Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jan 18

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 18, 2018:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Physicists find clues to the origins of high-temperature superconductivity

AI 'scientist' finds that toothpaste ingredient may help fight drug-resistant malaria

A nanoparticle inhalant for treating heart disease

Crowds within crowd found to outperform 'wisdom of the crowd'

A new polymer raises the bar for lithium-sulfur batteries

Using crumpled graphene balls to make better batteries

New approach could help curtail hospitalizations due to influenza infection

Meteoritic stardust unlocks timing of supernova dust formation

Neutron-star merger yields new puzzle for astrophysicists

Counting chromosomes: Plant scientists solve a century-old mystery about reproduction

Method uses DNA, nanoparticles and lithography to make optically active structures

Microwaves could be as bad for the environment as cars, suggests new research

Bioengineered soft microfibers improve T-cell production

Powerful snooping Android malware spotted by Kaspersky Lab

Modular gene enhancer promotes leukemia and regulates effectiveness of chemotherapy

Astronomy & Space news

	Meteoritic stardust unlocks timing of supernova dust formation Dust is everywhere—not just in your attic or under your bed, but also in outer space. To astronomers, dust can be a nuisance by blocking the light of distant stars, or it can be a tool to study the history of our universe, galaxy, and Solar System.
	Neutron-star merger yields new puzzle for astrophysicists The afterglow from the distant neutron-star merger detected last August has continued to brighten - much to the surprise of astrophysicists studying the aftermath of the massive collision that took place about 138 million light years away and sent gravitational waves rippling through the universe.
	Meteorites brought water to Earth during the first two million years A new study of a rare basaltic meteorites called angrites suggests that volatiles, which are elements with relatively low boiling points such as water, could have been brought to our planet by meteorites during the first two million years of the solar system.
	New technique for finding life on Mars Researchers demonstrate for the first time the potential of existing technology to directly detect and characterize life on Mars and other planets. The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, used miniaturized scientific instruments and new microbiology techniques to identify and examine microorganisms in the Canadian high Arctic—one of the closest analogs to Mars on Earth. By avoiding delays that come with having to return samples to a laboratory for analysis, the methodology could also be used on Earth to detect and identify pathogens during epidemics in remote areas.
	North, east, south, west: The many faces of Abell 1758 Resembling a swarm of flickering fireflies, this beautiful galaxy cluster glows intensely in the dark cosmos, accompanied by the myriad bright lights of foreground stars and swirling spiral galaxies. A1758N is a sub-cluster of Abell 1758, a massive cluster containing hundreds of galaxies. Although it may appear serene in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image, the sub-cluster actually comprises two even smaller structures currently in the turbulent process of merging.
	NASA team studies middle-aged Sun by tracking motion of Mercury Like the waistband of a couch potato in midlife, the orbits of planets in our solar system are expanding. It happens because the Sun's gravitational grip gradually weakens as our star ages and loses mass. Now, a team of NASA and MIT scientists has indirectly measured this mass loss and other solar parameters by looking at changes in Mercury's orbit.
	Image: ESA's Large Space Simulator This circular enclosure, made to appear larger still by an array of mirrors at its end, is ESA's Large Space Simulator. Some 15 m high and 10 m in diameter, it is cavernous enough to accommodate an upended double decker bus.
	Crater Neukum named after Mars Express founder A fascinating martian crater has been chosen to honour the German physicist and planetary scientist, Gerhard Neukum, one of the founders of ESA's Mars Express mission.
	Science Says: That Michigan meteor could have been meatier The fireball that streaked through the Michigan sky put on quite a show but as far as potentially killer space rocks, it was merely a flash in the pan.
	New power generation and propulsion system for satellites Researchers at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have designed and patented a new propellantless system for satellites that allows generation of electric power and on-board thrust. This innovation, which has led to two national patents, has attracted the interest of the European Space Agency and of the space industry.
	Image: Gaia avionics model ESA's Gaia observatory was launched in December 2013, and is now surveying our Milky Way, creating one of the most accurate-ever maps of the stars in our home galaxy and helping to answer questions about its origin and evolution.

