Science X Newsletter Monday, Nov 9

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for November 9, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Ice volcanoes, twirling moons: Four months after Pluto flyby, New Horizons yields wealth of discovery
- Solving the zeolite conundrum: Researchers make 'unfeasible' zeolites
- Scientists explain why moon rocks contain fewer volatiles than Earth's
- Researchers find way to make metals stronger without sacrificing ductility
- Astronomers explain the low number of discovered grazing planets
- Graphene 'paper' able to behave like animated origami (w/ video)
- A printable, flexible, lightweight temperature sensor
- Best of Last Week—Breakthroughs in quantum computing, a very tough glass and the 'quiet' epidemic killing US men
- Antibody targets key cancer marker and opens door to better diagnosis, therapy
- Dark matter and particle acceleration in near space
- Study challenges prevailing view on how metal organic frameworks store gases
- Egypt detects 'impressive' anomaly in Giza pyramids
- Dust devils detected by seismometer could guide Mars mission
- Implantable wireless devices trigger—and may block—pain signals
- Drugs with multiple targets show promise against myotonic dystrophy type 1

Astronomy & Space news

	Scientists explain why moon rocks contain fewer volatiles than Earth's Scientists at Southwest Research Institute combined dynamical, thermal, and chemical models of the Moon's formation to explain the relative lack of volatile elements in lunar rocks. Lunar rocks closely resemble Earth rocks in many respects, but Moon rocks are more depleted in volatile elements like potassium, sodium, and zinc, which tend to have lower boiling points and vaporize readily.
	Astronomers explain the low number of discovered grazing planets (Phys.org)—Exoplanet hunters have so far found hundreds of alien worlds using the transit method. They observe the visual brightness of the star, which drops when a planet crosses in front of the parent star's disk. However, only a handful of grazing exoplanets—meaning exoplanets that partially transit the host-star's disc—have been detected and confirmed. Astronomers from the University of Porto in Portugal blame giant dark polar spots on host stars for the difficulties of finding new grazing planets. Their research appears in the November issue of Astronomy & Astrophysics journal.
	Ice volcanoes, twirling moons: Four months after Pluto flyby, New Horizons yields wealth of discovery From possible ice volcanoes to twirling moons, NASA's New Horizons science team is discussing more than 50 exciting discoveries about Pluto at this week's 47th Annual Meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences in National Harbor, Maryland.
	Galileo satellites set for year-long Einstein experiment Europe's fifth and sixth Galileo satellites – subject to complex salvage manoeuvres following their launch last year into incorrect orbits – will help to perform an ambitious year-long test of Einstein's most famous theory.
	Project brings a Mars farm plot to Wisconsin Two University of Wisconsin-Stout professors are taking their students to Mars.
	Dust devils detected by seismometer could guide Mars mission Buried in the shallow soft mud of a dry California lake bed, a seismometer was able to detect the tiny tilts of the ground as it was pulled up by passing dust devils. The experiment, described online November 10 in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, is one of the first reports of a seismic signature from a dust devil.
	Physicists find clue to formation of magnetic fields around stars and galaxies An enduring astronomical mystery is how stars and galaxies acquire their magnetic fields. Physicists Jonathan Squire and Amitava Bhattacharjee at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have found a clue to the answer in the collective behavior of small magnetic disturbances. In a paper published in October in Physical Review Letters, the scientists report that small magnetic perturbations can combine to form large-scale magnetic fields just like those found throughout the universe. This research was funded by the DOE Office of Science.
	Dark matter and particle acceleration in near space Peering into darkness can strike fear into the hearts of some, but a new space telescope will soon peer into the darkness of "near space" (within a few thousand light years of Earth). Scientists are using the telescope to seek answers related to the field of high-energy astrophysics.
	An ammonia-water slurry may swirl below Pluto's icy surface Researchers propose an ammonia-water slurry as the basis for Pluto's newly discovered geologic activity and possible volcanism, and offer a new method to predict planetary vigor.
	Image: Orion service module stacking assembly secured for flight The Orion spacecraft service module stacking assembly interface ring and stack holding stand are secured on a special transportation platform and are being loaded into NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On Nov. 3, the Guppy flew from Kennedy to NASA Glenn Research Center's Plum Brook Station facility in Sandusky, Ohio.
	Swiss camera leaves for Mars A camera designed and built at the University of Bern left Bern today at 6:00 in the morning for Cannes in France where it will be integrated on the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) spacecraft at the premises of Thales-Alenia Space.

Technology news

	A printable, flexible, lightweight temperature sensor A University of Tokyo research group has developed a flexible, lightweight sensor that responds rapidly to tiny thermal changes in the range of human body temperature. This sensor is expected to find healthcare and welfare applications in devices for monitoring body temperature, for example of newborn infants or of patients in intensive care settings.
	System recognizes objects touched by user, enabling context-aware smartwatch apps A new technology developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research could enable smartwatches to automatically recognize what objects users are touching, for instance, whether the wearer is using a laptop, operating a saw, or riding a motorcycle, creating new opportunities for context-aware apps.
	System helps novices design 3-D-printable robotic creatures Even a novice can design and build a customized walking robot using a 3-D printer and off-the-shelf servo motors with the help of a new design tool developed by Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University.
	Tag Heuer, tech companies unveil $1,500 luxury smartwatch A leading Swiss watchmaker and two technology titans have combined forces to produce a computerized wristwatch billed as the "world's smartest luxury watch."
Wi-FM listens to FM signals to determine best times to send and receive data One minute your wireless Internet is working fine. The next minute, it takes an infuriatingly slow five seconds to load a single Web page. You paid for the fastest Internet speed available but during these all-too-frequent times, it seems like the connection barely works at all.
	Indoor-grown veggie system is prepared for salad days It's sad when shoppers in some urban centers have to cross their fingers when buying packaged food in supermarkets. They hope the brand they choose won't make tomorrow's headlines, not because of health tips but because of product warnings related to disease outbreaks.
	Can you imagine a 'Cashless society'? Sweden is nearly there A new study out of Sweden says the tiny country is on course to become the world's first "cashless society," thanks in part to a mobile payment app called Swish.
	Match Group plans to raise up to $466.2M from its IPO The owner of Tinder, Match.com and OkCupid hopes to raise as much as $466.2 million in an initial public offering, which would put the value of the dating site company in the neighborhood of $3 billion.
	Biofeedback games feed off human inputs Gamers up to the challenge must conquer their health and improve their well-being by keeping calm as they navigate haunted houses, overcome obstacles and manage the fight-or-flight response.
