz glass prisms (called corner cubes) each, while the array of Apollo 15 has 300.
	Researchers seeking fragments of fireball in Ontario Researchers are seeking the public's help in locating fragments of a fireball that shone as bright as the full moon observed by Western's All-Sky Camera Network across at 2:44 a.m. ET this morning.
	An asteroid just buzzed past Earth, and we barely noticed in time A 100-metre-wide asteroid passed just 70,000km from Earth on Thursday, Australian time. It was discovered by the Brazilian SONEAR survey just days ago, and its presence was announced mere hours before it zoomed past our planet. The lack of warning shows how quickly potentially dangerous asteroids can sneak up on us.
	Storming Area 51 to find aliens? Here's some science to consider Millions of people have signed up to a tongue-in-cheek Facebook event to storm the US military base "Area 51" on 20 September to discover whether aliens are inside. While the organisers said it was a joke, the US military wasn't amused, responding it would "discourage anyone from trying to enter the area".
	France to develop anti-satellite laser weapons: minister France plans to develop anti-satellite laser weapons, its defence minister said Thursday, laying out French ambitions to close the gap on rivals who are developing new arms and surveillance capabilities in space.

Technology news

	VPN providers address vulnerability findings by researchers Virtual private networks (VPNs) are engineered to encrypt traffic between points on the internet. As Computing put it, they extend a private network across a public network, "often used to enable staff working remotely to access resources on their organisation's corporate network."
	New AI tool identifies cancer outcomes using radiology reports Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have demonstrated that an artificial intelligence tool can perform as well as human reviewers—and much more rapidly—in extracting clinical information regarding changes in tumors from unstructured radiology reports for patients with lung cancer.
	Transforming biology to design next-generation computers, using a surprise ingredient Moore's law—which says the number of components that could be etched onto the surface of a silicon wafer would double every two years—has been the subject of recent debate. The quicker pace of computing advancements in the past decade have led some experts to say Moore's law, the brainchild of Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in the 1960s, no longer applies. Particularly of concern, next-generation computing devices require features smaller than 10 nanometers—driving unsustainable increases in fabrication costs.
	The origin and future of spam and other online intrusions From a confidence trick originating in the late 19th century, to sophisticated AI that can manipulate reality, recreating anyone's face or voice with almost pinpoint accuracy—spam has come a long way.
	The geoengineering of consent: How conspiracists dominate YouTube climate science content Using YouTube to learn about climate-change-related topics will expose you to video content that mostly opposes worldwide scientific consensus.
	TRACER: Sailors use augmented-reality to train for combat The Sailors file into the room, their weapons ready and their adrenaline flowing. They operate as a team in a seamless manner. Their mission: to secure an active-shooter situation and apprehend the holographic perpetrator. Commands are given to the shooter, within the augmented-reality (AR) headset. The shooter surrenders, and the Sailors' mission is accomplished.
	Samsung to launch foldable smartphone in September South Korean electronics giant Samsung announced Thursday it will release its cutting-edge foldable smartphone in September, despite a trade dispute between Seoul and Tokyo which analysts say will affect delivery.
	Amazon has 'destroyed' US retail industry, Mnuchin says U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin alleged that Amazon.com Inc. has "limited competition" and harmed the retail industry as the Trump administration announced a broad antitrust review into whether technology companies are using their power to thwart rivals.
	Eliminating bias in AI In human beings, intelligence is no inoculation against bias and bigotry. The same holds true for computers. Intelligent machines learn about the world through the filters of human language and historical behaviour—meaning they can just as easily absorb humanity's worst values as they can its best.
	Turning the tables on the terrorists It is known that much terrorist activity utilizes the power and immediacy of online social media and social networking tools to coordinate its attacks, rally support and spread the various agendas of the different groups and networks. Writing in the International Journal of Grid and Utility Computing, a team from China explains how we might turn the tables on the terrorists and use those tools to analyse terrorist activity and so make predictions about future scenarios and so have the weapons to thwart them in their malevolent endeavours.
	Investments in biking routes improve access to jobs in US metros First-of-its-kind research from the Accessibility Observatory at the University of Minnesota ranks the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas in the United States for connecting workers with jobs via bicycle.
	Homes in the future may be hyper-connected pods that transform our habitat, communities and politics At home here in Africa, the population is exploding just as housing is shrinking and tech is advancing. Our homes in the future may be hyper-connected pods that transform our habitat, communities and politics as well as the way we live.
	Underground water pipes: Another way for cities to keep cool As Paris swelters in record-breaking heat, visitors to some of the French capital's iconic landmarks are being kept cool without even knowing it by a labyrinthine network of underground water pipes.
	Expanding the limits of personalized medicine with high-performance computing What should personalized, precision treatment of cancer look like in the future? We know that people are different, their tumors are different, and they respond differently to different therapies. Medical teams of the future might be able to create a "virtual twin" of a person and their tumor. Then, by tapping supercomputers, physician-led teams could simulate how tumor cells behave to test millions (or billions) of possible treatment combinations. Ultimately, the best combinations might offer clues towards a personalized, effective treatment plan.
	Making blockchain transactions secure and private Blockchains have become an important part of internet technology. They are used for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but also for other security-sensitive tasks, such as managing supply chains for high-tech factories. Although blockchains were initially thought to be the holy grail of security and privacy in public information exchange, it turned out that that they actually fall short of keeping that promise.
	Generic mobile phone chargers escalate risk of burn, electrocution Electric currents generated by mobile phone chargers, particularly from lower-cost generic manufacturers, are causing serious injuries. Generic mobile phone chargers are less likely to meet established safety and quality tests than the brand counterparts, according to analysis and case studies in Annals of Emergency Medicine.
