Science X Newsletter Thursday, Jan 23

Dear Reader ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for January 23, 2020:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

A design principle for creating selective and robust electrocatalytic interfaces

New phase diagrams of superfluid helium under varying degrees of confinement

Scanning system in sperm may control rate of human evolution

Astronomers investigate physical properties of the galaxy PGC 26218

New cages to trap molecules push boundaries of protein design

Unveiling the biggest and most detailed map of the fly brain yet

Researchers expand microchip capability with new 3-D inductor technology

Team significantly expands the global diversity of large and giant viruses

Keeping lead out of drinking water when switching disinfectants

Canonical sings praises for platform putting Android in the cloud

First space-baked cookies took two hours in experimental oven

Technique reveals whether models of patient risk are accurate

Researchers uncover the genomics of health

Preventing metastasis by stopping cancer cells from making fat

Study reveals two writers penned landmark inscriptions in eighth-century BCE Samaria

Astronomy & Space news

	Astronomers investigate physical properties of the galaxy PGC 26218 By conducting spectroscopic observations, astronomers from China and Spain have investigated physical properties of a nearby lenticular galaxy known as PGC 26218. The new study provides more hints about the origin of starbursts and star formation in this galaxy. Results of the observations were presented in a paper published January 16 on arXiv.org.
	First space-baked cookies took two hours in experimental oven The results are finally in for the first chocolate chip cookie bake-off in space.
	New insights about the brightest explosions in the Universe Swedish and Japanese researchers have, after ten years, found an explanation to the peculiar emission lines seen in one of the brightest supernovae ever observed—SN 2006gy. At the same time they found an explanation for how the supernova arose.
	Astronomers detect large amounts of oxygen in ancient star's atmosphere An international team of astronomers from the University of California San Diego, the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), and the University of Cambridge have detected large amounts of oxygen in the atmosphere of one of the oldest and most elementally depleted stars known—a "primitive star" scientists call J0815+4729.
	OSIRIS-REx completes closest flyover of sample site nightingale Preliminary results indicate that NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully executed a 0.4-mile (620-m) flyover of site Nightingale yesterday as part of the mission's Reconnaissance B phase activities. Nightingale, OSIRIS-REx's primary sample collection site, is located within a crater high in asteroid Bennu's northern hemisphere.
	Second space data highway satellite set to beam The second satellite in the European Data Relay System has reached its intended orbit and completed its in-orbit tests.
	Betelgeuse is continues to dim, diminishes to 1.506 magnitude Betelgeuse keeps getting dimmer, and everyone is wondering what exactly that means. The star will go supernova at the end of its life, but that's not projected to happen for tens of thousands of years or so. So what's causing the dimming?
	How NASA's Webb Telescope will continue Spitzer's legacy As one window to the universe closes, another will open with an even better view. Some of the same planets, stars and galaxies we first saw through the first window will appear in even sharper detail in the one that will soon open.

