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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for July 9, 2019:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
Astronomy & Space news
 | Djorgovski 2 is a moderately metal-poor globular cluster, study findsBased on data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and from the Very Large Telescope (VLT), astronomers have gained insights into a galactic globular cluster known as Djorgovski 2. Besides determining fundamental parameters of the object, the new research classified Djorgovski 2 as a moderately metal-poor globular cluster. The findings are presented in a paper published June 27 on arXiv.org. |
 | Discovering exoplanets with gravitational wavesIn a recent paper in Nature Astronomy, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute/AEI) in Potsdam and from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in Saclay, Paris suggest how the planned space-based gravitational-wave observatory LISA can detect exoplanets orbiting white dwarf binaries everywhere in the Milky Way and in the nearby Magellanic Clouds. This new method will overcome certain limitations of current electromagnetic detection techniques and might allow LISA to detect planets down to 50 Earth masses. |
 | Interstellar iron isn't missing, it's just hiding in plain sightAstrophysicists know that iron (chemical symbol: Fe) is one of the most abundant elements in the universe, after lightweight elements such as hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Iron is most commonly found in gaseous form in stars such as the Sun, and in more condensed form in planets such as Earth. |
 | Study suggests asteroids might play key role in spreading lifePicture this: A bacteria-carrying asteroid is ejected from the center of the galaxy into the far reaches of space only to be "captured" by a distant solar system, potentially bringing life to a new world. |
 | Powering the extreme jets of active galaxiesAn active galaxy nucleus (AGN) contains a supermassive black hole that is vigorously accreting material. It typically ejects jets of particles that move at close to the speed of light, radiating across many wavelengths, in particular the X-ray, in processes are among the most energetic phenomena in the universe. The jets are often also highly collimated and extend far beyond their host galaxy, and if they happen to be pointed along our line of sight they are the most spectacular class of this phenomenon: blazars. |
 | Space-tourism biz Virgin Galactic going public after mergerRichard Branson's space-tourism venture, Virgin Galactic, is planning to go public, creating the first listed human spaceflight firm. |
 | Newfound kilometer-size asteroid orbits the sun every 151 daysAstronomers have spotted an unusual asteroid with the shortest "year" known for any asteroid. The rocky body, dubbed 2019 LF6, is about a kilometer in size and circles the sun roughly every 151 days. In its orbit, the asteroid swings out beyond Venus and, at times, comes closer in than Mercury, which circles the sun every 88 days. 2019 LF6 is one of only 20 known "Atira" asteroids, whose orbits fall entirely within Earth's. |
 | A new plan for keeping NASA's oldest explorers goingWith careful planning and dashes of creativity, engineers have been able to keep NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft flying for nearly 42 years—longer than any other spacecraft in history. To ensure that these vintage robots continue to return the best science data possible from the frontiers of space, mission engineers are implementing a new plan to manage them. And that involves making difficult choices, particularly about instruments and thrusters. |
 | 3 sky surveys completed in preparation for Dark Energy Spectroscopic InstrumentIt took three sky surveys—conducted at telescopes in two continents, covering one-third of the visible sky, and requiring almost 1,000 observing nights—to prepare for a new project that will create the largest 3-D map of the universe's galaxies and glean new insights about the universe's accelerating expansion. |
 | Women are less supportive of space exploration, but putting a woman on the Moon might change thatIn March 2019, Vice President Mike Pence stated that the goal of NASA should be to return humans to the Moon by 2024. While the cost of such a venture isn't known yet, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has supported the effort and gone as far as naming the 2024 Moon mission, Artemis. |
 | Fifty years after Apollo, when will we go back to the moon?Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong's famous first steps on the surface of the moon demonstrated both ground-breaking technical expertise and immense political will. Science and technology have made considerable progress since then, so why was the last manned mission to the moon in 1972? In his new book, Returning People to the Moon After Apollo, former Apollo engineer Pat Norris gives a detailed account of the Apollo missions and of the Soviet program that was the other competitor in the race to the moon, and asks why more people have not landed on the moon in the decades since. He also assesses today's programs and weighs up who will likely be the next to walk on the moon and when. |
Technology news
 | A swarm robotics approach inspired by behavior observed in microorganismsMany animals and microorganisms are able to complete complex tasks, such as finding food or building nests, as a team, or "swarm." One of the most obvious examples of this is bees, as their survival as a group heavily depends upon cooperation with other members of their colony. Over the past few years, a growing number of researchers have tried to reproduce these fascinating group dynamics in robots, giving rise to an area of study called swarm robotics. |
 | Protein production serves aims for sustainability in our food futureFood out of thin air. As a company slogan, it is hard to get more catchy than that. What on food-producing earth do they mean? |
 | Study shows pollution dramatically reducing solar power generation in ChinaAn international team of researchers has found that air pollution in China is dramatically reducing the amount of power that is generated by solar cells in that country. In their paper published in the journal Nature Energy, the group describes studying data from solar observational stations over the past several decades and what they found. |