	High-performance flow batteries offer path to grid-level renewable energy storage A low-cost, high-performance battery chemistry developed by University of Colorado Boulder researchers could one day lead to scalable grid-level storage for wind and solar energy that could help electrical utilities reduce their dependency on fossil fuels.
	Big Tech antitrust review: tough policy or publicity stunt? The antitrust review of Big Tech announced by US regulators could signal a tough new stand on competition policy, but it may just be a political publicity stunt.
	Big restructuring costs hit Ford earnings Ford reported a steep decline in second-quarter profits on Wednesday due to large restructuring costs and a disappointing earnings forecast for the year, sending shares sharply lower.
	Fake news war divides, confuses in Hong Kong Chinese tanks at the border? False. Photo of a protester biting off a policeman's finger? Misleading. In polarised Hong Kong, a fake news fight for public opinion has become as crucial a battleground as the city streets.
	Automakers reach emissions deal with California, in rebuff to Trump Four major automakers on Thursday announced they had reached a deal with California to produce more fuel-efficient cars for the US market, an end run around the Trump administration which is seeking to freeze mileage standards.
	eBay's new 'Managed Delivery' aims to rival Amazon Online retail giant eBay said Thursday it would create its own "Managed Delivery" for sellers on its platform to better compete with Amazon and boost its brand recognition.
	Amazon buys into Roland Garros TV rights Amazon has continued its push into the world of tennis by acquiring some of the rights to stream matches at Roland Garros from 2021, the French tennis federation (FFT) announced on Thursday.
Apple buys Intel's smartphone modem division for $1 billion Apple is paying Intel $1 billion for the chip maker's smartphone modem division in a deal driven by the upcoming transition to the next generation of wireless technology.
Google crushes second quarter earnings expectations Google parent Alphabet beat analyst expectations for its second quarter Thursday, pleasing investors and sending its shares up sharply.
	Amazon's 2Q profits miss Wall Street expectations Amazon is reporting that second quarter profits are below Wall Street estimates as increasing competition for faster delivery is putting pressure on the online leader's business.

Medicine & Health news

	Immune therapy takes a 'BiTE' out of brain cancer Building on their research showing that an exciting new form of immunotherapy for cancer has activity in patients with glioblastoma, the most common and most deadly form of brain cancer, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators have created a new method that could make immune therapy more effective again brain tumors and expand its use against other types of solid tumors. Their study is published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
	Mouse, not just tick: New genome heralds change in Lyme disease fight As Lyme disease increases, researchers have taken a significant step toward finding new ways to prevent its transmission. The experts, who include a pioneer in Lyme disease discovery, have sequenced the genome of the animal carrying the bacteria that causes the illness. The advance by researchers at the University of California, Irvine and colleagues provides a launching pad for fresh approaches to stopping Lyme disease from infecting people.
	These gut bacteria prevent mice from becoming obese—what could that mean for us? Researchers at University of Utah Health have identified a specific class of bacteria from the gut that prevents mice from becoming obese, suggesting these same microbes may similarly control weight in people. The beneficial bacteria, called Clostridia, are part of the microbiome—collectively trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit the intestine.
	Mapping cells in the 'immortal' regenerating hydra The tiny hydra, a freshwater invertebrate related to jellyfish and corals, has an amazing ability to renew its cells and regenerate damaged tissue. Cut a hydra in half, and it will regenerate its body and nervous system in a couple of days. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have now traced the fate of hydra's cells, revealing how three lines of stem cells become nerves, muscles or other tissues.
	Molecular traffic jam may underlie rare kidney disease, other protein misfolding disorders Researchers have long known that dozens of inherited diseases, called toxic proteinopathies, are caused by the build-up of specific misfolded proteins in cells. But, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this accumulation have remained a mystery—hampering efforts to develop therapies.
Pain and gain: Skin nerves anticipate and fight infection, research finds Pinch yourself. If you feel pain, it's thanks to specialized nerve endings in the skin. And, in a surprising discovery, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine demonstrated that pain-sensing nerves also help fight skin infections and prevent its spread, suggesting a new type of immunity. The findings, based on studies in mice, were published today in the journal Cell.
	CRISPR used to reduce symptoms of muscular dystrophy in mice models A team of researchers from Canada, the U.S. and Sweden has found that editing a gene involved in producing proteins that promote muscle strength in muscular dystrophy mice models could reduce symptoms. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes their experiments with mice and what they learned from them.
	What stress does to the brain Researchers at ETH Zurich have shown for the first time that selective release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline reconfigures communication between large-scale networks in the brain. Their findings provide insights into rapid neural processes that occur in the brain during stressful situations.
	To become, or not to become a neuron Researchers led by Pierre Vanderhaeghen and Jérôme Bonnefont (VIB-KU Leuven and ULB) have unraveled a mechanism controlling the switch between growth and differentiation of neural stem cells during brain development. They discovered a specific factor that makes stem cells 'deaf' to proliferative signals, which in turn causes them to differentiate into neurons. The findings, published in this week's edition of Neuron, shed new light on the understanding of brain developmental processes and have important implications for stem cell biology.
	How neuromuscular connections are maintained after nerve lesions After nerve injury, the protein complex mTORC1 takes over an important function in skeletal muscle to maintain the neuromuscular junction, the synapse between the nerve and muscle fiber. Researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum have now shown that the activation of mTORC1 must be tightly balanced for a proper response of the muscle to nerve injury. The study published in Nature Communications opens new insights into muscle weakness related to neuromuscular diseases or caused by aging.