Technology news

	AI 'scientist' finds that toothpaste ingredient may help fight drug-resistant malaria An ingredient commonly found in toothpaste could be employed as an anti-malarial drug against strains of malaria parasite that have grown resistant to one of the currently-used drugs. This discovery, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, was aided by Eve, an artificially-intelligent 'robot scientist'.
	Using crumpled graphene balls to make better batteries Lithium metal-based batteries have the potential to turn the battery industry upside down. With the theoretically ultra-high capacity of lithium metal used by itself, this new type of battery could power everything from personal devices to cars.
	Powerful snooping Android malware spotted by Kaspersky Lab Kaspersky Lab malware researchers have found spying capabilities in Android malware. The malware is dubbed Skygofree. How ambitious is it? Kaspersky Lab Daily commented that Skygofree was "overflowing" with functions.
	Booby-trapped messaging apps used for spying: researchers An espionage campaign using malware-infected messaging apps has been stealing smartphone data from activists, soldiers, lawyers, journalists and others in more than 20 countries, researchers said in a report Thursday.
	France's PSA Group to offer 40 electric vehicles by 2025 The CEO of France-based automaker PSA Group says it will offer 40 electric models across its lineup by 2025, and it plans to sell vehicles in the U.S. within 10 years.
	Nintendo thinks inside the box with cardboard Switch accessory Nintendo sparked fierce debate Thursday with a new line of cardboard DIY accessories for its smash-hit Switch console, delighting some fans, but leaving others bemused by the low-tech offering.
	Australia lifesaving drone makes first rescue A pair of Australian swimmers on Thursday became the first people to be rescued in the ocean by a drone when the aerial lifesaver dropped a safety device to distressed teens caught in rough seas.
New patented system could prevent motion sickness while riding in self-driving cars One of the selling points of autonomous vehicles is the chance for drivers to be more productive while traveling. But some, suffering from motion sickness, won't be able to take advantage of relinquishing the wheel.
	Why cyberattacks don't work as weapons Digitalisation will fundamentally alter many aspects of our lives – in many cases for the better. However, our increasing dependence on computers and networks for data exchange and storage is creating new vulnerabilities for both individuals and society. The key word here is: cybersecurity. This encompasses more than just technical solutions: it involves not only security in cyberspace, but also security that is influenced by cyberspace.
	Ethical design is the answer to some of social media's problems Facebook last week announced a redesign of its news feed to prioritise posts from friends and family over those of news publishers.
	Computer codes make sweet music for self-playing piano Unique computer codes have been used to create an interactive self-playing piano performance that is part of a new videogame music and audio festival taking place in Nottingham this weekend.
	Building blocks to create metamaterials Engineers at Caltech and ETH Zürich in Switzerland have created a method to systematically design metamaterials using principles of quantum mechanics.
	Amazon narrows list of 'HQ2' candidates to 20 Amazon said Thursday it had narrowed to 20 its options for a second headquarters for the sprawling technology and lifestyle company headed by Jeff Bezos, the world's richest individual.
	Report links hacking campaign to Lebanese security agency A major hacking operation tied to one of the most powerful security and intelligence agencies in Lebanon has been exposed after careless spies left hundreds of gigabytes of intercepted data exposed to the open internet, according to a report published Thursday.
	EU clears Qualcomm megabuyout of semiconductor rival NXP The EU's anti-trust authority on Thursday approved US semiconductor maker Qualcomm's $47-billion purchase of Dutch rival NXP, the biggest ever in the sector.
	France and Germany to propose bitcoin regulations France and Germany said Thursday plan to make a joint proposal on regulating bitcoin at a meeting of finance ministers from the G20 countries in March.
	Italy probes Apple, Samsung over cuts to product life Italy's antitrust authority said Thursday it had launched a probe into tech giants Apple and Samsung for allegedly shortening the lives of their products so clients would buy newer models.
	Emirates throws Airbus A380 a lifeline with jumbo order Emirates Airlines said Thursday it has struck a $16 billion deal to buy 36 Airbus A380 superjumbos just days after the European manufacturer said it would have to halt production without new orders.
	German chemical giant BASF sees 'significant' profit leap German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant BASF said it expects to post a 50-percent leap in net profits for 2017 on strong demand and a tax windfall due to lower levies in the United States.
Challenges and research for an evolving aviation system A comprehensive aviation safety system as envisioned by NASA would require integration of a wide range of systems and practices, including building an in-time aviation safety management system (IASMS) that could detect and mitigate high-priority safety issues as they emerge and before they become hazards, says a new report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. An IASMS could continuously monitor the national airspace system, assess the data that it has collected, and then either recommend or initiate safety assurance actions as necessary.
	SoftBank's acquisition of 15 percent of Uber closes Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank says it has closed a deal to acquire 15 percent of Uber.

