Science X Newsletter Monday, Aug 26

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for August 26, 2019:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Using deep learning to predict parameters of batteries on electric vehicles

Did parasite manipulation influence human neurological evolution?

How the brain 'approximates' without actually counting

New theory draws connections between Planckian metals and black holes

Mrk 1498 hosts a young and obscured AGN, study finds

Mosquito incognito: Could graphene-lined clothing help prevent mosquito bites?

Scientists advance search for memory's molecular roots

Chemists discover water microdroplets spontaneously produce hydrogen peroxide

New evidence that optimists live longer

Migrating mule deer don't need directions: study

A novel technology for genome-editing a broad range of mutations in live organisms

What's Mars solar conjunction, and why does it matter?

Solar array feeds railway route in the UK

How diabetes can increase cancer risk

How much pot in that brownie? Chocolate can throw off tests

Astronomy & Space news

	Mrk 1498 hosts a young and obscured AGN, study finds An international team of astronomers has found that the giant radio galaxy (GRG) Mrk 1498 has a more complex nuclear structure than previously thought. By analyzing multi-wavelength observations of Mrk 1498, a young and obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN) has been identified in the center of this galaxy. The study is detailed in a paper published August 16 on arXiv.org.
	What's Mars solar conjunction, and why does it matter? The daily chatter between antennas here on Earth and those on NASA spacecraft at Mars is about to get much quieter for a few weeks.
	Astrophysicists link brightening of pulsar wind nebula to pulsar spin-down rate transition Astrophysicists have discovered that the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) surrounding the famous pulsar B0540-69 brightened gradually after the pulsar experienced a sudden spin-down rate transition (SRT). This discovery, made by a group of astrophysicists led by GE Mingyu and LU Fangjun at the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provides important clues to the spin-down mechanism and the magnetic field structure of the pulsar, as well as the physical properties of the PWN. The results were published in Nature Astronomy.
	NASA investigating first crime committed in space: report US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday.
	Hawaii or Spain? Telescope experts say it may not matter When starlight from billions of years ago zips across the universe and finally comes into focus on Earth, astronomers want their telescopes to be in the best locations possible to see what's out there.
	Docking aborted for Russia's first humanoid robot in space An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia's first humanoid robot to be sent into orbit failed to dock at the International Space Station on Saturday, in a new setback for Moscow.
	International Space Station crew relocates Soyuz capsule The crew of the International Space Station has successfully relocated a Soyuz space capsule to another docking port to facilitate the rendezvous with another spacecraft.
	Why we need to get back to Venus Just next door, cosmologically speaking, is a planet almost exactly like Earth. It's about the same size, is made of about the same stuff and formed around the same star.
	Scientists shed new light on mystery origin of ultra-high-energy cosmic ray hotspot Among many particles arriving from outer space, there are ones with the extremely high energy that travel at nearly the speed of light, which is equivalent of a baseball thrown at a speed of 100 meters per second. New hypothesis for origin of those ultra-high-energy particles has been proposed, thus drawing particular attention from all over the world.
	Image: X-raying a galaxy's stellar remnants This colourful spread of light specks is in fact a record of extremely powerful phenomena taking place in a galaxy known as Messier 83, or M83. Located some 15 million light-years away, M83 is a barred spiral galaxy, not dissimilar in shape from our own Milky Way, and currently undergoing a spur of star formation, with a handful of new stars being born every year.
	NASA's BITSE solar scope is ready for balloon flight over New Mexico NASA and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, or KASI, are getting ready to test a new way to see the Sun, high over the New Mexico desert.
	Image: Hubble captures dynamic dying star This atmospheric image taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows a dark, gloomy scene in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins). The subject of this image confused astronomers when it was first studied—rather than being classified as a single object, it was instead recorded as two objects, owing to its symmetrical lobed structure (known as NGC 2371 and NGC 2372, though sometimes referred to together as NGC 2371/2).