	One or the other: Why strength training might come at the expense of endurance muscles The neurotransmitter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts in the muscle, so that during strength training endurance muscle fiber number is decreased. Researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum have more closely investigated this factor, from the group of myokines, and demonstrated that it is produced by the muscle and acts on both muscles and synapses. The results published in PNAS also provide new insights into age-related muscle atrophy.
	Favorable five-year survival reported for patients with advanced cancer treated with the immunotherapy A research team led by experts at the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center reports favorable five-year survival rates from the first multidose clinical trial of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab (anti-PD-1) as a treatment for patients whose previous therapies failed to stem their advanced melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study, which followed 270 adult men and women, reports survival rates substantially higher than what was expected from cancer therapies available in 2008 at the start of the clinical trial, including chemotherapies, kinase inhibitors, biologic therapies, antiangiogenic therapies, biologic therapies and other clinical trials.
	Researchers discover the science behind giving up What happens when we give up? Inside the brain, a group of cells known as nociceptin neurons get very active before a mouse's breakpoint. They emit nociceptin, a complex molecule that suppresses dopamine, a chemical largely associated with motivation.
	HIV spreads through direct cell-to-cell contact The spread of pathogens like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is often studied in a test tube, i.e. in two-dimensional cell cultures, even though it hardly reflects the much more complex conditions in the human body. Using innovative cell culture systems, quantitative image analysis, and computer simulations, an interdisciplinary team of scientists from Heidelberg University has now explored how HIV spreads in three-dimensional tissue-like environments. The researchers' results show that the tissue structure forces the virus to spread through direct cell-to-cell contact.
	Targeted therapy erdafitinib effective for patients with advanced bladder cancer and specific gene mutations Treatment with the FGFR inhibitor erdafitinib in patients with metastatic bladder cancers marked by mutations in the FGFR3 gene resulted in a 40% overall response rate (ORR) and was well-tolerated, according to an international Phase II trial led by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
	Tobacco-21 laws can lower smoking prevalence in the 18-20 age group A new study published today by the scientific journal Addiction found that raising the legal age of sale of cigarettes from 18 to 21 in the U.S. was associated with a 39% reduction in the odds of regular smoking in 18- to 20-year-olds who had experimented with cigarettes. The reduction was even greater (50%) in those who had close friends who smoked when they were 16.
Opioid prescribing rates higher in US compared with other countries Physicians in the United States may prescribe opioids more frequently to patients during hospitalization and at discharge when compared to their physician peers in other countries, according to a recently published study led by researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Frog in your throat? Stress might be to blame for vocal issues Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, often comes up in lists of greatest fears. Such anxiety can often impact voice control leading to stammering or feeling like there is a "frog in your throat." A researcher from the University of Missouri has found that there is more to vocal issues than just feeling nervous and that stress-induced brain activations might be to blame.
	Study shows extra weight in 60s may be linked to brain thinning years later Having a bigger waistline and a high body mass index (BMI) in your 60s may be linked with greater signs of brain aging years later, according to a study published by a leading University of Miami neurologist researcher in the July 24, 2019, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study suggests that these factors may accelerate brain aging by at least a decade.
MERS-CoV vaccine is safe and induces strong immunity in Army-led first-in-human trial A Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) vaccine candidate was shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and induced a robust immune response in a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial. Initial findings from the trial were published today in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
	Coping skills program helps social service workers reduce stress, trauma after disasters An intervention called Caregivers Journey of Hope can help social service workers—especially those with the least experience in the field—to mitigate the stress and trauma they may experience when they're helping community members recover from disasters, a new study found.
	America's packaged food supply is ultra-processed Americans are overexposed to products that are high in energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study that reports the United States packaged food and beverage supply in 2018 was ultra-processed and generally unhealthy.
	3-D printed pill samples gut microbiome to aid diagnosis and treatment A research team led by Tufts University engineers has developed a 3-D printed pill that samples bacteria found in the gut—known as the microbiome—as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract (GI). The ability to profile bacterial species inhabiting the gut could have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are affected by the microbiome, according to the researchers.
Interventions for type 2 diabetes successful across the genetic landscape As the number of people with type 2 diabetes soared to 8.8 percent of the population by 2017, a growing public health movement has sought to know if tailoring dietary recommendations to specific genetic profiles might help reduce the risk of the disease in susceptible individuals. A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has now found that the quality of dietary fat consumed and the genetic risk of diabetes work independently of each other, and that a diet rich in polyunsaturated fats can be safely applied across the spectrum of type 2 diabetes genetic risk.
	Rotavirus cell invasion triggers a cacophony of calcium signals To successfully set off disease, rotavirus, a virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in children around the world, must invade cells of the gastrointestinal track and trigger a surge of calcium inside the cells. How this surge occurs has not been clarified, but a report in the journal Scientific Reports released today shows in cinematic detail the dynamic changes in calcium that follow rotavirus invasion.
	3D-printed organs are in early research stages. Here's how Baltimore doctors are using the technology Scampering around the floor of her father's family room in Cherry Hill, 1-year-old Syah Weddington is quicker on four limbs than two. After a few passes crawling from one end of the room to the other, her mom scoops her up to her lap.
	Signals from skin cells control fat cell specialization Cells can change to a more specialized type in a process called cellular differentiation. Scientists have revealed that protein secretions by skin cells known as keratinocytes control the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells. This discovery could potentially help to treat obesity. Associate Professor Takehiko Ueyama and Professor Naoaki Saito at the Biosignal Research Center of Kobe University led the research team, and the findings were published on July 24 in the online edition of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
	Inherited BRCA2 mutations linked to increased risk of childhood lymphoma A report from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital links inherited mutations in the BRCA2 gene with an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents. The work appears as an advance online publication today in JAMA Oncology.