 | Cyborg-like microchip valve driven by earthworm muscleScientists at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) in Japan have developed the first microchip valve powered by living cells. Earthworm muscle tissue allowed for a high contractile force that could be sustained for minutes, and unlike electrically controlled valves, did not require any external power source such as batteries. |
 | Activists worry about potential abuse of face scans for ICECivil rights activists complained Monday of the potential for widespread abuse following confirmation that at least three states have scanned millions of driver's license photos on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement without the drivers' knowledge or consent. |
 | Instagram rolls out new features to counter bullying with AIInstagram will introduce new features aimed at curbing online bullying, the Facebook-owned platform announced Monday, as social media giants face increased scrutiny over the harassment faced by many users. |
 | Branson's Virgin Galactic to go public: reportRichard Branson's Virgin Galactic will become the first publicly-traded space tourism project thanks to a New York-listed company's investment worth about $800 million, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. |
 | Facebook US data transfer case goes to Europe's top courtAn Austrian privacy campaigner's long-running legal battle against Facebook over its data transfers to the U.S. reached the European Union's highest court on Tuesday. |
 | Neuroscience and artificial intelligence can help improve each otherDespite their names, artificial intelligence technologies and their component systems, such as artificial neural networks, don't have much to do with real brain science. I'm a professor of bioengineering and neurosciences interested in understanding how the brain works as a system—and how we can use that knowledge to design and engineer new machine learning models. |
 | How electronic skin could help people with disabilitiesYou might not know what they're called, but you probably use them quite a lot. Virtual buttons, also called soft keys, are on smartphones, ATMs and computer monitors, doing the work of buttons though they are just an image. |
 | New app aims to automate drones for goodResearchers at Cranfield University have developed a smartphone app which can connect with off-the-shelf drones and send them to autonomously inspect multiple locations using coordinates received by SMS text message. |
 | Deep learning-powered 'DeepEC' framework helps accurately understand enzyme functionsA deep learning-powered computational framework, 'DeepEC,' will allow the high-quality and high-throughput prediction of enzyme commission numbers, which is essential for the accurate understanding of enzyme functions. |
 | Storing data in musicManuel Eichelberger and Simon Tanner, two ETH doctoral students, store data in music. This means, for example, that background music can contain the access data for the local Wi-Fi network, and a mobile phone's built-in microphone can receive this data. "That would be handy in a hotel room," Tanner says, "since guests would get access to the hotel Wi-Fi without having to enter a password on their device." |
 | Amazon, Microsoft wage war over the Pentagon's 'war cloud'Amazon and Microsoft are battling it out over a $10 billion opportunity to build the U.S. military its first "war cloud" computing system. But Amazon's early hopes of a shock-and-awe victory may be slipping away. |
 | The corporate spat is over between Google and Amazon: YouTube is again available on Amazon Fire TVThe corporate spat between Google and Amazon ends today, with good news for TV viewers. |
 | AR goggles: FORM is sorta like Google Glass, but for swimmingThe rise of augmented reality has enabled tech companies to create some of the most hyped-up eyewear the world has ever seen. |
 | Advocacy group launches national campaign to ban facial-recognition technology from government useAs some cities and states crack down on government use of facial-recognition software, a national advocacy group is going a step further by calling for an outright federal ban on the technology. |
 | New high-definition satellite radar can detect bridges at risk of collapse from spaceResearchers from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Bath have developed a satellite-based early warning system that could spot tiny movements in bridges that indicate they could collapse. |
 | More legroom, less conversation for Uber riders who payUber is letting passengers tell their driver in advance that they'd like a little less conversation, and more legroom, if they're willing to pay. |
TI's DSP-Based Digital Media Processors at the Forefront of Emerging High-Definition VideoconferencingContinuing to drive innovation in digital media applications, TI's TMS320DM642 DSP-based digital media processor provides the foundation required to bring high-definition (HD) video and audio to the videoconferencing market. High-definition videoconferencing - initially offering 1280 x 720 resolution - promises to address many of the issues that have created problems for users of previous generation videoconferencing technology, including reduced image resolution, poor sound quality, excessive set-up complexity and limited bandwidth and processing resources. High-definition videoconferencing systems, backed by the processing resources of TI's 720 MHz DM642 architecture, allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop and launch scalable systems to the market faster. | |
Zuckerberg security chief accused of misconduct leaves jobFacebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's personal security chief won't be returning to his job after being accused of sexual misconduct and slurs that included racist remarks about Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan. | |