Medicine & Health news

	A nanoparticle inhalant for treating heart disease A team of researchers from Italy and Germany has developed a nanoparticle inhalant for treating people suffering from heart disease. In their paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group describes development of the inhalant, how it was used and how well it worked when tested on lab animals.
	New approach could help curtail hospitalizations due to influenza infection More than 700,000 Americans were hospitalized due to illnesses associated with the seasonal flu during the 2014-15 flu season, according to federal estimates. A radical new approach to vaccine development at UCLA may help lower that figure for future flu seasons.
	Bioengineered soft microfibers improve T-cell production T cells play a key role in the body's immune response against pathogens. As a new class of therapeutic approaches, T cells are being harnessed to fight cancer, promising more precise, longer-lasting mitigation than traditional, chemical-based approaches. These "living drugs" are poised to transform medicine, with a growing number of cellular therapies receiving FDA-approval.
	Modular gene enhancer promotes leukemia and regulates effectiveness of chemotherapy Every day, billions of new blood cells are generated in the bone marrow. The gene Myc is known to play an important role in this process, and is also known to play a role in cancer. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) have now found that the role Myc plays is determined by a distant section of DNA that contains a cluster of gene enhancers. In certain blood cancer cells, this cluster has been altered, which affects Myc activity and thereby accelerates cancer growth and affects how the cancer responds to chemotherapy. This cluster of enhancers might therefore be a suitable target in the treatment of blood cancer. The findings are published in Nature in collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and colleagues from Canada.
	Peers' genes may help friends stay in school, new study finds While there's scientific evidence to suggest that your genes have something to do with how far you'll go in school, new research by a team from Stanford and elsewhere says the DNA of your classmates also plays a role.
	Researchers find a way to 'starve' cancer Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to starve a tumor and stop its growth with a newly discovered small compound that blocks uptake of the vital nutrient glutamine.
Fragile X finding shows normal neurons that interact poorly Neurons in mice afflicted with the genetic defect that causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS) appear similar to those in healthy mice, but these neurons fail to interact normally, resulting in the long-known cognitive impairments, shows a new study by a team of neuroscientists.
	How cancer metastasis happens: Researchers reveal a key mechanism Cancer metastasis, the migration of cells from a primary tumor to form distant tumors in the body, can be triggered by a chronic leakage of DNA within tumor cells, according to a team led by Weill Cornell Medicine and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers.
	Flu may be spread just by breathing, new study shows; coughing and sneezing not required It is easier to spread the influenza virus (flu) than previously thought, according to a new University of Maryland-led study released today. People commonly believe that they can catch the flu by exposure to droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces. But, new information about flu transmission reveals that we may pass the flu to others just by breathing.
	Research reveals atomic-level changes in ALS-linked protein For the first time, researchers have described atom-by-atom changes in a family of proteins linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a group of brain disorders known as frontotemporal dementia and degenerative diseases of muscle and bone. Their findings appear in the journal Molecular Cell.
	Single blood test screens for eight cancer types Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers developed a single blood test that screens for eight common cancer types and helps identify the location of the cancer.
	In most surgery patients, length of opioid prescription, number of refills spell highest risk for misuse The possible link between physicians' opioid prescription patterns and subsequent abuse has occupied the attention of a nation in the throes of an opioid crisis looking for ways to stem what experts have dubbed an epidemic. Most clinical efforts have focused on minimizing risk through dosage management, but a new study led by investigators at Harvard Medical School suggests that the dose may not always make the poison.
Whole-population testing for breast and ovarian cancer gene mutations is cost effective Screening the entire population for breast and ovarian cancer gene mutations, as opposed to just those at high-risk of carrying this mutation, is cost effective and could prevent more ovarian and breast cancers than the current clinical approach, according to research published today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
	New drug combination helps kickstart the immune system to fight back against cancer Scientists from King's College London have found a way to boost the immune system to help it fight back against cancer.
Slower walking speed in the elderly may be explained by loss of muscle strength and mass Research recently published in The Journal of Physiology has found that elderly people walk at a slower speed and tire more quickly because of loss of strength and mass in leg muscles. Using computer simulations they found that these physiological changes explain the slower walking speed preferred by the elderly, and that a focus on building up these leg muscles may be the only effective way to improve elderly walking.
	Reminding people about vaccinations can increase rates of immunization Rates of immunization against infectious diseases in children and adults are improving, but under-vaccination remains a problem that results in vaccine-preventable deaths and illnesses. In Europe, 11,316 cases of measles were reported during 2012, and an estimated four to 50 million symptomatic cases of flu occur each year.
	Aged garlic extract may help obese adults combat inflammation, study suggests Aged garlic extract may help obese people ward off painful inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, a new University of Florida study shows.
New way to target the growth of breast cancer cells An international team of researchers led from Karolinska Institutet and Science for Life Laboratory in Sweden have found a new way of halting the growth of breast cancer cells. In their study, which is published in Nature Communications, the researchers explore a new way to starve cancer cells from their molecular energy source. They hope that their discoveries can be further developed into a new way of treating breast cancer, and possibly other types of cancer.
