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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for May 23, 2019:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
Astronomy & Space news
 | New ultra diffuse galaxy found in the NGC 5846 groupAstronomers have detected a new ultra diffuse galaxy (UDG) located most likely in the NGC 5846 galaxy group. The discovery is part of the ongoing VEGAS survey aimed at investigating early-type galaxies in a range of environments. Details of the finding were presented in a paper published May 15 on arXiv.org. |
 | Galaxies as 'cosmic cauldrons'Star formation within interstellar clouds of gas and dust, so-called molecular clouds, proceeds very rapidly yet highly inefficiently. Most of the gas is dispersed by stellar radiation, revealing galaxies to be highly dynamic systems, like "cosmic cauldrons," consisting of components that constantly change their appearance. Based on new observations of the NGC 300 spiral galaxy, a team of scientists led by astrophysicist Dr. Diederik Kruijssen from Heidelberg University has now managed for the first time to reconstruct the time-evolution of molecular clouds and the star formation process within them. Their analysis shows that these clouds are short-lived structures undergoing rapid lifecycles, driven by the intense radiation from the new-born stars. The findings are published in Nature. |
 | Processes not observed on Earth play major roles in the movement of sand on MarsWind has shaped the face of Mars for millennia, but its exact role in piling up sand dunes, carving out rocky escarpments or filling impact craters has eluded scientists until now. |
 | Study investigates potential risk of Taurid meteor swarmA new study from Western University posits proof to the possibility that an oncoming swarm of meteors—likened to the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot by some extraterrestrial experts—may indeed pose an existential risk for Earth and its inhabitants. (That's us.) |
 | Chemistry of stars sheds new light on the Gaia SausageChemical traces in the atmospheres of stars are being used to uncover new information about a galaxy, known as the Gaia Sausage, which was involved in a major collision with the Milky Way billions of years ago. |
 | A family of comets reopens the debate about the origin of Earth's waterWhere did the Earth's water come from? Although comets, with their icy nuclei, seem like ideal candidates, analyses have so far shown that their water differs from that in our oceans. Now, however, an international team, bringing together CNRS researchers at the Laboratory for Studies of Radiation and Matter in Astrophysics and Atmospheres (Paris Observatory - PSL/CNRS/ Sorbonne University/University of Cergy-Pontoise) and the Laboratory of Space Studies and Instrumentation in Astrophysics (Paris Observatory - PSL/CNRS/Sorbonne University/University of Paris), has found that one family of comets, the hyperactive comets, contains water similar to terrestrial water. The study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics on May 20, 2019, is based in particular on measurements of comet 46P/Wirtanen carried out by SOFIA, NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. |
 | NASA unveils schedule for 'Artemis' 2024 Moon missionNASA on Thursday unveiled the calendar for the "Artemis" program that will return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in half a century, including eight scheduled launches and a mini-station in lunar orbit by 2024. |
 | Help NASA asteroid mission choose sample site using PSI's CosmoQuestThe OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has been at Bennu since Dec. 3, 2018, mapping the asteroid in detail, while the mission team searches for a sample collection site that is safe, conducive to sample collection, and worthy of closer study. One of the biggest challenges of this effort is that Bennu has an extremely rocky surface and each boulder presents a danger to the spacecraft's safety as it touches down and grabs a sample. |
 | Lunar gold rush is about to start—and we could exhaust the solar system in less than 500 yearsThe US president, Donald Trump, has stuck to his plan to send humans back to the moon in the next five years, recently giving the project a US$1.6 billion shot in the arm. Whether he succeeds or not, the first successful landing on the lunar far side by China, the European Space Agency's recent "lunar village" concept and a myriad of private companies all gearing up for commercial human spaceflight indicate that a human return to the moon may be about to begin in earnest. |
 | A unique experiment to explore black holesWhat happens when two supermassive black holes collide? Combining the observing power of two future ESA missions, Athena and LISA, would allow us to study these cosmic clashes and their mysterious aftermath for the first time. |
 | Of strawberry jelly and earthquakes: Space station investigation studies colloidsIf you think your strawberry jelly is unrelated to earthquakes, think again. |
 | Scientists discover one of the mechanisms of water formation on the moonThe results of a recent study conducted by the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the agency's automatic interplanetary station, show the existence of 'permafrost' near the poles of the moon with a relatively high content of water ice (up to 5% by weight). It is believed that water ice could supply a life support system for the future Russian Lunar Station, and that it could also produce hydrogen-oxygen fuel for flights into deep space. |
Technology news
 | MobiKa: A low-cost mobile robot that can assist people in a variety of settingsResearchers at Fraunhofer IPA, in Stuttgart, Germany, have recently developed MobiKa, a low-cost, mobile robot capable of two-modal (voice and text) interactions with humans. Their robot, presented in a paper pre-published on arXiv, could be particularly useful for assisting elderly people. |
 | This robot helps you lift objects—by looking at your bicepsWe humans are very good at collaboration. For instance, when two people work together to carry a heavy object like a table or a sofa, they tend to instinctively coordinate their motions, constantly recalibrating to make sure their hands are at the same height as the other person's. Our natural ability to make these types of adjustments allows us to collaborate on tasks big and small. |
 | Researchers gain key insight into solar material's soaring efficiencyThe rows of blue solar panels that dot landscapes and rooftops are typically made out of crystalline silicon, the workhorse semiconductor found in virtually every electronic device. |
