Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jun 6

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for June 6, 2019:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Evolving neural networks with a linear growth in their behavior complexity

Polarization-encryption based data storage in 3-D Janus plasmonic helical nanoapertures

Most-detailed-ever simulations of black hole solve longstanding mystery

Danger avoidance can be genetically encoded for four generations, biologists say

How old are your organs? To scientists' surprise, organs are a mix of young and old cells

New research shakes up the sloth family tree

Chip design dramatically reduces energy needed to compute with light

Study illuminates how undifferentiated cells commit to their biological fate

Argentine fossils take oak and beech family history far into Southern Hemisphere

Planck finds no new evidence for cosmic anomalies

New method for engineering metabolic pathways

New study finds microplastic throughout Monterey Bay

Two new species of 'tweezer-beaked hopping rats' discovered in Philippines

Drug makes tumors more susceptible to chemo

A polar-bear-inspired material for heat insulation

Astronomy & Space news

	Most-detailed-ever simulations of black hole solve longstanding mystery An international team has constructed the most detailed, highest resolution simulation of a black hole to date. The simulation proves theoretical predictions about the nature of accretion disks—the matter that orbits and eventually falls into a black hole—that have never before been seen.
	Planck finds no new evidence for cosmic anomalies ESA's Planck satellite has found no new evidence for the puzzling cosmic anomalies that appeared in its temperature map of the Universe. The latest study does not rule out the potential relevance of the anomalies but they do mean astronomers must work even harder to understand the origin of these puzzling features.
	Five things to know about NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock NASA is sending a new technology to space on June 22 that will change the way we navigate our spacecraft—even how we send astronauts to Mars and beyond. Built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, the Deep Space Atomic Clock is a technology demonstration that will help spacecraft navigate autonomously through deep space. No larger than a toaster oven, the instrument will be tested in Earth orbit for one year, with the goal of being ready for future missions to other worlds.
	The tell-tale clue to how meteorites were made, at the birth of the solar system April 26, 1803 was an unusual day in the small town of L'Aigle in Normandy, France – it rained rocks.
	Laboratory's solar system legacy When the first humans stepped onto the moon a half-century ago on July 20, 1969, they knew they were venturing into the unknown. Some had feared their lander would be swallowed up by bottomless layers of dust as almost nothing was known about the moon surface at the time. But they knew it wouldn't, thanks in large part to groundbreaking research being performed at the University of Arizona's then fledging Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.
	Name an exoplanet In recent years, astronomers have discovered thousands of planets and planetary systems orbiting around nearby stars. Some are small and rocky like the Earth, whilst others are gas giants like Jupiter. It is now believed that most stars in the Universe could have planets orbiting them and that some of them may have physical characteristics that resemble those of the Earth. The sheer number of stars in the Universe, each potentially with orbiting planets, along with the ubiquity of pre-biotic compounds, suggests that extraterrestrial life may be likely.