Technology news

	Using deep learning to predict parameters of batteries on electric vehicles The batteries used to power electric vehicles have several key characterizing parameters, including voltage, temperature, and state of change (SOC). As battery faults are associated with abnormal fluctuations in these parameters, effectively predicting them is of vital importance to ensure that electric vehicles operate safely and reliably over time.
	Solar array feeds railway route in the UK How well is the UK doing to seal a future of solar powered trains? Will connecting solar power directly to rail networks help meet a good enough share of electricity needs? Eyes are on a pilot scheme going on now and it is designed to plug into the track near Aldershot,
	Physicists' study demonstrates silicon's energy-harvesting power A University of Texas at Dallas physicist has teamed with Texas Instruments Inc. to design a better way for electronics to convert waste heat into reusable energy.
	Jumbo electric vehicle has energy bragging rights at no charge Enticed car watchers see e-car designs that look like James Bond-like sleekmobiles ready for valet parking near some island casino. Meanwhile, what about the other world of heavy-duty trucks for mining and construction?
	Cloud gaming faces challenges as Google prepares launch Urging fans to plunge into a virtual high-res surround sound universe of extraordinary games, Google hopes its cloud-based Stadia platform will take the world by storm on its November launch.
	In praise of the big pixel: Gaming is having a retro moment Clunky games consoles with blobby pixels might not be the latest thing—but they're still cool even if you're no longer at school.
	Cuba's intranet creators, thriving despite regulatory clampdown What, no internet? That is no problem for Juan, who used to play the e-sports game Dota 2 on a giant local intranet created with a massive network of cables and antennas connecting thousands of homes in Havana.
German army seeks out gamers in hunt for computer-savvy recruits Among countless stands of car manufacturers, software developers and engineering universities at Cologne's video games convention, the sight of fatigue-clad soldiers manning the German military's brightly-lit stall draws in the curious.
	Winning team pockets $15 mn in final of eSports spectacular More than 600,000 people watched captivated online and thousands packed a downtown Shanghai arena to see team OG take home a life-changing chunk of an eSports-record $34.3 million prize pool on Sunday.
	The digital human: the cyber version of humanity's quest for immortality Immortality has been a topic of discussion since the legend of the Holy Grail.
	Bargain-hunting robocars could spell the end for downtown parking – cities need to plan ahead now Imagine a scene from the near-future: You get dropped off downtown by a driverless car. You slam the door and head into your office or appointment. But then where does the autonomous vehicle go?
	Contactless and efficient monitoring of premature babies Every year, nearly 15 million babies are born too soon and need to be cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Modern NICUs have taken a major leap forward in terms of implemented technologies. Yet, much still needs to be done in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort of the monitoring systems. Rohan Joshi, Ph.D. candidate at Eindhoven University of Technology, developed in close cooperation with Máxima MC algorithms to prioritize better the large number of alarms in NICUs. Also, he designed algorithms that can track the benefits of skin-skin contact between premature babies and their parents. Lastly, he implemented a contactless sensor which can monitor the breathing and the motion of premature babies and predict the risk of severe infections. Joshi defends his Ph.D. thesis on August 30th.
	Tiny tweaks for big wins in solar cells Solar cell performance and stability depend on the morphology of the thin films, especially their ability to crystallize in the so-called photoactive α-phase. Perovskites containing lead tend to combine various halides, such as the anionic forms of bromine and iodine, with mixtures of methylammonium, formamidinium, cesium and other cations. These have led to record conversion efficiencies and thermal stabilities compared with their single-halide, single-cation analogs. However, these mixed-halide, mixed-cation perovskite films have been characterized only throughex-situpostdeposition techniques. This limits the understanding of the mechanisms that govern their growth from their sol-gel precursor to their solid state and stalls attempts to improve device performance and stability.
	Hey Siri, Google and Alexa—enough with the snooping Hey, Google, enough is enough already.
	AI at work: Machines are training human workers to be more compassionate "You are speaking faster than usual," reads an alert on a computer screen. The call center agent on the phone with a customer can see a speedometer icon.
	Researchers propose method to balance user experience and cloud cost For an online gamer, lag is the worst. The gamer watches, telling the avatar to move to avoid another player's attack, but the avatar does nothing. Then, suddenly, the avatar does all of the commands, rapid fire. It was listening, it just took too long for the commands to process.
	Employees of Big Tech are speaking out like never before When Liz O'Sullivan was hired at the New York City-based artificial intelligence company Clarifai in 2017, she felt lucky to find work at the intersection of two of her main interests: technology and ethics. Two years later, she found herself facing a moral dilemma.
What to expect from Disney+ streaming service: Yes, it'll include Marvel and Star Wars Disney+'s strategy to compete against Netflix: It all comes down to one word—branding.