	Rise in preterm births linked to clinical intervention Research at the University of Adelaide shows preterm births in South Australia have increased by 40 percent over 28 years and early intervention by medical professionals has resulted in the majority of the increase.
	Inherited IQ can increase in early childhood When it comes to intelligence, environment and education matter – more than we think.
	Firm advances human trials of revolutionary vaccine Amid predictions that this year's flu vaccine will offer limited protection, medical researchers are renewing their focus on a universal flu vaccine.
	Smart insulin patch may aid future therapies A smart insulin patch, once translated for humans, could eliminate the need for constant blood testing and help diabetics maintain a more consistent level of blood glucose.
	Study points to opening of the Panama Canal as the gateway of Cryptococcus gattii migration from Brazil to Canada In what is being described as "The Teddy Roosevelt effect," a deadly fungus in the Pacific Northwest may have arrived from Brazil via the Panama Canal, according to a new study led by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
	Why the flu season is so bad this year This year's flu season has hit the United States hard, with nearly every state reporting widespread influenza activity in early January. In California, at least 42 people under the age of 65 have died from the flu, and the season may have yet to reach its peak.
	Study identifies antibody that alleviates symptoms in neuromyelitis optica in rats Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a central nervous system disorder that primarily affects the eye nerves (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis). It occurs when the body's immune system produces autoantibody in the central nervous system. Autoantibodies are antibodies that target one or more of the individual's own proteins. Most patients with NMO present severe clinical symptoms, such as blindness in one or both eyes, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, and painful spasms.
	APA releases new journal article reporting standards As part of its promotion of greater transparency and the assessment of rigor in psychological science, the American Psychological Association has released new Journal Article Reporting Standards for researchers seeking to publish in in scholarly journals.
	Network model of the musculoskeletal system predicts compensatory injuries While detailed anatomical studies of the musculoskeletal system have existed since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, new research led by Danielle Bassett at The University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science is the first to convert the entire body's network of bones and muscles into a comprehensive mathematical model. A study of the network is publishing on January 18 in the open access journal PLOS Biology.
	First vaccine developed against grass pollen allergy Around 400 million people worldwide suffer in some form or other from a grass pollen allergy (rhinitis), with the usual symptoms of runny nose, cough and severe breathing problems. In collaboration with the Viennese firm Biomay AG, MedUni Vienna researchers at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research have now shown in a Phase II-b study with 180 patients in 11 European centres, that four injections of the synthetically manufactured vaccine BM32 in the first year and a top-up in the second year of treatment relieve the sufferers' symptoms by at least 25 percent.
	Wine is good for you—to a point The Mediterranean diet has become synonymous with healthy eating, but there's one thing in it that stands out: It's cool to drink wine.
	Researchers identify a specific group of neurons that is sufficient and necessary to induce dietary The preference for a high-fat diet (HFD) among multiple palatable diets has increased in the modern world, whereas carbohydrate craving is often induced by stressful life events and mood disturbances. However, the mechanism responsible for selection between a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) and a high-fat diet (HFD) remains unknown.
	Four ways having a pet increases your lifespan Pet owners will often swear their beloved pooch or moggie does wonders for their wellbeing, and now we have empirical proof. A new study has found dog ownership is linked to improved heart health for humans. This is an important finding, given heart disease is the leading cause of death globally.
	Exercise resolution fizzling? These expert tips can help Whether you're just starting a new exercise regime for 2018 or already tinkering with your plan, congratulations – you're among millions of Americans trying to sweat off the holiday sluggishness.
Adverse childhood experiences increase risk of mental illness, but community support can offer protection People who have experienced abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as living with domestic violence during their childhood are at much greater risk of mental illness throughout life.
	Research finds women are being steered toward 'routine acceptance of induction' in labour New research, conducted by academics at the University of Hertfordshire, has found that women are not always getting enough information from their midwives and antenatal classes about what to expect during induction, or the possible risks.
	Puberty is starting earlier for many children—sex education must catch up with this new reality The British government is consulting on a new curriculum for sex and relationship education in English schools. This change provides a timely opportunity to update how, when and what children are taught about puberty.
	Distorted view amongst smokers of when deadly damage caused by smoking will occur Smokers have a distorted perception on when the onset of smoking-related conditions will occur, a new study in the Journal of Cognitive Psychology reports.
From healthcare to warfare—how to regulate brain technology Ethicists from the University of Basel have outlined a new biosecurity framework specific to neurotechnology. While the researchers declare an outright ban of dual-use technology ethically unjustified, they call for regulations aimed at protecting the mental privacy and integrity of humans. The journal Neuron has published the study.
Statins to prevent scar tissue in the eye? According to a Finnish study, statin medication seems to reduce the risk of repeated surgery in patients who undergo a vitrectomy to treat a detached retina. The researchers believe that statins might prevent the formation of scar tissue inside the eye.
	This year's severe flu exposes a serious flaw in our medical system Flu season in the U.S. typically peaks in February, but this year's outbreak is already one of the worst on record. As of Jan. 6, 20 children have died from the flu, and overall mortality caused by the flu is already double that of last year's.
