Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for January 24, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Nanosilicon rapidly splits water without light, heat, or electricity- GravitySpace shows how floors will smarten up (w/ video)
- An organic alternative to oxides? Organic ferroelectric molecule shows promise for memory chips, sensors
- Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers
- Exotic new chemical compound could be useful in batteries, semiconductors, electronic memory devices
- Record diversity of ancient crustaceans may provide clues for fate of today's reef crabs
- Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk
- Observed changes to Martian surface caused by seasonal thawing of carbon dioxide ice
- Epigenetic reprogramming: Research discovers how epigenetic information could be inherited
- New mutations driving malignant melanoma discovered
- Extinction rates not as bad as feared ... for now
- Immune cell suicide alarm helps destroy escaping bacteria
- Genetic landscape of common brain tumors holds key to personalized treatment
- Bats split on family living
- Exercise can slow onset of Alzheimer's memory loss, study reports
Space & Earth news
South Korean rocket launch set for Jan 30
South Korea confirmed Thursday that it will make another bid on January 30 to put a satellite in orbit and join an elite club of global space powers that includes China, Japan and India.
Plane carrying 3 Canadians missing in Antarctica
Bad weather has forced rescuers to wait until Friday to try to reach a small plane believed to have crashed in an Antarctic mountain range while carrying three Canadians between scientific research stations on the continent.
Japan ready to ditch target for emissions cut
Japan is likely to abandon an ambitious pledge to slash greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, the top government spokesman said on Thursday.
US Navy to pump oil from ship stuck in Philippines
The US Navy said Thursday it needed to remove thousands of litres of oil from a minesweeper stuck on World Heritage-listed coral in the Philippines, warning it was too badly damaged to be towed away.
Russia warns Kazakhstan in Baikonur cosmodrome dispute
Russia has warned Kazakhstan it could withdraw from joint projects if Astana insists on restricting satellite launches from Russia's rented Baikonur cosmodrome, Izvestia daily reported Thursday.
Climate change beliefs of independent voters shift with the weather, another study finds
There's a well-known saying in New England that if you don't like the weather here, wait a minute. When it comes to independent voters, those weather changes can just as quickly shift beliefs about climate change.
New thesaurus created for the astronomy community
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) and IOP Publishing (IOP) have jointly announced the gift of a new astronomy thesaurus called the Unified Astronomy Thesaurus (UAT) to the American Astronomical Society (AAS) that will help improve future information discovery for researchers.
NASA joins ESA's 'dark universe' mission
(Phys.org)—NASA has officially joined ESA's Euclid mission, a space telescope designed to investigate the mysterious natures of dark matter and dark energy.
Astronomer creates computer models that help explain how galaxies formed and evolved
(Phys.org)—When most people think of astronomers, they envision scientists who spend time peering at stars and galaxies through telescopes on high mountain tops. Rutgers astronomer Rachel Somerville depends on those who make such observations, both from telescopes on the ground and orbiting earth in space. But her primary tool for understanding how galaxies formed billions of years ago – and how they continue to evolve in our contemporary universe – are large computers.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Garry continue to intensify
Tropical Cyclone Garry is in a good environment to intensify and satellite imagery from NOAA's GOES-15 satellite helped confirm that the storm has become more organized.
Construction begins on Canada's largest radio telescope
Construction is now under way in Penticton, B.C. on Canada's largest radio telescope – and the first research telescope to be built in the country in more than 30 years.
NASA sees remnants of Tropical Storm Oswald still strong
Infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite revealed that a band of thunderstorms on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Oswald's remnants still contained some punch. Oswald's remnants have triggered severe weather warnings in parts of Queensland, Australia.
Perilous Shackleton Antarctic bid sets off
A British-Australian expedition recreating Ernest Shackleton's perilous 1916 crossing of the Southern Ocean in a small boat set off Thursday, braced for fearsome seas and icy, bleak conditions.
Celestial sleuths track historic meteor procession to South Atlantic
(Phys.org)—A century ago, one of the most spectacular astronomical sights ever recorded lit up the skies when a grand procession of meteors blazed their way through the Earth's atmosphere. The event made headlines from Toronto to Pennsylvania and New York, and in the days that followed eyewitness reports poured in from as far away as Western Canada and Bermuda.
In perceiving climate change, feeling the heat counts
(Phys.org)—Human beings around the world are observing and accurately detecting changes in their local climates, according to a new study led by Yale University researchers. The finding provides the first global evidence for the phenomenon and could have meaningful implications for attempts to combat climate change, they said.
New research could revolutionise the way we monitor air pollution and help us understand its effect on our health
Different people are exposed to different amounts of pollution, so current methods of using your postcode to calculate personal exposure levels could be giving inaccurate results.
Sun-gazing satellite, designed to last 5 years, turns 10
(Phys.org)—When a sun-gazing NASA satellite designed and built by the University of Colorado Boulder launched into space on Jan. 25, 2003, solar storms were raging.
Forecasting's x-factor: Why the weatherman is often wrong
Have you ever woken up to a sunny forecast only to get soaked on your way to the office? On days like that it's easy to blame the weatherman.
The 3D fireworks of a star
In 1901 the star GK Persei gave off a powerful explosion that has not stopped growing and astonishing ever since. Now a team of Spanish and Estonian astronomers has reconstructed the journey of the emitted gas in 3D which, contrary to predictions, has hardly slowed down its speed of up to 1,000 km/s after all this time.