Technology news

	Evolving neural networks with a linear growth in their behavior complexity Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are designed to replicate the behavior and evolution of biological organisms while solving computing problems. In recent years, many researchers have developed EAs and used them to tackle a variety of optimization tasks.
	New computer attack mimics user's keystroke characteristics and evades detection Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) cyber security researchers have developed a new attack called Malboard. Malboard evades several detection products that are intended to continuously verify the user's identity based on personalized keystroke characteristics.
	How to speed up the discovery of new solar cell materials A broad class of materials called perovskites is considered one of the most promising avenues for developing new, more efficient solar cells. But the virtually limitless number of possible combinations of these materials' constituent elements makes the search for promising new perovskites slow and painstaking.
	First-of-its-kind platform aims to rapidly advance prosthetics A new open-source, artificially intelligent prosthetic leg designed by researchers at the University of Michigan and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is now available to the scientific community.
	Researchers find ways to hackproof smart meters Smart electricity meters are useful because they allow energy utilities to efficiently track energy use and allocate energy production. But because they're connected to a grid, they can also serve as back doors for malicious hackers.
	Flying-V plane concept marks spectacular new look in air travel Seating airline passengers in the wings? Think about it. A V-shaped plane designed to carry passengers, cargo, and fuel tanks in its wings is being seeded as a good idea for the future.
	Discovery sheds light on synthesis, processing of high-performance solar cells Halide perovskite solar cells hold promise as the next generation of solar cell technologies, but while researchers have developed techniques for improving their material characteristics, nobody understood why these techniques worked. New research sheds light on the science behind these engineering solutions and paves the way for developing more efficient halide perovskite solar cells.
	300-year-old piston design reinvented with soft flexible materials Since their invention in the late 1700s when French-born British physicist Denis Papin, the inventor of the pressure cooker, proposed the piston principle, pistons have been used to harness the power of fluids to perform work in numerous machines and devices.
	Google's challenge to game consoles to kick off in November Google will kick off its Stadia streaming service to challenge the video game industry in November—but initially only as part of a $130 bundle that includes hardware and a pass for a friend.
	Fiat Chrysler slams brakes on Renault merger Italian-US carmaker Fiat Chrysler on Thursday pulled the plug on its proposed merger with Renault, saying negotiations had become "unreasonable" due to political resistance in Paris.
	China grants 5G commercial licences despite US tech battle China on Thursday granted 5G commercial licences to four domestic companies, as it races to be a global leader in advanced wireless networks amid fierce rivalry from the United States.
	Robot baristas are latest front in S. Korea automation push Are robot baristas the future of South Korea's vibrant coffee culture?
	Fussy, hungry, or in pain? Scientists create an AI tool to tell babies' cries apart Every parent knows the frustration of responding to a baby's cries, wondering if their child is hungry, wet, tired, in need of a hug, or perhaps even in pain. A group of researchers in U.S. has devised a new artificial intelligence method that can identify and distinguish between normal cry signals and abnormal ones, such as those resulting from an underlying illness. The method, based on a cry language recognition algorithm, promises to be useful to parents at home as well as in healthcare settings, as doctors may use it to discern cries among sick children.
	Protecting privacy at the ballot box with secure multiparty computation Shortly after the start of the new year, Americans around the nation will start returning to polling stations to vote in presidential primaries. How confident they feel in the voting process could depend on something called "secure multiparty computation."
	Video streaming framework allows users to download content collaboratively Sharing a streaming video or watching the big game on a single electronic device can lead to a big fight: whose data plan is going to be used up for the event? Purdue University researchers have come up with technology that could open a new door for video streaming.
	GE lost billions by 'misjudging' renewables: report Investors in General Electric, once one of the world's most valuable companies, lost tens of billions of dollars after the Paris climate deal as it failed to adapt to the pace of the green energy transition, new analysis showed Thursday.
	Fiat Chrysler slams brakes on Renault merger offer Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler on Thursday withdrew its blockbuster proposal to merge with Renault, blaming political objections in Paris and sparking a war of words with French officials.
	Making computers, mobile devices more energy-efficient A computer's cache is a part of the memory where frequently used items are stored to speed up processing. If you visit the same websites on your phone frequently, for example, your phone might save information about those sites so your browser or app doesn't need to re-download it each time.
Bringing reality into the world of VR Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be inside your favourite video game, movie or even a historical location?
	The end is nigh for Apple's iTunes as the tech giant targets separate audio and video markets Apple says it's replacing iTunes with three dedicated entertainment applications as part of its new Mac operating system, Catalina, for desktop and laptop computers.
	Driverless cars: once they're on the road, human drivers should be banned Self-driving cars could revolutionise people's lives. By the end of the next decade, or perhaps even sooner, they could radically transform public spaces and liberate us from the many problems of mass car ownership. They'll also be much better behaved than human drivers.
	Novel tools bridge the information gap between citizens and electricity grid operators It's generally agreed that a low-carbon economy is important if we're to combat climate change. One obvious way to do this is to modernize our current power transmission grids so that we can make electricity more secure, affordable and sustainable. However, while this may seem straightforward in theory, in reality things aren't always so simple. New grid projects often face strong opposition by the organizations and communities they affect. When such opposition is added to the lengthy process of obtaining the necessary permits that can last up to 10 years, many of these projects are delayed or even canceled.
	Google buys analytics startup Looker to bolster its cloud Google said Thursday it was buying data analytics startup Looker in a move aimed at bolstering its cloud services for business.
	Uber's first helicopter rides set for New York Uber said Thursday it is readying its first helicopter rides, which will carry passengers between New York's JFK Airport and lower Manhattan.
	Earthquake, flood, hurricane: Google Maps adds tools to help you navigate a crisis Google is adding tools to Google Maps and search to help you survive a natural disaster.
	Regulators give phone companies new tools to fight robocalls Federal regulators voted Thursday to give phone companies the right to block unwanted calls without getting customers' permission first.
	Ford to shut Welsh plant with loss of 1,700 jobs Ford will shut its engine plant in Wales next year, costing about 1,700 jobs, the US auto giant announced Thursday in a further blow to Britain's embattled car sector struggling with Brexit uncertainty and a global race to meet rising demand for electric vehicles.
Lost and Hound: Video games for the vision impaired How do you play a game when you can't see the world around you? A WA game might have the answer.
Tacoma-based Snopes, debunker of fake news, is locked in a nasty legal dispute After more than two decades battling internet hoaxes, retouched photos, and other fake news, David Mikkelson, co-founder of Snopes, faces a much larger and more existential adversary.
News Media Alliance pushes for new Senate antitrust bill The News Media Alliance is scoring some legislative points against the much bigger K Street players Google and Facebook with a bipartisan Senate bill unveiled Monday evening that would temporarily exempt publishers from antitrust laws.