	How computers broke science – and what we can do to fix it Reproducibility is one of the cornerstones of science. Made popular by British scientist Robert Boyle in the 1660s, the idea is that a discovery should be reproducible before being accepted as scientific knowledge.
	Smart help for phone users The elderly may find that using a smartphone is difficult and incomprehensible, while the disabled may encounter problems because phone operation requires delicate motor functions. But one inventor saw no reason for it to be this way – and has found a solution to the problem.
	Our web history reveals what we think and do—shouldn't that remain private? An overlooked aspect of the draft Investigatory Powers Bill is the significance of demanding that service providers store 12 months' internet connection records. A record of every website visited and internet service connected to, the government presents this as the online equivalent of an itemised phone bill. But this is a false analogy: internet connection records carry far more detail than a phone book, and the government's move to claim them represents an unprecedented intrusion into our lives.
	Ericsson, Cisco in partnership to create networks The world's biggest networks provider, Ericsson, has announced a strategic partnership with another industry leader, Cisco, to create "networks of the future."
	Vanderbilt engineers open source medical capsule robot technology The likelihood that you will be swallowing a capsule robot in the near future has just jumped up dramatically.
	Personalized 'pills' from a 3D printer? With 3D printing, the concept of personalized medicine could take on a new dimension, researchers report.
Walgreens links its rewards program with Apple Pay Move over, plastic. Mobile payments just got a huge push with a partnership between Walgreens and Apple.
Microsoft, IRS spar over long-running probe of taxes Microsoft and the Internal Revenue Service sparred in court Friday over the agency's power to investigate taxpayers.
	Apple sets release this week of iPad Pro Apple said Monday its iPad Pro goes on sale this week in 40 countries, its new computing device aimed at reviving a slumping tablet market.
	Improve individual skills supported by BigData Running is one of the most popular sports. However, not many runners have received formal training on running. Associate Professor Shinichi YAMAGIWA of the University of Tsukuba and his colleagues have developed a system for improving running skills based on big data analysis.
	Tactile animation makes it easier to design rich haptic sensations Immersive media experiences that engage an audience's sense of touch are easier to create with the help of a new haptic design process, called tactile animation, developed by Disney Research.
	Using mobile devices to augment reality can enhance creative play and exploration A child need not choose between the immersive, but often passive world of digital media or the physical interaction of real-world games and activities. Scientists at Disney Research say augmented reality with mobile devices serves as the perfect bridge between the two and can enhance creativity in the process.
	VW diesel owners to get $1,000 in gift cards and vouchers Owners of 482,000 diesel Volkswagens and Audis in the U.S. are eligible for $1,000 in gift cards and vouchers as the automaker strives to placate customers dismayed by an emissions-rigging scandal.
German authorities: Many VWs need more than software changes German authorities say automaker Volkswagen will likely need to make more than just software changes to nearly a quarter of its 2.4 million diesel cars being recalled in the country.
	Belgian court gives Facebook 48 hours to stop tracking users A Belgian court on Monday gave Facebook 48 hours to stop tracking Internet users who do not have accounts with the US social media giant or risk fines of up to 250,000 euros ($269,000) a day, a statement said.
Could solar eclipses disrupt electricity in Germany? Could a solar eclipse over Europe during the day affect the power generated by Germany's photovoltaic systems or solar panels, thereby challenging the reliability of the electrical supply across the country?
Researchers create automated tool for dialect analysis Dartmouth scientists have created an automatic speech analysis tool that pushes the technological envelope for what types of sociolinguistic dialect research are possible.
Snapchat vanishing video viewing hits 6 billion daily Snapchat on Monday confirmed that six billion vanishing videos are viewed daily at the service in a three-fold surge from early this year.
	Tiered ticketing and investment key to easing metropolitan commute What if your rush to work each morning could be that little bit less stressful?
Amazon's cloud computing business to add UK data center Amazon continues to pump money into its cloud-computing business, announcing plans Friday to open a cluster of massive data centers in the United Kingdom at the end of next year or in early 2017.

Medicine & Health news

	Increased meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, linked to elevated kidney cancer risk Diets high in meat may lead to an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) through intake of carcinogenic compounds created by certain cooking techniques, such as barbecuing and pan-frying. As part of a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, published online this week in the journal Cancer, researchers also discovered that individuals with specific genetic mutations are more susceptible to the harmful compounds created when cooking at high temperatures.
	Study finds long-sought protein sensor for the 'sixth sense'—proprioception Can you touch a finger to the tip of your nose with your eyes closed? Most of us can, thanks to a sense called proprioception, which tells us where our body parts are relative to each other and our environment. Not surprisingly, this sense is essential for normal movement and balance—walking, for instance.
	Using human genetics to reveal fundamental processes involved in type 2 diabetes Researchers at Oxford and Liverpool universities have identified genetic markers that could be used to understand people's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Their work is published in Nature Genetics today.
	Flipping the switch to better see cancer cells at depths Using a high-tech imaging method, a team of biomedical engineers at the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis was able to see early-developing cancer cells deeper in tissue than ever before with the help of a novel protein from a bacterium.
	Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells Every cell in the human body contains a copy of the human genome. Through the course of a lifetime all cells are thought to acquire mutations in their genomes. Some of the mutational processes generating these mutations do so in bursts and these will often be through external exposures such as sunbathing or tobacco smoking. Other mutational processes, however, may be internal to the cell and generate mutations continuously, at a constant rate over decades. If so the mutations they generate will be "clock-like", with the number of mutations present correlating with the age of the person. In research reported in Nature Genetics two clock-like mutational processes have been found in human cells and the rates at which the two clocks tick in different human cell types have been determined.
	Antibody targets key cancer marker and opens door to better diagnosis, therapy University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have created a molecular structure that attaches to a molecule on highly aggressive brain cancer and causes tumors to light up in a scanning machine. In mouse models of human brain cancer, their tag is easily seen in a PET scanner, which is commonly used to detect cancer.
	Protein findings open new avenues to understanding and treatment of schizophrenia Stem cells from adult schizophrenia patients form new proteins more slowly than those from healthy people, according to new research.
	Researchers shed pharmacological light on formerly 'dark' cellular receptors Our cells are constantly communicating, using neurotransmitters and hormones to signal to each other. Molecular receptors on each cell receive these chemical signals and allow cells to accomplish a task important for health. Astonishingly, for about half of these receptors, the chemical signals remain unknown. These "orphan receptors" are highly expressed in particular tissues but their functions remain a mystery. They are considered "dark" elements of the genome, and yet they hold great potential for drug development for a variety of diseases and conditions.