ESA: 2013 to be bumper year for space science
European probes this year will return a treasure trove of data from explorations into the Big Bang, water on Mars and climate change, European Space Agency (ESA) chief Jean-Jacques Dordain said on Thursday.
Urban metabolism for the urban century
Like organisms, cities need energy, water, and nutrients, and they need to dispose of wastes and byproducts in ways that are viable and sustainable over the long run. This notion of "urban metabolism" is a model for looking systematically at the resources that flow into cities and the wastes and emissions that flow out from them—to understand the environmental impacts of cities and to highlight opportunities for efficiencies, improvements, and transformation.
Valuing nature is not enough
Is it possible to put a price tag on the natural world? A researcher at The University of Nottingham has been examining the rise of a new concept—ecosystem services—to describe the multitude of resources supplied to us by Mother Nature.
NASA Super-TIGER balloon shatters flight record
(Phys.org)—Flying high over Antarctica, a NASA long duration balloon has broken the record for longest flight by a balloon of its size.
NASA readies famous 'Chamber A' to welcome the James Webb Space Telescope
NASA's "Chamber A" thermal vacuum testing chamber famous for being used during Apollo missions has now been upgraded and remodeled to accommodate testing the James Webb Space Telescope.
NASA testing vintage engine from Apollo 11 rocket
Young NASA engineers are testing a vintage rocket engine that was meant to blast the first U.S. lunar mission into Earth's orbit more than 40 years ago.
Magma in Earth's mantle forms deeper than once thought
Magma forms far deeper than geologists previously thought, according to new research results.
Sun shoots out two coronal mass ejections
On Jan. 23, 2013, at 9:55 a.m. EST, the sun erupted with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection, or CME. Experimental NASA research models, based on observations from the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and ESA/NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, show that the CME left the sun at speeds of around 375 miles per second, which is a fairly typical speed for CMEs.
Red explosions: The secret life of binary stars is revealed
A University of Alberta professor has revealed the workings of a celestial event involving binary stars that results in an explosion so powerful it ranks close to Supernovae in luminosity.
Observed changes to Martian surface caused by seasonal thawing of carbon dioxide ice
(Phys.org)—Spring is a dynamic season on the dunes surrounding Mars' north pole. When frozen carbon dioxide, or dry ice, deposited as a winter ice cap on Mars sublimates – changes directly from a solid to a gas – in the spring it causes a variety of geologic changes to the Martian surface, research led by Planetary Science Institute Senior Scientist Candice Hansen has shown.
Mars rover Curiosity uses arm camera at night
(Phys.org)—NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has for the first time used the camera on its arm to take photos at night, illuminated by white lights and ultraviolet lights on the instrument.
Chameleon pulsar baffles astronomers
A pulsar that is able, without warning, to dramatically change the way in which it shines has been identified by an international team of astronomers.
Technology news
'Gangnam Style' a YouTube ad hit: Google
Google on Tuesday touted YouTube video "Gangnam Style" by South Korean rapper Psy as an advertising success that has reaped more than $8 million in ad revenue.
3D scanning shapes the future of childrenswear
Childrenswear designers and retailers will be able to design and make better fitting clothes for British children from four to seventeen years thanks to 3D scanning of children by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire.
World's first development of bio-inspired 'Yuragi' algorithm for network virtualization
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Osaka University, and The University of Electro-Communications have developed a biologically-inspired "Yuragi (fluctuations)" algorithm for virtual network control technology. By deploying the newly developed technology, researchers can provide the rapid recovery of a network service in case of unexpected disasters or congestions.
Young engineers build a robotic bridge to reach seniors
Amid a sea of gray beards and walking canes, a small voice piped up, "Hey, who moved my NXT?" Adjusting his thick-rimmed faux reading glasses and taped-on Groucho moustache, the 5th grader took off in search of the missing robotics component, disappearing into the crowd of more than 400 elementary and middle school students gathered at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University for the qualifying round of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Championship this past weekend.
Mitsubishi recalls electric cars over brakes
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is recalling about 14,800 electric cars globally because of faulty brake parts that could cause weak braking.
French court says Twitter must identify racist tweeters
A French court ruled Thursday that Twitter, which has steadfastly refused calls to police its millions of users, must hand over data to help identify the authors of racist or anti-Semitic tweets.
Cuba turns on fiber-optic IT link to Venezuela (Update)
An undersea fiber-optic cable stretching from Cuba to Venezuela has been switched on, in the first hard-wired link from the communist-run island to international telecom networks, the state telecom agency announced Thursday.
Pope on social networking: the virtual is real
(AP)—Pope Benedict XVI put church leaders on notice Thursday, saying social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter aren't a virtual world they can ignore, but rather a very real world they must engage if they want to spread the faith to the next generation.
Facebook boss to host political fundraiser for Christie
Facebook on Thursday confirmed that co-founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg will make a foray into politics next month by hosting a fundraiser for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
AT&T gains customers in 4Q, posts big loss
(AP)—The launch of the iPhone 5 helped AT&T attract more new customers in the holiday quarter than it has in three years, but it posted a big loss because of an annual adjustment to its pension obligations.
US panel reviews patent ruling against Samsung
The US International Trade Commission on Wednesday ordered review of a ruling that Samsung violated Apple patents for smartphones and tablet computers.