Medicine & Health news

	How the brain 'approximates' without actually counting From the time of early infancy, humans are endowed with the capacity to approximate the number of objects in their visual field, an ability that continues throughout life and may underlie the development of more complex mathematical skills.
	New evidence that optimists live longer Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, have found that individuals with greater optimism are more likely to live longer and to achieve "exceptional longevity," that is, living to age 85 or older.
	How diabetes can increase cancer risk For years, scientists have been trying to solve a medical mystery: Why do people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer? Today, researchers report a possible explanation for this double whammy. They found that DNA sustains more damage and gets fixed less often when blood sugar levels are high compared to when blood sugar is at a normal, healthy level, thereby increasing one's cancer risk.
	Tiny RNA provides big protection after a heart attack Heart muscle can continue to die even after restoring blood following a heart attack, and scientists have new evidence that one way to help it live is by boosting levels of a tiny RNA that helped the heart form.
	Augmented reality glasses may help people with low vision better navigate their environment Nearly one in 30 Americans over the age of 40 experience low vision—significant visual impairment that can't be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery.
	Remodeling unhealthful gut microbiomes to fight disease You are what you eat—right down to the microbiome living in your gut. Diet can affect which microbes are in the intestinal tract, and research has shown that harmful gut microbiome changes can lead to illnesses such as heart disease, obesity and cancer. Today, scientists will report the development of molecules that can change, or remodel, unhealthful gut microbiomes in mice into more healthful ones. The research could also someday be applied to other conditions related to diet.
	Novel method identifies the right individual exosomes There is a growing demand for diagnostic markers for early disease detection and prognosis. Exosomes are potential biomarkers for cancer progression and neurodegenerative disease, but it can be difficult to identify what tissue a specific exosome comes from. Researchers at Uppsala University and spin-off company Vesicode AB have solved this problem by developing a method that maps surface protein complements on large numbers of individual exosomes.
	Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking Minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to changing levels of dopamine, impact whether we make risky decisions, finds a new UCL study.
	Quest for new cancer treatment crosses milestone A cancer therapy invented at Rice University has crossed a milestone in clinical trials, a major development in a decadeslong quest to develop a treatment that destroys tumors without the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy, invasive surgery and radiation.
	CRISPR gene editing may halt progression of triple-negative breast cancer A tumor-targeted CRISPR gene editing system, encapsulated in a nanogel and injected into the body, could effectively and safely halt the growth of triple-negative breast cancer, report researchers at Boston Children's Hospital. Their proof-of-principle study, conducted in human tumor cells and in mice, suggests a potential genetic treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, which has the highest mortality rate of all breast cancers.
	Diverse immune cell profiles and roles found in breast cancer resistance to immunotherapy In recent years it has been increasingly appreciated that immune cells within the tumor microenvironment contribute to tumor progression and, importantly, to the tumor's response to therapy. To better understand the specific roles different immune cell types play, a multi-institutional team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine profiled the immune cell composition of multiple murine models and clinical datasets of triple negative breast cancers.
	Study offers promising approach to reducing plaque in arteries In a new Yale-led study, investigators have revealed previously unknown factors that contribute to the hardening of arteries and plaque growth, which cause heart disease. Their insight is the basis for a promising therapeutic approach to halt and potentially reverse plaque buildup and the progression of disease, the researchers said.
	From cradle to grave: postnatal overnutrition linked to aging Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found a new answer to an old question: how can overnutrition during infancy lead to long-lasting health problems such as diabetes? The report, published today in the journal Environmental Epigenetics, focuses on the pancreatic Islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin and other hormones.
	New technique isolates placental cells for non-invasive genetic testing Brown University researchers have developed a simple method for isolating placental cells from cervical swabs. The technique, described in the journal Scientific Reports, could aid in developing less invasive ways of diagnosing genetic disorders in developing fetuses.
	To stop mosquito-transmitted illnesses, pay attention to how humans behave: study Targeting the mosquito population within a defined area is the primary way scientists and public health officials mitigate the spread of diseases caused by viruses like Zika, dengue fever, and West Nile. But researchers have discovered that evaluating how humans commute to and from an affected area, as well as their living habits, is key to successful mitigation planning, according to a study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and coauthored by a University of Tennessee, Knoxville professor.
	Runaway mitochondria cause telomere damage in cells Researchers at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provide the first concrete evidence for the long-held belief that sick mitochondria pollute the cells they're supposed to be supplying with power.
	Two studies reveal benefits of mindfulness for middle school students Two new studies from MIT suggest that mindfulness—the practice of focusing one's awareness on the present moment—can enhance academic performance and mental health in middle schoolers. The researchers found that more mindfulness correlates with better academic performance, fewer suspensions from school, and less stress.