	Heart cells' environment a potentially major factor in heart disease When it comes to heart disease, the health of the scaffold where cardiac cells grow may be a much bigger factor than previously believed.
	Meditation alleviates depression in Spanish-speaking immigrants, study finds New research from UCLA indicates mindfulness meditation may be an effective and inexpensive treatment for Spanish-speaking immigrants suffering from stress-related depression.
	Drug trial shows efficacy in treating anemia in chronic kidney disease patients without dialysis FibroGen, Inc. today announced publication of results from the Phase 3 trial of the efficacy and safety of roxadustat treatment compared to placebo for anemia in non-dialysis patients (NDD) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the People's Republic of China (China) in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). In this study, roxadustat met its primary efficacy endpoint for anemia correction by achieving a statistically significant increase in mean hemoglobin level from baseline to hemoglobin level averaged over weeks seven through 9. The efficacy of roxadustat in hemoglobin correction and maintenance was maintained during the open-label period of weeks nine through 26.
	Could sound waves bring us smarter medical implants? Pinned to a wall in Tommaso Melodia's office, next to a stack of wireless technology guidebooks, is a child's illustration: a smiling heart symbol alongside the word "Papa." His office is covered with drawings like these, drawings suggesting that this Northeastern engineering professor and father of four has touched the hearts of his children. And someday—through next-generation pacemakers that emit sound waves to regulate cardiac rhythms—he may touch the hearts of many more.
	Dishonest acts hurt one's ability to read others' emotions A consultant inflates his hours so he'll be paid more. Will his dishonesty later affect whether he'll be able to tell when his client is pleased or upset?
	New insights into young men's sexting practices in youth sexting culture Drawing on findings from a qualitative study published by the Journal of Youth Studies, new research from Dr. Emily Setty explores young men's sexting practices and how they position themselves within youth sexting culture in terms of masculine heterosexuality.
	High-intensity statin prescriptions after heart attacks vary by geographic region Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Cardiovascular Disease and School of Public Health have published new research that suggests geographic region is the strongest correlate of high-intensity statin use after a heart attack, leading to large treatment disparities.
	First CRISPR study inside the body to start in US Patients are about to be enrolled in the first study to test a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR inside the body to try to cure an inherited form of blindness.
	Webcams in nursing home rooms may deter elder abuse Mary Ann Papp's daughter Lisa was worried about her 75-year-old mother.
	People living with HIV struggle to access much-needed dental care Nearly 37 million people were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally in 2017, according to the World Health Organization.
	What is listeria and how does it spread in smoked salmon? Two people in Victoria and New South Wales have died after eating smoked salmon contaminated with listeria, health authorities report. Both were over 70 and had underlying health conditions.
	Digestion-aiding herbs alter gut microbiome Many medicines used today—including aspirin, penicillin and malaria-fighting quinine—originated from nature. Now, Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego scientists have turned to ancient digestive herbs to learn about gut health—in the hopes of uncovering new treatments for colon cancer, autoimmune conditions and additional serious diseases.
	Half of U.S. adults should monitor blood pressure at home It is well-known that blood pressure measured in the doctor's office does not reflect a person's regular blood pressure levels.
	Health risks for urban kids exposed to traffic pollution, experts warn Urban childcare centres should be built away from busy urban roads to minimise kids' exposure to traffic pollution, experts warn.
	Assessing body fat in children made simpler by new equation Researchers at St George's have developed an accurate equation that will enable medical professionals to accurately predict body fat levels in children using only very simple measurements and other information.
	Eye-gaze devices as assistive tech have the potential to empower people with disabilities Wits biomedical engineer Adam Pantanowitz discovered he had a neuromuscular condition as a teenager. Since then, the Lecturer in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering has researched the potential of technology to empower people with disabilities. In particular, he has explored the untapped potential of the brain through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).
	How African homes impact health Machine learning study finds housing have improved in sub-Saharan Africa but adequate water and sanitation remains biggest challenge.
	Cancer drug data release set to power next wave of therapeutic discovery This week (25 July) the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer project has released the results of four years of intense data gathering and exploration which will power genetic research into cancer treatment worldwide. The freely available data set includes unique data comparing almost 1,000 cancer cell lines' responses to 453 licensed and experimental drugs.
	The positive and negative role of LRH-1 during inflammation The research group around Professor Thomas Brunner at the University of Konstanz discovers the role that the LRH-1 protein plays in the immune system—Inhibiting this protein could help treat inflammatory diseases
	Gravity changes mass of muscles and bones, which was experimentally observed in space An international collaboration led by scientists mainly at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Japan, has found that bone and muscle mass are regulated by the altered gravity. The experiments were done in space using Kibo, a ISS module developed by JAXA, and on the ground.
Baby hope for unsuccessful IVF couples A new study looking at conception rates after couples have gone through IVF treatment could offer hope to those for whom the process was unsuccessful.
	Antibiotics can inhibit skin lymphoma New research from the LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center at the University of Copenhagen shows, surprisingly, that antibiotics inhibit cancer in the skin in patients with rare type of lymphoma.
Missile strike false alarm most stressful for less anxious Hawaiians, study finds After learning that a warning of a missile headed to Hawaii was a false alarm, the most anxious local Twitter users calmed down more quickly than less anxious users, according to a study of tweets before, during and after the event, published by the American Psychological Association.
Exposure to common chemicals in plastics linked to childhood obesity Exposure to common chemicals in plastics and canned foods may play a role in childhood obesity, according to a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Researchers suggest empathy be a factor in medical school admissions High empathy scores could become part of the criteria for getting into medical school, according to research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
US emergency medical services underrepresented of women and minorities Women and minority groups are underrepresented in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the US and workforce diversity is not likely undergo big changes anytime soon, according to a new ten-year study of almost 700,000 newly certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, published in Prehospital Emergency Care.