LG Display posts profit but iPhone dims outlook
LG Display reported a $299 million profit for the fourth quarter Thursday thanks to mobile product launches by key customers including Apple Inc. but warned that earnings will decrease in the current quarter as demand for iPhones wanes.
Sony fined in UK over PlayStation cyberattack (Update)
British regulators have fined Sony 250,000 pounds ($396,100) for failing to prevent a 2011 cyberattack on its PlayStation Network which put millions of users' personal information—including names, addresses, birth dates and account passwords—at risk.
Apple hails results but outlook knocks stock price
Apple shares slid about 10 percent Wednesday after the tech giant posted record profits and sales of its iPhones and iPads but offered a disappointing forecast for the coming months.
Sinister code-breakers, beware
In the early– to mid-20th century, governments commonly used cryptography to encrypt top-secret messages or military communications. But now that the computer and Internet age has evolved to a point where smartphones and tablets are readily available at our fingertips, its use has become much more widespread to meet the challenges of the 21st century, according to Daniel Wichs, a newly appointed assistant professor in the College of Computer and Information Science.
'Air shower' saves 50 percent water
A new shower nozzle that uses up to 50 per cent less water while maintaining the sensation of full pressure could provide Australians with guilt-free showers over the hot, dry summer – simply by adding air.
Nokia returns to profit but sales keep dropping (Update)
Struggling Nokia Corp. turned a fourth-quarter net profit of €202 million ($270 million) compared with a loss of $1 billion a year earlier, but revenue fell 20 percent as it failed to make gains in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.
Apple bruised as analysts predict slower growth
Apple took a fresh bruising on Thursday after a gloomy forecast accompanying its record quarterly profits prompted pessimism over the tech giant's slowing growth trajectory.
New York police get X-ray vision
The New York Police Department already has the long arm of the law. Now it gets X-ray eyes.
Netflix stocks soars 41 pct after strong 4Q report (Update)
Netflix's rollercoaster ride on Wall Street surged to new heights Thursday.
Belkin to buy Linksys router maker from Cisco
Belkin, a maker of smartphone cases and computing accessories, said Thursday that it is buying the home networking business unit of Cisco, including the Linksys router brand.
Microsoft's 2Q earnings dip despite Windows 8 lift (Update)
Microsoft's latest quarterly earnings slipped, even as the world's largest software maker showed modest progress adjusting to a shift away from the personal computers that have been its financial foundation for decades.
Imagining a future when machines have all the jobs
Martin Ford saw it everywhere, even in his own business. Smarter machines and better software were helping companies do more work with fewer people. His Silicon Valley software firm used to put its programs on disks and ship them to customers. The disks were made, packaged and delivered by human beings. Now Ford's customers can just download the software to their computers - no disks, no packaging, no delivery workers.
Toyota, BMW working on new battery technology
Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW Group are working together on next-generation batteries for green vehicles called "lithium-air" as their collaboration, first announced in late 2011, moves ahead in fuel cells, sports vehicles and other fields.
Researchers argue energy policy rebound effect is overestimated
(Phys.org)—Researchers from Yale University, the University of California, Davis, and the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund argue in a Nature commentary piece that those who suggest the rebound effect, as it applies to energy policy, negates gains, are exaggerating its impact.
Researchers develop grammar-aware password cracker
When writing or speaking, good grammar helps people make themselves be understood. But when used to concoct a long computer password, grammar—good or bad—provides crucial hints that can help someone crack that password, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have demonstrated.
Anonymous hackers jailed over PayPal attack
Two computer hackers were jailed by a London court on Thursday for a series of cyber-attacks by the hacking group Anonymous that cost the US online payments giant PayPal millions of dollars.
Twitter launches iPhone video sharing app
Twitter on Thursday launched Vine, a service that lets people share video snippets from iPhones or iPod touch devices.
GravitySpace shows how floors will smarten up (w/ video)
(Phys.org)—Year of the smartphone? So yesterday. Year of the smart room? So promising. In scientific circles, conversations are moving down from smart doors, fridges, stoves, and toilets, as computer scientists visit and revisit the technology potential of smart floors. With enhanced sensory powers, the idea is to have floors able to interact with the persons walking on them. The floor gets to "know" its own geometry as well as people's actions, and can display interactive video.
Medicine & Health news
Study reveals gaps in availability of radiotherapy services across Europe
Most strikingly, the study finds that in several countries in western Europe there are too few radiotherapy machines to ensure that cancer patients in need of radiotherapy receive treatment. For instance, in Italy around 16% of need is unmet, in Portugal 19%, Austria 20%, and the UK and Germany 21%. However, the authors caution that these apparent gaps in treatment supply may be compensated by more efficient organisation of radiotherapy provision.
GP judgement not enough to accurately diagnose cases of pneumonia
Pneumonia cannot be accurately diagnosed solely on a doctor's analysis of symptoms and patient history, according to new findings.
Queen's and NSPCC publish Northern Ireland's first child death and serious injury review
The first ever review of abuse cases related to child death or serious injury in Northern Ireland will be launched at Queen's University today (24 January 2013). The review, Translating Learning into Action, was commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and was carried out by researchers at Queen's University and the NSPCC.
Beverage industry, NYC lawyers duel over drinks
(AP)—New York City defended its groundbreaking size limit on sugary drinks as a meaningful attempt to rein in obesity, but critics said it would hurt small and minority-owned businesses while doing little to help health.