	MDMA, or ecstasy, shows promise as a PTSD treatment The first time Lori Tipton tried MDMA, she was skeptical it would make a difference.
	US probes link between vaping and lung disease as patient dies A patient who had recently been vaping has died in the US after developing severe lung disease, officials said Friday, as authorities scrambled to find the cause behind almost 200 more potential cases.
	AARP chief: How living to 100 changes our ideas about aging Jo Ann Jenkins is the CEO of AARP, the world's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization. AARP is focused on helping people "improve their quality of life" as they age; it has more than 38 million members.
	Q&A: Deadly opioid crisis sparks lawsuits across the US The first judgment is expected Monday in a lawsuit from a state government seeking to hold a drug company accountable for a U.S. opioid crisis that has ripped apart lives and communities. More trials and legal settlements are likely to follow the ruling in Oklahoma as the nation looks for answers and solutions to a massive societal and legal problem.
	Spikes in handgun purchases after high-profile events linked to more firearm injuries Spikes in handgun purchases in 2012 after Sandy Hook and the re-election of President Obama have been linked to a 4% increase in firearm injury in California, a UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP) study has found.
	Study: Blood test detects concussion and subconcussive injuries in children and adults In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers at Orlando Health are making new progress in finding ways to detect a traumatic yet sinister brain injury—and getting closer to preventing further damage.
	Study finds that teens are using a highly potent form of marijuana Nearly one in four Arizona teens have used a highly potent form of marijuana known as marijuana concentrate, according to a new study by Arizona State University researchers.
Shingles vaccination of older adults cost-effective in Canada Vaccinating older adults against shingles in Canada is likely cost-effective, according to a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), and the Shingrix vaccine appears to provide better protection than the Zostavax vaccine.
	Physicians slow to use effective new antibiotics against superbugs New, more effective antibiotics are being prescribed in only about a quarter of infections by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a family of the world's most intractable drug-resistant bacteria, according to an analysis by infectious disease and pharmaceutical scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and published today by the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Are physicians helping cancer survivors live healthy lives? A recent study indicates that certain physicians who care for patients with cancer do not often promote healthy lifestyle changes to cancer survivors, and they may fear that providing such advice would distress or overwhelm patients. Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings are noteworthy because maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important to the long-term well-being of cancer survivors.
Removing cancer's protective barrier could boost immunotherapy treatments Scientists may have found a way to pull down the protective wall that surrounds tumours, potentially re-exposing them to the killing power of the immune system and immunotherapy treatments, according to a study part funded by Cancer Research UK and published in EBioMedicine today.
	Childhood cancer survivors at elevated risk of heart disease Survivors of childhood cancer have a higher risk of developing a range of heart disease due to cancer therapy, according to new research published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.
	Many kidneys discarded in the United States would be transplanted in France French organ transplant centers are far more likely to accept "lower-rated" kidneys, like those from older organ donors, than centers in the United States, according to a first-of-its kind analysis published today in JAMA Internal Medicine. French transplant centers would have transplanted more than 60 percent—about 17,500 kidneys—of the nearly 28,000 deceased-donor kidneys discarded in the United States between 2004 and 2014, according to the research team from Penn Medicine and the Paris Transplant Group.
	Medicare patients with multiple sclerosis bear the burden of rising drug prices Over the course of a decade, out-of-pocket costs for multiple sclerosis drugs rose more than sevenfold for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, according to a JAMA Neurology study published today by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.
	Multiple-birth infants have higher risk of medical mixups in NICU Multiple-birth infants had a significantly higher risk of wrong-patient order errors compared with singletons in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), according to a new study by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The higher error rate was due to misidentification between siblings within sets of twins, triplets, or quadruplets.
	Parasitic worms infect dogs, humans A human infective nematode found in remote northern areas of Australia has been identified in canine carriers for the first time.
	Tech-based HIV prevention program proves effective for rural African American families Technology may be a viable option for reducing HIV risk in underserved families in rural communities, according to a new Vanderbilt report.
	New prostate cancer treatment concept Prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death for men in the United States, is poorly responsive to immunotherapy. Recent clinical trials have hinted that combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy may be a powerful treatment approach for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
	Discovery may point to better treatments for type 1 diabetes Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center led by an assistant professor of Pediatrics have made a paradigm-shifting discovery that could lead to new treatments, better health and longer life for patients with type 1 diabetes.
	Alcohol really is no excuse for bad behaviour—research reveals you're still the same person after a drink Many of us know that feeling of waking up, headache in tow, struggling to remember what we said and did after that extra drink the night before. And then suddenly, the memories vividly resurface.