 | Nanobowl arrays endow perovskite solar cells with iridescent colorsWith the maturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology, it is highly desirable to develop colorful solar cells to satisfy the requirements of aesthetic purposes in applications including building integrated photovoltaics and wearable electronics. The broad optical absorption and the large absorption coefficient of perovskites normally lead to high-efficiency cells with dark-brown colors. Till now, two representative approaches have been used to achieve colorful PSCs: bandgap engineering and structural colors. The former approach usually leads to considerably reduced power conversion efficiency (PCE) values (typically less than 13%) owing to diminished optical absorption associated with the enlarged bandgap. The latter approach takes advantage of engineered optical properties arising from patterned structures, enabling the generation of structural colors that are bright and dazzling. Despite the great efforts devoted to the colorful PSCs with respectable efficiencies, it remains a challenge to realize high-efficiency, colorful PSCs through deliberate structural design. |
 | Twitter bans 'dehumanizing' posts toward religious groupsTwitter now prohibits hate speech that targets religious groups by using dehumanizing language, a ban it says may extend to other categories like race and gender. |
 | Amazon workers in Minnesota plan 6-hour strike during Prime Day eventA worker advocacy group said 100 Amazon warehouse workers in Shakopee, Minn., plan to strike for six hours on the e-commerce giant's Prime Day next week, in an effort to demand better work conditions. |
 | Marriott faces $123 million fine in UK for data breachMarriott says it will fight a $123 million U.K. government fine related to its massive data breach. |
 | AT&T to pull Friends from Netflix for its streaming serviceAT&T is pulling "Friends" from Netflix to beef up its own upcoming streaming service. With new services launching, popular shows are splintering onto several different platforms. |
Medicine & Health news
 | Old protein, new tricks: Study connects a protein to antibody immunity for the first timeHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may not be a household name as far as viruses go, but according to Xiaoping Zhu, professor and chair in Veterinary Medicine at UMD, half of the population walking around campus is likely to be a carrier. Once contracted, it lays dormant in your body for the rest of your life and can flare up whenever your immune system is severely compromised, giving you flu-like symptoms. This becomes a severe problem for people who already have weakened immune systems, for example the very young, old, pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, or HIV/AIDS patients. More concerning, however, is that HCMV is the number one infectious cause of congenital birth defects in the world, including developmental disabilities and deafness. But how can a protein be a major contributor in the development of birth defects, and also hold the potential to provide symptom relief from autoimmune diseases like lupus? In a new paper published in Nature Communications, Zhu and his colleagues are helping to answer this question and uncover the mechanisms that will lead to multi-faceted prevention and treatment. |
 | A third of children up to age three exposed to Zika in-utero have neurological problemsNew UCLA-led research suggests that 32% of children up to the age of 3 years who were exposed to the Zika virus during the mother's pregnancy had below-average neurological development. |
 | Similarities of small cell cancers to blood cancers could lead to better treatmentsAn interdisciplinary team of UCLA scientists has found that small cell neuroendocrine cancers from a range of tissues have a common molecular signature and share drug sensitivities with blood cancers. The discoveries could improve the diagnoses of these aggressive cancers and lead to the development of new treatments that build upon the lessons learned from successful blood cancer therapies. |
 | Rosy health and sickly green: Color associations play robust role in reading facesAnyone who has ever sensed that a person is sick simply by looking at their face has experienced the wealth of information conveyed by face color. A new study by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, provides evidence that the human brain's visual system is especially sensitive to the color of faces compared to the colors of other objects or things. Study results were published today in Nature Communications. |
 | Sorting protein in neurons defends against neurodegenerative diseaseLike a sorting machine in an assembly line, a molecule known as VPS35 detects and removes defective proteins from neurons. And similar to other quality control processes, the VPS35 system goes a long way toward protecting health, according to new work by researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. They show for the first time that VPS35 clears the brain of a potentially harmful protein called tau, which otherwise accumulates and contributes to neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. |
 | Discovery in mice points to potential treatment for vestibular disordersResearchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found a way to regenerate hair cells in the inner ears of mice, allowing the animals to recover vestibular function. It's the first time such recovery has been observed in mature mammals. |
 | Bias erodes translational value in animal spinal cord injury studiesAn analysis led by researchers from The Ohio State University College of Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that bias in the design and reporting of spinal cord injury (SCI) studies in animals results in overestimation of the effectiveness of a potential treatment to prevent infections in human patients with SCI. |
 | Hinge-like protein may open new doors in cystic fibrosis treatmentIn recent decades, treatment options for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically. The newest drugs, known as potentiators, target a protein called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, which is mutated in people with the disease. Yet, while these medications can help some people with CF, they are far from perfect. Moreover, researchers haven't been able to figure out how the drugs actually work—until now. |
Light touch to improve rheumatoid arthritis diagnosisA new way of detecting rheumatoid arthritis using infrared light could offer an objective way of diagnosing the disease and monitoring treatment effectiveness, a University of Birmingham study shows. | |
