Science X Newsletter Tuesday, Nov 25

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for November 25, 2014:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Synthetic biology, genetic engineering and you: Two-component signaling pathways as elements in synthetic circuit design
- Study shows Beijing haze linked directly to gaseous pollutants from traffic, industrial emissions
- Blu-ray disc can be used to improve solar cell performance
- Physicists bind single-atom sheets with the same force geckos use to climb walls
- A hybrid vehicle that delivers DNA
- Vultures evolved an extreme gut to cope with disgusting dietary habits
- Vegetable oil ingredient key to destroying gastric disease bacteria
- A link between DNA transcription and disease-causing expansions
- Sony Pictures network reportedly hit by hackers (Update)
- Another reason to be thankful: Turkeys may be lifesavers
- International team completes genome sequence of centipede
- Mere expectation of treatment can improve brain activity in Parkinson's patients
- Heat-conducting plastic developed
- Building a better battery
- Lazard's numbers show cost-competitive gains for wind, solar

Astronomy & Space news

	Searching for alien worlds and gravitational lenses from the Arctic The quest for optimal sites to carry out astronomical observations has taken scientists to the frigid Arctic. Eric Steinbring, who led a team of National Research Council Canada experts, noted that a high Arctic site can, "offer excellent image quality that is maintained during many clear, calm, dark periods that can last 100 hours or more." The new article by Steinbring and colleagues conveys recent progress made to obtain precise observations from a 600 m high ridge near the Eureka research base on Ellesmere Island, which is located in northern Canada.
	Espresso in space Espresso-loving astronauts, rejoice! You may soon be able to enjoy your beloved beverage in space, thanks to a new cup designed specifically to defy the low-gravity environments encountered aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
	Monster telescope needs mind-bending mathematics to uncover secrets of the universe Telescopes have come a long way since the days when they were all about lone astronomers watching the night sky through their upstairs windows. Today teams of astrophysicists build and use much more modern instruments, not only to observe light visible to our eyes, but also radio emissions from the universe.
	A brief history of exo-Earths and the search for life elsewhere Ever since humans first looked up at the night sky, we have wondered whether we are alone in the universe. Dreams of life beyond Earth pervade literature, TV shows and drive Hollywood blockbusters – but the truth of life beyond the Earth continues to evade us.
	Antares rocket failure pushes tiny satellite company to hitch ride with SpaceX The various companies that had stuff sitting on the failed Orbital Sciences Antares rocket launch last month are busy looking for alternatives. One example is Planet Labs, which is best known for deploying dozens of tiny satellites from the International Space Station this year.
	Is Phobos doomed? "All these worlds are yours except Europa, attempt no landing there."
	Iridium flares captured in real time by astrophotographer There are so many fun sights to see in the sky that are pure astronomical magic. And then there are the spectacular human-created sights. One of those sights is watching satellites from the Iridium constellation that—because of their odd shape—produce spectacular flares that can be brighter than the planet Venus.
	Astrophysicist's passion for exotic science inspired 'Interstellar' It started with a blind date. Theoretical astrophysicist Kip Thorne was a divorced single dad raising a teenage daughter when he got a call in September 1980 from a close friend - fellow scientist Carl Sagan.
Space station's 3-D printer pops out 1st creation The first 3-D printer in space has popped out its first creation.
	NASA's Webb Telescope mirror tripod in action (Video) Setting up NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror in space will require special arms that resemble a tripod. NASA recently demonstrated that test in a NASA cleanroom and it was documented in a time-lapse video.
	ASU joins pathbreaking radio telescope project to study early universe Arizona State University has joined with 14 other institutions in Australia, India, New Zealand and the United States in a radio telescope project that focuses on the early universe and the birth and formation of the first galaxies.
20,000 meteorites and counting: New book details productive collection program Meteorites collected from Antarctica provide insight into the universe, help tell the history of the moon and Mars, and hold untold secrets waiting for scientists to decipher.

Technology news

	Blu-ray disc can be used to improve solar cell performance Who knew Blu-ray discs were so useful? Already one of the best ways to store high-definition movies and television shows because of their high-density data storage, Blu-ray discs also improve the performance of solar cells—suggesting a second use for unwanted discs—according to new research from Northwestern University.
	Scientists could save thousands with student's DIY microscope Expensive tests for measuring everything from sperm motility to cancer diagnosis have just been made hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper by a PhD student from Brunel University London who hacked his own microscope.
	Google's latest: A spoon that steadies tremors Google is throwing its money, brain power and technology at the humble spoon.
	Nanodot team aims to charge phones in less than a minute The world of smartphone users, which is a very large base indeed, is ripe for better battery solutions and an Israel-based company has an attractive solution in store, in the form of nanodot batteries that charge in less than a minute, The name of the company is StoreDot, which prides itself on technology based on its explorations into self-assembled nanodots of biological origin. The multifunctional nanodots are designed to make some important changes to using smartphones and other devices.
	Firmer footing for robots with smart walking sticks Anyone who has ever watched a humanoid robot move around in the real world—an "unstructured environment," in research parlance—knows how hard it is for a machine to plan complex movements, balance on uneven surfaces or traverse levels.