	Sclerosing agent delivery improvements to protect against malignant pleural effusion Preclinical trials were held on mice. Senior Research Associate Alexander Deneka (Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Bases of Pathogenesis and Therapy of Cancer Diseases, Kazan Federal University) explains that the method in question was first proposed by British scientists; they proved that liquid can be drained from a pleural cavity with the help of a talcum powder solution.
	Could alpha-Klotho be a potential biomarker of stress? Stress affects both mental and physical health. Although stress is known as one of the major risk factors of health disorders in modern society, a biomarker of stress has not yet been well established. In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, researchers from Osaka University reported a unique association between stress and serum levels of α-Klotho (αKl).
	Working memory is structured hierarchically Researchers in cognitive psychology at HSE University have experimentally demonstrated that the colors and orientations of objects are stored and processed independently in working memory. However, it is easier for a person to remember these features when they belong to a single object: for example, it is easier for a person to remember and understand one graph on which both parameters are indicated (with a color and a line shape, for example), than two different graphs in which the two parameters are shown separately.
	'Trash talk' really can put players off their game The 1986 NBA All-Star game in Dallas had the first three-point shooting contest, when eight all-stars were selected for the competition. Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, who was known as a trash talker, walked into the locker room as one of the competitors and asked, "Which one of you guys is going to finish second?" He won the contest that night and then finished the season leading the league in three-point shooting, making 42.3 percent of his tries.
	Clinical trial identifies new breast cancer drug as a potential therapy for glioblastoma The Ivy Brain Tumor Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute, has released the results of its recent Phase 0 clinical trial of the breast cancer drug ribociclib (Kisqali) for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. The agent, recently approved by the FDA for advanced breast cancer, is part of a newly-discovered class of targeted therapy that undermines cancer cell division and could form the backbone of a new drug cocktail for patients with malignant brain tumors like glioblastoma.
	Targeted testing for viral hepatitis: Europe's persistent public health challenge European surveillance data show on-going transmission of viral hepatitis with more than 50 000 newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis B and hepatitis C each year from across the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). These figures do not provide the full picture of the epidemiological burden, as ECDC estimates that around 9 million Europeans live with chronic hepatitis B or C. This includes many people with an asymptomatic and hence undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis infection, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
	When a fix for one vision problem causes another As we age, our eyes lose their ability to focus up close. It's a condition called presbyopia, and it's both extremely common and relatively easy to fix, with solutions like reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses.
	Brains work in sync during music therapy For the first time researchers have been able to demonstrate that the brains of a patient and therapist become synchronised during a music therapy session, a breakthrough that could improve future interactions between patients and therapists.
Ten-state program increases healthy eating and physical activity at child care facilities Nearly 1,200 child care programs in ten states have improved their healthy eating and physical activity standards after participating in Nemours Children's Health System's National Early Care and Education Learning Collaboratives (NECELC) project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results, published today in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, show broad and sustainable improvements in best practices reported by child care programs through targeted state-based efforts emphasizing learning from other child care providers, making changes within their centers, and technical assistance.
	Airborne particles can send our detox systems into overdrive An international team of scientists have observed a previously unclear inflammatory mechanism caused by airborne particles that can worsen asthma symptoms. It has been reported in Toxicological Sciences.
	Genetic screen identifies genes that protect cells from Zika virus The Zika virus has affected over 60 million people, mostly in South America. It has potentially devastating consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children, many of whom are born with severe microcephaly and other developmental and neurological abnormalities. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus.
	Study finds new insights on overdose rates, county segregation, and socioeconomics A new study led by George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services found new insights into the link between county socioeconomics and segregation on drug overdose deaths.
	Study in mice advances combination immune therapy for ovarian cancer Delivering two federally approved immunity-altering drugs together significantly extended the lives of mice injected with human ovarian cancer cells, an early proof-of-concept experiment that may advance treatment for the most deadly—although rare—gynecologic malignancy in humans, according to scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center who performed the research.
	Diet of traditional Native foods revealed in hair samples University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers have linked specific chemical signatures found in human hair with a diet of traditional Yup'ik foods. The finding could help scientists make connections between diet and long-term health trends in Alaska Native populations.
	No indication of 'July effect' in context of cardiac surgery (HealthDay)—In the context of cardiac surgery, there is no indication of a "July effect," describing worse outcomes in the first month of training, according to a study published online July 25 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
	Review examines methods for diagnosis of elevated ICP in critically ill (HealthDay)—Physical examination signs are not sufficiently sensitive for detecting elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in critically ill adults, according to a review published online July 24 in the BMJ.
	Targeted interventions raise HPV vaccine acceptance in women (HealthDay)—Among young women, targeted educational interventions, particularly educational videos, increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptability and knowledge, according to a study published online July 9 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	FDA approves first noninjection glucagon therapy (HealthDay)—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first noninjection glucagon therapy for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia, the agency announced late yesterday.
	ASCT may offer alternative for therapy for high-risk follicular lymphoma (HealthDay)—Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) may be an effective treatment option in high-risk, early therapy failure (ETF) follicular lymphoma (FL), prior to the use of rituximab, according to a study published online July 9 in Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy.
	What happens to the children when parents fight? (HealthDay)—"Don't fight in front of the kids."
	How to make a delicious and healthy frozen fruit pop (HealthDay)—If you're looking for a frozen treat that won't give your healthy eating plan the cold shoulder, pass on store-bought pops and make your own.