Medicine & Health news

	Study illuminates how undifferentiated cells commit to their biological fate From the light-sensing cones of the retina to the blood-pumping muscle of the heart to the waste-filtering units of the kidneys, the human body is made up of hundreds of cell types exquisitely specialized to perform their jobs with great precision.
	Drug makes tumors more susceptible to chemo Many chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells by severely damaging their DNA. However, some tumors can withstand this damage by relying on a DNA repair pathway that not only allows them to survive, but also introduces mutations that helps cells become resistant to future treatment.
	Study illuminates serious but treatable lung autoimmunity in rare disease APECED Autoimmune lung inflammation, or pneumonitis, is a common, early and often-overlooked symptom of the rare disorder APECED, a new NIAID-led study has revealed. If untreated, APECED pneumonitis can cause severe, life-threatening lung damage. The study results, published June 5 in Science Translational Medicine, illuminate the immune responses involved in APECED pneumonitis and provide early evidence for a promising treatment strategy.
	Neurons' 'antennae' are unexpectedly active in neural computation Most neurons have many branching extensions called dendrites that receive input from thousands of other neurons. Dendrites aren't just passive information-carriers, however. According to a new study from MIT, they appear to play a surprisingly large role in neurons' ability to translate incoming signals into electrical activity.
	Rhythmic control of 'brain waves' can boost memory: study Controlling the frequency of 'brain waves' could help to improve people's recall of memories and potentially provide a key to unlock conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, according to a new article.
	Researchers spot mutations that crop up in normal cells as we age Cell division is not perfect. As we get older, mutations often appear in genes in normal cells. Most of these mutated cells and their progeny—called "somatic clones"—have no effect on our health, but a tiny fraction can help trigger cancer growth or contribute to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease. A team led by scientists from the Broad Institute's Cancer Program and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has now created a powerful new approach that detects mutations across many different types of normal cells by analyzing RNA sequencing data from normal tissues.
	Breaking down pathological protein aggregates ETH researchers have discovered a new mechanism that brain cells use to protect themselves from protein aggregates. Such aggregates play a key role in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. This new finding might provide the basis for new therapeutic approaches.
	New gene segment discovery has potential against cancer, autoimmune disorders A small segment of a human gene STING, stimulator of interferon genes, could hold the key to treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, according to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists.
	Research sheds new light on how brain stem cells are activated Our brains are notoriously bad at regenerating cells that have been lost through injury or disease. While therapies using neural stem cells (NSCs) hold the promise of replacing lost cells, scientists need to better understand how NSCs behave in the brain in order to develop effective treatments.
	Three-drug combination helps curb the growth of deadly type of skin cancer A UCLA-led research team has pinpointed a three-drug combination that could prove to be an effective new therapy for people with a specific type of advanced melanoma.
	Ultrasound method restores dopaminergic pathway in brain at Parkinson's early stages While there are several thousand drugs available to treat a wide range of brain diseases, from depression to schizophrenia, they cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the brain. The BBB, which protects the brain from pathogens that may be present in blood, also prevents most drugs from gaining access to the brain functional tissue, the parenchyma, a well-known challenge to the treatment of all brain diseases including neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
	Study shows how the nervous system can transmit information across multiple generations Nematodes, worms found in virtually all environmental habitats, are among the most studied model organisms. They reproduce quickly and their genome contains nearly the same number of genes as the human genome.
	Scientists recreate blood-brain barrier defect outside the body Scientists can't make a living copy of your brain outside your body. That's the stuff of science fiction. But in a new study, they recreated a critical brain component, the blood-brain barrier, that functioned as it would in the individual who provided the cells to make it. Their achievement—detailed in a study published today in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Stem Cell—provides a new way to make discoveries about brain disorders and, potentially, predict which drugs will work best for an individual patient.
	Childhood respiratory disorders may be diagnosed with a smartphone Automated cough analysis technology incorporated in a smartphone app could help to diagnose childhood respiratory disorders, according to a study published in the open access journal Respiratory Research.
	Number of measles cases in US this year surpasses 1,000 The number of measles cases in the United States this year has reached 1,001, health officials said Wednesday, as they vowed to stop the spread of misinformation about vaccines.
Surfing brings healing for wounded US veterans Wounded US veterans are taking part in an unusual kind of offensive this week dubbed "Operation Surf," which is aimed at offering them a form of therapy and some healing.
Breathing in black carbon from polluted air linked to alterations in lung blood vessels Evidence that breathing in tiny particles of black carbon, typically a result of burning diesel, is linked to an increased volume of peripheral, smaller blood vessels in the lungs has been observed for the first time in new research published in the European Respiratory Journal.
	Brain disorder leaves lasting legacy of disability, study finds Four out of five people with a hidden brain condition that causes limb weakness or paralysis experience lasting physical difficulties.
	A home-based weight management program benefits both children and parents Obese children are four times more likely to become obese adults making childhood obesity a significant health threat. A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found the Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum mitigated weight gain in at-risk children as well as prompting their parents to lose weight.