Researcher reviews effect of general anesthesia on developing brain The head of the CU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology has written a review of scientific studies on the potentially adverse effects of exposing developing brains to general anesthesia.
	A centuries-old math equation used to solve a modern-day genetics challenge Researchers developed a new mathematical tool to validate and improve methods used by medical professionals to interpret results from clinical genetic tests. The work was published this month in Genetics in Medicine.
	Genomics reveals key macrophages' involvement in systemic sclerosis A new international study has made an important discovery about the key role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic autoimmune disease which currently has no cure.
	Cellular mechanism for severe viral hepatitis identified KAIST medical scientists identified a cellular mechanism causing inflammatory changes in regulatory T cells that can lead to severe viral hepatitis. Research on this mechanism will help further understand the nature of various inflammatory diseases and lead to the development of relevant clinical treatments.
A novel method of isolating infecting organisms after joint replacement Joint replacement surgery carries the risk of developing an infection in the replaced joint, which can lead to a so-called revision or re-do of the joint replacement. However, current diagnostic practices can fail to detect bacteria in 30-50 percent of clinical cases, complicating or delaying appropriate treatment. Thomas Jefferson University researchers have found that genomic analysis using next generation sequencing (NGS), can identify infecting organisms in over 80 percent of cases of infected joint replacement that had previously escaped detection. The research was published January 17th 2018 in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Hits, not concussions, cause CTE Researchers have identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact—even in the absence of signs of concussion. Early indicators of CTE pathology not only persisted long after injury but also spread through the brain, providing the best evidence to date that head impact, not concussion, causes CTE.
Natural environments promote positive body image New research shows that the natural environment has a powerful effect on promoting positive body image - and you don't even have to set foot outdoors to experience the benefits.
New blood protein markers help track premature ageing disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare fatal genetic disorder which causes sufferers to age prematurely. In a new study in the journal Pediatric Research, which is published by Springer Nature, scientists have identified protein biomarkers which can be used to assess how HGPS patients have reacted to treatment. The research was led by Leslie B. Gordon of the Hasbro Children's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital in the US.
	Can mice really mirror humans when it comes to cancer? A new Michigan State University study is helping to answer a pressing question among scientists of just how close mice are to people when it comes to researching cancer.
	Certain flu virus mutations may compensate for fitness costs of other mutations Seasonal flu viruses continually undergo mutations that help them evade the human immune system, but some of these mutations can reduce a virus's potency. According to new research published in PLOS Pathogens, certain mutations in the genome of influenza A may help counteract the weakening effects of other mutations.
	HIV-1 genetic diversity is higher in vaginal tract than in blood during early infection A first-of-its-kind study has found that the genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is higher in the vaginal tract than in the blood stream during early infection. This finding, published in PLOS Pathogens, supports the existence of a genetic bottleneck between the vaginal tract and the bloodstream.
	Bovine tuberculosis shows genetic diversity throughout Africa Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis that affects cattle as well as other animals and humans. Now, by combining genotyping M. bovis samples from cows across African countries, researchers have been able to study the diversity and evolution of the disease. The new results are published this week in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Scientists find microbes on the skin of mice promote tissue healing, immunity Beneficial bacteria on the skin of lab mice work with the animals' immune systems to defend against disease-causing microbes and accelerate wound healing, according to new research from scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers say untangling similar mechanisms in humans may improve approaches to managing skin wounds and treating other damaged tissues. The study was published online today in Cell.
	College branding makes beer more salient to underage students In recent years, major beer companies have tried to capitalize on the salience of students' university affiliations, unveiling marketing campaigns and products—such as "fan cans," store displays, and billboard ads—that pair beer with university colors, mascots, and logos. Research published in the January 2018 issue of Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, shows that such campaigns may enhance the motivational significance of marketed beer brands, especially for students who identify strongly with their university. The researchers conclude that this effect could potentially increase underage students' alcohol consumption.
	Two new breast cancer genes emerge from Lynch syndrome gene study Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian have identified two new breast cancer genes. Having one of the genes—MSH6 and PMS2—approximately doubles a woman's risk of developing breast cancer by age 60.
	Zika virus damages placenta, which may explain malformed babies Though the Zika virus is widely known for a recent outbreak that caused children to be born with microencephaly, or having a small head, and other malformations, scientists have struggled to explain how the virus affects a baby as it grows in the womb.
Schistosoma vaccine to enter phase Ib clinical trial Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, in collaboration with a team of researchers at the George Washington University and the Rene Rachou Institute, have received funding from the National Institutes of Health for a Phase Ib clinical trial for a Schistosomiasis vaccine in an endemic area of Brazil. The same group also led the initial Phase I study performed at Baylor.
Genetic sequencing points to endemic origin of monkeypox virus outbreak in Nigeria Scientists working to control a human outbreak of monkeypox virus (MXPV) in Nigeria performed genetic sequencing of patient samples, revealing that the outbreak likely originated from a source within the country. Their results emphasize the value of local surveillance for the early detection of viral spillovers and the need for advanced genetic characterization to help determine the origins of outbreaks.
