Science X Newsletter Sunday, May 1

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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for May 1, 2016:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Oculus Rift delays flatten virtual-reality fan fervor
- Pop goes the weasel as Hadron Collider shuts down (Update)
- Radio waves not battery fire up WISP, future seen in construction

Technology news

	Oculus Rift delays flatten virtual-reality fan fervor Virtual reality, oddly enough, isn't immune to the problems that arise in practical reality. Just ask would-be fans of the Oculus Rift headset, many—possibly most—of whom are still waiting for their $600 gadgets more than four weeks after they started shipping .
	Radio waves not battery fire up WISP, future seen in construction What if computing could be lifted from the time and form constraints of batteries? What about a small battery free computer that works on radio waves?
	Yahoo CEO could get $55M in severance pay in potential sale Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer will walk away with a $55 million severance package if the company's auction of its Internet operations culminates in a sale that ousts her from her job.
Nissan recalls nearly 4 million cars with air bag problems Nearly 4 million Nissan cars are being recalled due to major safety problems where passenger air bags or seat belts could fail in a crash, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
	Feeding frenzy in Spain's renewable energy sector A wind of change is blowing on Spain's renewables: companies and investment funds have been on a buying spree, taking advantage of the know-how and growth prospects of a sector still limping out of a crisis.
	James Bond meets Samuel Colt: Seeking to build a safer gun Jonathan Mossberg is among a small number of pioneers looking to build a safer gun. But unlike many others, he was in the gun business when he started down that path.
Schumer: Probe billboards using phone data to track shoppers An outdoor advertising company that owns thousands of billboards across the country, including in Times Square, and around the world, is using mobile phone data to learn about people who are passing their displays in order to cater ads to specific consumers, and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer wants federal officials to investigate if the practice is legal.
	From new to old, some of the gun safety features over time Daytona Beach, Florida-based iGun Technology Corp. has been developing a "smart gun," a firearm that uses a ring with a chip in it to send a signal to a circuit board embedded in the firearm so that only an authorized user can fire the gun.
	Crisis-hit Venezuela sets clocks ahead to save power With their country gripped by an economic crisis, Venezuelans lost half an hour of sleep Sunday as their clocks were set forward to save power on President Nicolas Maduro's order.