	New clinical guide helps physicians identify risk, talk with patients about firearm safety and injury New clinical guide helps physicians identify risk, talk with patients about firearm safety and injuries. Clinicians often feel that they have a role in preventing firearm injury. But few talk with patients about the risk of firearms and safe firearm practices during office visits.
	New preprint server for the health sciences announced today Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), Yale University, and BMJ today announced the forthcoming launch of medRxiv (pronounced "med-archive"), a free online archive and distribution service for preprints in the medical and health sciences.
	For dying patients, early plans can improve quality of life Careful documentation of a hospice patient's end-of-life wishes—and prominently noting that information in health records early—could prevent unwanted hospitalizations and medical interventions, a new study suggests.
	Opioid epidemic increases number of organs available for transplant The confluence of two major health crises—the opioid epidemic and organ shortage—has moved surgeons to consider transplanting organs deemed as less than "perfect" in an effort to expand the donor pool and save more lives, according to research published online today in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
	In Niger, mass distribution of antibiotics proves effective: study The mass administration of antibiotics to villages in Niger led to a reduction of a childhood mortality, without apparently creating resistance to antibiotics so feared by public health experts, according to a study published Wednesday.
Research redefines constipation New research by King's College London, published today in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, finds that the public's perception of constipation differs drastically from that of doctors' and from the formal diagnosis guidelines.
	Treating type 2 diabetes and heart failure People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for heart failure and many people have both diseases, which requires careful medical management.
	Are American Zika strains more virulent than Pacific and Asian strains? Over recent years, Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread eastward from Africa and Asia, leading to an epidemic in the Americas. Now, researchers comparing American, Pacific and Southeast Asian subtypes of the virus in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have concluded that the American-subtype strain has the highest ability to grow both in vitro and in vivo.
	New option for treating active rheumatoid arthritis In a large-scale, international study led by renowned rheumatologist Josef Smolen from the Department of Medicine III, a still-to-be-approved drug containing the selective janus kinase inhibitor upadacitinib has proved itself to be a new option for treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was found that between 12.5 percent and 20 percent of patients who were given the drug on a daily basis experienced so-called "sustained remission"—a state that is almost like being cured. The results of the study have now been published in top journal The Lancet.
	Expert urges cautious approach to ketamine use Physicians and patients are excited about ketamine, the latest drug to treat depression, but Stanford psychiatrist Alan Schatzberg says we need to tread carefully.
	Proteasome inhibitors show promise for drug-resistant malaria Proteasome inhibitors have significant promise as components of novel combination therapies to treat multidrug-resistant malaria, according to a study published June 6 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by David Fidock, Caroline Ng, and Barbara Stokes of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Matthew Bogyo of Stanford University School of Medicine, and colleagues.
New psoriatric arthritis mouse model developed Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can reduce mobility and agility in patients. PsA is known to increase the risk of type II diabetes. A recent study published in The FASEB Journal tested a novel mouse model that may one day lead to therapeutic approaches or reagents for human skin pathology, as well as joint erosion and disc degeneration, that would improve quality of life for patients with PsA.
	How a super-toxic natural product could help develop more effective anti-cancer drugs A new study by a chemistry researcher at the University of Arkansas has revealed the critical molecular mechanisms of Ipomoeassin F, a highly toxic natural product that inhibits the growth of many tumor cell lines. The finding could lead to the design of more effective anti-cancer drugs.
	New gene therapy poised to transform care for spinal muscular atrophy The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has been tapped as one of the first institutions in the U.S. to offer a new gene replacement therapy to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The new treatment can be delivered within weeks of birth and clinical trials have shown that it dramatically changes the course of the disease.
	Physician burnout has disproportionate effect on women While physician burnout has become a reality across the profession, its disproportionate impact on women should sound an alarm within the heath-care sector that more supports need to be offered, according to a recent Western study.
	Equity in health care improves people's health Promoting equity in health care improves people's health. Doing so can be low cost and have high impact. Based on more than 15 years of research, we provide concrete examples of actions that can be taken by people working in health care —and the impact on patients.
	Study finds up to 35 percent of female athletes are iron deficient Female athletes may be comfortable pumping iron but they're also alarmingly deficient in the vital mineral.
	Improved worker safety linked to a good night's sleep Employers seeking to improve workplace safety by reducing accidents and injuries might do well to help their employees get a good night's sleep.
	From the penalty box to the ballot box, our brains are wired for tribalism I've been living in southern Ontario for more than a decade, having also lived in various parts of the United States and India. But I'm a Montrealer, born and raised. It was a bit of an adjustment moving to my neighbouring province but I've adjusted to my life here quite well.
	Is my child being too clingy, and how can I help? Many parents complain of difficulties in managing clingy children—whether it's a baby who cries every time the parent is out of sight, a toddler who clings to their parent's legs at social events, or a primary school kid who doesn't want their parents to go out for dinner without them.