 | 100% renewables doesn't equal zero-carbon energy, and the difference is growingWhile 160 companies around the world have committed to use "100 percent renewable energy," that does not mean "100 percent carbon-free energy." The difference will grow as power grids become less reliant on fossil power, according to a new Stanford study published today in Joule. Entities committed to fighting climate change can and should measure the environmental benefits of their renewable strategies accurately, the authors write. |
 | Private, stable and landed: Meet Tor Browser 8.5A Tor browser has arrived as a stable release for Android. Ultraprivate. And some Tor wish-listers will say, finally. "Until recently, it was only available on desktop devices. Now, the stable version is available for Android, too," said George Burduli, XDA Developers. |
 | Engineered bacteria could be missing link in energy storageOne of the big issues with sustainable energy systems is how to store electricity that's generated from wind, solar and waves. At present, no existing technology provides large-scale storage and energy retrieval for sustainable energy at a low financial and environmental cost. |
 | Bringing human-like reasoning to driverless car navigationWith aims of bringing more human-like reasoning to autonomous vehicles, MIT researchers have created a system that uses only simple maps and visual data to enable driverless cars to navigate routes in new, complex environments. |
 | NASA's first-of-kind tests look to manage drone in citiesNASA has launched the final stage of a four-year effort to develop a national traffic management system for drones, testing them in cities for the first time beyond the operator's line of sight as businesses look in the future to unleash the unmanned devices in droves above busy streets and buildings. |
 | Amazon shareholders support selling face recognition tech to policeAmazon on Wednesday confirmed that shareholders rejected proposals to prohibit sales of facial recognition technology to governments and study how it might threaten privacy or civil rights. |
 | Panasonic joins firms stepping away from Huawei after US banJapan's Panasonic said Thursday it would stop supplying some components to Huawei, joining a growing list of firms distancing themselves from the Chinese telecoms giant after a US ban over security concerns. |
 | "ScUber" launches submarine trips to Great Barrier ReefA select few Australians will soon be able to briefly book an Uber submarine to the Great Barrier Reef, the ride-sharing giant said Thursday. |
 | Huawei's own OS system may be ready this year: reportChinese telecom giant Huawei says it could roll out its own operating system for smartphones and laptops in China by the autumn after the United States blacklisted the company, a report said Thursday. |
 | Germany fines Bosch over 'dieselgate' roleGerman prosecutors said Thursday they had fined car parts supplier Bosch 90 million euros ($100 million) over its role supplying components in the "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal. |
 | Living smarter: The interconnected homeSmart homes have long been touted as the future of building. But now even existing homes can be turned smart—and it's easier than ever. |
 | ARM amputation: Huawei's big chip problemARM technology is used in more than 130 billion chips worldwide and is ubiquitous in mobile devices, so losing access to the British company would be like losing a limb for China's embattled Huawei. |
 | Using your smartphone at the supermarket can add 41% to your shopping billAre you constantly checking your phone when you're out and about? Do you have trouble resisting the lure of ever more screen time? If so, be careful when you go grocery shopping—as your phone may be costing you more than you think. |
 | Huawei fight is a threat to rural internetIn swaths of rural America, along roads where there are just a few farms or homes within a mile-long stretch, customers are so few that the likes of AT&T and T-Mobile don't bother to build cell towers for coverage. |
 | Gas vs. electric? Fuel choice affects efforts to achieve low-energy and low-impact homesIf you want to make your home as energy-efficient and green as possible, should you use gas or electric for your heating and cooling needs? Gas is the more eco-friendly option—for now—for an energy-efficient home in Maryland. That's the conclusion of a new economic study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which evaluated the power usage and environmental impact of gas versus electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in low-energy residential dwellings. The NIST work provides a research method that others can use to perform their own analysis on which technology is more favorable for their local areas. |
 | Sandia launches a bus into spaceSandia National Laboratories recently launched a bus into space. Not the kind with wheels that go round and round, but the kind of device that links electronic devices (a USB cable, short for "universal serial bus," is one common example). |
 | Facebook: Fake account removal doubles in 6 months to 3BFacebook removed more than 3 billion fake accounts from October to March, twice as many as the previous six months, the company said Thursday. |
 | Vegas tourism board backs $49M Elon Musk transit systemA company backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk has been awarded a nearly $49 million contract to build a transit system using self-driving vehicles underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. |
 | European pilots 'deeply disturbed' by possible 737 MAX returnEuropean pilots said Thursday they found it "deeply disturbing" that the Boeing 737 MAX was already being considered for a return to service after being grounded worldwide following two deadly crashes. |
 | Apple to host WWDC developers event with first peek at new iOS on June 3Fans of the iPhone and other Apple products can mark their calendars for details on the tech giant's next iOS update. |
 | Dolby wants you to experience music in a new wayDolby, the company most of us know for bringing premium sound to movie theaters and high-end home audio, wants you to listen to music in a different way. |
 | Amazon is reportedly working on an Alexa-powered wearable that reads human emotionsAmazon is reportedly developing a voice-activated wearable device that can recognize human emotions. |