Medicine & Health news

	Breast milk linked to significant early brain growth in preemies Feeding premature babies mostly breast milk during the first month of life appears to spur more robust brain growth, compared with babies given little or no breast milk.
Failure to publish trial results exposes patients to risks without providing benefits Turin, Italy: Although the publication of results of clinical trials carried out in the USA within 12 months of their completion has been mandatory since 2007, an astoundingly high number of Phase III radiotherapy trials did not do so, according to new research to be presented at the ESTRO 35 conference today (Saturday). An analysis of 802 trials with a primary completion date of before 1 January 2013 showed that 655, or 81.7%, did not publish even a summary result.
	Is breast conserving therapy or mastectomy better for early breast cancer? Young women with early breast cancer face a difficult choice about whether to opt for a mastectomy or breast conserving therapy (BCT). This is because there is little evidence as to whether the greater risk of a return of the disease at the site of the original tumour after BCT is linked to a greater risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, leading to higher death rates.
Depression symptoms that steadily increase in later life predict higher dementia risk, study shows Depression symptoms that steadily increase in older adults are more strongly linked to dementia than any other types of depression, and may indicate the early stages of the disease, according to the first ever long-term study to examine the link between dementia and the course of depression, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.
First drug for delusions in Parkinson's patients approved Federal health officials have approved an experimental drug to treat psychotic delusions and behaviors that often afflict patients with Parkinson's disease, the debilitating movement disorder.
	Inadequate financial savings tied to increased childhood health risks The connection between a family's income and childhood health has been well-established, with lower income linked to poorer health and a greater likelihood of more chronic conditions. Now a new study by UCLA researchers shows that the size of the paycheck is not all that matters when it comes to children's health risks. So does the amount that a family has tucked away in savings.
Combination of face-to-face and online bullying may pack a powerful punch Bullying and taunts that may have once stayed in the schoolyard increasingly spill over into text messages and social media. A new study shows that the combined effect of both face-to-face and cyber-bullying may have a powerful effect on adolescents, more than doubling the odds that victims show aggressive behaviors themselves such as verbal hostility, physical fighting and damaging property.
Breastfeeding app shows promise in supporting first-time mothers A pilot study found that use of a mobile phone app that provided supportive texts and an online community significantly increased the rate of breastfeeding among new mothers. An abstract of the study, "Mother's Milk Messaging (MMM): A Pilot Study of an App to Support Breastfeeding in First Time Mothers," will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2016 Meeting in Baltimore on May 1, 2016.
Parents' presence at bedside found to decrease neonatal abstinence syndrome severity New research to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2016 Meeting suggests a key to easing the opioid withdrawal symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is to ensure parents can spend plenty of time at the baby's bedside during treatment.
Study finds adolescent tobacco users commonly report light smoking A new research abstract being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2016 Meeting reveals new details about teen smoking. Most young smokers report that they don't light up every day, and many smoke only a few cigarettes on the days they do smoke. These teens are less likely to identify as smokers, even as they face health risks comparable to heavier tobacco use.
Legalization of marijuana in Washington had no effect on teens' access to drug Despite concerns that legalizing marijuana use for adults would make it easier for adolescents to get ahold of it, a new study in Washington State shows that teens find it no easier now than before the law was passed in 2012.
Children are diagnosed with autism at younger ages since push for universal screening Researchers say children with autism who were born before the 2007 recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that all children be screened for the disorder at the 18- and 24-month well child visits were diagnosed significantly later than they are today. The findings suggest the policy may help identify children with autism sooner so they can benefit from early intervention.
Exempt from passenger restraint laws, taxis pose risky rides for small children The vast majority of small children riding in taxis are not restrained in car safety seats, according to new research, even though there are tens of thousands of motor vehicle collisions involving taxis, limousines and car services each year.
Study identifies factors that can help children thrive in the face of adversity Research shows that people who experience four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as economic hardship, exposure to violence or the death of a loved one, are more likely to have lasting physical and mental health problems. But a new research abstract to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting suggests that certain family, social and community assets may boost a child's chances of flourishing in the face of adversity.
Colombia's illegal mining linked to malaria outbreak Colombia's widespread illegal mining is blamed for causing environmental damage and holding workers in slave-like conditions—and now is also being blamed for a malaria outbreak.
Diluted apple juice, preferred fluids for treating mild gastroenteritis in kids Children with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration experienced fewer treatment failures such as IV rehydration or hospitalization when offered half-strength apple juice followed by their preferred fluid choice compared with children who received electrolyte maintenance solution to replace fluid losses, according to a study published online by JAMA. The study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.
Radiation and immunotherapy combination can destroy both primary and secondary tumors Radiation therapy not only kills cancer cells, but also helps to activate the immune system against their future proliferation. However, this immune response is often not strong enough to be able to cure tumours, and even when it is, its effect is limited to the area that has been irradiated. Now, however, research to be presented to the ESTRO 35 conference today (Sunday) has shown that the addition of an immune system-strengthening compound can extend the radiation therapy-induced immune response against the tumour sites and that this response even has an effect on tumours outside the radiation field.
	New cancer drugs could treat lethal resistant prostate cancers Men with aggressive prostate cancer that has stopped responding to conventional treatment could potentially benefit from a new class of cancer drug designed to overcome drug resistance, a new study suggests.
Surgery for chronic temporal headaches—simplified approach shows good results A modified surgical technique may provide a simpler approach to the surgical treatment for one type of chronic headache, according to an "Ideas and Innovations" paper in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