	Enormous genetic variation may shield tumors from treatment The most rigorous genetic sequencing ever carried out on a single tumor reveals far greater genetic diversity among cancer cells than anticipated. Researchers from the University of Chicago and the Beijing Institute of Genomics estimate that the tumor, about 3.5 centimeters in diameter, contained more than 100 million distinct mutations within the coding regions of its genes—thousands of times more than expected.
	Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects When you see a familiar face, when a bird-watcher catches a glimpse of a rare bird perched on a limb, or when a car-fancier spots a classic auto driving past, the same small region in the brain becomes engaged.
	New technique could expand number of diseases detected by noninvasive prenatal testing Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine developed a method to expand the types of chromosomal abnormalities that noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can detect. The study, published November 9 by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses a semiconductor sequencing platform to identify small chromosomal deletions or duplications, such as occur in Cri du Chat Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome, with a simple blood test from the expectant mother.
	Nerve cells warn brain of damage to the inner ear Some nerve cells in the inner ear can signal tissue damage in a way similar to pain-sensing nerve cells in the body, according to new research from Johns Hopkins. If the finding, discovered in rats, is confirmed in humans, it may lead to new insights into hyperacusis, an increased sensitivity to loud noises that can lead to severe and long-lasting ear pain.
	Promise seen for wireless pacemakers placed without surgery Researchers are reporting encouraging results for a new generation of pacemakers—miniature, wireless ones that can be implanted through a leg vein without surgery.
Research is lacking on marijuana's effects in patients with rheumatic diseases Although there are anecdotal reports indicating that cannabinoids, especially marijuana (or herbal cannabis), may be of therapeutic benefit for some patients with rheumatic complaints, a new review published in Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), finds scant scientific evidence supporting any use of cannabinoids in rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, not a single controlled study has examined herbal cannabis in the rheumatology patient population.
India's 'medicine man' brings pills to the poor It's early morning but already "Medicine Baba" Omkarnath Sharma is pounding the pavement in one of New Delhi's upscale neighbourhoods, collecting the wellheeled's leftover pills, capsules and syrups.
	Don't delay: Having to wait doesn't help young kids exercise self-control Would your ability to resist a tantalizing cookie improve if you had to wait a few seconds before you could reach for it? The idea that natural urges 'die down' with time seems intuitive, but new research shows that it's being reminded about what not to do, not the passage of time, that actually helps young children control their impulsive behavior.
	Self-weighing may be a hazardous behavior among young women Self-weighing can be a useful tool to help adults control their weight, but for adolescents and young adults this behavior may have negative psychological outcomes. Researchers from the University of Minnesota tracked the self-weighing behaviors of more than 1,900 young adults as part of Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) and found increases in self-weighing to be significantly related to increases in weight concern and depression and decreases in body satisfaction and self-esteem among females.
World first blood test reduces risk and increases accuracy in prenatal testing Research into a simple, accurate and low risk blood test that can detect foetal blood group, sex, and genetic conditions in unborn babies has been published in the international scientific journal, Clinical Chemistry.
	Research reveals main reasons why people go to work when ill High job demands, stress and job insecurity are among the main reasons why people go to work when they are ill, according to new research by an academic at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Patients with severe mental illness rarely tested for diabetes, despite high risk, study shows Although adults with serious psychiatric disorders are at high risk for diabetes, a large study led by UC San Francisco reveals that low-income patients on Medicaid are rarely screened for it. The findings support growing efforts to integrate mental health services and primary care to improve diagnosis and treatment of medical issues associated with mental illness, the researchers said.
Black women in Canada have substantially higher risk of preterm birth than white women A study comparing rates of preterm birth among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white women in Canada found that the rates were substantially higher among black women than white women, mirroring the disparity in the United States. The research study, published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), is based on new cohort data from the Canadian Live Birth, Infant Death and Stillbirth Database linked with 2006 Canadian census data.
New genetic cause of a childhood kidney cancer discovered Genetic mutations in a gene called REST have been shown to cause Wilms tumour, a rare kidney cancer that occurs in children.
Early probiotic use and islet autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes Probiotic exposure during the first 27 days of an infant's life may be associated with reduced risk of islet autoimmunity among children at increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes, although further studies are needed before any recommendations for probiotics can be made, according to an article published online by JAMA Pediatrics.
Preventing early osteoporotic fractures after childhood chronic diseases Mary Leonard, MD, is pointing at a spine MRI scan of a young adult who had a bone marrow transplant in childhood. "That vertebra is compressed," said Leonard, a professor of pediatrics and of medicine who serves as an associate dean for maternal and child health research. "These patients who are in their teens or early 20s have little-old-lady kinds of fractures."
	Potential vaccine aims to block transmission of malaria parasites The Jenner Institute at Oxford University, together with partners Imaxio and GSK, has started a phase I clinical trial of a novel vaccine candidate aimed at blocking transmission of malaria.
	Study sheds light on health needs of adults with autism While the spotlight of autism research generally shines on children, research at the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to suffer serious health problems like seizure disorders and depression. The study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, reveals a need for greater advocacy and awareness to ensure that adults with autism have access to appropriate and effective care.
	Drug protects fertility and may prolong life in chemo-treated mice A University of Wisconsin-Madison physician and her research team have shown that a heart medication can prevent ovarian damage and improve survival in adolescent mice after chemotherapy. The treatment also increased the number of their healthy offspring.
	Receiving antibiotics during delivery affects infant gut bacteria Infants whose mothers receive antibiotics during delivery are more likely to have altered amounts of intestinal bacteria that can affect their immune systems. This research comes from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Study. Dr. Anita Kozyrskyj, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the U of A is a senior author of the study, recently published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
	Kitchen utensils can spread bacteria between foods, study finds In a recent study funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, University of Georgia researchers found that produce that contained bacteria would contaminate other produce items through the continued use of knives or graters—the bacteria would latch on to the utensils commonly found in consumers' homes and spread to the next item.
	Tumor-mimicking platform shows promise for breast cancer research, treatment By simulating the growth of cancerous tumors, a new synthetic platform developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln could accelerate the testing of breast cancer treatments—and has already revealed a potential source of the body's resistance to a therapeutic drug.