	Sony Pictures network reportedly hit by hackers (Update) Sony Pictures' computer network has reportedly come under cyberattack, with hackers threatening to release key information from the Japanese group's entertainment division.
	Building a better battery Imagine an electric car with the range of a Tesla Model S - 265 miles - but at one-fifth the $70,000 price of the luxury sedan. Or a battery able to provide many times more energy than today's technology at significantly lower prices, meaning longer-lasting and less expensive power for cellphones, laptops and the home.
	Are electric cars greener? Depends on where you live Long thought a thing of the future, electric cars are becoming mainstream. Sales in the United States of plug-in, electric vehicles nearly doubled last year. Credible forecasts see the number rising within a decade to half a million vehicles per year, which would easily exceed sales of the Toyota Camry today.
	Lazard's numbers show cost-competitive gains for wind, solar Critics wanting to curb the enthusiasm of supporters of alternative energy have held up production cost as proof that coal and natural gas cannot be rivaled. Now there is a sign that the story changed. Diane Cardwell, reporter covering energy for The New York Times, said that solar and wind energy are starting to win on price versus conventional fuels.
	Study reveals how much people understand Internet The Internet generation doesn't actually know much about how it works.
Stealthy spy software snooping for years: Symantec Computer security firm Symantec on Monday said it uncovered stealthy software wielded as part of a years-long spying campaign, most likely by a nation state.
	Researcher explores drone-driven crop management A flock of pigeons flies over the soybean field where J. Craig Williams is standing. He reaches down and rips off a brown pod from one of the withered plants and splits it open. Grabbing a tiny bean between his calloused fingers, he flips it up into his mouth and bites down. "You want them to crack or pop between your teeth," he said while chewing on the brown bean. "That's how you know when they're mature and ready for harvest."
	Ten ways to stay safe while shopping online As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the importance of avoiding hackers, phishing scams and phony websites while buying online becomes increasingly important.
	Hacked webcam site is another reminder to improve security online The UK Information Commissioner Christopher Graham has drawn attention to a webcam-monitoring Russian website, which offers thousands of private video streams, raising fears of unwitting and continuous surveillance. Graham conceded that he has little legal power to close such sites.
	Introducing one of the most sophisticated espionage bugs ever discovered The computer-security firm Symantec says it may have found some of the most sophisticated malicious software ever made. The cyber-espionage bug, called Regin, has been making attacks for many years without being caught.
	Evaluating remaining lifespan for maintenance of existing steel infrastructures The maintenance of existing steel infrastructures such as bridges is vitally important to ensure the safety of our society. Ongoing monitoring, inspection, and evaluation are key processes in these maintenance programs. However, it is difficult to evaluate the actual remaining capacity and lifespan of infrastructures from current inspection methods.
	Gaming technology makes its way into headsets for the visually impaired EU researchers have developed a 3D headset that could help visually impaired people move around more safely and easily.
	Virtual money and user's identity Bitcoin is the new money: minted and exchanged on the Internet. Faster and cheaper than a bank, the service is attracting attention from all over the world. But a big question remains: are the transactions really anonymous?
	Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline Researchers at KU Leuven's Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis have successfully converted sawdust into building blocks for gasoline. Using a new chemical process, they were able to convert the cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains. These hydrocarbons can be used as an additive in gasoline, or as a component in plastics. The researchers reported their findings in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.
US urges India to toughen patent laws to draw investors A top US trade envoy urged India on Tuesday to strengthen its drug and other intellectual property laws, saying such a move is needed to draw vital investment to spur a sputtering economy.
	Gift Guide: Lots of tablet choices, oh my! Time for a tablet? People tend to hold onto tablets longer than smartphones, so take time to weigh your options. A major consideration is what phone you or your gift recipient already has. Although it's possible for Android owners to have Apple's iPads, for instance, there are advantages to sticking within the same system. You often can buy apps just once and share them across both devices, and you don't need to learn two different systems.
Apple market value hits $700 bn A rise in Apple shares Tuesday pushed the market value of the trend-setting US tech icon above $700 billion, becoming the first company to hit that milestone.
Sony settles with gov't over gaming console ads Sony is settling government charges that it misled consumers about its PlayStation Vita hand-held gaming console.
Gift ideas for the fit, or those who want to be The latest personal fitness gadgets will help you smash your personal record, break you out of your fitness rut and persuade you to get sweaty.
	Tech review: Another year, another iPad Some years, Apple introduces a new version of a product and the world rejoices. Other years, the updates are more under the hood, but they still sell a ton.
FTC in talks with Apple about health data protection The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is in talks with Apple to ensure that sensitive health data collected by its mobile and wearable devices will not be used without owners' consent.
Uber: As drivers get perks, riders losing patience on privacy snafus Negative news about ride-hailing service Uber continues to mount. Uber said Wednesday that an executive in New York City was under investigation for allegedly tracking a journalist's journey without her consent.
	Bluetooth may be the key to your future smart home If you've ever considered trying to turn your house into a smart home, you've likely found the prospect expensive or technologically intimidating. That situation could soon change, thanks in part to an old technology learning some new tricks.