	Millions of children exposed to opioid misuse at home, new study reveals More than 3.8 million U.S. children live with an adult who is inappropriately using opioids, according to a new estimate from the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Public Policy.
	A much less invasive way to monitor pressure in the brain Traumatic brain injuries, as well as infectious diseases such as meningitis, can lead to brain swelling and dangerously high pressure in the brain. If untreated, patients are at risk for brain damage, and in some cases elevated pressure can be fatal.
	Alzheimer's: carriers of risk gene show brain changes in their 20s – here's why we shouldn't worry Dramatic developments in genetics research and the availability of commercial genetics tests have put us in a very modern predicament—we can now find out (quickly, easily and cheaply) whether we personally hold genetic risk factors that put us at a substantially increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we have recently shown that brain changes can be identified in people holding these genetic risk variants as early as 20 years old.
	How doctors convinced the world the planet was worth fighting for Last week, one of the world's leading medical journals declared the medical community must act now to limit the health effects of climate change.
	Study suggests body dissatisfaction begins before adolescence, remains constant into adulthood Up to 46% of adolescents in the United States report feeling dissatisfied with their bodies, which can lead to eating disorders, obesity, poor mental health and other serious problems.
	Research reveals health is number one for weight loss A new report by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, suggests that when it comes to weight loss, people are more motivated by improving their health than their appearance, with two out of three people motivated to start a diet because of 'health concerns.'
	How to prevent food poisoning You're sick, woozy and deeply regretting that second helping of potato salad from yesterday's picnic, because you're now one of the four million Canadians hit with a case of food poisoning every year.
	A weight loss app may be a risky way to address obesity in children Over the last week, a weight loss app targeted at children and teenagers aged 8-17 has sparked concern among health professionals and parents around the world.
	Does anyone have a pad? TV is finally dismantling the period taboo Last week, menstrual pad brand Libra launched their Blood Normal commercial in Australia, running it during prime time television shows including The Bachelor, The Project, and Gogglebox. Australia is a little late to the party: Blood Normal first ran in the UK and Europe in October 2017 and won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2018 for its de-stigmatised depiction of menstruation.
Rural Australian areas desperate for more local mental health services A study led by the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and involving The University of Western Australia has revealed many people living in remote and rural areas have unmet mental health needs and often only seek help when they reach crisis point.
Will disposable colonoscopy devices replace reusables? As a disposable version of the instrument used in one of the most common medical procedures in the United States inches closer to widespread availability, a team of Johns Hopkins data researchers is studying the economic and safety implications associated with the devices used to perform colonoscopies.
	Simple blood test unmasks concussions absent on CT scans Many patients with concussion have normal CT scans and are discharged from the hospital without follow-up. But a blood test that is currently under development and costs a fraction of the price of a brain scan may flag concussion in these CT-negative patients, enabling them to be evaluated for long-term complications.
	Researchers reveal new insights into retina's genetic code Australian scientists have led the development of the world's most detailed gene map of the human retina, providing new insights which will help future research to prevent and treat blindness.
	An innovative new diagnostic for Lyme disease When researchers examined the mitochondrial DNA of Ötzi, a man entombed in ice high in the Tyrolean Alps some 5,300 years ago, they made a startling discovery. Secreted within the tangles of the ice man's genetic code was evidence he'd been infected with a bacterial pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi. Ötzi is the first known case of Lyme disease.
	This high-tech stick can predict your risk of heart problems A hand-held device to predict heart failure based on saliva could help millions of potential victims take preventative steps to avoid their fate.
	Poor HIV control ups risk for sudden cardiac death in heart failure (HealthDay)—Persons living with HIV (PHIV) who are hospitalized with heart failure are at an increased risk for subsequent sudden cardiac death (SCD), according to a study published online Aug. 7 in JACC: Heart Failure.
	In-store marketing helps get kids vaping (HealthDay)—E-cigarettes are enticing enough to young people with their fruit flavors and slick smoking devices, but new research suggests that marketing in retail stores may also encourage some teenagers to take up vaping.
	Stable home lives improve prospects for preemies As they grow and develop, children who were born at least 10 weeks before their due dates are at risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders. They also have a higher risk than children who were full-term babies for other neurodevelopmental issues, including cognitive problems, language difficulties and motor delays.
	Identification of all types of germ cells tumors Germ cell tumors constitute a diverse group of rare tumors, which occur in the testes, ovaries and also in other places. Some germ cell tumors exist prenatally, while others present during or after puberty. The majority are benign. Malignant germ cell tumors most frequently appear in the testicle of adolescent and young adult men. Fortunately, these are treatable; even when metastasized, survival rates are over 80 per cent.
	Scientists closer to solving mystery of why lean people get fatty liver disease Researchers from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) have discovered how fatty liver disease develops in lean people, aiding the development of potential treatments for these patients.