Louisiana shelves cut to Medicaid hospice program
(AP)—Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has scrapped plans to shutter the state's Medicaid hospice program in February, meaning the state will continue to provide end-of-life care to people on their death beds who can't afford private insurance.
Emerging antibiotic resistance in Listeria
Malaysian researchers have revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen burger patties taken from supermarkets and other retail shops in Malaysia. The research was published in Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science.
3Qs: Health in America
The newly released 11th edition of Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease has been called an "authoritative reference on nutrition and its role in contemporary medicine, nursing, and public policy." Northeastern University news office asked co-author and editor Katherine Tucker, a professor of nutritional epidemiology in the Department of Health Sciences, to expound upon the current state of health in America.
Scientist discovers new target for cancer therapy
Tumour cells need far more nutrients than normal cells and these nutrients cannot get into the malignant cells without transporters.
Burger King drops supplier linked to horsemeat (Update)
(AP)—British and Irish burger fans could face a Whopper shortage. Burger King has stopped buying beef from an Irish meat processor whose patties were found to contain traces of horsemeat.
School system favors pupils driven by worry and conscientiousness
In one of three studies, Pia Rosander carried out personality tests on 200 pupils in southern Sweden when they entered upper secondary school at 16. Three years later, when they received their final grades, she was able to observe a strong link between personality and grades.
Cancer expert remains to be convinced by breast screening review
Michael Baum, Professor emeritus of surgery at University College London says that, while deaths from breast cancer may be avoided, any benefit will be more than outweighed by deaths due to the long term adverse effects of treatment.
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health priorities identified
Quality sexual and reproductive health care is an essential component of public health. However, there are insufficient evidence-based policies related to adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. In an effort to address the research gap, faculty from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health led a project to identify research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in these countries. The results, which are based on input from nearly 300 experts and highlight key focus areas, are featured in the January issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization.
Key elements in preventing homophobic bullying in schools
How are non-heterosexual people affected by discrimination endured in the school environment due to their affective-sexual orientation? This question was the starting point in the PhD thesis produced by the researcher Aitor Martxueta.
Canada launches first gene therapy trial for Fabry disease
Researchers in Calgary have launched the first gene therapy clinical trial in the world for Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency that can shorten the lifespan of people who have it by as much as 40 years.
2nd NY hospital warns of potential pen infection
(AP)—A second western New York hospital is notifying patients that they may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C through the improper sharing of insulin pens.
Swine flu kills three in Central Europe
Three people have died in Romania and Macedonia after being infected with the H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu, the two countries' health ministries said Thursday.
Introducing 'more patient reality' into NHS spending decisions
A study by health economists at the University of York has, for the first time, produced an estimate of the impact on other NHS patients of new and more costly drugs and other treatments.
UN wants better family planning
(AP)—The U.N.'s top population official wants governments to do more to ensure that women have access to family planning.
Egypt to vaccinate after polio found in sewer (Update)
Egypt will carry out a vaccination campaign for children in parts of Cairo after polio was recently found in the capital's sewage, believed to have been brought to the country from Pakistan, a Health Ministry official said Thursday.
Dutch food watchdog issues warning on poisonous tea
The Dutch food and consumer watchdog issued a warning Thursday about a batch of herbal tea imported from Bulgaria which may have been contaminated by a highly toxic nightshade plant.
Reports: Medicare paid $120M in illegal care
(AP)—Two new reports show that the taxpayer-funded Medicare program paid more than $120 million from 2009 to 2011 in violation of federal law for medical services for inmates and illegal immigrants.
Drug approved for inherited blood disorder
(HealthDay)—Exjade (deferasirox) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove excess iron in the blood among people with a genetic blood disorder called non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT).
Extreme cold snap brings unexpected health risks
(HealthDay)—As extreme cold blankets many parts of the United States, one expert warns that frigid temperatures can put people at greater risk not only for hypothermia and frostbite, but also for stroke, heart attack and asthma flare-ups.
Digital diagnostic tools lead to patient dissatisfaction, says MU expert
Health care practitioners now can access patients' data using electronic medical records, which often include information systems that assess individuals' medical histories and clinical research to facilitate doctors' diagnoses. A University of Missouri researcher says the increased use of computerized clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) leads to greater patient dissatisfaction and could increase noncompliance with preventative care and treatment recommendations.
Researchers studying stem cell therapy to repair damaged knee cartilage
Rush University Medical Center is conducting the nation's first clinical study of an innovative stem cell drug, Cartistem, to repair knee cartilage damaged by aging, trauma or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer probably manageable for most Canadian women
Out-of-pocket costs resulting from breast cancer care in the year following diagnosis are likely manageable for most women, but some women are at a higher risk of experiencing the financial burden that comes from those costs in Canadian breast cancer patients, according to a study published January 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Breast feeding okay for mothers taking immunosuppressant drug
Women taking the immunosuppressant tacrolimus can rest assured that breast feeding will not elevate their babies' exposure to the drug, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN). The findings are good news for young women who have received an organ transplant in the past or who are taking the drug for other reasons.
Kidney disease accounts for most of the increased risk of dying early among diabetics
One in every 10 Americans has diabetes, and a third or more of those with the condition will develop kidney disease. It may be possible to live a long and healthy life with diabetes, but once kidney disease develops, the risk of dying prematurely increases significantly, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings have significant clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
Stigma stymies prostate cancer screening, treatment in Ghana
Infectious diseases in Ghana tend to capture the most attention, but a quiet crisis may soon take over as the country's most threatening epidemic: cancer.