	Kids are more vulnerable to the flu – here's what to look out for this winter A ten-year-old Perth boy is the latest Australian child to die from suspected influenza so far this year. This follows the deaths of three Victorian children, and a teenager in South Australia.
	Hidden epidemic? Childhood concussion may lead to long term cognitive and behavioural problems At age 15, Jamie is a keen soccer player who loves nothing more than getting stuck into every tackle, practice and game. As a result, Jamie experiences injury like any young person might do. During a routine sports physical, Jamie complains to the doctor about headaches, sleeping difficulties and feeling kind of foggy at school. The doctor thinks the young patient is stressed, and recommends ibuprofen and a good night's sleep. The topic of concussion, or brain injury, does not come up.
	Vegans and vegetarians: the history of how plant-based diets grew out of left-wing ideology The rise of the vegetarian and, more recently, the vegan diet is generally perceived to be a new phenomenon. So, too, is their association with contemporary progressive ideas, politics and lifestyles. But plant-based diets have deep historical roots, and a longstanding connection with the political left.
	Where to draw the line between mental health and illness? Accoording a recent study, schizophrenia is considered an illness by nearly all Finns, while grief and homosexuality are not. On the other hand, opinions vary greatly on whether alcoholism, work exhaustion, drug addiction and gambling addiction are illnesses. People's notions of what is and is not a disease are important in the discourse on mental health and human behavior; these notions also influence the allocation of society's resources and the stigmatization of various groups of people.
	Kids report good relationships with dads who took parental leave years ago Taking parental leave shortly after the birth of a new son or daughter may be the key to developing strong father-child bonds that last for years, says new research from Ball State University.
	Atrial fibrillation set to affect more than 14 million over-65s in the EU by 2060 Urgent action is needed to prevent, detect and treat atrial fibrillation to stop a substantial rise in disabling strokes. That's the main message of a paper published today in EP Europace, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), during World Heart Rhythm Week.
	Canada's food guide is easy to follow if you're wealthy or middle class Canada's new 2019 food guide uses nutritional science to define what a wholesome diet looks like. This is a great improvement over previous versions, but it raises important questions about the accessibility of healthy food resources for low-income households.
	Using portrait photos in combination with genetic and patient data improves diagnoses Every year, around a half-million children worldwide are born with a rare hereditary disease. Obtaining a definitive diagnosis can be difficult and time consuming. In a study of 679 patients with 105 rare diseases, scientists from the University of Bonn and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin have shown that artificial intelligence can diagnose rare diseases more efficiently and reliably. Now, researchers are testing a neural network that automatically combines portrait photos with genetic and patient data. The results are published in the journal Genetics in Medicine.
	Alzheimer's disease protein links plaques to cell death in mice A new protein involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been identified by researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS). CAPON may facilitate the connection between the two most well-known AD culprits, amyloid plaques and tau pathology, whose interactions cause brain cell death and symptoms of dementia. This latest finding from the Takaomi Saido group at RIKEN CBS uses a novel mouse model of AD. The study was published in Nature Communications on June 3.
	Higher estrogen levels linked to more severe disease in scleroderma Estrogen is the quintessentially female hormone.
	No evidence of legacy effect seen for intensive glucose lowering (HealthDay)—There seems to be no evidence of a legacy effect or mortality benefit for intensive glucose control among military veterans with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the June 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	'Early warning' tool for hard-to-heal leg wounds Some 500,000 Australians live with the daily burden of a wound that does not heal, but a risk assessment tool that provides an 'early warning' of which venous leg ulcer wounds need specialised treatment has been developed by QUT's Dr Christina Parker.
	I, you, or we: Pronouns provide hints to romantic attachment styles Sometimes people wish they had greater insight into how their partner really feels. Recent work in social and personality psychology dives into the stories people tell about their romantic relationships, and finds that those prone to avoidant attachment, are less likely to use the word "we" when talking about these relationships.
	Few oncologists refer patients to weight management programs (HealthDay)—While oncology providers are aware of the link between obesity and cancer, few provide referrals to support patients' lifestyle changes, according to a study published online May 16 in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
	Can racquet sports give you a fitter, longer life? (HealthDay)—When you think of effective cardio exercise, the activities most likely to come to mind are aerobics classes, running, swimming and cycling. But racquet sports like tennis may hold even greater benefits, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
	Large placebo-controlled trial confirms safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) For patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat gastroesophageal disease (GERD) or other acid-related conditions, new research puts safety concerns to rest. In a large, multi-year, randomized trial studying the safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), researchers find no evidence to support claims that PPIs cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and dementia. This research is published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, as an article in press.
	Getting your nutrients: From the source or supplements? (HealthDay)—Americans are making shifts in the supplements they take—fewer multivitamins and vitamins C and E, more fish oil and vitamin D. Many think of supplements as magic bullets, but studies don't always support their supposed benefits.
	Heartburn drugs again tied to fatal risks (HealthDay)—People who use common heartburn drugs for months to years may face heightened risks of dying from heart disease, kidney failure or stomach cancer, a new study suggests.