WHO mental health guidelines could better capture 'lived experience'Mental health patients want mental health diagnostic descriptions to better reflect what it feels like to live with their conditions in the World Health Organisation's global manual of diagnoses—according to a new Lancet Psychiatry report. | |
 | Kratom herbal supplement used to treat addiction and pain found unsafe by researchersThe herb kratom is increasingly being used to manage pain and treat opioid addiction, but it's not safe to use as an herbal supplement, according to new research led by faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York. |
 | New technique developed to detect autism in childrenResearchers have developed a new technique to help doctors more quickly and accurately detect autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. |
Participating in local food projects may improve mental healthA new study soon to appear in the Faculty of Public Health's Journal of Public Health suggests that participating in local food projects may have a positive effect on wellbeing and psychological health. | |
 | Air pollution speeds up aging of the lungs and increases chronic lung disease riskA study of more than 300,000 people has found that exposure to outdoor air pollution is linked to decreased lung function and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). |
 | Cardiac arrest among hospitalized patients may be underestimatedSignificantly more patients suffer cardiac arrests in U.S. hospitals each year than previously estimated, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal. |
 | In poor countries, birth spacing affects infant mortalityFor children in the poorest countries in the world, their chance of survival depends on the length of the period between their birth and the birth of the previous sibling, according to a new MPIDR study. In some cases, increasing the time between births by just one year can reduce the risk of infant mortality by about 50 percent. |
 | Can your shoes really make you run faster?Led by Professor Iain Hunter, researchers at BYU studied top marathon running shoes to discover if one could help runners be more efficient |
 | Anti-worm drug inhibits tumor growth and spread in miceResearchers at UNSW Sydney have discovered that a drug used for almost 40 years to treat worm infections in humans and animals can be used to inhibit melanoma growth and spread in mice. |
 | Women with a disabling neurological disorder are at twice the risk of heart conditionsFemale patients who suffer from a disabling neurological disorder known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are at twice the risk of heart conditions and stroke, a study led by the University of Birmingham has shown for the first time. |
 | Blue light at night increases the consumption of sweets in ratsA new study demonstrates that just one hour of exposure to blue light at night—the kind of light produced by the screens of many devices—raises blood sugar levels and increases sugar consumption in male rats. This study, led by Anayanci Masís-Vargas and colleagues from the University of Strasbourg and University of Amsterdam, was presented this week at the annual conference of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB) in Utrecht, Netherlands. |
 | Machine learning identifies common DNA structuresResearchers from HSE University have used machine learning to discover that the two most widespread DNA structures—stem loops and quadruplexes—cause genome mutations that lead to cancer. The results of the study were published in BMC Cancer. |
 | Zero-hour contracts take huge mental and physical tolls: Poor eating habits, lack of sleep, relationship problemsThe number of workers on zero-hours contracts continues to rise in the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that between October and December 2018 there were between 777,000 and 911,000 people working on zero-hours contracts. But the impact of such contracts seems to be underestimated by the government. |
 | Physicians receiving industry money are more likely to prescribe brand-name drugsUse of a class of pain drugs called gabapentinoids has increased more than three-fold between 2002 and 2015. |
 | Physician burnout: Why legal and regulatory systems may need to step inA career as a physician has traditionally been considered to be among the best vocations that talented students can pursue. That may no longer be the case. All too many doctors report that they are unhappy, frustrated and even prepared to leave the profession. That should worry all of us. The physician burnout crisis is likely to affect our quality of care and our access to health care providers. |
 | New CT scan analysis predicts respiratory illness and death in COPDCT scans of the lungs of smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—when analyzed by a mathematical function called airway fractal dimension—can estimate increased risk of death for a group of people who are not otherwise identified as high-risk by conventional tests. |
 | New tool predicts how electrical stimulation promotes healingScientists have known for decades that electrical stimulation promotes healing of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and bedsores, but how it happens has been a mystery—until now. |
 | Major breakthrough in the treatment of leukemiaA molecular process involved in the action of anti-leukemia drugs has been discovered at Université de Montréal's Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC). While calling into question a central tenet of oncology, this discovery, published today in the journal Cancer Cell, also holds promise for the development of effective treatments in the near future. |
 | Muscle-wasting sarcopenia is now a recognised disease—but we can all protect ourselvesAs we grow older, the size and strength of our muscles progressively deteriorates. This can affect our capacity to perform everyday activities like standing up from a chair, climbing stairs or carrying groceries. |