​​Pediatric low-grade gliomas with CRAF fusions may require differential and combinatorial targeted therapies Unlike pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGG) that are driven by BRAF fusion proteins, PLGGs that are driven by other forms of RAF fusion proteins, called CRAF fusion proteins, may not respond to single-agent therapy with FDA-approved and investigational RAF inhibitors, suggesting the importance of molecularly stratifying PLGG patients in order to identify appropriate therapies, according to preclinical data presented here at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Loss of SMAD4 gene in certain colorectal cancers is associated with poor prognosis Among colorectal cancers, loss of the gene SMAD4 was significantly more common in cancers arising in the hindgut (the left side of the colon to the rectum) than in cancers arising in the midgut (the right side of the colon) and patients with hindgut-derived tumors with SMAD4 loss had worse recurrence-free survival compared with those with hindgut-derived tumors that retained SMAD4, according to data presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Analysis of blood samples could help monitor response of colorectal cancer patients to BRAF inhibitors For patients with colorectal cancer enrolled in a phase I clinical trial, response to the combination treatment being tested and disease progression were accurately tracked by quantifying levels of the BRAF V600E genetic mutation in circulating cell-free DNA obtained from patient blood samples, according to data presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Osteoporosis drug may be effective against pancreatic cancer Bazedoxifene, a therapeutic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of osteoporosis, suppressed the growth of pancreatic tumors by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway that the cancer cells use to survive and multiply, according to preclinical data presented here at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Investigational AKT inhibitor AZD5363 is active against multiple tumor types with AKT1 E17K mutations Treatment with the investigational pan-AKT inhibitor AZD5363 led to tumor regression in patients with a variety of types of solid tumors positive for the AKT1 E17K genetic mutation, according to data from a phase I clinical trial expressly designed to recruit patients with these types of tumors. The data were presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Mutant-IDH1 inhibitor AG-120 shows early promise against solid tumors with IDH1 mutations The investigational anticancer therapeutic AG-120, which targets mutant IDH1 protein, was well tolerated and showed signs of clinical activity in patients who had advanced solid tumors positive for mutant IDH1, according to data from a phase I clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
First-in-class antibody-drug conjugate shows clinical benefit against metastatic triple-negative breast cancer IMMU-132, an anti-Trop-2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) was safe, tolerable, and yielded meaningful clinical activity in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), according to data from a phase II clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
New NTRK-targeted therapy shows early promise against tumors with NTRK gene fusions The investigational anticancer therapeutic LOXO-101, which targets a family of proteins called neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptors (NTRKs), was safe, tolerable, and showed signs of clinical activity in patients who had tumors with a specific type of NTRK genetic alteration called a gene fusion, according to data from a phase I clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
New, investigational PARP1/2 inhibitor BGB-290 shows promise Treatment with BGB-290, a new, investigational, highly selective inhibitor of PARP1/2, was safe, tolerable, and yielded clinical responses in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, according to data from a phase I clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
Scratching the surface of skin disease An international team of scientists, led by researchers from A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Institute of Medical Biology (IMB), and Bioinformatics Institute (BII), and P&G, have completed the first comprehensive genomic and biologic study of all species of Malassezia, one of the top skin disease-causing microbes. The breakthrough study identified multiple potential targets for treating diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and dandruff, all of which can be caused by Malassezia. Malassezia is also associated with skin cancer, the 6th most common cancer in males and the 7th in females in Singapore. These findings improve our understanding of the human skin microbiome, with implications for dermatology and immunology. The study was published in the November issue of PLOS Genetics.
	Researcher dispels common 'misconception' about weak peripheral colour vision A new paper from an academic at City University London has challenged the widespread 'misconception' among vision scientists and the general population that peripheral colour vision is weak or non-existent.
Natural birth is more common in public hospitals outside business hours Hospitals might be open all hours but women have better chances for a normal vaginal birth if they give birth in a public hospital outside regular business hours, the first Australian study of the determinants of normal or natural birth has found.
	The cellular mechanism for transporting calcium in the formation of dental enamel cells A team of researchers led by Rodrigo Lacruz, MSc, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology at NYU College of Dentistry, has published a paper in Scientific Reports (5:15803) titled "Dental enamel cells express functional SOCE channels," which reports the results of a study showing for the first time the mechanism of calcium transport essential in the formation of dental enamel.
A new study reveals poor eating habits among those who have survived cancer Last month, Americans read the latest nutrition news with horror—researchers had established a link between cured meats and cancer. Even so, most people probably won't be skipping bacon at brunch this weekend—we're often slow to change our diets based on what's healthiest for us. But what if you've already had the fight of your life and won it? Do cancer survivors eat more or less healthy diets than the average American?
Adolescent bariatric surgery reverses type 2 diabetes in 95 percent of teens, improves quality of life The results of a new study to be published November 6, 2015 in The New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with presentation at The Obesity Society Annual meeting in Los Angeles, California show that three years after undergoing bariatric surgery, adolescents experienced major improvements in their weight, metabolic health, and quality of life. Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of only five institutions nationally that are part of the multi-institution clinical research study to understand the benefits and risks of bariatric surgery in adolescents.
	New study reveals strong genetic correlation between male and female puberty timing In the largest genomic analysis of puberty timing in men, new research conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge and 23andMe shows that the timing of puberty in males and females is influenced by many of the same-shared genetic factors. The study results are the first to quantify the strongly shared genetic basis for puberty timing between the sexes.
Negative body image, not depression, increases adolescent obesity risk Negative body image significantly increases the risk of obesity regardless of whether youth have depression, according to researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health.
Cholera case diagnosed in Oman: health ministry Omani health authorities have urged caution after a woman who had visited Iraq was found to be infected with cholera, local media reported on Monday.
Partners of heart defibrillator patients concerned about resuming sex Intimate partners of people with heart defibrillators are more concerned about resuming sexual activity than the patients immediately after the device is implanted, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
IL-21 repairs immune function in primate model of HIV infection Antiretroviral drugs can suppress HIV for years, but a residual inflammatory imbalance contributes to health problems in infected individuals who are infected with the virus. A novel combination treatment aimed at repairing the immune system has shown encouraging effects in a nonhuman primate model of HIV infection, both during and after a course of antiretroviral drug treatment.
	Improper diet linked to future health complications A Telethon Kids Institute-led study has found low levels of plasma calcium, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and lutein—micronutrients found in foods like spinach and eggs—to be associated with DNA damage in children.
Study to focus on HIV prevention and care for transgender and gender nonconforming youth The University of Michigan is leading a national study to learn more about how transgender and gender nonconforming youth navigate the health care system for HIV prevention services and care.
Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives Ambulances deployed at temporary locations that can be changed depending on the time of day and accident statistics can reduce response time and may save lives on the way to the hospital. Researchers at Sahlgrenska University studied fluid deployment of ambulances in Shiraz, Iran.
Unexpectedly delicious food makes us feel happy, suggests research We all know what it's like to take a bite of something expecting one taste and getting another—it can be an enjoyable or disgusting experience. New research published in Food Research International reveals that being pleasantly surprised or disappointed with a food product can actually change a person's mood.