	Babies' babbling betters brains, language Babies are adept at getting what they need - including an education. New research shows that babies organize mothers' verbal responses, which promotes more effective language instruction, and infant babbling is the key.
	New robot can help treat rare birth defect Researchers at the University of Sheffield and Boston's Children Hospital, Harvard Medical School have created a robot that can be implanted into the body to aid the treatment of oesophageal atresia, a rare birth defect that affects a baby's oesophagus.
	These foods may up your odds for colon cancer (HealthDay)—Chowing down on red meat, white bread and sugar-laden drinks might increase your long-term risk of colon cancer, a new study suggests.
	The pill lowers ovarian cancer risk, even for smokers (HealthDay)—It's known that use of the birth control pill is tied to lower odds for ovarian cancer, but new research shows the benefit extends to smokers or women who are obese.
	Could a blood test spot early stage colon cancer? (HealthDay)—A simple, cheap blood test to detect colon cancer—even in its early stages—appears highly effective and accurate, new research indicates.
	Significant ultrasound practice needed to diagnose appendicitis (HealthDay)—There is a learning curve among novice emergency medicine residents in using emergency ultrasonography to diagnose acute appendicitis, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
	3-D analysis differentiates fat grafting techniques (HealthDay)—Autologous fat processed by means of a cotton pad filtration technique is an effective method of facial fat grafting, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
	Onabotulinum toxin-A can safely improve sleep bruxism (HealthDay)—Onabotulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) injections can improve sleep bruxism, according to a study published online Jan. 17 in Neurology.
	Overall incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury 4.9 percent (HealthDay)—The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury is 4.9 percent, and risk factors include vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery and prolonged duration of second stage of labor, according to a study published online Jan. 9 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	Acute kidney injury ups risk for post-discharge hypoglycemia (HealthDay)—For hospitalized patients with diabetes, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor for post-discharge hypoglycemia, according to a study published online Jan. 11 in Diabetes Care.
	Increased risk of complications with bariatric surgery (HealthDay)—Bariatric surgery is associated with lower risks of obesity-related comorbidities but a clinically important increased risk for complications compared with medical treatment, according to a study published in the Jan. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on obesity.
	Key to willpower lies in believing you have it in abundance Americans believe they have less stamina for strenuous mental activity than their European counterparts - an indication that people in the U.S. perceive their willpower or self-control as being in limited supply, a new study suggests.
Schizophrenia study identifies shifts in patterns of glutamate and GABA in visuospatial working memory network A new study in Biological Psychiatry has characterized the patterns of brain neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in a network of regions that temporarily maintain and process visual information about the location of objects in space, a cognitive ability referred to as visuospatial working memory. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, reports that the patterns are altered in people with schizophrenia, suggesting a potential explanation for the impairments in visuospatial working memory that characterize people with the disorder.
Scientists study nervous system adaptation to ischemic damage Lobachevsky University researchers are working to explore the mechanisms of adaptation of the nervous system to ischemic damage. Scientists say that under certain conditions, the brain's protective response can be activated, even in some severe cases.
HDL and kidney injury after surgery Higher concentrations of high-density lipoproteins—HDL, the "good" cholesterol—may be protective against acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered. AKI affects up to 30 percent of patients after cardiac surgery.
'Food desert' gets a name change in response to Baltimore community feedback In a new report, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for a Livable Future (CLF) detail the rationale behind replacing the term "food desert" with "Healthy Food Priority Areas." The report, which was written in collaboration with the Baltimore Food Policy Initiative, also measures the state of healthy food availability in stores across Baltimore City, using a Healthy Food Availability Index (HFAI) tool that can serve as a valuable model for assessing community food environments across the U.S.
	Re-criminalizing cannabis is worse than 1930s 'reefer madness' In the 1930s, parents across the U.S. were panicked. A new documentary, "Reefer Madness," suggested that evil marijuana dealers lurked in public schools, waiting to entice their children into a life of crime and degeneracy.
More Norwegians sniff at cigarettes, preferring snuff More Norwegians use "snus"—a form of snuff particular to Nordic countries—instead of cigarettes for their nicotine fix, official figures showed for the first time Thursday.
Arkansas health officials say 150 people exposed to measles The Arkansas Department of Health says about 150 people were exposed to measles after an ill traveler flew from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Little Rock.
	Launch of 'DeWorm3' collection PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases is happy to announce the publication of a new Collection, "DeWorm3" on January 18, 2018.
Hospital groups creating company to make cheap generic drugs Several major not-for-profit hospital groups are trying their own solution to drug shortages and high medicine prices: creating a company to make cheaper generic drugs.
	White house to shield health workers who refuse services on moral grounds (HealthDay)—Health workers who refuse to perform abortions or sex-change operations on religious or moral grounds will now get more protection from the Trump administration.
	Be a savvy supermarket shopper (HealthDay)—Depending on how you navigate the aisles, your local supermarket can be an obstacle course of temptations or a direct route to eating healthy.
Health care financing system deepens poverty and income inequality Households' payments for medical premiums, copayments and deductibles pushed more than 7 million Americans into poverty in 2014, according to a study appearing in the American Journal of Public Health. Such payments also dramatically worsened overall income inequality.