 | Regulators ponder: When can Boeing's 737 MAX fly again?Two months after Boeing's popular 737 MAX aircraft was grounded worldwide following two deadly crashes, civil aviation authorities gathered Thursday in Texas to consider a burning question: When will the top-selling jet fly again? |
 | Breakup isn't the answer, Facebook's Zuckerberg saysFacebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday rejected the idea of breaking up the social media giant as off-target, saying it could hamper the fight against deceit and harmful online content. |
 | Programming the forces of evolutionThe genius of evolution is rarely seen in action, so the invisible hand guiding the direction of biological systems is often taken for granted. However, by applying the principles of natural selection to research questions and designing robots to carry out these tasks, scientists are creating the world's first evolutionary machines. |
 | Tesla shares recover after analyst's prediction of troubleShares of Tesla opened lower Thursday, but recovered into positive territory a day after an influential analyst questioned whether the company will become a restructuring story. |
New York subway riders will be able to tap and pay the fare starting May 31New Yorkers routinely grumble about overcrowded subways and having to wait on long lines to purchase or refill their Metro Cards. | |
T-Mobile says it will match the special discounts making you reluctant to leave its rivalsT-Mobile is about to offer a fresh sweetener for prospective customers reluctant to leave AT&T, Verizon or Sprint because they are grandfathered into a corporate, affiliate, senior, military or other special discount they don't want to lose. | |
 | Senate passes bill meant to combat robocallsThe U.S. Senate has passed a bill that aims to combat the illegal robocalls torturing Americans . |
 | Barcelona taxi drivers to lodge legal case against UberA Barcelona-based association of taxi drivers on Thursday announced it would lodge a legal complaint against ride-hailing services Uber and Cabify for fraud and other offences. |
Medicine & Health news
 | Targeting key gene could help lead to Down syndrome treatmentTargeting a key gene before birth could someday help lead to a treatment for Down syndrome by reversing abnormal embryonic brain development and improving cognitive function after birth, according to a Rutgers-led study. |
 | Researchers find adding a protein to lentiviral vectors protects them from immune systemA team of researchers from institutions in Italy and the U.S., in conjunction with several corporate entities, has found that adding a protein to lentiviral vectors can protect them from an immune system attack. In their paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group describes their work in finding new ways to treat hemophilia and how well their approach worked in monkeys. |
 | A new pathway for an anti-aging drugIn 1972, Easter Island, called Rapa Nui, famous for its moai statues, offered a new wonder: the discovery of the drug rapamycin. |
 | Using genetically modified fruit flies to find the best cancer therapiesA team of researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, has found that it is possible to use genetically modified fruit flies to find the best cancer therapies for some patients. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes experiments that involved genetically altering fruit flies with a patient's cancer mutations as a way to test therapy candidates. |
 | Possible link between infant gut microbiome and development of allergiesA team of researchers affiliated with several institutions in Korea and Australia have found a possible link between the gut microbiome in infants and development of allergies. In their paper published in the journal Science Advances, the group describes their study of a certain antibody response in young mice and what they found. |
 | Scientists solve a century-old mystery to treat asthma and airway inflammationBelgian research groups from the VIB, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, and the biotech company Argenx have solved a century-long puzzle about the presence of protein crystals in asthma. Normally, proteins do not crystallize in the body, but there are some instances when this process does occur. Charcot-Leyden crystals are made from the protein galectin-10 and were discovered in the airways of asthmatics as early as 1853. |
 | Proof it's possible to enhance or suppress memoriesWhat if scientists could manipulate your brain so that a traumatic memory lost its emotional power over your psyche? Steve Ramirez, a Boston University neuroscientist fascinated by memory, believes that a small structure in the brain could hold the keys to future therapeutic techniques for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD, someday allowing clinicians to enhance positive memories or suppress negative ones. |
 | How a zebrafish could help solve the mysteries of genetic brain diseaseA close look at the rapidly developing zebrafish embryo is helping neuroscientists better understand the potential underpinnings of brain disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. |
 | What we think we know—but might not—pushes us to learn more(Spoiler alert if you haven't watched the "Game of Thrones" season finale) |
Analysis reveals extent of drug industry funding of UK patient organizationsFrom 2012 to 2016 the drug industry donated over £57 million to UK patient organisations, with priority given to a small number of organisations supporting commercially high profile conditions like cancer, reveals an analysis published by The BMJ today. | |
 | Stroke deaths in England halved in the first decade of the 21st centuryDeaths from stroke in England halved during the first decade of the 21st century, mainly as a result of improved survival due to better care, finds a study published by The BMJ today. |
 | Potential solutions for limiting exposure to Candida auris in healthcare facilitiesResearchers show that procedures used to contain Candida auris infection in an animal facility can potentially be applied to hospitals and nursing homes to limit its spread. |
 | Skin patch shows promise for children with milk-induced eosinophilic esophagitisA new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) finds that a skin patch may be useful in treating children with a painful, chronic condition called eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) triggered by milk. Among 20 children with EoE who wore Viaskin Milk—a skin patch measuring just over an inch long containing trace amounts of milk protein—nine (47%) saw an improvement in their symptoms and normalization of their biopsies after 11 months. This is the first study to examine how this treatment, called epicutaneous immunotherapy, may help children with milk-induced EoE. |