	For Google's self-driving cars, learning to deal with the bizarre is essential In 700,000 miles of navigating roads, Google's self-driving cars have encountered just about everything - including an elderly woman in a motorized wheelchair flailing a broom at a duck she was chasing around the street.
Spliddit helps divide bills, credit, material items fairly Dividing bills, credit and material items between two people is a fairly simple and straightforward task.
	Twitter lets merchants offer deals to its users Twitter is expanding its reach into commerce with a new tool called "Offers."
	Spotify turns up volume as losses fall The world's biggest music streaming service, Spotify, announced Tuesday its revenue grew by 74 percent in 2013 while net losses shrank by one third, in a year of spectacular expansion.
UN moves to strengthen digital privacy (Update) The United Nations on Tuesday adopted a resolution on protecting digital privacy that for the first time urged governments to offer redress to citizens targeted by mass surveillance.
HP earnings show continued struggle Venerable tech giant Hewlett-Packard has been struggling for three years to turn its business around. Its latest earnings show it still has more work ahead.
	BlackBerry courts iPhone users with cash Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry is wooing Apple customers with a cash offer for trade-ins of iPhones for its new square-screened, keyboard-equipped Passport.
Research shows how householders could stay warm for less simply by storing heat better Research by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) shows how householders could stay warm for less simply by storing heat better.
Home Depot faces dozens of breach-related lawsuits (Update) Home Depot faces at least 44 lawsuits in the United States and Canada over a massive data breach earlier this year that affected 56 million debit and credit cards.
Infineon offers application optimized bipolar power modules introducing cost-effective solder bond modules Infineon Technologies AG today launches bipolar power modules in solder bond technology to address the specific requirements of cost-effective applications. With these new PowerBlock modules the company expands its already comprehensive power module portfolio which, so far, was only using pressure contacts. Infineon offers optimized solutions for different applications like industrial drives, renewable energy, soft starters, UPS systems, welding and static switches driven by cost and/or performance restrictions.
	Unboxing videos online chronicle the big reveal Rrrrip goes the packing tape and squeak goes the protective foam. Are there sweeter, more seductive sounds than the opening of a new toy or gadget?
	Sex traffickers 'using Facebook' to lure victims Gangs are using social media sites such as Facebook to lure young women into crime and prostitution, the head of European policing agency Europol said Tuesday.

Medicine & Health news

	Why cancer cells grow despite a lack of oxygen Healthy cells reduce their growth when there is a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). This makes it even more surprising that hypoxia is a characteristic feature of malignant tumours. In two publications in the current edition of the Nature Communications journal, researchers from Goethe University and Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen report on how cancer cells succeed at circumventing the genetic program of growth inhibition.
Providing simple neural signals to brain implants could stand in for body's own feedback system In new research that brings natural movement by artificial limbs closer to reality, UC San Francisco scientists have shown that monkeys can learn simple brain-stimulation patterns that represent their hand and arm position, and can then make use of this information to precisely execute reaching maneuvers.
	Virtual motion, real consequences Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich researchers have shown that virtual optical stimuli can lead to aftereffects that significantly alter our perception of self-motion. This finding has implications for safe use of emerging technologies such as virtual-reality headsets.
	Scientists link gene to tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers After mining the genetic records of thousands of breast cancer patients, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have identified a gene whose presence may explain why some breast cancers are resistant to tamoxifen, a widely used hormone treatment generally used after surgery, radiation and other chemotherapy.
	Researchers find brain network link between development, aging and brain disease (Medical Xpress)—A team of bio-researchers with members from across Europe has found evidence that suggests that grey matter development early in life tends to be the first to regress later in life—related findings also suggest a possible link between brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describes how they came to these conclusions after studying a large number of brain scans.
	Missing gene linked to autism Researchers at the University of Leeds have shed light on a gene mutation linked to autistic traits.
	A hybrid vehicle that delivers DNA A new hybrid vehicle is under development. Its performance isn't measured by the distance it travels, but rather the delivery of its cargo: vaccines that contain genetically engineered DNA to fight HIV, cancer, influenza and other maladies.
	Vegetable oil ingredient key to destroying gastric disease bacteria The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with gastric ulcers and cancer. To combat the infection, researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Jacobs School of Engineering developed LipoLLA, a therapeutic nanoparticle that contains linolenic acid, a component in vegetable oils. In mice, LipoLLA was safe and more effective against H. pylori infection than standard antibiotic treatments.
	A link between DNA transcription and disease-causing expansions Researchers in human genetics have known that long nucleotide repeats in DNA lead to instability of the genome and ultimately to human hereditary diseases such Freidreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease.
	Mere expectation of treatment can improve brain activity in Parkinson's patients Learning-related brain activity in Parkinson's patients improves as much in response to a placebo treatment as to real medication, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and Columbia University.
	Novel type 1 diabetes treatment shown to work on human beta cells transplanted into mice A chemical produced in the pancreas that prevented and even reversed Type 1 diabetes in mice had the same effect on human beta cells transplanted into mice, new research has found.
	Overweight linked to 500,000 cancer cases per year Overweight and obesity is now causing nearly half a million new cancer cases in adults every year, roughly 3.6 percent of the world's total, a study said Wednesday.