	Concussions in kids are detectable by blood test Researchers at Orlando Health have developed a blood test that can detect even the most subtle signs of a concussion in children, correctly identifying the presence of traumatic brain injuries 94 percent of the time in a recent study.
	Researchers make a breakthrough in terminal childhood illness World-leading research from the University of Aberdeen has made a significant breakthrough in understanding a form of childhood motor neuron disease.
	Fitness versus fatness—which matters more? There is a longstanding debate in the research community about the importance of fitness versus fatness in health. Are exercise and improving fitness more important than eating well and maintaining a healthy weight?
In first real-world example, study shows mechanical and manual CPR produce equivalent survival Mechanical CPR, in which a device is used by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers to deliver automated chest compressions during cardiac arrest resuscitation care, is associated with an equivalent survival rate for patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside of the hospital as manual CPR, according to new findings from a team of researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The study is the first large scale, real-world proof that mechanical CPR may be an equivalent alternative to manual CPR for treating patients experiencing extensive cardiac arrest episodes and requiring advanced life support services. The results are being presented during the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
	45-minute class helps middle schoolers master CPR basics (HealthDay)—Just one 45-minute class can help middle school students master lifesaving CPR skills, researchers report.
	Fewer Americans than ever sticking to heart-healthy lifestyle, study finds (HealthDay)—Americans are faring worse at maintaining heart-healthy lifestyles than they were two decades ago, a new study has found.
	Too few US Hispanics have cholesterol under control (HealthDay)—Undertreatment of high cholesterol is a major problem among Hispanics in the United States, a new study finds.
	Carbon monoxide levels in breath might point to stroke risk (HealthDay)—Seemingly healthy adults who exhale high levels of carbon monoxide may be at increased risk for stroke, a new study suggests.
	Kidney disease rates have stabilized in US, study finds (HealthDay)—The rate of chronic kidney disease among Americans has leveled off over the last decade after climbing for many years, a new study found.
	Parents the target of deceptive food ads, study says (HealthDay)—Parents are the target of many misleading television ads for children's foods and drinks, new research indicates.
	Some advanced breast cancer patients can survive longer with better treatments Lisbon, Portugal: International experts have called for a clinical trial to investigate the best ways for identifying and treating a small but important group of patients with advanced breast cancer who can survive for long periods without their disease progressing.
Coronary angioplasties classified as inappropriate reduced since guidelines published Nihar R. Desai, M.D., M.P.H., of the Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., and colleagues examined trends in percutaneous coronary intervention use, patient selection, and procedural appropriateness following the introduction of Appropriate Use Criteria. This JAMA study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
Combination therapy reduces occurrence, number of migraines following cardiac procedure Josep Rodes-Cabau, M.D., of Laval University, Quebec City, Canada, and colleagues randomly assigned 171 patients with an indication for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and no history of migraine to receive dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel [the clopidogrel group], n = 84) or single antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + placebo [the placebo group], n = 87) for 3 months following transcatheter ASD closure. This JAMA study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
Screening a silent killer cuts risk of stroke and death Screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in people aged 65 and over and treating it with anticoagulant medications could greatly reduce the risk of stroke and premature death, say cardiologists in today's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Poverty influences effects of race and education on pain after knee replacement surgery Non-white race and lack of education are known risk factors for pain and poorer function after knee replacement surgery. What isn't clear is how a community's poverty level affects the outcomes of having a joint replaced. Findings from a new study conducted by researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) suggest that lower socioeconomic status at the community level significantly increases the risk of pain and poor function following a knee replacement. These findings could allow clinicians to more effectively target patients at high risk for poor outcomes and provide support and counseling before their patients undergo the procedure.
Study shows lupus support and education program has positive impact A study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) finds that a support group addressing the psychological and educational needs of people with lupus is a valuable resource to help them cope with the disease.
	Irx genes make cartilage cells act 'oh so immature' Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the U.S., involves the loss of a special type of cartilage cell lining the joints. In a study appearing on the cover of the latest issue of Developmental Cell, first author Amjad Askary—a PhD student in the USC Stem Cell lab of Gage Crump—and his colleagues identify roles for a family of genes, called Iroquois (Irx) genes, in protecting these joint cartilage cells.
Research describes how glucose regulation enables malignant tumor growth A new study led by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) identifies a key pathway used by cancer cells to make the lipids by integrating oncogenic signaling, fuel availability and lipid synthesis to support cell division and rapid tumor growth.
	Complement activation predicts pregnancy complications in women with lupus For years doctors have been advising patients with lupus not to get pregnant. It was assumed that the likelihood of pregnancy complications was too high in this population. However, ongoing work by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is helping identify those lupus patients who are - and aren't - at increased risk of problem pregnancies.
	Exploring the paradox of metabolically healthy obesity Australian researchers have defined some key characteristics of the metabolically healthy obese—those obese individuals who remain free from type 2 diabetes and other disorders that usually associate with obesity. Their findings have implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity.
Environmental factors may contribute to the development of some childhood cancers Environmental factors may be a contributory cause in the development of some childhood cancers, leading scientists have revealed.
	Scientists use dead bacteria to kill colorectal cancer Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) have successfully used dead bacteria to kill colorectal cancer cells.
Diabetes drug reduces risk of heart failure and may prevent it, study shows For the first time, research shows that a type 2 diabetes drug significantly reduces hospitalizations and death from heart failure.
Group therapy is an effective way to promote cardiovascular health Peer group support, in the form of group therapy, was found to help improve healthy behavior in people with cardiovascular risk factors, according to a study released today by Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Director of Mount Sinai Heart and Physician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital. Mount Sinai Heart is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2015 "Best Hospitals" issue.
Brief cognitive-behavioral therapy helps those with problematic caffeine use Engaging in brief, cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for helping people with problematic caffeine use lower their caffeine consumption, according to a new study coauthored by Laura M. Juliano, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at American University.
Use of rarely appropriate angioplasty procedures declined sharply The number of angioplasty procedures classified as rarely appropriate declined sharply between 2010 and 2014, as did the number of those performed on patients with non-acute conditions, according to a study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association and simultaneously presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando.
Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed In a major scientific breakthrough, a drug used to treat Parkinson's and related diseases may be able to delay or prevent macular degeneration, the most common form of blindness among older Americans.
	Self-rated health predicts immune response to the common cold It turns out that we may be the best forecasters of our own health. New research from Carnegie Mellon University psychologists shows that a simple self-rating of health accurately predicts susceptibility to the common cold in healthy adults aged 18-55 years. Published in Psychosomatic Medicine, the study - led by CMU's Sheldon Cohen - indicates that low self-rated-health is associated with poorer immune system competence.