 | Hypertension found in children exposed to flower pesticidesIn a study published online May 21, 2019 in the journal Environmental Research, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found higher blood pressure and pesticide exposures in children associated with a heightened pesticide spraying period around the Mother's Day flower harvest. This study involved boys and girls living near flower crops in Ecuador. |
 | Study shows incidence rates of aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer risingNew findings from a study by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, show that U.S. incidence rates for aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer rose rapidly among women ages 30 to 79 from 2000 to 2015. The findings also reveal racial disparities, including higher incidence of these aggressive subtypes and poorer survival—irrespective of subtype and cancer stage—among non-Hispanic black women than among women in other racial/ethnic groups. |
 | Variation of FTO gene linked to weight gain and obesity in childrenResearchers have discovered that children who do not have obesity, but who are at risk for the chronic disease due to a common genetic variant eat more, according to a new study to be published in the June 2019 issue of Obesity. |
 | Researchers reveal new strategy for preventing holiday weight gainTo avoid putting on extra pounds at the holidays, researchers have found that U.S. adults who engage in daily self-weighing can prevent holiday weight gain, according to a new study to be published in the June 2019 issue of Obesity. |
 | CDC: cancer death rates decreased, heart disease deaths rose(HealthDay)—Cancer death rates declined for adults aged 45 to 64 years from 1999 to 2017, while heart disease death rates decreased to 2011 and then increased, according to the May 22 National Vital Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
 | Incidence of Parkinson disease increased in bipolar disorder(HealthDay)—Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have an increased incidence of Parkinson disease (PD), according to a study published online May 22 in Neurology. |
 | Closed ICU model may reduce hospital-acquired infections(HealthDay)—A closed intensive care unit (ICU) model, whereby a patient is evaluated and admitted under an intensivist and orders involving patient care are written by the ICU team, is associated with a reduction in certain types of hospital-acquired infections, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2019 International Conference, held from May 17 to 22 in Dallas. |
 | Aggressive approach to pancreatic cysts may prevent dreaded cancer(HealthDay)—Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies, so a new study appears to offer some good news: Early removal of a certain type of precancerous pancreatic cyst may prevent the disease in some people. |
 | Need a break? A vacation really can be good for you—if it's done rightNeed another reason to take that vacation? It's probably good for your heart and mind. |
 | Fewer deaths tied to dirty air, but threats persist: report(HealthDay)—Significant but uneven improvements in air quality have greatly reduced U.S. deaths related to air pollution over the past decade, a new study shows. |
 | Unfiltered cigarettes are most deadly(HealthDay)—There's no such thing as a safe cigarette, but unfiltered cigarettes are even more likely to kill you, a new study finds. |
Growing cardiovascular genetics field calls for special multidisciplinary clinical programsWith a better understanding of how various heart conditions are inherited, and the availability of faster and less expensive genetic testing, there is need for more specialized multidisciplinary clinical programs that combine focused expertise in heart disease and genetics, according to a new statement from the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health. The statement is published in the Association's journal Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine. | |
 | Researchers identify genetic switch that controls conversion of bad to good fatFat cells. They are the bane of a dieter's existence, but fat is important. Previous studies showed the subcutaneous white fat cells can transform to brown and beige varieties when exposed to cold stress. These dusky forms of fat, burn energy more effectively to keep an organism warm. Researchers at University of Utah Health have figured out a way to make more of these energy-burning fat cells. They have identified TLE3, a genetic switch that stops the conversion of white fat into these thermogenic varieties. The results are available online in the May 23 issue of the journal Genes and Development. |
 | Bacteria in fermented food signal the human immune system, explaining health benefitsResearchers have discovered that humans and great apes possess a receptor on their cells that detects metabolites from bacteria commonly found in fermented foods and triggers movement of immune cells. Claudia Stäubert of the University of Leipzig and colleagues report these findings in a new study published 23rd May in PLOS Genetics. |
 | Startup to commercialize blood test for most major cancersWhen testing for such as lung cancer disease, doctors know that tissue biopsies are necessary and potentially life-saving, though the procedures used to gather tissue can lead to dangerous complications, from bleeding to lung collapse. To lower the need for invasive procedures, researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new blood test that can detect most major cancers and have launched a startup, DesertDx, to bring the invention to doctors and their patients. |
 | Research reveals possible strategy for blocking the spread of pneumococcal diseaseSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have reduced transmission of pneumococci in mice using an experimental vaccine that targets proteins on the surface of the bacteria. The research appears online today in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. |
 | Studying the function of liver cancer genes in mini-organsResearchers from the Hubrecht Institute and Radboud University have developed a human model in which they use organoids, or mini organs, to study the function of specific genes that are mutated in liver cancer. Using this method, they have found that mutations in BAP1, a gene commonly mutated in liver cancer, changes the behaviour of the cells, which may make them more likely to be invasive. Their results were published in the scientific journal Cell Stem Cell on the 23 of May. |