	Does a yogurt a day keep diabetes away? A high intake of yogurt has been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research published in open access journal BMC Medicine. This highlights the importance of having yogurt as part of a healthy diet.
El Nino stunts children's growth in Peru Extreme weather events, such as El Niño, can have long-lasting effects on health, according to research published in the open access journal Climate Change Responses. The study, in coastal Peru, shows that children born during and after the 1997-98 El Niño have a lower height-for-age than others born before the event.
US orders calorie labeling for fast-food (Update) The United States on Tuesday announced sweeping new rules forcing chain restaurants and pizza parlors to publish calorie counts on menus in an attempt to combat the nation's obesity epidemic.
	Benefits of regular vitamin D tests remain unproven, study says Experts said Monday regular tests for vitamin D levels are not proven to be beneficial or harmful, despite previous research warning of damaging effects of vitamin D deficiencies in adults.
	Researchers identify new ways to drain cancer's 'fuel tank' Scientists at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential weakness in cancer's ability to return or become resistant to treatment, by targeting the 'fuel' part of stem cells which allows tumours to grow.
	Research, food-safety fundamentals guide holiday meal preparations This is the time of year when we gather to feast on roasted turkey, stuffing and other fixings. For many, it will be the first time they will prepare a holiday dinner, while for others, it will be the latest of many memorable occasions. But those memories should not revolve around foodborne illness, according to a Penn State expert.
	Quitting cigarettes tougher for heavy-drinking smokers, but phone counseling can help Smokers who drink heavily have a tougher time quitting cigarettes than smokers who drink moderately or not at all. However, a multi-center study led by researchers in Yale Cancer Center and Yale School of Medicine found that modifying tobacco-oriented telephone counseling to help hazardous drinkers can help them quit smoking.
Public health interventions required to tackle grim reaper of 'lifestyle' disases More public health interventions, along the lines of the smoking ban, are needed to tackle Britain's devastating toll of 'lifestyle' diseases, including heart disease and cancer, according to academics.
	Genetic test unlocks cause of Brisbane boy's rare disease Queensland researchers have led an international effort to uncover the gene behind a young Brisbane boy's rare developmental condition, in a discovery his family hopes will pave the way for future treatments.
Powdered measles vaccine found safe in early clinical trials A measles vaccine made of fine dry powder and delivered with a puff of air triggered no adverse side effects in early human testing and it is likely effective, according to a paper to be published November 28 in the journal Vaccine. The paper is now available online.
	Importance of adequate sleep Catching the appropriate number of z's each night is important.
	Help beat Alzheimer's with the click of a mouse The ambitious MindCrowd project, which includes two UA researchers, aims to gather data from 1 million people across the globe.
	Using science to improve interrogations and prevent false confessions An Iowa State University psychology professor is leading an international research team developing new interrogation methods designed to reduce false confessions and more effectively gather intelligence critical to national security.
	Low level drinking in pregnancy not associated with higher risk of poor birth outcomes Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy has long been linked to a range of developmental problems and birth defects including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), low birth weight, and preterm delivery, but a new study from Yale and Brown University shows that low to moderate alcohol consumption is not associated with an increased risk of specific birth outcomes and measures of fetal growth.
Researchers identify protein key to the development of blood stem cells Led by Dr. Hanna Mikkola, a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCLA scientists have discovered a protein that is integral to the self-replication of hematopoietic stem cells during human development.
Diabetes and Thanksgiving can live in harmony As you may know, November is National Diabetes Month. If you, a loved one, or a Thanksgiving guest have diabetes or prediabetes, this column is dedicated to you, as you may be wondering how to enjoy one of the most food-laden holidays of the year. Fortunately, you can have your pie and eat it, too.
Researcher examines effect of marital strain on caregivers Caring for a chronically ill family member can impact the caregiver's physical, biological and mental health, according to assistant professor SunWoo Kang of the South Dakota State University counseling and human development department. She analyzed the selfreported health of married, adult caregivers from the National Survey of Midlife in the United States.
	Brain abnormality found in group of SIDS cases More than 40 percent of infants in a group who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) were found to have an abnormality in a key part of the brain, researchers report. The abnormality affects the hippocampus, a brain area that influences such functions as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, via its neurological connections to the brainstem. According to the researchers, supported by the National Institutes of Health, the abnormality was present more often in infants who died of SIDS than in infants whose deaths could be attributed to known causes.
	Study reveals new findings about cause of lesions around jaw bone Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a debilitating and painful condition in which oral lesions develop in individuals taking drugs such as bisphosphonate or denosumab, which are commonly used in treatments for osteoporosis and for cancers that have spread to the bones. Although formally identified in 2003, the fundamental causes for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) development and its treatment remain unclear. New research provides a better understanding of how ONJ progresses and its cellular and structural activators, which could guide the development of therapeutic and preventive measures.
	A new nanomachine shows potential for light-selective gene therapy Gene therapy has great potential to treat intractable diseases such as cancer, arterial sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Successful gene therapy requires a gene vector that can deliver the therapeutic gene selectively to the target site. However, the concern is that conventional gene vectors can cause non-selective transfection to normal organs, whereby genetic material infiltrates healthy cells and leads to unfavorable side effects.