 | Comparing models for discrimination of infant cries for the early detection of developmental disordersCrying is, for babies, the earliest way of expressing and communicating needs like hunger, pain, discomfort or tiredness. Apart from that, the cry is an acoustic signal containing information that provides insights into the medical status of an infant. Much research has been conducted to explore the acoustic properties of infant cries and the potential to identify differences in those properties between healthy and non-healthy cries, using computational models and algorithms as well as by human listeners. Although the previous researches did not examine sufficiently to see if human listeners are able to differentiate not only between healthy and non-healthy cries but also between different types of pathologies and a comparison of the classification skills of computational models in contrast to the skills of human listeners. |
 | Without insurance, dental care can take a bite out of fixed incomesIf you're over sixty-five, chances are better than two-to-one you don't have dental insurance. According to a report released in May by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 29.2 percent of American seniors had dental insurance as of 2017. And, according to the CDC, those who are over seventy-five, black, Hispanic, or living below the poverty level are even less likely to have dental coverage. |
 | Like to work with background noise? It could be boosting your performanceLike to work in a noisy environment while your colleague prefers silence? It could be your brain is simply less "noisy" so this extra, external noise improves your cognitive functioning. |
 | Mathematical modeling breakthrough for translational research of new CRSD medicationA new mathematical modeling approach has identified major sources of interspecies and inter-individual variations in the clinical efficacy of a clock-modulating drug: photosensitivity and PER2 level. This has enabled precision medicine for circadian disruption. |
 | Treatment target pinpointed for liver cancer in teens and young adultsNew findings show how a genetically aberrant, fused protein promotes a rare form of liver cancer in adolescents and young adults. The researchers also saw that a certain mix of drugs could target the fused protein and the enzymes that it recruits. In the lab, this drug combination slowed down the uncontrolled growth of cells carrying the liver cancer mutation. |
 | Teens 'mocked' by their parents are at greater risk for bullying, victimizationNew evidence suggests that adolescent bullying and victimization may have origins in the home. Many bullies have parents who are hostile, punitive and rejecting. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, and Uppsala University in Sweden, have identified another type of parenting that contributes to peer difficulties: those who direct derision and contempt at their children. |
 | Research shows that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxietyMany different countries have a tea culture, and Japanese Matcha tea is growing in popularity around the world. In Japan, Matcha has a long history of being used for various medicinal purposes. It has been suspected to have various beneficial effects to health, but relatively little scientific evidence has supported that claim. Now, a group of Japanese researchers from Kumamoto University has shown that anxious behavior in mice is reduced after consuming Matcha powder or Matcha extract. Its calming effects appear to be due to mechanisms that activate dopamine D1 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, both of which are closely related to anxious behavior. |
 | Therapeutic strategies based on evolutionary principles may improve patient outcomesFor over a century, cancer treatment research has primarily focused on developing new and better drugs. The introduction of new drugs, particularly in the past 20 years, has significantly improved patient outcomes when the tumor is localized to one region of the body. Unfortunately, many patients with wide-spread metastatic disease still succumb to their cancer. The problem is not that the new drugs are ineffective. In fact, the initial responses are often excellent, sometimes producing complete disappearance of the tumor. But a small number of cells evolve resistance and eventually allow the tumor to return. In a new article published by Cancer Research, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers propose the evolutionary dynamics of background extinctions suggest this focus on finding new and better drugs may have neglected opportunities to develop new and better treatment strategies to improve outcomes with currently available drugs. |
New analysis shows drug slows down respiratory declineDuchenne muscular dystrophy occurs in boys and is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness leading to a decline in respiratory function. Strategies to arrest this severe progressive deterioration are needed to extend lives and improve quality of life. Results of three clinical trials using eteplirsen, an exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotide, show promising results, according to a study published in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. | |
Study highlights need for tailored skin cancer prevention programsSun safety practices for attendees at skin cancer screening events differ from the general public, according to findings published by researchers from the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center. The study was published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. | |
 | A peek into opioid users' brains as they try to quitLying inside a scanner, the patient watched as pictures appeared one by one: A bicycle. A cupcake. Heroin. Outside, researchers tracked her brain's reactions to the surprise sight of the drug she'd fought to kick. |
 | Therapeutic strategies based on evolutionary principles may improve patient outcomesFor over a century, cancer treatment research has primarily focused on developing new and better drugs. The introduction of new drugs, particularly in the past 20 years, has significantly improved patient outcomes when the tumor is localized to one region of the body. Unfortunately, many patients with wide-spread metastatic disease still succumb to their cancer. The problem is not that the new drugs are ineffective. In fact, the initial responses are often excellent, sometimes producing complete disappearance of the tumor. But a small number of cells evolve resistance and eventually allow the tumor to return. In a new article published by Cancer Research, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers propose the evolutionary dynamics of background extinctions suggest this focus on finding new and better drugs may have neglected opportunities to develop new and better treatment strategies to improve outcomes with currently available drugs. |