 | Study shows adults with disabilities have challenges with insurance, despite improvements to ACAExpansion of the Affordable Care Act in 2014 improved access to insurance and represented gains in health care for adults with disabilities. But while those gains were documented, what wasn't known was what challenges still existed in accessing care for that population. A new study from the University of Kansas documents the challenges adults with disabilities still face in accessing health care and offers recommendations to improve care and accessibility. |
 | Women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with minor strokeWomen experiencing a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are less likely to be diagnosed with a stroke compared to men—even though they describe similar symptoms in emergency departments. |
 | High-intensity exercise may restore heart function in people with type 2 diabetesUniversity of Otago researchers have discovered that high-intensity exercise can reduce or reverse the loss in heart function caused by type 2 diabetes. |
 | Thoughts on body image in pregnancy important indicator of emotional wellbeingResearchers have shown that a new way of assessing women's relationship with their bodies during pregnancy could help predict how well the mother might bond with her unborn baby and her longer-term emotional wellbeing. |
 | Trace metal exposure among pregnant women living near fracking wells in CanadaThe Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology last week revealed the findings of a 2016 pilot study that measured pregnant women's exposure to environmental contaminants in northeastern British Columbia, an area of intensive natural-gas production through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The study, directed by Marc-André Verner, a professor at the School of Public Health (ESPUM) of Université de Montréal (UdeM), showed that the women had higher concentrations of some metals, especially barium, aluminum, strontium and manganese, in their hair and urine compared to the general population. |
 | Holidays disrupt drug routines of children with diabetesChildren with type 1 diabetes find it difficult to adhere to their drug routines during school holidays and weekends. Holiday distractions cause a 20 percent reduction in adherence to taking medications that assist managing their condition and other associated conditions, which may have serious consequences for their health. |
 | Mitral regurgitation: more precise classification of severity now possibleFor years, cardiology experts have been arguing about how to determine the degree of severity in patients with functional mitral regurgitation and, hence, to assess when it is necessary to operate on the valve. It is all about how much blood "should be allowed" to flow back through the leaky valve: Currently, surgery is only performed in the U.S. at 60 ml but at 30 ml in Europe, according to Philipp Bartko and Georg Goliasch (Department of Medicine II). In a study performed by cardiologists at MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, they have now shown the exact relationship between the amount of refluxing blood and patient survival, thereby establishing a new limit for optimal classification with a view to valve surgery. |
 | The key to avoiding measles: knowing your vaccination historyIn the face of the worst measles outbreak in the United States in more than 25 years, some adults are wondering whether they should be taking additional precautions to protect themselves from the extremely contagious disease. And the answer is: Maybe. |
 | The latest culprit of poor health and early death? Low socioeconomic statusIs healthy aging possible for both rich and poor? To find out, EU-funded researchers studied the processes driving healthy aging in a person's lifespan. |
 | Without safe injection sites, more opioid users will dieOntario is undoubtedly in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis. From January to September 2018, an incredible 1,031 Ontarians died of an overdose. |
 | Only 21% of women who use their frozen eggs become mothersAs the trend for older motherhood continues, amid warnings from experts about the sharp decline in a woman's fertility in her mid-30s, more and more women are considering egg freezing as a form of "insurance" against age-related infertility. |
 | Translational research uncovers new treatment for fatty liver diseaseA team of researchers led by Duke-NUS Medical School and National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) found that deactivating the interleukin 11 (IL11) protein with therapeutic antibodies reverses inflammation and scarring of the liver in patients suffering from untreatable non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The findings, published in Gastroenterology, have implications for the development of drugs to treat the disease. |
 | Camel milk reduces cell inflammation associated with type 2 diabetesThe current trend for certain foods and dietary components to be called "superfoods" is frequently associated with exotic and expensive products. But there are no set criteria to determine a food's "superness"—and claims rarely have any scientific basis. It is usually simply a (often very successful) marketing ploy. |
 | The reality of caring for someone with dementia—stressful but rewarding, tooDementia is set to become one of the biggest global health challenges of our generation. In the UK alone there are around 850,000 people living with the disease and this figure is projected to more than double by 2051. |
 | Why a patient may need a companion to speak for them—and the difficult choices they faceWhen a person whose communication is affected by a developmental disability (like Down syndrome or autism) needs to speak with a doctor, they often have to rely on a companion to help them. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or a professional support worker, that companion has to gauge very carefully what to say and when to say it. |
Young athletes may need one-year break after knee surgeryAfter surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, young athletes are now recommended to undergo at least a year's rehab and thorough testing before resuming knee-strenuous sport. Research shows that those who return to sport relatively soon after surgery incur a highly elevated risk of a second ACL injury. | |