	Oral health improves via education Better integration with primary health care, community outreach programs and culturally appropriate family and community programs could improve Indigenous dental health in Western Australia, research suggests.
	Vaccine against bird flu tested in humans Together with a team at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, LMU researchers have developed a candidate vaccine directed against the avian flu virus H5N1 and have now carried out the first tests in humans.
	'Dramatic' early phase 1 results for AG-120 in IDH1 mutated AML Results presented November 19 by University of Colorado Cancer Center investigator Daniel Pollyea, MD, MS, at the 26th European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Symposium in Barcelona show "extremely promising" early phase 1 clinical trial results for the investigational drug AG-120 against the subset of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring mutations in the gene IDH1. The finding builds on phase 1 results of a related drug, AG-221, against IDH2 mutations, presented at the most recent meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. The IDH1 mutation is found in 15-20 percent of all cases of AML, totaling about 3,500 cases of IDH1 AML per year.
International team reveals barriers to public health data-sharing; proposes life-saving solutions Barriers to the sharing of public health data hamper decision-making efforts on local, national and global levels, and stymie attempts to contain emerging global health threats, an international team led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health announced today.
	Psychology professor says social validation, meeting expectations among reasons we overeat on Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and feasting—lots of feasting. So is it any surprise that our eyes always seem to become so much bigger than our stomachs at this time of year?
Problem gambling, personality disorders often go hand in hand The treatment of people who cannot keep their gambling habits in check is often complicated because they also tend to suffer from personality disorders. So says Meredith Brown of Monash University in Australia, in a review in Springer's Journal of Gambling Studies.
	One-two punch of drugs better than either alone against colorectal cancer Genes make proteins and proteins tell your body's cells what to do: one talks to the next, which talks to the next, and to the next. Like a game of telephone, researchers call these "signaling pathways". Abnormalities in these signaling pathways can cause the growth and survival of cancer cells. Commonly, mutations or rearrangements of genes in the MAPK signaling pathway create cancer's fast growth, and alterations in the PI3K signaling pathway allow cancer cells to survive into virtual immortality.
	Study maps how city neighborhoods affect diabetes risk As the linked epidemics of obesity and diabetes continue to escalate, a staggering one in five U.S. adults is projected to have diabetes by 2050.
	Feeling—not being—wealthy drives opposition to wealth redistribution People's views on income inequality and wealth distribution may have little to do with how much money they have in the bank and a lot to do with how wealthy they feel in comparison to their friends and neighbors, according to new findings published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
	Few operations for epilepsy despite their safety and efficacy A study at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, has found that epilepsy surgery is a safe, effective and low-risk procedure. Nevertheless, few Swedes have the operation, and those who are interested may have to wait a long time for presurgical counseling.
Using wash cloths in jails shows promise for reducing costly infections New research shows providing detainees wash cloths treated with a skin cleanser could reduce the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria in U.S. jails. Researchers looked at the effect on transmission of S. aureus of using wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) compared with wash cloths with only plain water in detainees at Dallas County Jail. The study was published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Superbug in SE Michigan shows recent decline A new study finds a decrease in an emergent strain of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) that is resistant to last line defense antibiotics. Researchers examined the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan, where the majority of these infections have occurred in the U.S. The study is published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Trojan horse tactic gives parasites edge over immune systems Parasites use Trojan horse subterfuge to suppress the immunity of their victims when causing infection, according to a study.
Team uses e-health records to search for hidden drug benefits With research and development costs for many drugs reaching well into the billions, pharmaceutical companies want more than ever to determine whether their drugs already at market have any hidden therapeutic benefits that could warrant putting additional indications on the label and increase production.
Researchers shed new light on the genetics of memory performance In the largest study of the genetics of memory ever undertaken, an international researcher team including scientists from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), have discovered two common genetic variants that are believed to be associated with memory performance. The findings, which appear in the journal Biological Psychiatry, are a significant step towards better understanding how memory loss is inherited.
	Athletes' testosterone surges not tied to winning, study finds A higher surge of testosterone in competition, the so-called "winner effect," is not actually related to winning, suggests a new study of intercollegiate cross country runners.
	Obstructive sleep apnea treatments may reduce depressive symptoms Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can lead to modest improvements in depressive symptoms, according to a study published by Marcus Povitz, Carmelle Bolo, and colleagues from University of Calgary, Canada, in this week's PLOS Medicine.
	Long-term testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer Testosterone (T) therapy is routinely used in men with hypogonadism, a condition in which diminished function of the gonads occurs. Although there is no evidence that T therapy increases the risk of prostate cancer (PCa), there are still concerns and a paucity of long-term data. In a new study in The Journal of Urology, investigators examined three parallel, prospective, ongoing, cumulative registry studies of over 1,000 men. Their analysis showed that long-term T therapy in hypogonadal men is safe and does not increase the risk of PCa.