 | New research links early-life mortality and family structure, education, incomeA new study from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Carolina Population Center found that the risk of dying between the ages of 1 and 24 is substantially higher for children whose parents have lower levels of education, lower levels of income, or for those who live in a single-parent family. |
 | New antibacterial fillings may combat recurring tooth decayTooth decay is among the costliest and most widespread bacterial diseases. Virulent bacteria cause the acidification of tooth enamel and dentin, which, in turn, causes secondary tooth decay. |
 | Adults with cerebral palsy at higher risk for osteoporosis(HealthDay)—Cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the August issue of Bone. |
 | In-hospital maternal mortality down in pregnancies with lupus(HealthDay)—In-hospital maternal mortality decreased from 1998 to 2015 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and non-SLE pregnancies, with a greater decline for SLE pregnancies, according to a study published online July 9 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. |
 | School performance down with adverse childhood experiences(HealthDay)—Children's school performance and attitudes decline as their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase, according to a study published online July 8 in Pediatrics. |
 | History of liver disease does not impact efficacy of edoxaban(HealthDay)—For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the efficacy and safety of edoxaban versus warfarin is not altered with a history of liver disease, according to a study published in the July 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. |
 | LENI flap reliable for nasal defect reconstruction(HealthDay)—The lateral extended nasal island (LENI) flap is an effective and predictable single-stage reconstructive technique for medium-size nasal tip defects, according to research published online July 3 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. |
| Metabolic reprogramming of branched-chain amino acid facilitates drug resistance in lung cancerDespite the remarkable success of molecular targeted therapy in recent years, the rapid increase of drug resistance is a major obstacle to effective treatment of lung cancer. |
 | A concussion can cost your job, especially if you are young and well educatedA hard tackle on the football-field, a crash on your bike or a fall from a ladder in your home can easily cause a concussion, which eventually can cost your job—especially if you are in your thirties, and have a higher education. |
SPR Therapeutics' neuromodulation system treats phantom-limb painMedical device company SPR Therapeutics makes a neuromodulation system in Minnesota that can treat pain in a person's limbs—even limbs that were amputated long ago. | |
 | Parent who listens can help kids thrive despite trauma(HealthDay)—Heartfelt talks between parent and child are essential to help kids overcome tough times and do their best at school, a new study says. |
 | A guide to gift shopping that's good for your health(HealthDay)—Shopping for a gift for a friend or loved one? Instead of wracking your brain over which sweater to buy, keep in mind that gifts for good health are always the right size. |
 | Should you try allergen immunotherapy?(HealthDay)—If you're constantly sneezing and sniffling even though you take allergy medication to relieve symptoms, you may want to consider immunotherapy. |
 | Operating time for hip, knee replacement overestimated(HealthDay)—The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and most recent Relative Value Scale Update Committee recommendations overestimate the operating time for original and revision hip and knee replacements, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs. |
 | Infective endocarditis prevalence 26 percent in patients with E. faecalis(HealthDay)—The prevalence of infective endocarditis (IE) is about 26 percent among patients with Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia, according to a study published in the July 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. |
 | 'Chaos' in the home linked to poor asthma control in childrenA chaotic household—one where things just don't seem to run smoothly, there's lots of noise, little gets taken care of in a timely manner, and where relaxation is difficult—as well as child and parent depression, are risk factors for worse asthma outcomes in urban minority children, according to a new paper published in the journal Pediatrics. |
 | The growing need for bone marrow donorsClose to 5,000 people in the U.S. undergo a bone marrow transplant annually. Also known as a stem cell transplant, this procedure replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy cells. |
 | In US first, baby is born from dead donor's transplanted wombThe Cleveland Clinic says it has delivered the first baby in North America after a womb transplant from a dead donor. |
Pregnancy outcomes greatly improved in lupus patientsHistorically, pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was considered so risky that physicians counseled women to avoid becoming pregnant and recommended that women carrying a child terminate their pregnancy. Now, a new study published July 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrates that pregnancy outcomes in the last two decades have drastically improved for patients with this disease. | |
 | Unusual eating behaviors may be a new diagnostic indicator for autismAtypical eating behaviors may be a sign a child should be screened for autism, according to a new study from Penn State College of Medicine. |
 | Light therapy could replace opioids as main treatment for cancer treatment side effectA worldwide coalition of researchers and clinicians has agreed that light therapy is among the most effective interventions for the prevention of oral mucositis, painful ulcers in the mouth resulting from cancer therapy. |