 | New exercise guidelines for people with cancerA decade-old treatment recommendation for people with cancer to take a "slowly slowly" approach to exercise has been replaced with new guidelines recommending a personalised exercise program including high-intensity workouts to achieve the best treatment outcome. |
 | Scientists engineer vascularized kidney tissueWake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) researchers have shown the feasibility of bioengineering vascularized functional renal tissues for kidney regeneration, developing a partial augmentation strategy that may be a more feasible and practical approach than creating whole organs. |
Heart failure, stroke greater among occupants in motor vehicle accidentsNew research has shown that in older adults (65 and older), being an occupant in an automobile during a motor vehicle accident may lead to heart failure or stroke, as compared to pedestrians who are involved in motor vehicle accidents. | |
 | For civilians, finding a therapist skilled in PTSD treatments is a tough taskLauren Walls has lived with panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks for years. The 26-year-old San Antonio teacher sought help from a variety of mental health professionals—including spending five years and at least $20,000 with one therapist who used a Christian-faith-based approach, viewing her condition as part of a spiritual weakness that could be conquered—but her symptoms worsened. She hit a breaking point two years ago, when she contemplated suicide. |
 | Many 'dehumanize' people with obesity(HealthDay)—Many people—including those who are overweight themselves—view people with obesity as less human or less evolved, new research reveals. |
 | High-deductible health plans may be harmful for patients with COPD(HealthDay)—For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are associated with increased likelihood of reporting foregoing care because of costs and cost-related nonadherence, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2019 International Conference, held from May 17 to 22 in Dallas. |
 | Severe maternal complication risk four times higher with twins(HealthDay)—Women with twin pregnancies have a four-fold increased risk for severe maternal complications both before and after delivery, compared to women with singleton pregnancies, according to a study published online May 9 in Obstetrics & Gynecology. |
 | Medication nonadherence common in patients with T2DM(HealthDay)—Routine urine samples can be used to test for medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care. |
 | Pediatricians should encourage fish consumption for children(HealthDay)—Fish and shellfish consumption should be encouraged for children, according to a technical report published online May 20 in Pediatrics. |
 | Exposure to air pollution before and after birth may affect fundamental cognitive abilitiesA growing body of research suggests that exposure to air pollution in the earliest stages of life is associated with negative effects on cognitive abilities. A new study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by "la Caixa," has provided new data: exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) during pregnancy and the first years of life is associated with a reduction in fundamental cognitive abilities, such as working memory and executive attention. |
 | Obsessive-compulsive disorder research needs more focus on patients, new study assertsFor people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), scientific research into their condition is not an abstract concept; it can have profound real-life implications. |
 | Menopausal changes to female heart happen earlier than thoughtIt's known the female heart changes after menopause, but a new University of Guelph study is the first to reveal hidden changes that are happening during perimenopause- the stage before menopause sets in. |
 | Research reveals how personality affects susceptibility to persuasionResearchers at Edge Hill University in England have helped identify personality traits which make people more (or less) susceptible to persuasion than others. |
 | Reading with toddlers reduces harsh parenting, enhances child behaviorPeople who regularly read with their toddlers are less likely to engage in harsh parenting and the children are less likely to be hyperactive or disruptive, a Rutgers-led study finds. |
 | Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Benefit remains unclearThe German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has investigated whether patients suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma have (better) chances of recovery when stem cells from another person are transplanted. In its final report now presented, the Institute concludes that it is not possible to make statements on the benefit of this high-risk treatment. Meaningful studies are lacking for the often very small patient groups. For some questions, the data gap could be closed with the help of disease-specific registries. |
Embedded psychiatrist in pediatric clinic improves evaluation access, short-term treatmentA novel method of embedding child psychiatric care in an urban pediatrics clinic was found to be feasible and a promising way to increase access to and engagement in psychiatric care among a primarily Latino population, according to new study from Boston Medical Center researchers. The study is the first to provide initial evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention, which could have important implications for underserved and minority populations that experience disparities in psychiatric care. | |
 | Home-schoolers see no added health risks over timeYears of home-schooling don't appear to influence the general health of children, according to a Rice University study. |
 | In the land of stout and spirits, Ireland's first 'dry pub'It's happy hour in Dublin and the drinks are flowing, but in Ireland's first "dry pub" patrons are forgoing Guinness and whiskey for non-boozy beers and zero percent wine. |
 | Do physicians properly advise women with dense breasts on cancer risk?A new study has shown that more than half of physicians—primary care doctors and specialists—may be unaware that dense breasts are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and nearly half reported not being aware of laws requiring physicians to inform women about mammography-related breast density risks and supplemental screening options. This timely and newsworthy study, which also compared the knowledge and practices of primary care physicians to specialists regarding breast density, is published in Journal of Women's Health. |