'Machine learning' may contribute to new advances in plastic surgery With an ever-increasing volume of electronic data being collected by the healthcare system, researchers are exploring the use of machine learning—a subfield of artificial intelligence—to improve medical care and patient outcomes. An overview of machine learning and some of the ways it could contribute to advancements in plastic surgery are presented in a special topic article in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Good long-term quality of life after 'DIEP flap' breast reconstruction For women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer, breast reconstruction using the abdominal "DIEP flap" provides good long-term quality of life (QOL)—similar to that of women without breast cancer, reports a study in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Hawaii selects businesses for medical pot but not to actor Hawaii selected eight businesses Friday to open medical marijuana dispensaries—but not one owned by Woody Harrelson.
Mental health diagnoses rise significantly for military children Mirroring national estimates, a new study that will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found the percentage of children enrolled in the U.S. Military Healthcare System diagnosed with and treated for mental health disorders increased significantly during the past 15 years.
Study shows asthma-related Twitter posts can predict rise in hospital visits New research at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting suggests that to predict—and possibly prevent—severe asthma attacks in a community, physicians can look for clues in social media.
Alcohol brand placement on TV linked with teens' brand preferences and drinking behaviors While tobacco companies have not been allowed to buy product placement in television shows since 2000, alcohol brands continue to self-regulate their marketing in media. But a new research abstract to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting showing how strongly alcohol brand placement relates to the drinking behavior of underage youth suggests more regulation may be needed.
One in six children hospitalized for lung inflammation positive for marijuana exposure A new study to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found that one in six infants and toddlers admitted to a Colorado hospital with coughing, wheezing and other symptoms of bronchiolitis tested positive for marijuana exposure.
One-third of autistic children likely to wander, disappear A review of data on 1,420 children ages 6 to 17 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) found that more than one-third had wandered away from a safe environment within the past 12 months, according to findings from two studies reported at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Baltimore.
Survey suggests children of gay fathers are well adjusted Compared to a national sample of heterosexual parents, gay fathers report similar parenting behavior and measures of wellbeing in their children, according to new research to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2016 Meeting. The study, "Experiences of Children with Gay Fathers," was conducted via an online survey, receiving responses from 732 gay fathers in 47 U.S. states. Participants responded to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which includes questions about children's well-being, such as academic achievement, self-esteem and peer relationships.
Aerial spraying to combat mosquitos linked to increased risk of autism in children New research to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting suggests that the use of airplanes to spray anti-mosquito pesticides may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays among children.
Stress, depression linked to HPV-related health problems New research to be highlighted at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting is the first to suggest that stress and depression play a significant role in whether a woman with human papillomavirus (HPV) can get rid of her infection or not. HPV that lingers in a woman's system eventually can lead to cervical cancer.
Study suggests breastmilk promotes brain development in preemies With organs including the brain completing development during the final months and weeks of pregnancy, it may not be surprising that preterm birth is a leading cause of neurologic problems in children. A new research abstract being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting shows that breastmilk may help promote brain development in premature babies, which could possibly help protect them from neurologic disorders.
Fireworks-related burns requiring hospital stays skyrocket among kids As states relaxed laws related to fireworks sales during the past decade, emergency doctors saw an increase in both the number of fireworks related injuries among children and the severity of those injuries, according to new research being presented at the Pediatrics Academic Societies 2016 Meeting.
Concerns raised with products marketed as 'first finger foods' A research abstract to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting found many products marketed as "first finger foods" for babies failed to meet American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations that they be small, soft and easy to swallow.
Exposure to tobacco smoke in the home increases childhood illnesses, health care demand Children who live with smokers end up in the doctor's office or hospital more often than those not exposed to tobacco smoke, according to new research being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting.
Complete rest until symptom-free after concussion may not be best for recovery Rest has long been the cornerstone of concussion treatment. For sports-related head injuries, for example, current guidelines say children should avoid returning to play —and all other physical activity—until all concussion symptoms such as headaches are gone. A research abstract to be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2016 Meeting, however, suggests those who exercise within a week of injury, regardless of symptoms, have nearly half the rate of concussion symptoms that linger more than a month.
Percentage of US children who have chronic health conditions on the rise The percentage of children with chronic health conditions is on the rise, and new research being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting shows this is especially true among children who live in or near poverty.
Stronger state policies reduce alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths among teens Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among youth in the United States, and one in three deaths from automobile crashes are alcohol-related. However, stronger alcohol policies adopted by states appears to reduce the number of teens who die in alcohol-related crashes, according to new research being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2016 Meeting.
Fears new rules could see US cigar factory go up in smoke Eric Newman eases into an armchair on the top floor of his century-old factory, lights a cigar named after his grandfather, and ponders the prospect of his family legacy going up in smoke.

Biology news

	Biologists study imperiled lizard in Texas and Mexico to develop conservation plan University of Texas at Arlington biologists are studying a species of lizard found in parts of Texas and northeastern Mexico to find out why the reptile's numbers have been dwindling dramatically.
	Rescued lions roar into South Africa after flight from Peru The roaring of 33 lions rescued from circuses in Peru and Colombia echoed through Johannesburg's international airport Saturday after they arrived in their ancestral homeland for the first time.

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