	Effectiveness of a new bladder cancer treatment demonstrated Researchers from the Molecular Cancer group at the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) and doctors from Hospital del Mar, have demonstrated the effectiveness of a drug for treating metastatic bladder cancer in patients who did not respond to the usual treatment. The preliminary results of an ongoing clinical trial show that TAK-228, a mTORC1/2 protein inhibitor, can stop the progression of the disease. Four of the seven patients in the trial showed positive results. The trial also involved Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí in Sabadell, Clínica Universitaria in Navarre, and Hospital General Universitario in Elche.
	One-third of pre-approved prescription drugs have not completed the FDA approval process The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Accelerated Approval Program was created in 1992 to significantly accelerate the ability to bring certain new drugs to market. New research to be published in an upcoming issues of the INFORMS journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management reveals a large number of drug manufacturers are failing to complete the approval process, meaning a significant number of drugs on the market are not yet fully approved.
Elderly have poor prognosis after recovery in long-term acute care hospitals While long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) are designed to help patients recover and regain independence, fewer than 1-in-5 older adults who were transferred to such facilities were alive five years later, leaving them with a worse prognosis than terminal illnesses such as advanced cancer, according to research at UC San Francisco and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
	Canadian children's diet quality during school hours improves over 11-year period Surveys taken 11 years apart show a 13 per cent improvement in the quality of foods consumed by Canadian children during school hours, a new UBC study has found.
	Obesity tied to weakened response to taste Obesity is connected with a reduced response to taste, according to a new study featuring faculty at Binghamton University, State of University of New York.
	Concussions linked to erectile dysfunction in former NFL players Former professional football players who have experienced concussion symptoms, including loss of consciousness, disorientation or nausea after a head injury, are more likely to report low testosterone and erectile dysfunction (ED), according to research published Aug. 26 in JAMA Neurology.
	Genetically manipulating protein level in colon cancer cells can improve chemotherapy Colorectal cancer outcomes may improve by genetically altering an immune-regulatory protein in cancer cells, making the cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy. That's according to new Mayo Clinic research.
	New study suggests exercise is good for the aging brain Exercise seems to endow a wealth of benefits, from the release of happiness-inducing hormones to higher physical fitness. New research shows it may provide a boost to the mind too.
	Researchers examine cyst growth in patients with polycystic kidney disease For people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), life can be a constant cycle of symptoms: aches and pains, abdominal swelling, kidney stones, high blood pressure. At worst, the disease frequently leads to a suite of major issues, including kidney failure, cysts in the liver and vascular problems, including strokes. According to the National Institutes of Health, PKD is a "fairly common genetic disorder," affecting roughly 600,000 people in the United States, with the more common autosomal dominant (AD) form affecting roughly one in 500 to 1,000 people.
	Survey reveals skyrocketing interest in marijuana and cannabinoids for pain Millennials lead the escalating interest in marijuana and cannabinoid compounds for managing pain—with older generations not far behind—and yet most are unaware of potential risks. Three-quarters (75%) of Americans who expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoids to address pain are under the impression they are safer or have fewer side effects than opioids or other medications, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) in conjunction with September's Pain Awareness Month.
Head start programs alleviate supply gap of center-based childcare in NJ The availability of Head Start and Early Head Start in New Jersey, federal programs designed to serve low-income families' childcare needs, reduces the likelihood that a community will experience a severe childcare supply gap, a Rutgers-led study found.
	Modified drug combination may reduce risk of recurrence for some breast cancer patients Oncologists at VCU Massey Cancer Center were invited to co-author an editorial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology providing expert commentary on findings from a large study conducted by German investigators that a modified drug combination may lead to a decreased chance of disease recurrence for women with high risk, HER-2 negative breast cancer.
Rates of colonoscopies boosted by text reminders, instructions Having simple text conversations with patients one week before they are scheduled for a colonoscopy dramatically decreased the "no-show" rates, according to a recent study conducted by Penn Medicine researchers. Through sending reminders and instruction, opening the door for patients to ask questions, and sharing helpful links, the team increased rate of colonoscopies to 90 percent—well above the 62 percent success rate seen in a group who did not receive this extra communication. The results of this study were published in Health Education & Behavior.
	Front-line caregivers given tools to play bigger role in the fight against opioid abuse Buprenorphine and naltrexone can help break a person's addiction to life-threatening opioid use disorder, but they can be hard for front-line, primary care providers to prescribe, according to researchers at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth).
	Changes to rectus muscles from pregnancy may impact abdominoplasty (HealthDay)—Pregnancy alters the shape of the rectus abdominis muscle, which may in turn affect abdominoplasty outcomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
	Liraglutide ups risk for gallbladder, biliary tract events (HealthDay)—There is an increased risk for gallbladder- or biliary tract-related events among patients with type 2 diabetes taking liraglutide versus placebo, according to a study published online Aug. 9 in Diabetes Care.