 | Prevent illness by preventing tick bitesReady or not, ticks are out. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness, but it's not the only concern, says Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a parasitic diseases expert at Mayo Clinic. |
 | Eating to reach health goals(HealthDay)—What and when you eat certain foods can boost how you feel at different times during the day. When it comes to meal planning, timing is everything. |
 | Try this whole-grain lemony quick bread(HealthDay)—If you love quick breads but crave a healthier treat, this lighter take on Grandma's traditional recipe serves up a lemony lift. And because it calls for whole grains, dried fruit and nuts, it's packed with goodness. |
 | A Finnish study proves the presence of oral bacteria in cerebral emboliResearchers at Tampere University have shown for the first time that the cerebral emboli of stroke patients contain DNA from oral pathogens. The research article has been published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. |
 | Brazil sues tobacco companies to recover public health costsBrazil's attorney general's office is suing multinational tobacco companies to recover costs by the public health care system in treating smoking-related illnesses—the first lawsuit of its kind in Latin America. |
New Jersey beach smoking ban in place for start of summerSmoke 'em if you've got 'em—but not on the beach in New Jersey this summer. | |
The effect of sleep quality on peptic-ulcer relapse in older adultsPoor sleep quality and peptic ulcer disease (PUD, a condition when sores known as ulcers develop on the lining of your stomach or in the first part of your small intestine) are both major public health problems that affect the physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults. | |
 | California above national average for sexual harassment rates: reportIn the state of California, reported incidences of sexual harassment are 5 percent higher for women and 10 percent higher for men than the national average, report the authors of a joint study produced by the Center for Gender Equity and Health (GEH) at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the nonprofit organization California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA). |
Biology news
 | Hot spots in rivers that nurture salmon 'flicker on and off' in Bristol Bay regionChemical signatures imprinted on tiny stones that form inside the ears of fish show that two of Alaska's most productive salmon populations, and the fisheries they support, depend on the entire watershed. |
 | Live fast, die young: Study shows tiny fishes fuel coral reefsScientists have long sought to understand how coral reefs support such an abundance of fish life despite their location in nutrient-poor waters. According to a new study published May 23 in the journal Science, an unlikely group fuels these communities: tiny, mostly bottom-dwelling creatures called "cryptobenthic" reef fishes. |
 | Interplay between mitochondria and nucleus may have implications for new treatmentMitochondria, the 'batteries' that produce our energy, interact with the cell's nucleus in subtle ways previously unseen in humans, according to research published today in the journal Science. |
 | Illegal hunting threatens songbird prized as delicacy: studyEvery year, nearly five million breeding pairs of ortolan buntings—a type of tiny songbird classified as endangered in several countries—migrate from Europe to Africa for the winter. |
 | Study predicts shift to smaller animals over next centuryResearchers at the University of Southampton have forecast a worldwide move towards smaller birds and mammals over the next 100 years. |
 | How does the nervous system create behavior? Muscle activity map in Hydra gives insightAccomplishing perhaps a world first, researchers at Columbia University and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have mapped the full-body muscular activity of an animal while it was moving and behaving. |
 | Study shows temperature alters developing nervous system in frogsCan the environment affect how the spinal cord develops specialized circuitry, or is that process hardwired, following prescribed genetic instructions turned on early in the embryo? |
 | These fruit bats trade food for sexEgyptian fruit bat females living in captivity will consistently take food right from the mouths of their male peers. Now, the team that made that discovery is back with new evidence to explain why the males don't mind. As reported in the journal Current Biology on May 23, those males are often repaid with sex—and offspring. |
 | Dissolving a protein traffic jam at the entrance of mitochondriaResearchers from Freiburg discovered a novel mechanism that ensures obstacle-free protein traffic into the powerhouse of the cell |
 | Chimpanzees spotted cracking open tortoises for meatScientists have observed wild chimpanzees tucking into an unusual snack: tortoises, whose hard shells they crack against tree trunks before scooping out the meat. |
 | New leaf shapes for thale cressAnyone who looks at their bowl of salad or at their garden can see how different the shapes of leaves can be. Spinach leaves, for example, have smooth edges and are comparatively simple in form, while parsley leaves are deeply notched and complex, apparently composed of many individual subunits. In a new study published in Cell, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne have determined how key developmental genes influence growth of cells to produce such differences in leaf form. With this knowledge, the researchers were able to make thale cress, which typically produces simple leaves, grow leaves similar in complexity to those of hairy bittercress, a related plant with complex leaves. |
 | How plant cells neutralize the potential for self-harmPhotosynthesis makes our atmosphere oxygen-rich and forms the bedrock of our food supply. But under changing or stressful environmental conditions, the photosynthetic process can become unbalanced, resulting in an excess of highly reactive oxygen molecules that could cause cellular damage if they aren't neutralized. |
 | Scientists create new standard genome for heavily studied wormA new Cornell University-led study finds that the genome for a widely researched worm, on which countless studies are based, was flawed. Now, a fresh genome sequence will set the record straight and improve the accuracy of future research. |
 | Study reveals the evolution and diversity of Leptospira bacteriaLeptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease that affects more than one million people around the world each year. Researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have now sequenced the genomes of Leptospira collected from environments around the globe and revealed 30 new species and new patterns of species diversity. |