	ER visits on the rise, study reports (HealthDay)—The number of emergency department visits in the United States rose from about 130 million in 2010 to a record 136 million in 2011, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
	Profilin can induce severe food-allergic reactions (HealthDay)—Profilins are complete food allergens in food-allergic patient populations that are exposed to high levels of grass pollen, according to a study published in the December issue of Allergy.
	Diagnostic criteria developed for cancer-linked weight loss (HealthDay)—A grading system has been developed for clinically important weight loss (WL) in patients with cancer, which includes the independent prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) and percent WL, according to research published online Nov. 24 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Most seniors eligible for statin Rx under new guidelines (HealthDay)—Most older Americans qualify for treatment with statins under new guidelines for the treatment of blood cholesterol released late last year by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. The findings appear in a research letter published online Nov. 17 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
	Statins not tied to women's gonado-sexual dysfunction (HealthDay)—Statin use is not associated with higher risk of gonado-sexual dysfunction in women, according to a study published online Nov. 10 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
	Many not treated according to 2013 cholesterol guidelines (HealthDay)—Many patients are not being treated in accordance with the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) cholesterol guidelines, according to a study published in the Dec. 2 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Reported link between early life exposure to paracetamol and asthma 'overstated' Respiratory infections are likely to have an influential role, the findings suggest. And the evidence is simply not strong enough to warrant changes to current guidance on the use of this medicine, say the researchers.
New insights into breast cancer spread could yield better tests and treatments A study combining tumor cells from patients with breast cancer with a laboratory model of blood vessel lining provides the most compelling evidence so far that a specific trio of cells is required for the spread of breast cancer. The findings could lead to better tests for predicting whether a woman's breast cancer will spread and to new anti-cancer therapies. The study, led by researchers at the NCI-designated Albert Einstein Cancer Center and Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care(MECCC), was published online today in Science Signaling.
Study examines FDA influence on design of pivotal drug studies An examination of the potential interaction between pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss future studies finds that one-quarter of recent new drug approvals occurred without any meeting, and when such meetings occurred, pharmaceutical companies did not comply with one-quarter of the recommendations made by the FDA regarding study design or primary outcome, according to a study in the November 26 issue of JAMA.
Full-day preschool linked with increased school readiness compared with part-day Children who attended a full-day preschool program had higher scores on measures of school readiness skills (language, math, socio-emotional development, and physical health), increased attendance, and reduced chronic absences compared to children who attended part-day preschool, according to a study in the November 26 issue of JAMA.
Researchers identify protein that predicts post-concussion severity in professional athletes New Penn Medicine research has found that elevated levels in the blood of the brain-enriched protein calpain-cleaved αII-spectrin N-terminal fragment, known as SNTF, shortly after sports-related concussion can predict the severity of post-concussion symptoms in professional athletes. The complete findings were released today in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
	FDA advisory panel says steroid shots for back pain can continue (HealthDay)—An expert advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided on Tuesday not to recommend the agency issue a strong warning against the general use of steroid injections for back pain.
	Parents need to take lead on teen concussion prevention (HealthDay)—Parents need to take an active role in protecting their children from sports concussions, an expert warns.
	Most Americans with HIV don't have virus under control, CDC says (HealthDay)—Fewer than one-third of Americans living with HIV had the virus under control in 2011, with many either not receiving regular medical care or unaware they carry the virus, a new U.S. study finds.
Therapy found effective in older, African-American lung cancer patients University of Cincinnati researchers have found in a phase-2 clinical trial that a Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy could be effective in treating both older and African American patients with advanced lung cancer who may not be candidates for chemotherapy.
Asymptomatic atherosclerosis linked to cognitive impairment In a study of nearly 2,000 adults, researchers found that a buildup of plaque in the body's major arteries was associated with mild cognitive impairment. Results of the study conducted at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center will be presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
New device may ease mammography discomfort Researchers have developed a new device that may result in more comfortable mammography for women. According to a study being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), standardizing the pressure applied in mammography would reduce pain associated with breast compression without sacrificing image quality.
Mexican boy who had massive tumor recovering An 11-year-old Mexican boy who had pieces of a massive tumor removed and who drew international attention after U.S. officials helped him get treatment in the southwestern U.S. state of New Mexico is still recovering after an 11-hour surgery.
Sky-high abortions in Vietnam as family planning excludes youth At a small Hanoi cemetery, Nguyen Van Thao opens a fridge and pulls out a bag of bloody foetuses to prepare for burial—a grim reminder that Vietnam has one of the highest abortion rates in the world.
Coordinated emergency response speeds care to heart attack patients An ambitious, coordinated emergency response effort modeled after a program that began at Duke Medicine to speed up heart attack care has now been applied to more than 23,000 patients in regions across the United States – and it appears to have saved lives.
	Leptospirosis video potential lifesaver for farmers A new video series produced and developed by Massey University researchers may save some of the 100 people each year that are affected by leptospirosis.
	Brain scans used to tailor treatment for people recovering from drinking problems It had been a downward spiral for years, but when Kirk Haakensen found himself utterly alone last Christmas after years of depression and extreme drinking, he decided to take action and the first steps toward a healthier life.