	Survey indicates physician misconduct is underreported (HealthDay)—Physician misconduct is being underreported and most Americans do not know where to file a complaint, according to a report published by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
	Parkinson disease incidence lower in hep C patients who receive antivirals (HealthDay)—The incidence of Parkinson disease (PD) is lower for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who receive interferon-based antiviral therapy, according to a study published online June 5 in JAMA Neurology.
	NIH HIV experts prioritize research to achieve sustained ART-free HIV remission Achieving sustained remission of HIV without life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a top HIV research priority, according to a new commentary in JAMA by experts at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
	Global study links better education, wealth to improved heart health Findings from a sweeping global study conducted by SFU Health Sciences professor Scott Lear, among others, reveal a direct correlation between socioeconomic status and one's susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes.
	60 years vs. 90 years: A new analysis calls Chicago's life-expectancy gap the largest in the US In the gleaming Streeterville neighborhood, Chicagoans live to be 90 years old, on average.
	WHO alarmed at STD spread in the era of dating apps The World Health Organization expressed alarm Thursday at the lack of progress on curbing sexually transmitted diseases, while one of its experts warned of complacency as dating apps are spurring sexual activity.
	Heart rate variation due to stress affects auditory attention Sudden hearing loss can be experienced in highly stressful situations, usually lasting a short time. Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil, collaborating with colleagues at Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, have reported a discovery that contributes to a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.
	New study identifies molecular aging 'midlife crisis' Just as a computer requires code to work, our bodies are regulated by molecular "programs" that are written early in life and then have to do their job properly for a lifetime. But do they? It's a question that has intrigued researchers for years.
	Video: Cancer research using mini-organs from tumors and healthy tissue Hans Clevers (Hubrecht Institute) and David Tuveson (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), experts in the field of stem cells and organoids, have written a review that summarizes the use of organoids in cancer research and shines a light on prospects for the future.
	Do medical-alert bracelets benefit patients with chronic kidney disease? In a pilot study of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), wearing a medical-alert bracelet or necklace was associated with a lower risk of developing kidney failure compared with usual care. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of CJASN, call for a randomized trial to fully evaluate the promise of medical-alert accessories for individuals with kidney dysfunction.
	Scientists edge closer to root causes of multiple sclerosis An international team of researchers led by the University of British Columbia has made a scientific advance they hope will lead to the development of preventative treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS).
	Researchers gain ground in the race to cure widespread parasitic infection A faculty-led team of graduate and undergraduate researchers from Clemson University's Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC) has unveiled new findings that may help pave the way to an eventual cure for a parasitic infection that affects millions around the nation and world.
LGBT-identifying females are at increased risk of substance use in early adolescence Females who identify as sexual minorities face an increased risk of substance use that shows up as early as age 13, suggesting early adolescence is a critical period for prevention and intervention efforts, a new study from Oregon State University has found.
	Robotic surgery for throat cancer not superior to radiation therapy, study finds In 2012, scientists at Lawson Health Research Institute launched the world's first clinical trial comparing robotic surgery to radiation therapy for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (cancer at the back of the throat). The team is now reporting findings from the seven-year study which challenges beliefs that surgery leads to better swallowing outcomes, suggesting instead that radiation results in better quality of life for patients.
Opioid maker Insys agrees to pay $225 million over bribes Insys Therapeutics has agreed to pay $225 million to settle criminal and civil probes of its unlawful marketing of an opioid painkiller, the Justice Department said Wednesday.
	Record cocaine seized in Europe as challenges grow: EU report European authorities are seizing record quantities of increasingly pure cocaine, the EU's drugs agency said in a report published Thursday, pointing also to a growing use of synthetic drugs and dealing via smartphones.
	If you teach them, they will care Florida is still in dire need of more nurses and is among the top states in the nation experiencing a shortage. Florida, Texas and California combined account for almost 40 percent of the national nursing shortage. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, more than 40 percent of Florida nurses are approaching retirement age in the next 10 years, leaving the state to face a shortage of registered nurses (RNs) that could cripple the state's health care system and impact medical care for Florida residents. To further complicate matters, by 2030 1 in 5 people will be 65 years or older.
	'Sell By' or what? US pushes for clarity on expiration dates If milk is a few days past its "Sell By" date, is it safe to drink?
	Q&A: Why you should quit smoking even after a cancer diagnosis Dear Mayo Clinic: My father, who is 68, just started treatment for bladder cancer. He's been a smoker since his 20s, and his oncologist is strongly encouraging him to quit. It seems like trying to stop smoking now, while he's going through chemotherapy, will just add more stress to a tough situation. Is this really the best time to work on his smoking?
	Scientists propose a fresh look at the role of ferroptosis in the development of cancer Despite significant advances in medicine, cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2018). One of the main approaches to the destruction of cancer cells, along with cancer immunotherapy, is to initiate cell death through chemo- and radiotherapy. In their article in Nature Reviews Cancer, several researchers have proposed a new look at the role of ferroptosis (a type of cell death) in the development of cancer.