	PostRx antimicrobial stewardship feasible in community hospitals (HealthDay)—Postprescription audit and review (PPR) is a feasible and effective strategy for antimicrobial stewardship in community hospitals, according to a study published online Aug. 16 in JAMA Network Open.
	Study of skiers holds surprises about A-fib, stroke and intense exercise Exercise is important for health and wellbeing. But past studies suggest high-intensity exercise may be a risk factor for an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation that sometimes leads to stroke. So, are athletes who develop A-Fib at higher risk for stroke?
	Rates of palliative care rising for inpatients with ESKD on dialysis (HealthDay)—There was an increase in provision of palliative care for patients hospitalized between 2006 and 2014 with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring dialysis, but rates were lower for black and Hispanic patients, according to a study published online Aug. 6 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
	Honeybee brain development may enhance waggle dance communication Changes in a vibration-sensitive neuron may equip forager honeybees for waggle dance communication, according to research recently published in eNeuro.
	Landmark euthanasia trial opens in the Netherlands A landmark euthanasia trial opened in the Netherlands Monday seeking to pinpoint what to do with dementia patients who have previously stated their wish to die under certain circumstances but later might have second thoughts.
	How nerves may lose their insulation Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited disorder of the peripheral nerves in humans, affecting 1 in every 2,500 people. There is no cure for the disease, which causes severe disability due to disruptions in myelin, the protective insulation that covers nerve fibers.
	Social, executive brain functions crucial for communication Impairments in social and executive brain functions hinder effective communication, according to research in patients with dementia recently published in eNeuro.
	Learning how memory works could be key to treating PTSD Think back to what you did last weekend. You might be able to picture it clearly, but there should be no doubt in your mind that whatever you are remembering happened in the past. For people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, memories of traumatic events often return in the form of vivid flashbacks that make it feel like it's happening all over again—putting them right back at the scene of a car crash, or the moment they lost a loved one.
	Amgen agrees to buy Otezla rights for $13.4 bn: Bristol-Myers Squibb Amgen has agreed to acquire the global rights to Otezla, a drug used for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, for $13.4 billion in cash, Bristol Myers Squibb said Monday.
	Do more to strengthen your core (HealthDay)—Developing core strength is essential for fitness and overall health, but it doesn't have to be a drudge. If you're ready to go beyond crunches—or never liked them to begin with!—consider these moves that target the muscles in your torso and spine.
	Get cooking with elegant, flavorful scallops (HealthDay)—Do you love restaurant-style scallops but feel nervous about making them at home? Here's the 101 to cooking the perfect scallop every time.
	How common is cannabis use among young adult cancer patients? Cannabis can help alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, and a new study examines the prevalence of its use among young adult cancer patients now that medical cannabis is becoming increasingly available. The demographic and clinical factors likely to correlate with cannabis use and differences in moderate to severe symptoms between users and non-users are reported in a study published in Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (JAYAO).
Personal protective equipment most critical to safety of seafarers The shipping industry is vital to the existence of the global trade economy, yet seafarers face one of the highest risks of workplace injury or death. Understanding the causes and reducing the frequency of occupational injuries not only benefits the seafarers but directly benefits the shipping companies by reducing premiums, liabilities and legal costs. A new article published in Risk Analysis: An International Journal investigates the causes of these injuries and accidents and finds that injury reduction campaigns focused on personal protective equipment (PPE) would be most effective at reducing risks to workers.
CU Anschutz announces first out-of-home gun storage map to prevent suicide Today, faculty members at the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus announced the Colorado Gun Storage Map, the first online out-of-home firearm storage map in the country. Until now, there's been no web-based resource to link community members and clinicians to off-site storage options, such as firearm retailers or law enforcement agencies, during times of crisis. The new resource was developed in collaboration with the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition, a group of gun shop owners, firearms trainers, and public health researchers who share a goal of preventing suicide.
	J&J faces possible $17 billion payout for pushing opioids US drugmaker Johnson & Johnson faces a potential record $17 billion damages payout Monday when an Oklahoma judge rules whether its aggressive promotion of opioid painkillers was responsible for the state's addiction epidemic.
	College students with diabetes at risk for complications, depression, low quality of life Going off to college, while stressful for any student, poses risks to those with diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
Memory loss, dementia an understudied yet widespread phenomenon among Chinese Americans The U.S. Chinese population is growing—and graying—rapidly! From 2000 to 2010, the Chinese American population aged 65 and over grew at a rate four times higher than the overall U.S. older adult population. As of 2016, 14% of the approximately four million Chinese Americans were aged 65 and older. As this population ages, they are increasingly susceptible to memory loss and lacking the necessary supports for healthy aging, according to four new Rutgers studies published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
	DOJ moves to add more marijuana growers for research The Justice Department said Monday it would move forward to expand the number of marijuana growers for federally authorized cannabis research.
NYC overdose deaths drop a bit, but still 'far too many' Overdose deaths in New York City declined slightly last year after years of alarming increases, health officials said Monday.