Biology news

	Counting chromosomes: Plant scientists solve a century-old mystery about reproduction Counting is vital in nature. Counting chromosomes is something that most animals, plants and even single-celled organisms need to know how to do to assure viability and to reproduce. Today, a team of geneticists reveals a remarkable mechanism that enables plants to count their chromosomes, solving a century-old mystery.
	Scientists uncover secret of mass antelope mortality event in remote steppe grassland of Central Asia The sudden death of over 200,000 saiga antelopes in Kazakhstan in May 2015, more than 80 percent of the affected population and more than 60 percent of the global population of this species, baffled the world.
	A new, dynamic view of chromatin movements In cells, proteins tightly package the long thread of DNA into pearl necklace-like complexes known as chromatin. Scientists at EPFL show for the first time how chromatin moves, answering longstanding questions about how its structure helps regulate gene expression. The study is published in Nature Communications.
	And now for something completely different—a worm with three sexes Diane Shakes shakes her head. A trisexual arrangement is really not so different. Three sexes—male, female and hermaphrodite—are "part of the plan" for many organisms. There's even a word for it: trioecious.
	First look at pupil size in sleeping mice yields surprises When people are awake, their pupils regularly change in size. Those changes are meaningful, reflecting shifting attention or vigilance, for example. Now, researchers reporting in Current Biology on January 18 have found in studies of mice that pupil size also fluctuates during sleep. They also show that pupil size is a reliable indicator of sleep states.
	Hunter-gatherers have a special way with smells When it comes to naming colors, most people do so with ease. But, for odors, it's much harder to find the words. One notable exception to this rule is found among the Jahai people, a group of hunter-gatherers living in the Malay Peninsula. An earlier study showed that, for them, odors are just as easy to name as colors. Now a new study reported in Current Biology on January 18 suggests that the Jahai's special way with smell is related to their hunting and gathering lifestyle.
	How did we evolve to live longer? Research shows a collection of small adaptations in stress activated proteins, accumulated over millennia of human history, could help to explain our increased natural defences and longer lifespan.
	Warming Arctic climate constrains life in cold-adapted mammals Despite the growth in knowledge about the effects of a warming Arctic on its cold-adapted species, how these changes affect animal populations is poorly understood. Research efforts have been hindered by the area's remoteness and complex logistics required to gain access.
	New study suggests coastal and deep ocean sharks have different feeding patterns An international team of researchers studying globally declining shark populations report today that they used carbon isotopes as biochemical markers in shark muscle tissue to identify where in the oceans the mobile predators have been feeding, in the hope that such analyses provide a useful tool for conservation. Details appear in the current issue of Nature Ecology & Evolution.
	Stem cell scientists chew on the mysteries of jaw development Scientists in the USC Stem Cell laboratory of Gage Crump have revealed how key genes guide the development of the jaw in zebrafish. These findings may offer clues for understanding craniofacial anomalies in human patients, who sometimes carry a mutation in equivalent genes.
	Packing a genome, step-by-step Genome folding now has a playbook. A new step-by-step account spells out in minute-time resolution how cells rapidly pack long tangles of chromosomes into the tiny, tightly wound bundles needed for cell division. Cells reel chromosomes into loops, and then wind the loops into spiral staircase structures, Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers report January 18, 2018, in the journal Science.
	Researchers create first global atlas of the bacteria living in your dirt What lives in your dirt? University of Colorado Boulder researchers are one step closer to finding out after compiling the first global atlas of soil bacterial communities and identifying a group of around 500 key species that are both common and abundant worldwide.
	Study finds convergent evolution of gene regulation in humans and mice Organisms that aren't closely related may evolve similar traits as they adapt to similar challenges. It's called convergent evolution, and familiar examples include the wings of birds, bats, and insects, and echolocation in bats and dolphins. Now, molecular biologists have found evidence of convergent evolution in an important mechanism of gene regulation in humans and mice.
	Study says the world's most vilified and dangerous animals may be humankind's best ally An international review led by the University of Queensland and WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) says that many native carnivores that live in and around human habitation are declining at an unprecedented rate - spelling bad news for humans who indirectly rely on them for a variety of beneficial services.