Better assessment of decision-making capacity Physicians often find it hard to tell if a patient suffering from dementia or depression is capable of making sound judgements. This is shown by a study conducted within the scope of the National Research Programme "End of Life" (NRP 67). The Central Ethics Committee of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences now aims to elaborate new assessment principles.
	Paying attention to what we cook can help reduce food waste Americans waste about 35 million tons of food every year—enough, by some estimates, to fill the Rose Bowl every day. Discarding food squanders natural resources and hurts the environment, as rotting food in landfills is a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It squanders money, too. An average family of four throws out between $1,500 and $2,400 worth of food annually.
First Italian with Ebola takes trial drug An Italian doctor battling the deadly Ebola virus on Tuesday began treatment with an experimental drug in Italy's leading hospital for infectious diseases.
Researcher contributes to debate on breast cancer gene screening There has been much recent debate on the benefits and risks of screening for breast cancer using BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in the general adult population. With an estimated 235,000 new breast cancer diagnoses each year in the U.S. and more than 40,000 deaths, it is clearly important to be able to determine which women may be genetically predisposed to breast cancer.
Homeless, mentally ill women face vicious cycle in India An award-winning study by a Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher has documented how homeless, mentally ill women in India face a vicious cycle:
New toolkit to aid implementation of fracture liaison services Health authorities worldwide are coping with rising costs and disability resulting from fragility fractures in the older population. Yet evidence shows that the burden of fragility fractures could be reduced through early identification and treatment of patients who have previously suffered a fracture. Currently, 80% of individuals who experience a fragility fracture are never offered screening and/or treatment for osteoporosis even though they are twice as likely to suffer a fracture in the future.
	Doctor behind 'free radical' aging theory dies Dr. Denham Harman, a renowned scientist who developed the most widely accepted theory on aging that's now used to study cancer, Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses, has died in Nebraska at age 98.
	Chinese-built Ebola center dedicated in Liberia China, one of the first countries to send aid to battle Ebola in West Africa, ramped up the assistance significantly Tuesday by opening a 100-bed treatment center in Liberia as rows of uniformed Chinese army medics stood at attention.
Facing health law hikes, consumers mull options Consumers across most of America will see their health insurance premiums go up next year for popular plans available through President Barack Obama's health care law.
Sierra Leone Ebola burial teams dump bodies in street Burial workers in eastern Sierra Leone were sacked Tuesday after snatching Ebola victims from a mortuary and dumping their bodies in the street in a pay dispute.
Ethiopia hopes to set world record for HIV tests Ethiopia is attempting to set a world record for the number of HIV tests carried out in one day.
Ebola isolation at US base 'pretty much vacation' With plenty of flat screen TVs, game nights and even an outdoor fire pit, life in isolation for members of the U.S. military who have returned from the Ebola mission in West Africa can look a lot like summer camp.

Biology news

	Synthetic biology, genetic engineering and you: Two-component signaling pathways as elements in synthetic circuit design (Phys.org) —Two of the most exciting areas of science and technology, synthetic biology and genetic engineering, have just taken a step towards a brave new future in which large-scale synthetic biological circuits composed of bioengineered logic gates, orthogonal to (that is, independent of) the host in which they operate, will enable a range of applications that include biosensors, gene expression control, cell motility, programmable gene circuits for cell physiology control, and other sophisticated gene circuits. This capability is based on the use of two-component regulatory system – basic stimulus-response coupling mechanisms that allow organisms to sense and respond to changes in many different environmental conditions. These systems consist of a membrane-bound histidine kinase that senses a specific environmental stimulus and a corresponding response regulator that mediates the cellular response, primarily through differ! ential expression of target genes. ((A histidine kinase, or HK, is a multifunctional, typically transmembrane, protein involved in signal transduction across the cellular membrane; a response regulator, or RR, protein is the second component in two-component signal transduction systems.)
	Bee populations decline as they lose favorite pollinating plants Bee populations have declined in recent decades mainly due to a loss of biodiversity causing the disappearance of their favorite pollinating plants, according to a study published Monday.
	Ancient avian bones found in China may be oldest example of chicken domestication (Phys.org) —A team of researchers in China studying ancient avian bones found in the northern part of that country, suspect the remains may be that of the oldest known example of chicken domestication. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers describe their analysis and report on their findings.
	Nasal immunity is an ancient adaptation of the mucosal immune system of vertebrates (Phys.org) —Researchers at the University of New Mexico recently discovered an olfactory immune system in fish previously thought to be associated with terrestrial vertebrates only. The results could provide a new tool for the control of infectious diseases in fish farms and hatcheries.
	Scientists determine how environment contributes to several human diseases Using a new imaging technique, National Institutes of Health researchers have found that the biological machinery that builds DNA can insert molecules into the DNA strand that are damaged as a result of environmental exposures. These damaged molecules trigger cell death that produces some human diseases, according to the researchers. The work, appearing online Nov. 17 in the journal Nature, provides a possible explanation for how one type of DNA damage may lead to cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and lung disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
	International team completes genome sequence of centipede An international collaboration of scientists including Baylor College of Medicine has completed the first genome sequence of a myriapod, Strigamia maritima - a member of a group venomous centipedes that care for their eggs - and uncovered new clues about their biological evolution and unique absence of vision and circadian rhythm.