Symptom-triggered medication for neonatal opioid withdrawal yields shorter hospital staysA study led by researchers at Boston Medical Center (BMC) found that symptom-triggered medication dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome instead of infants receiving a fixed schedule of medication with a long taper reduced the length of their hospital stay. The findings, published in Hospital Pediatrics, indicate that following the novel symptom-triggered approach—developed at BMC—for administering medication could be a more effective intervention for these infants and could help reduce unnecessary medication exposure. | |
 | Strengthening muscle may be healthier than losing fatFocusing on strengthening our muscles rather than losing fat may be a better way to protect ourselves from weight-related hazards like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, investigators say. |
 | What is driving the spike in black lung disease among coal miners?Rates of severe coal workers' pneumoconiosis—also known as black lung disease—among coal miners have been on the rise recently despite regulations on exposure to dusts associated with mining. |
 | Transplant recipients may soon have a test to protect against organ rejectionTo help prevent organ rejection, transplant recipients could receive drug cocktails personalised to their own immune systems if a new test, which has passed early trials, is successful. And new methods for scrubbing animal tissue could enable humans to benefit from other species' organs in the future. |
 | Validity of Obama health care law at issue in appeal hearingAn appeals court was to hear arguments Tuesday on whether Congress effectively invalidated former President Barack Obama's entire signature health care law when it zeroed out the tax imposed on those who chose not to buy insurance. |
 | How to equip the brake of immunityThe immune system is indispensable for defense against invading pathogens, but its aberrant activation may lead to autoimmune diseases. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in preventing excess immune activation; mice without enough Treg function develop autoimmune disorders and are susceptible to immune diseases. |
 | Eye drops, ointments sold at Walgreens recalled(HealthDay)—A number of over-the-counter eye products sold at Walgreens have been recalled by manufacturer Altaire Pharmaceuticals because the products may not be sterile. |
Biology news
 | Lovebirds ace maneuvers in the darkWhile pilots rely on radio signals, advanced computations and tools to keep them on course during strong crosswinds, birds can naturally navigate these demanding conditions—and do so in environments with little visibility. To understand how they accomplish this feat, researchers in the lab of David Lentink, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University, studied lovebirds flying in a crosswind tunnel which features customizable wind and light settings. |
 | Scientists decode DNA secrets of world's toughest beanUC Riverside scientists have decoded the genome of black-eyed peas, offering hope for feeding Earth's expanding population, especially as the climate changes. |
 | Researchers probe cell division defects to gain insight into cancerFrom bugs to plants to animals, for all living things to grow they must create more cells. To do so, each existing cell, whether in an embryo or an adult, receives cues to copy its chromosomes—large pieces of DNA that contain each cell's entire genetic code. In a carefully and elegantly controlled process, each cell then divides into two. |
 | Carnivorous plants: No escape for mosquitoesPhysically bound to a specific location, plants have to devise special ways to secure their supply of vital nutrients. Most plants have developed a root system to the nutrients they need in order to survive out of the soil. But what if nutrient-poor soils fail to provide the necessities of life? Carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap have found a way out of this dilemma. |
 | A new way to grow crops in marginal soils could help feed the worldThe global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050—but how will we feed all these people? Roughly one-third of the world's arable land suffers from lack of accessible iron, rendering it inhospitable to staple crops like maize and soybeans. |
 | Study finds that parental 'memory' is inherited across generationsAre our personalities and behaviors shaped more by our genes or our circumstances? While this age-old "nature vs. nurture" question continues to confound us and fuel debates, a growing body of evidence from research conducted over recent decades suggests that parental environment can have a profound impact on future generations. |
 | Decades-long butterfly study shows common species on the declineThe most extensive and systematic insect monitoring program ever undertaken in North America shows that butterfly abundance in Ohio declined yearly by 2%, resulting in an overall 33% drop for the 21 years of the program. |
 | Aphrodisiac pheromone discovered in fish semenAn aphrodisiac pheromone discovered in the semen of sea lampreys attracts ready-to-mate females, according to a study publishing July 9 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Anne M. Scott of Michigan State University, Zhe Zhang of Shanghai Ocean University, and colleagues. |
 | In the active center of carbon dioxide conversionIn order to overcome the climate crisis, two measures are required: The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and removal of CO2 from the earth atmosphere. The latter is the goal of Tobias Erb's research group at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg. Their approaches not only aim to benefit climate protection, but also to secure sustainability in the long term: to filter CO2 from the air and make it usable for technology. |
 | New computational tool lets researchers identify cells based on their chromosome shapeIn the nucleus of every living cell, long strands of DNA are tightly folded into compact chromosomes. Now, thanks to a new computational approach developed at the Salk Institute, researchers can use the architecture of these chromosome folds to differentiate between types of cells. The information about each cell's chromosome structure will give scientists a better understanding of how interactions between different regions of DNA play a role in health and disease. |