	AHA news: Here's how many years you could gain by keeping heart disease at bay THURSDAY, July 25, 2019 (American Heart Association News)—Heart disease is the nation's No. 1 cause of death, killing about 650,000 people every year. Life expectancy is cut short by the disease and the health problems that stem from it. But by how much – and what can people do to take those years back?
	FDA approves first needle-free 'Rescue' drug for low blood sugar episodes (HealthDay)—In what could prove to be a real advance for Americans with diabetes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave the nod to a needle-free method of helping people recover from an episode of dangerous low blood sugar.
Georgetown technique using urine suggest individualize bladder cancer treatment possible A research team, led by investigators from Georgetown University Medical Center and Fudan University in China, have devised a very promising non-invasive and individualized technique for detecting and treating bladder cancer.
	Research finds connecting patients with their community could transform healthcare Engaging a wider range of resources to connect patients with organizations within their community can help transform healthcare and improve overall well-being, according to new research published in the Journal of Business Research by faculty at Florida Atlantic University's College of Business.
	Preclinical study of therapeutic strategy for Lafora disease shows promise A team of scientists have designed and tested in mice a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for treating Lafora Disease (LD), a fatal form of childhood epilepsy. This new type of drug—called an antibody-enzyme fusion or AEF—is a first-in-class therapy for LD and an example of precision medicine that has potential for treating other types of aggregate-based neurological diseases.
	Trapping female mosquitoes helps curb chikungunya virus The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently developed an Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGP trap) that attracts and captures female mosquitos looking for a site to lay eggs. Now, researchers writing in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases report that AGO traps successfully protected people from infection with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in communities in Puerto Rico.
	Study reveals how HIV infection may contribute to metabolic conditions A single viral factor released from HIV-infected cells may wreak havoc on the body and lead to the development of chronic and potentially deadly diseases like heart disease, diabetes and dementia, according to a new study by scientists at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne.
	What happens when you overdose? Your body is a delicately balanced chemical system, and if you take too much of a drug, you destroy that balance. That's what happens when you overdose.
Decades after a good-behavior program in grade school, adults report healthier, more successful lives What defines a "good life" in your 30s? The exact answer probably depends on the person, but most people could agree on some general themes: good physical and mental health, solid relationships, and a steady job or good education. Being financially responsible and involvement in your community or civic life also help make life better.
Current guides for starting infants on solid food may lead to overfeeding Starting six-month-old infants on solid food in the amounts recommended by standard feeding guides may lead to overfeeding, according to a study by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
	Researchers use telehealth to head off hospitalizations and ER visits According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rural Americans are more likely than their urban counterparts to die prematurely from the five most common killers: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke. Telehealth—the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely—is an emerging way to combat these trends. And it's growing in popularity.
	Scientists find clue to 'maternal instinct' Oxytocin is widely referred to as the love hormone and plays an important role in the regulation of social and maternal behavior. In recent years, the oxytocin system in the brain has received tremendous attention as key to new treatments for many mental health disorders, such as anxiety, autism spectrum disorders and postpartum depression. New research led by a biologist and his students at LSU have discovered a group of cells that are activated by oxytocin in one area of female mouse brains that are not present in the same area in male mouse brains.
	Five or more hours of smartphone usage per day may increase obesity As smartphones continue to be an inherent part of life and grow as a primary source of entertainment—particularly among young people—it leads to a decrease in physical activity. In a recent study presented at the ACC Latin America Conference 2019, university students who used their smartphones five or more hours a day had a 43 percent increased risk of obesity and were more likely to have other lifestyle habits that increase the risk of heart disease.
	New method enables more extensive preclinical testing of heart drugs and therapies Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed an easily reproducible system that enables them to keep slices of human hearts alive for a longer period of time, allowing more extensive testing of new drugs and gene therapies.
	Researchers discover new cause of cell aging New research from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering could be key to our understanding of how the aging process works. The findings potentially pave the way for better cancer treatments and revolutionary new drugs that could vastly improve human health in the twilight years.
How do interactions between gut bacteria and fungi exacerbate crohn's disease? Scientists have known that bacteria in the gut, along with environmental and genetic factors, contribute to the debilitating intestinal ailment of Crohn's disease (CD). But in 2016, Mahmoud A Ghannoum, Ph.D., FAAM, FIDSA, professor and director of the Center for Medical Mycology at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, was the first to identify a specific fungus in humans that interacted with bacteria in the development of the disease.
	Research suggests a practical use for regret, hindsight How many times have you wished you could give your younger self a piece of advice? Robin Kowalski, professor in Clemson University's psychology department, is willing to bet there's not a single person who hasn't thought about this at least once in the last year. Her research indicates the odds are pretty good that she's right.
	Multiple dosing of long-acting rilpivirine in a model of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis A long-acting antiretroviral agent such as rilpivirine could further improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), already shown to be safe and effective at preventing AIDS in high risk populations, as it could overcome problems with poor medication adherence. A new study examining the safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of multiple doses of injected rilpivirine is published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the full-text article free on the AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses website through August 25, 2019.
	Research uses big data to track and treat drug abuse The underground culture of hardcore drug abuse is dynamic and evolves rapidly. Street names for drugs, hot spots where users go for their fix, and new, dangerous strains laced with different substances change frequently and regularly.
	Juul exec: Never intended vaping device to be used by teens A top executive for vaping giant Juul Labs told House lawmakers Thursday that his company never intended its electronic cigarette to be adopted by underage teenagers and is working to keep them away from kids.
Researchers call for industry regulation to stop 'photoshop' frenzy in advertising An analysis of legal and regulatory strategies that may help combat rampant "photoshopping" and the portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards in advertising has been published in the American Journal of Law & Medicine.