'One-drop' blood test study funded by Alzheimer's and Down syndrome organizations There is increasing evidence that the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease begin decades before memory and thinking problems occur, prompting the need for better methods of early detection for this progressive, fatal brain disease. Consequently, there is a growing school of thought that the most effective future Alzheimer's drug therapies will be administered to those who are at high risk of the disease before cognitive symptoms appear.
New study finds testosterone replacement therapy does not increase heart risk A new study of generally healthy men who used testosterone replacement therapy to normalize testosterone levels has found that taking supplemental testosterone does not increase their risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
Cardiovascular disease on the rise as fewer people achieve ideal cardiovascular health The number of people who have the ideal cardiovascular health score, as defined by the goals in the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7, has decreased during the last 20 years, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
Healthcare disparities more often affect women and black heart disease patients Women with heart disease are less likely than men to receive optimal care at discharge from U.S. hospitals—a gender disparity that leads to a higher death rate among women with heart disease, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
	Researchers publish new results from SPRINT trial Jackson T. Wright Jr., MD, PhD, and researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center presented new results from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showing that in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, targeting a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg resulted in lower rates of fatal and non-fatal major events or death compared to targeting systolic blood pressure to the usually recommended target of less than 140 mm Hg.
	Time to reassess blood pressure goals High blood pressure or hypertension is a major health problem that affects more than 70 million people in the U.S., and over one billion worldwide. Despite being a critically important risk factor for heart and kidney disease, defining the "optimal" blood pressure has been a challenge.
White coat and masked hypertension associated with higher rates of heart and vascular disease Patients whose blood pressures spikes in the doctor's office but not at home, and patients whose blood pressure spikes at home but not in the doctor's office, suffer more heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes than patients with normal blood pressures in both settings, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found.
Benefits of intensive blood pressure management tempered by risks, remaining questions Patients whose blood pressure target was lowered to reach a systolic goal of less than 120 mmHg had their risk for heart attack, heart failure or stroke reduced by 24 percent, and their risk for death lowered by 27 percent. Compared to a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 140 mmHg, aggressive treatment appeared to be as effective for adults age 75 and older as for adults age 50-74, according to results from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) presented at the American Heart Association meeting and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on Nov. 9.
	Researchers find link between specific vitamin D levels and heart problems A lack of vitamin D can result in weak bones. Recent studies also show that vitamin D deficiency is linked to more serious health risks such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Common antibiotics increase risk of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac death Macrolides—a group of commonly used antibiotics for bacterial infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and some sexually transmitted diseases—are associated with a small but statistically significant increased risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a meta-analysis of 33 studies involving more than 20 million patients published today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
	How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans A new study finds that at least 16.8 million Americans could potentially benefit from lowering their systolic blood pressure (SBP) to 120 mmHg, much lower than current guidelines of 140 or 150 mmHg. The collaborative investigation between the University of Utah, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Columbia University, will be published Nov. 9 online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).
	End 'stem cell tourism', paper says The continued marketing and use of experimental stem cell-based interventions inside and outside the United States is problematic and unsustainable, according to a new paper by science policy and bioethics experts at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and Wake Forest University. Disillusioned patients, tired of waiting for the cures they were promised, are seeking unproven stem cell-based treatments that are causing more harm than good, said the experts, who argue that public policy is needed to reduce this form of "stem cell tourism."
Innovative health program reduces depression, unhealthy weights in teens An innovative high school health program helped students maintain healthier weights and even alleviated severe depression for a full year after the program ended.
	Children exposed to arsenic may face greater risk of infection, respiratory symptoms Children born to women who were exposed to higher arsenic during pregnancy have a greater risk of infections and respiratory symptoms within their first year of life, a Dartmouth College-led study shows.
The boy who cried wolf: Drug alerts in the ER To prevent a single adverse drug event, one commercial electronic health record opioid warning system fired off 123 unnecessary and clinically inconsequential alerts, according to the results of a new study published online Friday in Annals of Emergency Medicine.
	Genetic risk information for coronary heart disease leads to lower bad cholesterol A group of researchers led by Mayo Clinic has discovered that disclosing genetic risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) results in lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. The findings of the Myocardial Infarction Genes (MI-GENES) Study were presented today at the annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2015 as a late-breaking clinical trial.
	The art of appropriate patient selection for heart procedures A decline in the number of heart patients undergoing unnecessary PCI (angioplasty) procedures reflects improvements in clinical decision-making and documentation to determine which patients benefit most from the procedure, according to new findings by Yale School of Medicine researchers.
The power of magical thinking: Why superstitions are hard to shake When sports fans wear their lucky shirts on game day, they know it is irrational to think clothing can influence a team's performance. But they do it anyway.
	CPR by medics: Keep pumping or stop for rescue breathing? Continuous chest compressions during out-of-hospital CPR by emergency medical responders did not offer survival advantages, when compared to interrupting manual chest pumping to perform rescue breathing. Nor were continuous chest compressions better in protecting brain function among those who survived the cardiac arrest and were later discharged from a hospital.
Adults born with heart disease at increased risk of heart attack and death A study of adults up to age 70 shows a dramatically increased risk of heart attack in those who were born with heart disease.
	Common medication for heart failure patients does not increase activity level Heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—where the heart becomes stiff and cannot relax or fill properly—did not have increased exercise tolerance after taking isosorbide mononitrate, compared to a placebo, according to a study presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015. The findings come from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Heart Failure Clinical Research Network and are also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Study: Even the normal-weight should watch that apple shape A pot belly can be a bad thing—even if you're not considered overweight.
How low to go: Details emerge on big blood pressure study Details were revealed Monday from a landmark federal study that challenges decades of thinking on blood pressure, giving a clearer picture of plusses and minuses of more aggressive treatment.
Big study suggests steep drop in needless heart procedures Fewer heart patients are getting inappropriate angioplasties, a new study suggests.
	Challenges for extreme preemies can last into teens (HealthDay)—The complications and medical treatments that extremely preterm or extremely small newborns experience in their first weeks of life can have an impact years later, a new study reveals.
	Even easy exercise may lower blood pressure in those with diabetes (HealthDay)—Just a few minutes of easy exercise daily can help lower blood pressure in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes, researchers report.
	Jury still out on silicone breast implant safety (HealthDay)—After years of study, a new analysis finds there is still insufficient evidence on whether silicone breast implants are linked to any long-term health effects.