Biology news

	Danger avoidance can be genetically encoded for four generations, biologists say Princeton University researchers have discovered that learned behaviors can be inherited for multiple generations in C. elegans, transmitted from parent to progeny via eggs and sperm cells. The paper detailing this finding, by Rebecca Moore, Rachel Kaletsky and Coleen Murphy, appears in the June 13 issue of the journal Cell.
	How old are your organs? To scientists' surprise, organs are a mix of young and old cells Scientists once thought that neurons, or possibly heart cells, were the oldest cells in the body. Now, Salk Institute researchers have discovered that the mouse brain, liver and pancreas contain populations of cells and proteins with extremely long lifespans—some as old as neurons. The findings, demonstrating "age mosaicism," were published in Cell Metabolism on June 6, 2019. The team's methods could be applied to nearly any tissue in the body to provide valuable information about lifelong function of non-dividing cells and how cells lose control over the quality and integrity of proteins and important cell structures during aging.
	New research shakes up the sloth family tree New studies by two research teams published today in the journals Nature Ecology and Evolution and Current Biology challenge decades of accepted scientific opinion concerning the evolutionary relationships of tree sloths and their extinct kin. The research teams used different molecular tools—the protein collagen in one case and the mitochondrial genome in the other—but they reached nearly the same results. The concurrent findings are significant because they provide molecular evidence that appears to overturn a longstanding consensus, based on the study of anatomical features, regarding how the major groups of sloths are related to one another.
	Two new species of 'tweezer-beaked hopping rats' discovered in Philippines Just about everybody loves peanut butter. We put it on sandwiches and in candy, we use it to trick our dogs into taking their heartworm pills, and, when we have to, we bait mouse traps with it. But, as scientists learned when trapping rodents in the mountains of the Philippines, peanut butter isn't for everyone. A highly distinctive (weird-looking) group of rodents sometimes called "tweezer-beaked hopping rats" don't care for peanut butter, but love earthworms. Armed with this knowledge (and worms), the scientists discovered two new species of the tweezer-beaked hopping rats. The discovery was announced in the Journal of Mammalogy.
	Dynamics of key viral attack strategy visible for first time Many infectious viruses, from HIV to West Nile, rely on a fundamental biological process called frameshifting to maximize their attack. Long identified as a key mechanism that viruses use to proliferate inside their hosts, the real-time dynamics of frameshifting had never been directly observed, until now.
	Freshwater stingray venom varies according to sex and age There is no antidote or specific treatment for freshwater stingray venom, although accidents involving these animals are frequent on rivers in the Amazon and other regions.
	Is sex primarily a strategy against transmissible cancer? One of the greatest enigmas of evolutionary biology is that while sex is the dominant mode of reproduction among multicellular organisms, asexual reproduction appears much more efficient and less costly. However, in a study publishing on June 6 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, researchers suggest that sexual reproduction is favored by selection because, unlike asexual reproduction, it not only provides important evolutionary advantages in constantly changing environments, but also prevents the invasion of transmissible cancer, or "cheater" cells.
	Social interactions impact climate change predictions, study reveals Something as simple as chatting with your neighbours about their new energy-efficient home renovations can affect wider climate change predictions, a new University of Guelph study reveals.
	Dogs mirror owner's stress The levels of stress in dogs correlate with the stress of their owners, according to a new study from Linköping University, Sweden. The scientists believe that dogs mirror their owner's stress level, rather than vice versa. The study has been published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
	Unusual Japanese plant inspires recalculation of equation used to model leaf arrangement patterns Leaves are enjoyed for their shade, autumn colors, or taste, and the arrangement of leaves on a plant is a practical way to identify a species. However, the details of how plants control their leaf arrangement have remained a persistent mystery in botany. A Japanese plant species with a peculiar leaf pattern recently revealed unexpected insight into how almost all plants control their leaf arrangement.
	Student gives possible explanation for female mating preferences that decrease male survival chances Pavitra Muralidhar, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, has developed a theory to explain why females of some species are more attracted to some males who have a lesser chance of survival. In her paper published in the journal Nature, she outlines her theory of selfish sex chromosomes and how it might work in nature. Mark Kirkpatrick, with the University of Texas has published a News and Views piece in the same journal issue, outlining the work done by Muralidhar.
	Sediment from fishing choking out sea sponges, study shows Sediment stirred up from fishing activity has a detrimental effect on reef-building sea sponges in northern British Columbia, according to a new study by University of Alberta biologists.
	What organizes the genome in the nucleus? Spatial separation of active from inactive fractions of the genome in the cell nucleus is crucial for gene expression control. A new study uncovers leading mechanisms of such separation and turns our picture of the nucleus upside down.
	How flow shapes bacterial biofilms EPFL biophysicists have taken a systematic look into how bacterial biofilms are affected by fluid flow. The findings can give us clues about the physical rules guiding biofilm architecture, but also about the social dynamics that shape evolution.
	Translation of genes more complex than expected Researchers from Marvin Tanenbaum's group at the Hubrecht Institute have shown that translation of the genetic information stored in our DNA is much more complex than previously thought. This discovery was made by developing a type of advanced microscopy that directly visualizes the translation of the genetic code in a living cell. Their study is published in the scientific journal Cell on June 6th.