Group medical visit innovations improve access & advance integrative heath equity Group medical visits are exceptional methods delivering critical components of integrative health care for treating and reducing the risk of a wide variety of chronic diseases, particularly in underserved populations. A Special Focus Issue on Innovation in Group-Delivered Services is published in JACM (The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine), a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, dedicated to paradigm, practice, and policy advancing integrative health.
	Researchers create model to predict risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetes A new study identifies the risk factors that could help healthcare providers recognize patients being treated for diabetes who are most likely to have low blood sugar. The predictive risk model, developed and tested by researchers from Regenstrief Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine and Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, is the first to combine nearly all known and readily assessed risk factors for hypoglycemia.
	How and why resistance training is imperative for older adults For many older adults, resistance training may not be part of their daily routine, but a new position statement suggests it is vital to improving their health and longevity.
	Department-based intensive care unit improves patient survival rates A new study found having an intensive care unit within the emergency department improved care and survival rates for the entire emergency department population.
	Congo student with Ebola still finds a way to take exams Claude Mabowa Sasi had lost his mother, a brother and a sister to Ebola . Instead of fearing death when he, too, was diagnosed with the disease, the young man had a different worry: How would he complete his college entrance exams?
Children with medical emergencies during airline flights have limited aid Children afflicted with medical emergencies during commercial airline trips tend to have common ailments such as vomiting, fever or allergic reactions—events that should be easily treated, according to a study led by Duke Health researchers.
	Notre-Dame cathedral site, schools shut over lead fears Work to shore up the fire-ravaged Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris was halted Thursday to stop workers being exposed to hazardous levels of lead hours after two nearby schools were also closed because of contamination fears.
Central African Republic 'not prepared' for Ebola wave The Central African Republic is "not prepared" for a possible wave of the deadly Ebola virus from neighbouring DR Congo where an epidemic has claimed more than 1,700 lives, Health Minister Pierre Somse said Thursday.

Biology news

	Brain parts involved in parenting in frogs revealed A team of researchers from Stanford University, Harvard University, Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios and East Carolina University has isolated the brain regions involved in poison dart frog parenting. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group describes their study of three types of poison dart frogs and what they learned.
	Study suggests dark-colored wing feathers may help birds fly more efficiently A team of researchers at the University of Ghent has found evidence that suggests birds with white wing feathers close to the body and black wing tips get increased lift from their wing colors. In their paper published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface, the group describes their study of wing color in several species of birds and what they found.
	Hidden genetic variations power evolutionary leaps Laboratory populations that quietly amass 'cryptic' genetic variants are capable of surprising evolutionary leaps, according to a paper in the July 26 issue of Science. A better understanding of cryptic variation may improve directed evolution techniques for developing new biomolecules for medical and other applications.
	Slowing metabolic rate can prevent detrimental effects of genetic mutations Just by slowing their metabolism, mutant fruit flies can go from zero to hero.
	Biochemists streamline construction method for human artificial chromosomes For the past 20 years, researchers have been trying to perfect the construction of human artificial chromosomes, or HACs for short. In a paper published today in Cell, Penn researchers describe a new way to form an essential part of the artificial chromosome, called the centromere, by bypassing the biological requirements needed to form a natural one. Simply put, they biochemically delivered a protein called CENP-A directly to HAC DNA to simplify the building of a HAC in the lab.
	Commercial fishing threatens sharks worldwide Even the remotest parts of the ocean appear to offer highly migratory sharks little refuge from industrialized fishing fleets, according to a major new international study published in the journal Nature.
	Tuna are spawning in marine protected areas Marine protected areas are large swaths of coastal seas or open ocean that are protected by governments from activities such as commercial fishing and mining. Such marine sanctuaries have had rehabilitating effects on at-risk species living within their borders. But it's been less clear how they benefit highly migratory species such as tuna.
	Determining traits from genes Advanced technologies allow scientists to decipher information about genes faster and more accurately than ever before. But bridging the gap between the genome and how it will be expressed has proven challenging. Scientists used a model grass to demonstrate, for the first time, a two-step process that links genes to internal properties of a plant and in turn links those internal properties to plant growth traits.
	Cryo-EM structures show how vertical single β-barrel viruses manage self-assembly In 1977, Carl Woese et al introduced the three-domain system of biological classification that divides life forms into Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryotes. This was the first time that the differences between Archaea and Bacteria were recognized. The first observed archaea were extremophiles, able to survive and thrive in extremely harsh conditions, but ongoing research has found them in a wide range of habitats; they are particularly abundant in the oceans. Archaea form part of the microbiota of all organisms, including humans, and their unique survival capabilities mean they can be used to enhance our understanding of early life on Earth. We are just beginning to investigate viruses that can infect Archaea, and in work recently published in Nature Communications, an international team of researchers determined the near-atomic structures of HCIV-1 and HHIV-2 by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Their results show how nature has solved the complexity of arranging vertical single β-barrels and provide insights into the evolutionary consequences of the fusion event of the two consecutive major capsid protein (MCP) genes, which has ultimately led to the membrane-less vertical double β-barrel MCP assembly seen in adenovirus.
	Microbial manufacturing: Genetic engineering breakthrough for urban farming Researchers at SMART, MIT's research enterprise in Singapore, and National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a technology that greatly accelerates the genetic engineering of microbes that can be used to manufacture chemicals used for urban farming. The new technology will result in a faster, cheaper, more accurate, and near-scarless plasmid construction, using standard and reusable parts, compatible with most popular DNA assembly methods.
	Elephant extinction will raise carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere One of the last remaining megaherbivores, forest elephants shape their environment by serving as seed dispersers and forest bulldozers as they eat over a hundred species of fruit, trample bushes, knock over trees and create trails and clearings. Their ecological impact also affects tree populations and carbon levels in the forest, researchers report, with significant implications for climate and conservation policies.