Biology news

	Did parasite manipulation influence human neurological evolution? It seems so obvious that someone should have thought of it decades ago: Since parasites have plagued eukaryotic life for millions of years, their prevalence likely affected evolution. Psychologist Marco Del Giudice of the University of New Mexico is not the first researcher to suggest that the evolution of the human brain could have been influenced by parasites that manipulate host behavior. But tired of waiting for neurologists to pick up the ball and run with it, he has published a paper in the Quarterly Review of Biology that suggests four categories of adaptive host countermeasures against brain-manipulating parasites and the likely evolutionary responses of the parasites themselves. The idea has implications across a host of fields, and may explain human psychology, functional brain network structure, and the frustratingly variable effects of psychopharmaceuticals.
	Migrating mule deer don't need directions: study How do big-game animals know where to migrate across hundreds of miles of vast Wyoming landscapes year after year?
	A novel technology for genome-editing a broad range of mutations in live organisms The ability to edit genes in living organisms offers the opportunity to treat a plethora of inherited diseases. However, many types of gene-editing tools are unable to target critical areas of DNA, and creating such a technology has been difficult as living tissue contains diverse types of cells.
	New research predicts stability of mosquito-borne disease prevention To reduce transmission of dengue to humans, scientists have introduced Wolbachia bacteria to A. aegypti mosquitoes. Now a team of international researchers has found that Wolbachia's ability to block virus transmission may be maintained by natural selection, alleviating concern that this benefit could diminish over time.
	Scientists in Italy fertilize 7 northern white rhino eggs Silvia Colleoni's hand holding a syringe was trembling as she injected liquid into a micro pipette to facilitate the aspiration of sperm that had been removed and later frozen from one of the last then-living male northern white rhinos on Earth.
	How the herring adapted to the light environment in the Baltic Sea The evolutionary process that occurs when a species colonizes a new environment provides an opportunity to explore the mechanisms underlying genetic adaptation, which is essential knowledge for understanding evolution and the maintenance of biodiversity. An international team of scientists, led by researchers from Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, reports that a single amino acid change in the light-sensing rhodopsin protein played a critical role when herring adapted to the red-shifted light environment in the Baltic Sea. Remarkably about one third of all fish living in brackish or freshwater carry the same change. The study is published today in PNAS.
	Appearance of male and female cycad on Isle of Wight an indicator of global warming Several representatives of the Ventnor Botanic Garden (VBG) have spoken with the press recently about the unusual appearance of male and female cycad (Cycas revoluta) in an outdoor setting in the U.K. The primitive palm-like tree is found in many locations around the world, but tends only to produce male and female cones in warm climates. Representatives with the VBG also noted that a male of the species had been produced several years ago, but this was the first time both male and female cones were produced.
	Researchers find elusive protein that could be key to eliminating neglected tropical diseases Researchers at the University of Alberta have found an important protein in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment for millions of people suffering from diseases like sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas disease in South America.
	Hi-tech bacteria gene tool could prove productive, study finds Bacteria could be used to produce large quantities of medicines and fuels using a new gene programming technique, research suggests.
	How plants measure their carbon dioxide uptake When water is scarce, plants can close their pores to prevent losing too much water. This allows them to survive even longer periods of drought, but with the majority of pores closed, carbon dioxide uptake is also limited, which impairs photosynthetic performance and thus plant growth and yield.
	Researchers identify fundamental properties of cells that affect how tissue structures form Researchers have found that changing the mechanical properties of individual cells disrupts their ability to remain stable, profoundly affecting their health and the health of the tissue that comprises them.
	CITES votes to protect endangered mako sharks A proposal to strengthen protection for mako sharks, hunted for their meat and fins, was adopted Sunday by 102 countries at the CITES global wildlife trade summit.
	'Red lights' as over-tourism threatens Corsican nature reserve "It's nature's magical design," says a tourist guide, waxing poetic as he comments on the impressive red cliffs plunging into a turquoise sea at the Scandola nature reserve on France's Corsica island.
	Banana industry on alert after disease arrives in Colombia It might not be obvious at the supermarket, but the banana industry is fighting to protect the most popular variety of the fruit from a destructive fungus.
	Urban living leads to high cholesterol... in crows Animals that do well in urban areas tend to be the ones that learn to make use of resources such as the food humans throw away. But is our food actually good for them? A new study published in The Condor: Ornithological Applications suggests that a diet of human foods such as discarded cheeseburgers might be giving American Crows living in urban areas higher blood cholesterol levels than their rural cousins.
	Monster tumbleweed: Invasive new species is here to stay A new species of gigantic tumbleweed once predicted to go extinct is not only here to stay—it's likely to expand its territory.
	Researchers use DNA in seawater to monitor scallop reproduction Researchers from the University of Maine and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have developed a method for studying the timing of scallop spawning by analyzing the environmental DNA found in water samples.
	Risk factors that predict a dog's fear at the vet A new study led by researchers from the University of Adelaide has found up to 40 percent of owners report their pet dogs are scared while being examined by a vet while, globally, up to one in seven dogs to show severe or extreme fear during an examination.
Beaver reintroduction key to solving freshwater biodiversity crisis Reintroducing beavers to their native habitat is an important step towards solving the freshwater biodiversity crisis, according to experts at the University of Stirling.
	Sharks feel the love as nations push protection of marine species Sharks appear to be getting an image makeover as countries move to restrict trade in several species of the oceans' top predator in a push to extend more protections to marine species.
	The flavor of chocolate is developed during the processing of the cocoa beans Just as we have seen an increase in the number of microbreweries making specialty beers, the market for chocolate has also developed, so there are more high-end chocolate manufacturers who are trying to stand out by fine tuning the taste and making several different varietals. Therefore, there is a need to know how you can address this during the processing of the noble cocoa.
	Saving sage-grouse by relocation Moving can be tough, but eventually most of us acclimate to new surroundings.
	CITES votes to ban trade in two endangered otter species A trade ban is looming for two endangered otter species after some 100 countries voted to increase protections following a social-media fuelled craze for acquiring the silky mammals as pets.
Scientists isolate genes affecting the quality of wheat grains A team of scientists from the Institute of Biology of Tyumen State University and universities of Kazakhstan and Australia studied the factors that affect the quality of wheat grains. Two groups of genes that control the synthesis of gluten proteins turn out to have a considerable affect the quality of wheat dough. The work will help make wheat more eco-friendly and healthy. The article was published in Acta Physiologiae Plantarum.
	Strawberries: The tasty fruit with a tainted environmental legacy and an uncertain future Are the glory days of California's strawberry industry gone for good?

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