	Exercise capacity, heart rate response predict CAD outcomes (HealthDay)—Exercise capacity (EC) and heart rate responses to exercise are effective predictors of short-term outcome among patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published in the Nov. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
	AHA-RC, salicylic acid, lactic acid combo beneficial for acne (HealthDay)—A combination of alpha-hydroxy acid retinoid conjugate (AHA-RC), salicylic acid, and lactic acid is efficacious for patients with acne, with improvement after four weeks of treatment, according to a study published online Oct. 30 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Study suggests use of insulin pumps has improved blood sugar control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes An analysis of three large diabetes registries from the USA, Germany/Austria and England/Wales suggests that use of insulin pumps in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes is contributing to improvements in blood sugar control.
	New test for prostate cancer significantly improves prostate cancer screening A study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that a new test for prostate cancer is better at detecting aggressive cancer than PSA. The new test, which has undergone trial in 58,818 men, discovers aggressive cancer earlier and reduces the number of false positive tests and unnecessary biopsies. The results are published in the scientific journal The Lancet Oncology.
AZD9291 shows clinical activity in non-small cell lung cancer patients with leptomeningeal disease The epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) AZD9291 crossed the blood-brain barrier and showed clinical activity in heavily pretreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with leptomeningeal disease, a disease in which lung cancer cells spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, according to data from a phase I BLOOM clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
	Adding tivantinib to standard erlotinib treatment improved outcomes for specific subgroup of patients with lung cancer Adding the investigational anticancer therapeutic tivantinib to standard erlotinib treatment substantially increased progression-free survival for patients with advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had tumors positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations, according to a subset analysis of data from the phase III MARQUEE clinical trial presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held Nov. 5–9.
	White deaths increase: drugs, alcohol, suicide, but in US only. Why? There's a big puzzle growing out of that startling new research showing that the death rate among white Americans age 45-54, especially the less-educated, has been rising since 1999. This even though the death rate among all our other age and ethnic groups has been falling.
Wealthiest—not sickest—patients may have edge in organ transplants Registering with more than one organ transplant center appears to give an edge to wealthy patients over those with the most medical need, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
	Personalised web advice for those who suspect lung cancer University of Manchester researchers are trialling a new tool that is designed to get people who may have lung cancer to their doctor earlier.
Warning: Diabetes can be a killer as it targets the heart His diabetes diagnosis in 1990 was a slap in the face for Robb Ensign, 47, who recalled that "it came out of nowhere; no one in my family had it." From Day 1, though, he decided "to control it instead of letting it control me."
Postpartum depression: what you need to know The birth of a baby is supposed to be a time of wonder, joy and happiness. But for some new moms, that time can be one of sadness and anxiety. Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife Julie Lamppa says 80 percent of new moms experience the "baby blues" during the first couple weeks after delivery. The baby blues are normal and temporary. Approximately 15 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, or PPD, which lasts longer and is more severe.
Study: Costs may keep low-income patients from clinical trials Cancer patients with lower incomes are a third less likely to be part of clinical trials that could help treat their disease than those whose annual income is at least $50,000, according to a new study.
Racial and socioeconomic factors linked to increased revision risk after knee replacement Although complication and mortality rates following knee replacement surgery have decreased in recent years, 4% of patients receiving the procedure require a revision surgery on the same knee within five years. A new study by a group at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) reveals that blacks in the U.S. are at a significantly higher risk of requiring a revision than American whites, and that socioeconomic factors may play an important role in revision risk. The findings could allow clinicians to better predict which patients are more prone to surgical complications and to more effectively counsel their patients.
New disease-carrying mosquito arrives in B.C. A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University and Culex Environmental, a Burnaby-based mosquito control company, are studying an invasive, disease-carrying mosquito, Aedes japonicus, after finding it for the first time in Western Canada. Their research has been published in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
Steps forward in the hunt for easily measurable biomarkers of autism Future Science Group (FSG) today announced the publication of a new article in Future Science OA, reporting data demonstrating the possibility of measuring 10 biomarkers relevant to autism spectrum disorder in adult saliva.
Hispanics largely undertreated for high cholesterol Only one-third to one-half of Hispanics eligible to be treated with cholesterol-lowering statins are taking them, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
Over 230,000 vaccinated in Iraq anti-cholera campaign More than 230,000 people received a first dose of cholera vaccine in a massive campaign to combat an outbreak of the disease in Iraq, the World Health Organisation said Monday.
Ageing Finland shakes up its healthcare system Finland on Monday unveiled a healthcare shake-up intended to cut the ballooning costs of treating a rapidly ageing population, as the country battles to pull itself out of three years of recession.
	New model for collecting high quality biospecimens for genomic analysis A successful pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a novel approach for collecting healthy post-mortem blood and tissue samples from hundreds of donors for use in gene expression analysis. This new biospecimen collection platform, which relied on partnerships with rapid autopsy and organ procurement organizations, can serve as a model for other future research projects, as described in Biopreservation and Biobanking.
Sorafenib modestly increases progression-free survival Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting the receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, and mast/stem cell growth factor, modestly increases progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression, and disease control rate in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have relapsed or failed two or three previous treatment regimens.
Barriers to an integrated family-based health promotion program in Harlem Researchers at Mount Sinai Heart conducted a qualitative study to identify factors that may affect the implementation of an integrated family-based health promotion program for children aged 3-5 years old and their caregivers in Harlem, known as the FAMILIA Project. An abstract of the study was presented this week at the American Heart Association (AHA)'s Scientific Sessions 2015 in Orlando, Florida.
US to ask Canada, UK to extradite online pharmacy officials U.S. prosecutors plan to ask the Canadian and British governments to extradite officials with an online pharmacy on charges of smuggling $78 million worth of mislabeled, unapproved and counterfeit cancer drugs into the country to sell to doctors.
	ASN: Telenephrology improves visit compliance in CKD (HealthDay)—For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), telenephrology may be superior to in-person care for visit compliance, and is not inferior to in-person care for management of CKD, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology's Kidney Week 2015, held from Nov. 3 to 8 in San Diego.

Biology news

	Genome sequencing project sheds light on origin of the date palm They are as ubiquitous in the Arab world as camels and shifting sands, and its fruit is required eating at special occasions and during Muslim holidays. Yet as inseparable as the date palm might seem from today's Middle East, one question remains: how did they become what they are today?
	Complex grammar of the genomic language A new study from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet shows that the 'grammar' of the human genetic code is more complex than that of even the most intricately constructed spoken languages in the world. The findings, published in the journal Nature, explain why the human genome is so difficult to decipher—and contribute to the further understanding of how genetic differences affect the risk of developing diseases on an individual level.
	Researchers advance genome editing of blood stem cells Genome editing techniques for blood stem cells just got better, thanks to a team of researchers at USC and Sangamo BioSciences.