	Researchers create first stem cells using CRISPR genome activation In a scientific first, researchers at the Gladstone Institutes turned skin cells from mice into stem cells by activating a specific gene in the cells using CRISPR technology. The innovative approach offers a potentially simpler technique to produce the valuable cell type and provides important insights into the cellular reprogramming process.
	Use of primate 'actors' misleading millions of viewers More needs to be done to educate audiences, including viewers at home and filmmakers, on the unethical nature of using primates in the film industry, says a leading expert in a new study.
	Hanging with the locals pays off for tropical invaders Studying the behaviour of tropical fish in a temperate environment can help predict who might be winners and losers in a warmer future, and how resources such as fish stocks may be impacted, researchers say.
Biodiversity conservation should be a core value of China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' Environment and conservation experts from the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNMC) and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) are challenging decision-makers, infrastructure planners and conservationists to work together to mitigate the negative impacts of China's "Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI) and look for opportunities for biodiversity conservation.
	The rise of turfs—flattening of global kelp forests Research published today into the state of kelp forests around the world shows they are being degraded into flat seascapes carpeted by short, unwanted turf-algae – and the Western Australian coastline is one of the worst-affected areas.
	The Y chromosome is disappearing – so what will happen to men? The Y chromosome may be a symbol of masculinity, but it is becoming increasingly clear that it is anything but strong and enduring. Although it carries the "master switch" gene, SRY, that determines whether an embryo will develop as male (XY) or female (XX), it contains very few other genes and is the only chromosome not necessary for life. Women, after all, manage just fine without one.
	A survival lesson from bats—eating variety keeps species multiplying Diet is an important factor influencing the survival and evolution of all species. Many studies have shown that when species evolve from being a predator or insectivore to being a vegetarian, the rate at which new species arise increases. But a new study published in Ecology Letters reveals that omnivorous New World noctilionoid bats, those species with diets including both plant and animal materials, produce more generations in the long run than specialized vegetarian or insectivorous species.
New method to stop cells dividing could help fight cancer Researchers at Uppsala University, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Oxford, have used a new strategy to shut down specific enzymes to stop cells from dividing. The method, published in Cell Chemical Biology, can be used as a strategy to fight cancer.
	Mealworms may turn infected wheat into cash The potential solution discovered by University of Saskatchewan researchers for producers stuck with unsellable fusarium-infected wheat may actually put cash in the farmers' pockets and open up a new worm-based niche market in the feed industry.
	Have scientists really found the germ responsible for killing 15m Aztecs? This week, dozens of media outlets declared that scientists had solved the mystery of what wiped out the Aztecs. Traces of a pathogen that can cause a typhoid-like enteric fever have been found in skeletons from a cemetery linked to the catastrophic epidemics of 1545-50, which killed millions of indigenous people in 16th century Mexico.
Hybridization can give rise to different genome combinations Researchers have for the first time determined that hybridization between two bird species can give rise to several novel and fully functional hybrid genomic combinations. This could potentially be because hybrid species emerged through independent hybridisation events between the same parent species on different islands.
	Viruses are everywhere, maybe even in space Viruses are the most abundant and one of the least understood biological entities on Earth. They might also exist in space, but as of yet scientists have done almost no research into this possibility.
Increased scientific rigor will improve wildlife research and management Wildlife management relies on rigorous science that produces reliable knowledge because it increases accurate understanding of the natural world and informs management decisions. A new Journal of Wildlife Management article evaluates the prevalence of scientific rigor in wildlife research and outlines the components of a rigorous scientific method.
	Endangered whale's calving season peaks, but no babies seen Scientists watching for baby right whales off the Southeast U.S. coast have yet to spot a single newborn seven weeks into the endangered species' calving season—the longest researchers have gone without any sightings in nearly 30 years.
	Researchers warn of deadly parvovirus strain spreading in Australian dogs Vets and dog owners are being warned that canine parvovirus – a contagious and often fatal disease – is spreading rapidly among Australian dogs.
	Giant pandas arrive in Finland in Chinese charm offensive Finland on Thursday welcomed a panda pair after a long plane ride from their native China, which leased the fluffy animals to the Nordic nation to strengthen ties.

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