 | Linking phenotypes to genotypes: A newly devised gene-editing strategyThe power and convenience of modern-day word-processing programs like Microsoft Word have revolutionized our daily tasks. Need to create a quick resume for a new job opportunity? Procrastinating on that final term paper due tomorrow? Even creating a quick grocery list: Most of us rely on word-processing programs as stewards of our written lives. The functionality is impressive and unlike its archaic predecessor the typewriter just a few keystrokes can change, delete, or add words as the user desires. |
 | Body plan evolution not as simple as once believedThe role of Hox genes in changing the layout of different body parts during evolution has been challenged by a study led by researchers out of the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Biological Sciences. |
 | Goats can distinguish emotions from the calls of other goatsGoats can probably distinguish subtle emotional changes in the calls of other goats, according to a new study led by Queen Mary University of London. |
 | Scientists identify new virus-killing proteinA new protein called KHNYN has been identified as a missing piece in a natural antiviral system that kills viruses by targeting a specific pattern in viral genomes, according to new findings published today in eLife. Studying the body's natural defenses to viruses and how viruses evolve to evade them is crucial to developing new vaccines, drugs and anticancer treatments. |
 | Under a microscope: Startups grow meat in lab, face scrutinyUma Valeti slices into a pan-fried chicken cutlet in the kitchen of his startup, Memphis Meats. He sniffs the tender morsel on his fork before taking a bite. He chews slowly, absorbing the taste. |
 | Study highlights nitrogen efficiency gains in corn hybrids over 70 yearsDuring the past 70 years, hybrid corn varieties have increased both yield and nitrogen use efficiency at nearly the same pace, largely by preserving leaf function during grain filling. The Purdue University study's findings offer strategies for corn breeders who want to continue to improve yields and nutrient efficiencies. |
 | The benefits of an unconventional pairing: Sheep in a vineyardIn addition to sipping award-winning wines, visitors to Shelburne Vineyard in nearby Shelburne, Vermont, this spring could be found taking selfies with sheep. That's because the vineyard was home to a flock of five Suffolk sheep happily grazing on the grass beneath the grapevines. |
 | When is fruit ready to pick? Nature offers different cluesIt takes just a twist of the wrist to determine when pears are ready to come off the tree. |
 | Chemicals found in fungus could help in battle against mountain pine beetleUniversity of Alberta research has discovered new chemicals carried by fungi in the mountain pine beetle that could be used to build better traps in the battle against the ravaging forest pest. |
 | Fear of predators increases risk of illness in prey speciesPredators are not only a deadly threat to many animals, they also affect potential prey negatively simply by being nearby. Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have studied what happens to the prey's immune system when they are forced to expend a large amount of their energy on avoiding being eaten. |
 | Early first pregnancy is the key to successful reproduction of cheetahs in zoosCheetah experts in many zoos around the world are at a loss. Despite all their efforts, cheetahs often do not reproduce in the desired manner. Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), together with colleagues from the Allwetterzoo Münster, have now found a key to the issue: The age of the mothers at the first pregnancy is the decisive factor. In contrast to animals in the wild, felines kept in zoos are often bred only years after they have reached sexual maturity. From the study results, the researchers derive recommendations for keeping cheetahs in zoological gardens. The study was published in the journal Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research. |
 | Researchers develop two new antibiotics that do not trigger resistance in miceTwo new antibiotics created by Prof. Brice Felden and his team at the Inserm and Université de Rennes 1 are not only effective against Gram-positive and negative multi-resistant bacteria, they also appear not to trigger resistance when used to treat infection in mice. This advance could bring new possibilities for fighting antibiotic resistance worldwide. Details on this research are published in PLOS Biology. |
 | Cats kill more than 1.5 billion native Australian animals per yearPet and feral cats together are killing over two billion reptiles, birds and mammals per year in Australia, and most of these animals are natives, according to a new book written by three of Australia's leading environmental scientists. |
 | Improved model could help scientists better predict crop yield, climate change effectsA new computer model incorporates how microscopic pores on leaves may open in response to light—an advance that could help scientists create virtual plants to predict how higher temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide will affect food crops, according to a study published in a special issue of the journal Photosynthesis Research today. |
 | Researchers train dogs to respond to haptic vibration commandsDogs can be trained to respond to haptic vibration commands while wearing a modified canine vest developed by an interdisciplinary research team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). |
 | US wants to dump 1.5 tons of rat poison pellets on Farallon Islands: Biologists say it's for the bestFor most humans, life on these jagged islands off the coast of San Francisco would be a nightmare: Waves lash the shore with treacherous force, the stench of guano fills the air, and the screech of seagulls is so loud that resident scientists wear earplugs to bed. |
 | Manatee deaths by watercraft rising at record pace in FloridaWildlife experts have blamed toxic red tide algae and a cold snap for the deadly 2018 experienced by manatees, but so far this year, boats are the primary cause. |
 | Most dog and cat owners not aware of pet blood donation schemesMost dog and cat owners are not aware of pet blood donation schemes and animal blood banks, finds a survey of pet owners published in Vet Record. |
 | Russian officials raise alarm over bee deathsRussian officials are raising the alarm about mass bee deaths across the country. |
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