Penalty could keep smokers out of health overhaul
(AP)—Here's a possible new cost for people with the cigarette habit.
Low vitamin D levels linked to high risk of premenopausal breast cancer
A prospective study led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has found that low serum vitamin D levels in the months preceding diagnosis may predict a high risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
Spotting fetal growth problems early could cut UK stillbirths by 600 a year
The authors say spotting it early could substantially reduce the risk, and this needs to become a cornerstone of safety and effectiveness in antenatal care.
Emergency admissions death toll significantly higher on public holidays
Patients admitted to hospital as emergencies on public holidays are significantly more likely to die than those admitted on other days of the week - including weekends - indicates research published online in Emergency Medicine Journal.
Attitudes to speed among learner drivers predict unsafe driving once qualified
Attitudes to speed and risk-taking on the road develop at the learner driver stage and predict those who will go on to be potentially dangerous drivers once fully licensed, indicates research published online in Injury Prevention.
New study suggests many apples a day keep the blues at bay
Eating more fruit and vegetables may make young people calmer, happier and more energetic in their daily life, new research from New Zealand's University of Otago suggests.
Newly approved oral medication slows rheumatoid arthritis joint damage
A Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates that tofacitinib improves disease activity and inhibits progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who did not respond to methotrexate (MTX). Results of the 12-month interim analysis of the efficacy of tofacitinib appear in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
Vaccinating children against rotavirus may indirectly protect adults too, study finds
Pediatric rotavirus vaccination also indirectly protects unvaccinated adults from the highly contagious cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting, suggests a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online. The findings suggest pediatric immunization against the virus may be more cost effective than previously thought, given rotavirus-related health care costs among adults.
New drug improves survival in multiple myeloma relapse
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues have investigated the safety, efficacy and the maximum tolerated dose of pomalidomide for patients with multiple myeloma who have disease relapsed after treatments with other drugs, such as bortezomib and lenalidomide. This phase I clinical trial enrolled 38 patients, and pomalidomide provided a minimal or better response for 42 percent of the patients, a partial response or better for 21 percent, and a complete response for 3 percent.
Sacral nerve stimulator helps manage chronic incontinence in children
Incontinence is typically a condition associated with adults; however, many children also struggle with incontinence – bladder, bowel or both. In order to help these children, doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital have turned to a device, typically used in adult patients, to help manage children with chronic incontinence.
Researcher finds 'first time' could predict sexual satisfaction
(Medical Xpress)—Research conducted by Matthew Shaffer, a doctoral psychology student at UT, and C. Veronica Smith, an assistant psychology professor at the University of Mississippi, reveals that the first sexual experience can set the tone for the rest of one's sexual life.
Informing women on breast cancer overdiagnosis
In a study exploring women's responses to being told about overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening, most women felt the information was important and could enable them to make choices.
Weathering the winter blues
The holidays are over and there's a calendar full of cold, gray days ahead. Some of us experience the "winter blues" and others experience a more serious kind of depression like seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It can bring lethargy, mood swings and curtail normal functioning.
Medical center identifies role of neuron creation in anxiety disorders
(Medical Xpress)—People with anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have impaired pattern separation—the process by which similar experiences are transformed into distinct memories. They often react to events that resemble their original trauma, even when in safe situations.
Somebody to love: Expert says young crushes on older celebrities part of passage into adulthood
Like the chicken pox or fifth disease, a bout of "Bieber Fever" is a childhood passage for many young girls. Moreover, it's a way to explore their sense of identity, according to a Kansas State University family studies researcher.
Bird flu researchers return to the lab after year-long debate
Controversial research into the H5N1 virus, more commonly known as bird flu, is set to recommence, after it was delayed in 2011 following a request from the US government.
Research ties lightning to onset of headache, migraines
University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers have found that lightning may affect the onset of headache and migraines.
Lose fat faster before breakfast
People can burn up to 20% more body fat by exercising in the morning on an empty stomach, according to new research from Northumbria University.
Medical cannabis provides dramatic relief for sufferers of chronic ailments
Though controversial, medical cannabis has been gaining ground as a valid therapy, offering relief to suffers of diseases such as cancer, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ALS and more. The substance is known to soothe severe pain, increase the appetite, and ease insomnia where other common medications fail.
Some minority students may fare better than whites when working part time, new research finds
African-American and Hispanic students may be less likely than non-Hispanic white students to hold a job during the school year, but when they do, they tend to work somewhat longer hours and seem less likely to see their grades suffer than non-Hispanic white students with jobs, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.
Smokers who quit before age 40 have lifespan almost as long as people who never smoked
(Medical Xpress)—Smokers who quit when they are young adults can live almost as long as people who never smoked, groundbreaking new research has found.
Tracking the spread of dengue fever: Domestic networks drive rapid transmission of human infection
The mosquitoes that spread dengue fever tap into the domestic networks of humans, along with their bloodstreams, finds a study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Researchers uncover gene's role in rheumatoid arthritis, findings pave way for new treatments
University of Michigan research sheds new light on why certain people are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis – paving the way to explore new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
'Connection error' in the brains of anorexics
When people see pictures of bodies, a whole range of brain regions are active. This network is altered in women with anorexia nervosa. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study, two regions that are important for the processing of body images were functionally more weakly connected in anorexic women than in healthy women. The stronger this "connection error" was, the more overweight the respondents considered themselves.