	Baby whales learn vital traditions from mothers Cultural traditions among Southern right whale populations are shaping their genetic patterns, according to a study led by the University of St Andrews.
	Research points to a 'two-speed' evolution of animal venom In a new study published in the journal PLOS Genetics, scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have revealed new discoveries about how animal venom evolves.
	Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but the best way to make something is often to co-opt the original process and make it work for you. In a sense, that's how scientists at Brown University accomplished a new advance in tissue engineering.
	Implantable wireless devices trigger—and may block—pain signals Building on wireless technology that has the potential to interfere with pain, scientists have developed flexible, implantable devices that can activate—and, in theory, block—pain signals in the body and spinal cord before those signals reach the brain.
	Search-and-rescue proteins find, fix DNA mutations linked to cancer Proteins inside bacteria cells engage in "search-and-rescue"-type behavior to ferret out mismatched DNA and fix it to thwart dangerous mutations that can be associated with certain cancers, a University of Michigan study found.
	Shining light on the pathways that give rise to pluripotent cells in rodents and primates Researchers at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and the Wellcome Trust- Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute at the University of Cambridge have identified factors that spark the formation of pluripotent cells. Their findings, published in Developmental Cell, shed light on human embryonic development and help research into cell reprogramming and assisted conception.
	A hairy situation: Hair increases surface area for animals by 100 times Georgia Institute of Technology researchers combed through more than two dozen studies and did surface measurements for 27 mammals and insects to better understand how animals are able to clean themselves. The findings could have implications for keeping manmade structures - such as sensors, robots and unmanned aerial vehicles - free from pollutants, pollen and dirt. The review study is published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
	Taking a molecular approach to conserving freshwater biodiversity Molecular ecologists have a key role to play in setting priorities for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, according to a recent review paper published in the Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Sciences.
	Lakes resist the introduction of new fish In her dissertation, Anna Henriksson presents a new method of establishing how freshwater fish can defend themselves against an invasion of a new fish species. The method takes into account that resident species in a lake contribute at a varying degree to the resistance of the new species. The dissertation defence takes place on 12 November at Umeå University.
	Counting stars: Illegal trade of Indian star tortoises is a far graver issue Patterned with star-like figures on their shells, Indian star tortoises can be found in private homes across Asia, where they are commonly kept as pets. One can also see them in religious temples, praised as the living incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. How did they get there? Suspicious of a large-scale illegal international trade of these tortoises that could in fact pose a grave threat to the survival of the Indian Star tortoise, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Neil D'Cruze from Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, and World Animal Protection, London, spent 17 months investigating the case focusing on India and Thailand. They have their study published in the open-access journal Nature Conservation.
	Radish gathers strength against herbicides and moves south Control of the prolific and extremely adaptable weed, Raphanus raphanistrum, continues to be one of the biggest headaches facing WA grain farmers, with a survey finding the weed's resistance to certain herbicides has increased significantly over a seven year period.
	Cane toad advance aids Kimberley bird numbers It is difficult to imagine a positive outcome from the spread of the highly destructive cane toad into the Kimberley (Rhinella marinus) but research shows with the toad's spread some animal numbers may be increasing, including an endangered bird species.
	Toxic tastes—Ireland's bees and non-native rhododendron nectar Botanists from Trinity College Dublin's School of Natural Sciences have discovered that the nectar from a common, non-native plant, is toxic to some Irish bees. These effects vary based on the species of bee consuming the nectar, but they are lethal to some.
	The 'Speck'-ter haunting New York tomato fields The 2015 growing season was a tough one for tomato researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute, as bacterial speck disease descended on their field, but those infected plants may one day save others from a similar, spotted fate.
	The life story of stem cells Stem cells ensure the regeneration and maintenance of the body's tissues. Diseases like cancer can arise if they spiral out of control. In collaboration with doctors from Aachen University Hospital, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön have designed a mathematical model for mapping the development of populations of haematopoietic, i.e. blood-forming, stem cells with advancing age. The model uses the telomeres on the chromosomes of blood cells to do this. These protective covers, which are located at the ends of the chromosomes, shrink each time a cell divides. Thus, it is possible to tell how many times a cell has already divided from its length. Deviations from normal age-related length distribution could be indicative of disease.
	The first long-haired ones: New wasp group proposed for five new species from India Long accustomed to parasitising spider eggs, a large worldwide genus of wasps has as few as 24 known representatives in India. However, Dr. Veenakumari, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, and her team have recently discovered five new species of these interesting wasps from different parts of the country. Because of their uniqueness and their strong resemblance to each other, as well to aid taxonomic studies they have been considered as constituting a group of their own. The discoveries and the suggestion of 'the first long-haired ones' species group are available in the open-access journal Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift.
	New pest management resource for hop growers in the northeast Dr. Lily Calderwood, a researcher at the University of Vermont, and a team of researchers have published an open-access article in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management that should help hop farmers in the northeastern U.S. to manage insect pests. The article provides a comprehensive assessment of hop pests and methods for managing them.
	Cells starved of oxygen and nutrients condense their DNA Scientists at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) have been able to see, for the first time, the dramatic changes that occur in the DNA of cells that are starved of oxygen and nutrients. This starved state is typical in some of today's most common diseases, particularly heart attacks, stroke and cancer. The findings provide new insight into the damage these diseases cause and may help researchers to discover new ways of treating them.
	Endangered orangutans threatened by fire in Indonesia Forest fires in Indonesia are threatening the world's only wild orangutans and teams of researchers are now on the ground in Borneo to help tackle the problem.
	International project to create climate change-resistant eggplants Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) are at the helm of an international project to create eggplant varieties that are resistant to climate change, extreme temperature conditions and drought, as well as certain diseases.
	Increasing production of seed oils Plant-derived oils are widely used all over the world both for food and for industrial purposes. In recent years they have also attracted attention as raw materials for potential bio-fuels and bio-plastics that are friendly to the environment. Because of these, the demand for vegetable oils is expanding year by year. Researchers in Japan have succeeded in inducing the genes involved in oil synthesis in seeds to work for longer periods of time, thereby allowing them to accumulate more seed oil. Their results have been reported online in the Plant Biotechnology Journal on October 26, 2015.
	Drought drives bears into California town in search of food Tourists and animal lovers hoping to see a bear in Sequoia National Park this fall probably stand a better chance of spotting one in this tiny town at the park's entrance.
Regulators consider what to do about collapsed lobster stock Interstate fishing regulators are considering what to do about southern New England's collapsed lobster population, and fishermen fear new restrictions could land on them as a result.

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