 | Researcher documents dramatic loss of native plants on MDIAreas across the Northeast have lost an average of one-fourth of their local plant biodiversity in the last 50 to 150 years. |
 | Complex life may only exist because of millions of years of groundwork by ancient fungiBecause of their delicate organic and decomposing nature, fossilized fungi are extremely rare. So rare, in fact, that a new discovery has just pushed back the earliest evidence of fungi by at least 500m years—doubling their age. |
 | I'm an evolutionary biologist—here's why this ancient fungal fossil discovery is so revealingBiologists don't call them "the hidden kingdom" for nothing. With an estimated 5 million species, only a mere 100,000 fungi are known to scientists. This kingdom, which includes molds, yeasts, rusts and mushrooms, receives far less attention than plants or animals. This is particularly true for fossils of fungi, most of which are discovered while hunting for more charismatic, at least to the eyes of some, plant fossils. |
 | Ultra-small microorganisms contribute to global carbon cyclesScientists report that ultra-small microorganisms make greater contributions to global carbon cycles than previously realized and are crucial to the health of the oceans. |
 | Packs of wolf-dog hybrids threaten europe's wolves"Swarms" of wolf-dog crossbreeds could drive Europe's wolves out of existence, according to the lead author of new research. Such hybridisation—driven by human activities that destroy habitats and mean wolves encounter more and more free-roaming dogs—threatens the "genetic identity" of wolves. |
Research explores how the management of feral cats can protect native speciesNew Massey research hopes to improve the management of feral cats for the protection of native species. | |
 | Family crucial to orca survivalOrcas live in stable, structured social groups. And their survival directly depends on it, as a CNRS and University of La Rochelle research team has just demonstrated. Between 1996 and 2002, half of the Crozet Islands orca population was killed off by an illegal fishing operation targeting Patagonian toothfish, with the orcas removing the fish from the line during hauling. |
First comprehensive network of wild crop species will help breeders tackle food insecurityThe first comprehensive network of sites where crop wild relatives are found has been developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham. | |
 | Ecologists find bush dog, native of South America, in remote central Costa RicaWildlife ecologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who are studying different conservation practices in the forests of Costa Rica recently made a startling discovery on a wildlife camera trap—wild bush dogs documented farther north than ever before and at the highest elevation. |
 | Plant stem cells require low oxygen levelsPlants function as the green lungs of our planet, and rightfully so, as the capacity of a large, single tree releases more than 120 kg of oxygen into the Earth's atmosphere every year through a series of sunlight-fuelled reactions in photosynthesis. However during flood events, plant tissues may experience severe oxygen shortage, a stressful situation that every year leads to substantial loss in yield for all major crops such as rice, wheat and barley. |
 | Game theory highlights power of local reporting in vaccine decisionsComputational modeling of social networks suggests that vaccination programs are more successful in containing disease when individuals have access to local information about disease prevalence. Anupama Sharma of The Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Chennai, India, and colleagues present these findings in PLOS Computational Biology. |
 | WHO unveils plan to tackle global snakebite 'emergency'The World Health Organization on Thursday unveiled a new strategy to dramatically cut deaths and injuries from snakebites, warning a dearth of antivenoms could soon spark a "public health emergency". |
 | CRISPR/Cas9 improves with better gene knockout method in aneuploid cell linesCRISPR/Cas9 technology enables convenient and effective genome editing in diploid cell lines based on the isolation and expansion of edited single-cell clones. However, this approach is ineffective for aneuploid cell lines, and a group has now reported an improved method for genome editing based on multiple rounds of modification. The article is published in Tissue Engineering. |
 | Clean water eliminated effects of discharged drugs in fishThe development of new drugs is a good thing for both humans and animals. But unfortunately, the medications we take can have untoward consequences. |
 | Social media data reveal benefits or threats to biodiversity by visitors to nature locationsUnderstanding how people use and experience important places for living nature is essential for effectively managing and monitoring human activities and conserving biodiversity. |
 | The healing power of fish skin for a dog named StellaWhen Stella first entered the emergency department at the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center on a Wednesday night, Feb. 13, 2019, she had second- and third-degree burns across 10% of her body. |
 | Scientists recommend measures to contain rapid woody weed spread in Baringo County, KenyaA team of international scientists, including CABI's Dr. Urs Schaffner, have recommended ways to manage the devastating spread of the woody weed Prosopis juliflora, where in Baringo County, Kenya, its coverage rapidly increased by 2,031 percent in just 28 years. |
 | Scientists teach old worms new tricksModel organisms such as yeast, fruit flies, and worms have advanced the study of genomics, eukaryotic biology, and evolution. An important resource for any model organism is a near-complete reference genome from which a multitude of scientific questions can be answered. Caenorhabditis elegans have been widely studied due to their short generation time and transparent anatomy and were one of the first multicellular organisms sequenced, yet gaps in their reference genome remain. |
 | Illegal killings, political opposition hobble wolf recoveryIllegal killings and longstanding political resistance have undercut the return of two species of endangered wolves to the wild, frustrating government efforts that already cost more than $80 million but have failed to meet recovery targets. |
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