	Just a phage? How bacteria's predators can shape the gut microbiome The gut microbiome is a complex, interconnected ecosystem of species. And, like any ecosystem, some organisms are predators and some are prey. A new study led by investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Wyss Institute investigates the impact of bacteriophage, viruses that infect and kill bacteria. They find that phage can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, not only affecting certain species directly but also having a cascading effect on others. Phage may also be impacting their human host by modulating metabolites, including chemical substances found in the brain. The team, which includes first author Bryan Hsu, Ph.D., and co-corresponding senior author Pamela Silver, Ph.D., at the Wyss Institute, and Lynn Bry, MD, Ph.D., at the Brigham and director of the Massachusetts Host-Microbiome Center, has published its results in Cell Host & Microbe.
	The deep learning dive: how cells regulate division Combining tissue imaging and artificial intelligence, Hollings Cancer Center researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina probed deeper into how cell division cycles are regulated, in this study released online in the May 2019 issue of Cell Reports.
	Scientist looks to resurrect Hong Kong's 'Pearl of the Orient' past On a raft floating off Hong Kong's rural eastern coastline former investment banker turned scientist Yan Wa-tat patiently scrapes barnacles off some 2,000 oysters—a tiresome but crucial part of his mission to bring back pearl farming.
	Scientists unlock genetic mystery: Why corals reject life-saving algae Algae can help corals adapt to warming seas but scientists have discovered they have relationship issues. It's complicated.
	Many plant species at risk of extinction—and we're blind to danger this poses to life on Earth Up to 1 million species may go extinct due to human activity according to a recent report, some within decades. We all know the mammals in trouble—polar bears, giant pandas and snow leopards—but how many of us could name an endangered plant? A 2019 report assessed 28,000 plant species and concluded that about half of them were threatened with extinction.
	How we're helping the western ground parrot survive climate change When a threatened species is found only in one small area, conservationists often move some individuals to another suitable habitat. This practice, called "translocation," makes the whole species less vulnerable to threats.
	Why humans (or something very similar) may have been destined to walk the Earth What would happen if the hands of time were turned back to an arbitrary point in our evolutionary history and we restarted the clock? American paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould proposed this famous thought experiment in the late 1980s—and it's one that still grips the imagination of evolutionary biologists today.
	A bean for all seasons? Biology professor and researcher Christopher Cullis said he pondered two big questions when he first caught sight of the wild marama bean plant, its definitive patches of green leaves standing out in contrast from among an otherwise parched and brown Namibian landscape.
	Talking to each other—how forest conservation can succeed Forest conservation can be a source of tension between competing priorities and interests from forestry, science, administration and nature conservation organisations. The different stakeholders can create the public impression of disagreement with regard to the objectives and measures in forest conservation. Scientists from the University of Göttingen, the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen and the Northwest German Forest Research Institute have developed a framework of conservation objectives whereby targets for nature conservation can be compared and analysed. The study was published in Nature Conservation.
	Northeastern deer more susceptible to wasting disease than those to the west Some deer are more susceptible to chronic wasting disease that is spreading through herds of white-tailed deer across much of the United States, according to Penn State researchers, who have identified a panel of genetic markers that reliably predict which animals are most vulnerable to the contagious neurological disorder.
	What's fair game on the high seas? Sustainability-driven new research could one day help tuna fisheries cast their nets more selectively, mitigating unintentional "bycatch" of undersized fish and off-limits species.
	New model predicts impact of invasive lionfish predators on coral reefs A new model is providing insight into the impact of invasive lionfish on coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The venomous predatory fish has invaded more than 7.3 million square kilometres in the Atlantic and Caribbean, wreaking havoc among native fish populations.
	Days are numbered for Norway's fur farms Baby minks, their skin still smooth and furless, snuggle up against one another under a pile of hay, letting out the occasional squeal: this sight will soon be a thing of the past at Norway's fur farms.
	Court fight could affect future of bison in Montana The Democratic governor of Montana who is running for president and the Republican secretary of state who wants his job were locked in a constitutional dispute over a uniquely Western issue that lies at the intersection of politics, wildlife, agriculture and property rights.
	Emerging frontiers in phenological research As climate change looms, we urgently need to understand how ecosystems will respond. Plant phenology, or the timing of developmental events like flowering, offers a powerful lens to make sense of the changes we are likely to see. Phenology is both driven by climate and deeply impacts ecosystem functioning. The timing of trees leafing out, blooming, and fruiting are key events in ecosystems, and even small perturbations in this timing can have drastic, cascading effects across an ecosystem. A recent special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences titled "Emerging Frontiers in Phenological Research" presents several studies on the forefront of phenological research.
	'Fishing a line' coupled with clockwork for daily rhythm Organisms on this planet, including human beings, exhibit a biological rhythm that repeats about every 24 hours to adapt to the daily environmental alteration caused by the rotation of the earth. This circadian rhythm is regulated by a set of biomolecules working as a biological clock. In cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae), the circadian rhythm is controlled by the assembly and disassembly of three clock proteins, namely, KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC. KaiC forms a hexameric-ring structure and plays a central role in the clock oscillator, which works by consuming ATP, the energy currency molecule of the cell. However, it remains unknown how the clock proteins work autonomously for generating the circadian oscillation.

---

This email is a free service of Science X Network
You received this email because you subscribed to our list.
If you do not wish to receive such emails in the future, please unsubscribe here.
You are subscribed as jmabs1@gmail.com. You may manage your subscription options from your Science X profile