Synthetic corkscrew peptide kills antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
An engineered peptide provides a new prototype for killing an entire category of resistant bacteria by shredding and dissolving their double-layered membranes, which are thought to protect those microbes from antibiotics.
Researchers prevent cancer spread by blocking tissue scarring
What to fear most if faced by a cancer diagnosis is the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. This process called metastasis accounts for over 90% of cancer patient deaths and therefore is a strong focus for cancer researchers. Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen have shown that the enzyme Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) can create a "scarred" microenvironment that enhances cancer spreading. By blocking activity of the LOX enzyme, the researchers succeeded in significantly decreasing metastasis in a model of breast cancer.
Don't ignore the snore: Snoring may be early sign of future health risks
Here's a wake-up call for snorers: Snoring may put you at a greater risk than those who are overweight, smoke or have high cholesterol to have thickening or abnormalities in the carotid artery, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Scientists find cancer-causing virus in the brain, potential connection to epilepsy
Researchers at Shriner's Hospital Pediatric Research Center at the Temple University School of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania have evidence linking the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) – the most common cause of cervical cancer – to a common form of childhood epilepsy. They have shown for the first time that HPV16 may be present in the human brain, and found that when they added a viral protein to the brains of fetal mice, the mice all demonstrated the same developmental problems in the cerebral cortex associated with this type of epilepsy, called focal cortical dysplasia type IIB (FCDIIB). The findings suggest that the virus could play a role in the development of epilepsy.
Study finds 'Achilles heel' of key HIV replication protein
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine may have found an "Achilles heel" in a key HIV protein. In findings published online today in Chemistry and Biology, they showed that targeting this vulnerable spot could stop the virus from replicating, potentially thwarting HIV infection from progressing to full-blown AIDS.
Discovery of new class of damage-prone DNA regions could lead to better cancer treatments
Cancer is thought to arise from DNA damage at fragile sites in the genome. A study published by Cell Press on January 24th in the journal Cell reveals a new class of fragile sites that contributes to DNA alterations in a type of blood cancer called B cell lymphoma The findings could lead to the development of more effective treatments for B cell lymphoma and potentially other cancers.
Discovering the secrets of tumor growth
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen's Center for Healthy Ageing have identified a compound that blocks the expression of a protein without which certain tumours cannot grow. This compound has the potential as an anticancer agent according to the research published in the journal Chemistry and Biology this week.
Researchers say practicing healthy behaviors can actually improve your self-control
You can train your body, your mind ... and your willpower? That's according to a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, who say that with a little practice, it may be possible to strengthen and improve your self-control – and lose more weight.
Neuroinflammation may be behind general-anesthesia-associated learning disabilities
Several studies have found evidence that children who undergo repeated surgical operations with general anesthesia before the age of 4 may be at an increased risk for learning disabilities. In the March issue of Anesthesiology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers report an animal study indicating that several factors – age, the specific anesthetic agent used and the number of doses – combine to induce impairments in learning and memory accompanied by the inflammation of brain tissue. An accompanying paper from the same team finds that the offspring of mice that received a specific anesthetic gas during pregnancy also showed the effects of neuroinflammation and impaired learning. Both articles have been released online.
CDC researchers spot increase in new 'stomach bug' strain (Update)
(HealthDay)—A new norovirus strain caused most of the outbreaks of the contagious intestinal illness in the United States between September and December last year, but it is not known if this strain will lead to an overall increase in outbreaks, U.S. researchers report.
Research: Lupus drugs carry no significant cancer risk for patients
People who take immunosuppressive drugs to treat lupus do not necessarily increase their cancer risk according to new research led by scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). This landmark study, which was published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases this month, addresses long-standing fears of a link between lupus medication and cancer.
Female mice exposed to BPA by mothers show unexpected characteristics
Female mice exposed to Bisphenol A through their mother's diet during gestation and lactation were found to be hyperactive, exhibit spontaneous activity and had leaner body mass than those not exposed to the chemical, researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have discovered.
Abuse during childhood linked to uterine fibroids in African-American women
According to a new study from the Slone Epidemiology Center (SEC) at Boston University, African-American women who reported sexual or physical abuse before age 11 had a greater risk of uterine fibroids in adulthood compared with women who had no such abuse history. The association was strongest for women who experienced sexual abuse.
Gene sequencing project mines data once considered 'junk' for clues about cancer
Genome sequencing data once regarded as junk is now being used to gain important clues to help understand disease. The latest example comes from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, where scientists have developed an approach to mine the repetitive segments of DNA at the ends of chromosomes for insights into cancer.
Genes provide clues to gender disparity in human hearts
Healthy men and women show little difference in their hearts, except for small electrocardiographic disparities. But new genetic differences found by Washington University in St. Louis researchers in hearts with disease could ultimately lead to personalized treatment of various heart ailments.
'Cool' kids in middle school bully more, psychologists report
Bullying, whether it's physical aggression or spreading rumors, boosts the social status and popularity of middle school students, according to a new UCLA psychology study that has implications for programs aimed at combatting school bullying. In addition, students already considered popular engage in these forms of bullying, the researchers found.
Longtime smokers lose a decade of life
(HealthDay)—Adding to the arsenal of evidence that smoking is bad for you, a large new study indicates that lifetime smokers cut 10 years off their life expectancy—a decade they can gain back if they quit before age 35.