	Detox pathway extends lifespan of the worm C. elegans A mutant worm with a change in one mitochondrial gene produces more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be harmful to cells by causing oxidative stress. However, this mutant worm is able to live twice as long as the wild type. Professor Dr. Aleksandra Trifunovic and her team at the CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research at the University of Cologne showed for the first time that this longevity is driven by a detoxification pathway, directly regulated by the level of ROS.
	Bacteria enhance coral resilience to climate change effects Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems that are particularly sensitive to human influences such as climate change and environmental pollution. Even if the warming of the earth does not exceed 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius—a limit set by the International Panel of Climate Change (IPCC)—more than 70 percent of coral reef ecosystems are likely to be lost, resulting in an economic and ecological catastrophe.
	Slowing metabolism can prevent detrimental effects of genetic mutations Just by slowing their metabolism, mutant fruit flies can go from zero to hero.
	Little helpers for the rainforest Tropical rainforests store large quantities of carbon dioxide, produce oxygen and provide habitats for many animal and plant species. If these ecosystems, which are so important for the global climate and biodiversity, are destroyed, they will recover very slowly, if at all. Scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, the University Estadual Paulista, Brazil, and the University of Marburg have conducted a long-term study on the role monkeys play in the regeneration of degraded rainforests.
	Bacteria-killing gel heals itself while healing you McMaster researchers have developed a novel new gel made entirely from bacteria-killing viruses.
	7-foot mako shark tagged off Texas reappears off North Carolina's Outer Banks A 7-foot-5-inch-long mako shark tagged last year off Texas appeared Wednesday morning off North Carolina's Outer Banks.
	Fewer fish may reach breeding age as climate change skews timing of reproduction, food availability Climate change may be depriving juvenile fish of their most crucial early food source by throwing off the synchronization of when microscopic plants known as phytoplankton bloom and when fish hatch, according to Princeton University researchers. The long-term effect on fish reproductivity could mean fewer fish available for human consumption.
	Massive nests of sociable weavers endure for generations, and house other species, as well It is six o'clock on a sweltering afternoon in the Kalahari Desert and the mercury is still hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. The arid landscape seems empty, save for a few bushes and camelthorn trees in the distance. On some of the trees, what appear to be half-constructed thatched roofs weigh down the dry branches.
	Using weather radar to monitor insects Scientists are developing a pioneering technique that allows them to monitor insects in the air using weather radars, as part of a research project called BioDAR.
	Antarctic krill use 'hotspots' for their young New research, published this week (24 July 2019) in the journal PLOS ONE, shows how Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a key species in the Southern Ocean food web, choose different areas of the ocean at the various stages of their life cycle. This understanding of their distribution and movement is essential for conservation of this important food source, which is the main diet for animals such as whales, seals and penguins.
	Study reveals top tools for pinpointing genetic drivers of disease Published in Nature Communications, the study is the largest of its kind and was led by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute computational biologists Professor Tony Papenfuss, Dr. Daniel Cameron and Mr Leon Di Stefano.
	Preventing people from abandoning exotic pets that threaten biodiversity Abandoning exotic pets is an ethical problem that can lead to biological invasions that threaten conservation of biodiversity in the environment. An article published in the journal Biological Invasions, whose first author is the researcher Alberto Maceda Veiga, from the Biodiversity Research Institute of the University of Barcelona (IRBio), reveals that the release of invasive species in the environment has not been reduced despite the regulation that prohibits the possession of these species since 2011.
	Worm pheromones protect major crops Protecting crops from pests and pathogens without using toxic pesticides has been a longtime goal of farmers. Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have found that compounds from an unlikely source—microscopic soil roundworms—could achieve this aim.
	How the pufferfish got its wacky spines Pufferfish are known for their strange and extreme skin ornaments, but how they came to possess the spiky skin structures known as spines has largely remained a mystery. Now, researchers have identified the genes responsible for the evolution and development of pufferfish spines in a study publishing July 25 in the journal iScience. Turns out, the process is pretty similar to how other vertebrates get their hair or feathers—and might have allowed the pufferfish to fill unique ecological niches.
	Pheromones give nematodes a boost in controlling pests Beneficial nematodes are used as biological control agents to fight a variety of insect pests that severely damage crops. However, in many cases the nematodes don't measure up to other control methods such as certain chemical pesticides.
	Strange bacteria hint at ancient origin of photosynthesis Structures inside rare bacteria are similar to those that power photosynthesis in plants today, suggesting the process is older than assumed.
	The cuttlefish may be flashy, but its microbiome is super simple, team reports Animals have an intimate and important connection with the microbial populations (microbiomes) that live inside their bodies. This holds for the behaviorally sophisticated cuttlefish, whose microbiome, it turns out, contains only two different kinds of bacteria.
	Frog population explodes in region of Vermont A wet spring has caused one frog population to explode in an area of Vermont where throngs of the amphibians have been hopping through fields and lawns, darting across roads and getting flattened by cars and tractors.
	Training my dog taught me that it's people who really need training As I watched my hunting dog standing off the lead and lined up with all the other Kleiner Münsterländers, awaiting her turn to swim out and bring back the dead duck (an important training item) thrown into the deep water, I felt a sense of pride.
Slovakia to cull livestock after first swine fever case Slovakia on Thursday reported its first case of African swine fever, which is deadly to pigs but not humans, prompting the authorities to order a cull.
	Why did whales beach themselves in Georgia? No answers yet Examinations of the carcasses of three pilot whales yielded no immediate answers to why they swam ashore and died on a popular beach in Georgia, state wildlife officials said Thursday.

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