	Vultures evolved an extreme gut to cope with disgusting dietary habits How is it that vultures can live on a diet of carrion that would at least lead to severe food-poisoning, and more likely kill most other animals? This is the key question behind a recent collaboration between a team of international researchers from Denmark's Centre for GeoGenetics and Biological Institute at the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. An "acidic" answer to this question is now published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
	Another reason to be thankful: Turkeys may be lifesavers While the turkey you eat on Thursday will bring your stomach happiness and could probably kick-start an afternoon nap, it may also save your life one day.
Research shows SA koalas with high disease University of Adelaide research has shown that South Australian koalas may have a much higher prevalence than thought of the two key infectious diseases threatening koala populations across Australia. The findings have important implications for koala conservation nationwide.
Killing off alien invaders – with maths Environmental scientists are using a new mathematical model to ensure that feral pests are well and truly beaten.
	Yo-yo weight fluctuation has little influence on the health of fruit flies Regaining weight after weight loss is usually undesirable, but is this 'yo-yo effect' actually bad for your health? Scientists from Wageningen University recently investigated the influence of diet on the lifespan of fruit flies. In an article in today's edition of the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, they show that fruit flies do not live as long on a yo-yo diet, but this life-shortening effect does not appear to be nearly as bad as that resulting from a continuous diet with too little food. They also show that fruit flies quickly adapt to a new diet and that they are less healthy if they do not get enough food as young adult flies.
	Flower links Civil War, natural history and 'the blood of heroes' On August 14, 1864, in a Union Army camp in Georgia, a captain from Wisconsin plucked a plant, pressed it onto a sheet of paper, wrote a letter describing the plant as "certainly the most interesting specimen I ever saw," and sent it with the plant to a scientist he called "Friend" in Wisconsin.
Australia's biosecurity may be shocked A human disease pandemic, European honey bee colonies wiped out and an invasion of a devastating wheat disease are just three potential biosecurity threats facing Australia, according to a report released today.
Scientists completed the first orchid whole genome sequencing As one of the most diverse plant family, orchid now has its first genome sequenced and the result is published at Nature Genetics as a cover article.
Cataloguing 10 million human gut microbial genes Over the past several years, research on bacteria in the digestive tract (gut microbiome) has confirmed the major role they play in our health. An international consortium, in which INRA participates, has developed the most complete database of microbial genes ever created. The catalogue features nearly ten million genes and will constitute a reference for all research on gut bacteria.
	Rare albino dolphin captured in Japan's 'Cove' A rare albino dolphin has been captured by Japanese fishermen, according to a campaign group staging a protest against the sale or slaughter of the creatures.
Researchers explore using wasp to halt the advance of an invasive plant The bud-galling wasp may be just a few millimetres long, but some scientists believe this small insect could solve a big European problem. They want to use the wasp – Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae – to halt the advance of an invasive plant that is ravaging the environment along the Portuguese coastline.
Circumstances are right for weed invasion to escalate, researchers say Few agribusinesses or governments regulate the types of plants that farmers use in their pastures to feed their livestock, according to an international team of researchers that includes one plant scientist from Virginia Tech.
	Gray wolf is a surprise visitor in Grand Canyon Nobody is sure who saw it first. A handful of National Park Service employees think they were among the first, in early October.
	Endangered species success: Idaho salmon regaining fitness advantage Endangered Snake River sockeye salmon are regaining the fitness of their wild ancestors, with naturally spawned juvenile sockeye migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate than others released from hatcheries, according to a newly published analysis. The analysis indicates that the program to save the species has succeeded and is now shifting to rebuilding populations in the wild.
	In first, Ontario may regulate bee-killing pesticides Canada's Ontario province announced Tuesday plans to restrict the use of controversial pesticides believed to be responsible for mass deaths of bees, in order to safeguard crops.
Students create microbe to weaken superbug A team of undergraduate students from the University of Waterloo have designed a synthetic organism that may one day help doctors treat MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant superbug.
Oregon food label measure headed for recount Tallies of the last remaining ballots show an Oregon measure that would require labeling of genetically modified foods lost by only 809 votes and is headed for an automatic recount.
	Vietnam seizes over 1,000 dead endangered sea turtles Vietnam's environmental police have seized a record haul of over 1,000 endangered sea turtles which were being prepared for illegal export to China, an official said Tuesday.
	Technology to help farmers protect crops New technology to tackle biosecurity challenges down the track is one of the five megatrends identified in today's CSIRO report Australia's Biosecurity Future: preparing for future biological challenges.
	Body size requires hormones under control The proper regulation of body size is of fundamental importance, but the mechanisms that stop growth are still unclear. In a study now published in the scientific journal eLife, a research group from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), led by Christen Mirth, shed new light on how animals regulate body size. The researchers uncovered important clues about the molecular mechanisms triggered by environmental conditions that ultimately affect final body size. They show that the timing of synthesis of a steroid hormone called ecdysone is sensitive to nutrition in the fruit fly and describe the key proteins involved in this regulatory mechanism. This study explains what causes hormones to become environmentally-sensitive and provides important clues on body size regulation.

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