Many women victims of 'contraceptive sabotage,' experts say
(HealthDay)—Obstetricians and gynecologists should screen women and teens for signs that their partner is sabotaging their birth control, forcing them to have unprotected sex or otherwise trying to control their reproductive choices, says a leading group of U.S. doctors.
Acts of kindness can make you happier
(HealthDay)—Performing small acts of kindness and gratitude can make people happier, researchers believe, but how this occurs is more of a puzzle.
FDA panel weighs tougher restrictions on some prescription painkillers
(HealthDay)—A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel will meet Thursday and Friday to discuss the fate of certain painkillers that contain an opioid known as hydrocodone.
Turning tragedy into hope for others with spinal cord injury
(HealthDay)—It was the start of 1988, a beautiful morning on a New Year's vacation at the beach in Martinique when Alan Brown went in the water for a quick swim. The ocean seemed a little rough, but the deep blue of the sea appeared to stretch into infinity.
Peginesatide safe for anemia in patients undergoing dialysis
(HealthDay)—Peginesatide, a peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, is safe and effective in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and anemia as long as they are undergoing dialysis, according to two studies published in the Jan. 24 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
Researchers say it's time to treat anemia seriously
Up to one-third of patients undergoing surgery in Ontario have a treatable form of anemia but are not optimally treated for it.
Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower risk of ER- breast cancer
There is no association between total fruit and vegetable intake and risk of overall breast cancer, but vegetable consumption is associated with a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer, according to a study published January 24 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Plastic products and jet fuel exposures raising incidences of 'epigenetic transgenerational inheritance'
Washington State University researchers have lengthened their list of environmental toxicants that can negatively affect as many as three generations of an exposed animal's offspring.
HIV-like viruses in non-human primates have existed much longer than previously thought
Viruses similar to those that cause AIDS in humans were present in non-human primates in Africa at least 5 million years ago and perhaps up to 12 million years ago, according to study published January 24 in the Open Access journal PLOS Pathogens by scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Until now, researchers have hypothesized that such viruses originated much more recently.
Pathogenic bacteria adhering to the human vascular wall triggers vascular damage during meningococcal sepsis
Researchers at the Paris Cardiovascular Research Center (PARCC) have shown how adhesion of Neisseria (N.) meningitidis to human microvessels in a humanized mouse model leads to the characteristic cutaneous lesions of meningococcal sepsis. This work, published on January 24 in the Open Access journal PLOS Pathogens, is an important demonstration of the direct role of adhesion, specifically Type IV pili mediated adhesion, plays in the development of the disease.
Fetal exposure to tributyltin linked to obesity
Exposing pregnant mice to low doses of the chemical tributyltin (TBT) – which was used in marine antifouling paints and is used as an antifungal agent in some paints, certain plastics and a variety of consumer products – can lead to obesity for multiple generations without subsequent exposure, a UC Irvine study has found.
Study discusses ethics of multifetal pregnancy reduction
(HealthDay)—Given the risks of multifetal pregnancies, especially high-order multifetal pregnancies, physicians should be aware of the relevant ethical issues in order to support their patients as they make decisions regarding multifetal pregnancy reduction, according to a Committee Opinion published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Cancer prevalence higher with long duration of diabetes
(HealthDay)—Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have a greater prevalence of cancer with longer diabetes duration and with insulin use, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Diabetes Care.
Back pain intensity most influential in fusion decision
(HealthDay)—Patients seeing a spine surgeon are most influenced by low back pain intensity when considering whether to proceed with spinal fusion surgery, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of Spine.
Right target, but missing the bulls-eye for Alzheimer's
(Medical Xpress)—Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of late-life dementia. The disorder is thought to be caused by a protein known as amyloid-beta, or Abeta, which clumps together in the brain, forming plaques that are thought to destroy neurons. This destruction starts early, too, and can presage clinical signs of the disease by up to 20 years.
When the mind controls the machines
More than a hundred patients suffering from severe motor impairments have voluntarily participated in the development of non-invasive brain-machine interfaces. The main purpose of these machines is to allow the patients either regain some of their mobility or improve their social relationships. Today, three presentations took place in Sion during the closing seminar of the TOBI European research program, which has been coordinated by EPFL for approximately four years.
A scanner for hereditary defects
Our genetic material is constantly exposed to damage, which the body's own proteins normally repair. One of these proteins works like a scanner, continually scouring the genetic material for signs of damage. Researchers from the Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Zurich see new possibilities in this damage recognition for improving cancer treatment in humans.
Neuroscientists create fiber-optic method of arresting epileptic seizures
UC Irvine neuroscientists have developed a way to stop epileptic seizures with fiber-optic light signals, heralding a novel opportunity to treat the most severe manifestations of the brain disorder.
Prenatal inflammation linked to autism risk
Maternal inflammation during early pregnancy may be related to an increased risk of autism in children, according to new findings supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers found this in children of mothers with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-established marker of systemic inflammation.
Genetic landscape of common brain tumors holds key to personalized treatment
Nearly the entire genetic landscape of the most common form of brain tumor can be explained by abnormalities in just five genes, an international team of researchers led by Yale School of Medicine scientists report online in the Jan. 24 edition of the journal Science. Knowledge of the genomic profile of the tumors and their location in the brain make it possible for the first time to develop personalized medical therapies for meningiomas, which currently are only managed surgically.
New mutations driving malignant melanoma discovered
Two new mutations that collectively occur in 71 percent of malignant melanoma tumors have been discovered in what scientists call the "dark matter" of the cancer genome, where cancer-related mutations haven't been previously found.
Epigenetic reprogramming: Research discovers how epigenetic information could be inherited
New research reveals a potential way for how parents' experiences could be passed to their offspring's genes. The research was published today, 25 January, in the journal Science.
Immune cell suicide alarm helps destroy escaping bacteria
Cells in the immune system called macrophages normally engulf and kill intruding bacteria, holding them inside a membrane-bound bag called a vacuole, where they kill and digest them.
Chance finding reveals new control on blood vessels in developing brain
(Medical Xpress)—Zhen Huang freely admits he was not interested in blood vessels four years ago when he was studying brain development in a fetal mouse.
Magnetically levitated tissues could speed toxicity tests
In a development that could lead to faster and more effective toxicity tests for airborne chemicals, scientists from Rice University and the Rice spinoff company Nano3D Biosciences have used magnetic levitation to grow some of the most realistic lung tissue ever produced in a laboratory.
Exercise can slow onset of Alzheimer's memory loss, study reports
(Medical Xpress)—Keeping active can slow down the progression of memory loss in people with Alzheimer's disease, a study has shown. A team of researchers from The University of Nottingham has identified a stress hormone produced during moderate exercise that may protect the brain from memory changes related to the disease.
Biology news
New pest field guide for plantation industry
Murdoch University researchers have compiled a new field guide for the hardwood plantation industry which features more than 400 photographs of pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies.
New, cost-cutting approach to formulating pest-killing fungi
Biopesticides containing beneficial fungi are often grown on grains or other solids, but U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have shown a liquid diet can work better.
What happens to peaches when the chill is gone?
The warmer-than-normal temperatures of 2012—the fourth warmest year on record in South Carolina—signal potential challenges for growers of the state's best-known fruit. Peaches need cold weather to produce flowers and fruit. What happens when the chill is gone?
Guyana pledges to protect jaguars (Update)
The lushly forested nation of Guyana on Thursday joined a regional pact to protect jaguars, the elusive spotted cat that is the biggest land predator in the Americas but is vulnerable due to expanded agriculture and mining that carves away at their fragmented habitat.
S.African rescuers free entangled humpback whale
South African rescuers on Thursday freed a nine metre (30-foot) humpback whale that was entangled in seven fishing ropes north of Cape Town.
Ractopamine is safe for use in Brazilian pork
Animal scientists in Brazil have found that a small dose of the feed additive ractopamine can boost pork production without changing how pork looks or tastes.
Fractal plumage indicates bird fitness
The complexity of the fractal geometry of a bird's plumage reveals its level of fitness, according to a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B today.
It's a dog's life when man's best friend becomes his fattest
A study published this morning in Nature offers further insight into how dogs became domesticated. The comparative analysis of human, canine and wolf genomes suggests that humans and dogs have evolved in parallel as a response to the increasingly starchy diets on offer after the agricultural revolution. Such a wholesale change in diet has not necessarily been benign for either species.
New study shows small cookiecutter shark feeds on flesh of great white
(Phys.org)—Researchers have discovered the great white shark, one of the most feared ocean predators, can occasionally become prey for the mysterious cookiecutter shark, a lone predator one-tenth its size.
Computer scientists develop new way to study molecular networks
Computer scientists at Virginia Tech developed a new approach to address the shortcomings in the computational analysis of the multiple ways interactions can occur within cells. Their award winning work may lead to further understanding of the interactions between molecules.
Cells 'flock' to heal wounds: Research team analyzes physics of epithelial cell cooperation
(Phys.org)—Like flocks of birds, cells coordinate their motions as they race to cover and ultimately heal wounds to the skin. How that happens is a little less of a mystery today.
Scientists discover genetic key to efficient crops
(Phys.org)—With projections of 9.5 billion people by 2050, humankind faces the challenge of feeding modern diets to additional mouths while using the same amounts of water, fertilizer and arable land as today.
Designer babies may explain insect sociality
(Phys.org)—Being able to choose the sex of their babies may be the key to the complex societies built by ants, bees, and wasps, according to Oxford University scientists.
Study finds women prefer perfumes that mimic their immune system cells
(Phys.org)—A research team in Germany has found that when given the choice, women prefer the smell of perfume that has chemicals in it that mimic the smell of their own immune proteins. In their study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the researchers found that female volunteers applying perfumes preferred those with a synthetic ingredient similar to major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) found in their own cells.
Dung beetles use stars for orientation
You might expect dung beetles to keep their "noses to the ground," but they are actually incredibly attuned to the sky. A report published online on January 24 in Current Biology shows that even on the darkest of nights, African ball-rolling insects are guided by the soft glow of the Milky Way.
Extinction rates not as bad as feared ... for now
Concerns that many animals are becoming extinct, before scientists even have time to identify them, are greatly overstated according Griffith University researcher, Professor Nigel Stork.
Pesticides killing amphibians, says study
A plunge in the world's population of frogs and toads may be blamed, at least in part, on farm pesticides, researchers in Germany said on Thursday.
Bats split on family living
For the tiny Daubenton's bat, the attractions of family life seem to vary more with altitude than with the allure of the opposite sex.
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