Technology news

	Researchers expand microchip capability with new 3-D inductor technology Smaller is better when it comes to microchips, researchers said, and by using 3-D components on a standardized 2-D microchip manufacturing platform, developers can use up to 100 times less chip space. A team of engineers has boosted the performance of its previously developed 3-D inductor technology by adding as much as three orders of magnitudes more induction to meet the performance demands of modern electronic devices.
	Canonical sings praises for platform putting Android in the cloud Android is all up in the clouds, just where Canonical thought it could be, in working up its service called Anbox Cloud, announced earlier this week.
	Using artificial intelligence to enrich digital maps A model invented by researchers at MIT and Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) that uses satellite imagery to tag road features in digital maps could help improve GPS navigation.
	Predictive touch response mechanism is a step toward a tactile internet A Tactile Internet is potentially the next phase of the Internet of Things, in which humans can touch and interact with remote or virtual objects while experiencing realistic haptic feedback.
	Some hackers take the ransom and run: researchers Paying off hackers after a ransomware infection could end up being a total loss, according to a study released Thursday which finds some attackers just take the money and run.
	Apple will reportedly release a much-cheaper iPhone as early as March If you want a new iPhone but find the latest lineup too pricey, Apple may have a surprise in store for you.
	Nostalgia play: Pricey foldable Motorola Razr goes on presale Jan. 26, at Verizon, Walmart A sexy phone of yesteryear is about to hit the comeback trail.
	German NGO accuses Volvo of diesel emissions cheating A German environmentalist group said Thursday it had discovered Volvo SUVs emitting massively higher levels of harmful pollutants than legally allowed in the European Union, although Volvo denied cheating.
	Intel and Softbank beware. Open source is coming to the chip business After revolutionizing software, the open-source movement is threatening to do same to the chip industry.
	iPhone 12 rumors and leaks: 4 things we expect from Apple in 2020 Even though Apple launched its trio of iPhone 11 models a mere four months ago in September, the rumor mill is already looking across the horizon and speculating about 2020 and the upcoming iPhone 12 (some rumors have already begun for the 2021 iPhones). Keep in mind that we don't know what the new iPhones' official names will be—and Apple has not confirmed anything about them—so we'll go with the iPhone 12 for now. In addition to adding 3-D depth-sensing to its rear cameras and new screen sizes, it's also being speculated that Apple will belatedly include a feature that would make it competitive with its rivals: 5G connectivity.
	Skydiving, kayaking, fly fishing: Virtual reality therapy is taking paralyzed veterans to new places A car wreck in 1983 paralyzed Navy veteran Mike Erbe from the waist down, but he fought to stay positive, stay active. He finished his engineering degree. He got his pilot's license.
	Prehistoric microbes valorize carbon dioxide under high pressure to 'green gas' A completely new kind of bioreactor for the biological production of methane has enabled the use of extremely high pressure levels for the first time—and set new efficiency standards for the conversion of CO2 and H2 into methane. This significant improvement compared with conventional bioreactors is down to billions of microorganisms that only truly come to life under extreme pressure, as well as Austrian company Krajete GmbH, which designed the bioreactor and has now built the first pilot plant for testing the technology. Successful installation required a combination of experience of implementing chemical facilities and biological expertise.
	What a bundle of buzzing bees can teach engineers about robotic materials Gathered inside a small shed in the midst of a peaceful meadow, my colleagues and I are about to flip the switch to start a seemingly mundane procedure: using a motor to shake a wooden board. But underneath this board, we have a swarm of roughly 10,000 honeybees, clinging to each other in a single magnificent pulsing cone.
	Protecting wideband RF systems in congested electromagnetic environments Today's electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a scarce resource that is becoming increasingly congested and contested as friendly, unfriendly, and neutral entities vie for available spectrum resources at any given time, location, and frequency. Within the Department of Defense (DoD), radio frequency (RF) systems, such as communications networks and radar, must operate within this congested environment and contend with mission-compromising interference from both self- and externally generated signals. A desire to support wideband EM spectrum operations also adds to the burden, as current approaches to mitigating wideband receiver interference are sub-optimal and force compromises around signal sensitivity, bandwidth usage, and system performance. Further, in the case of self-interference, traditional mitigation approaches such as antenna isolation alone are often not sufficient for protecting wideband receivers.
	Big Tobacco wants social media influencers to promote its products. Will the platforms stop it? Big Tobacco likes to stay ahead of the curve—it has to in order to survive. Its fundamental problem is that one in two of its long-term users die from tobacco-related diseases. To hook a new generation into addiction, it has to try every advertising and marketing trick in its playbook.
	'Magic' gloves let acclaimed Brazilian pianist play again A few days before Christmas, renowned pianist João Carlos Martins summoned his friends to a Sao Paulo bar so he could show off the best gift he'd received in years: a new pair of bionic gloves that are letting the 79-year-old play with both hands for the first time in more than two decades.
	The easy route the easy way: New chip calculates the shortest distance in an instant How would you go about returning books to the correct shelves in a large library with the least amount of walking? How would you determine the shortest route for a truck that has to deliver many packages to multiple cities? These are some examples of the "traveling salesman problem," a type of "combinatorial optimization" problem, which frequently arises in everyday situations. Solving the traveling salesman problem involves searching for the most efficient of all possible routes. To do this easily, we require the help of low-power, high-performance artificial intelligence.
Tinder unveils 'panic button' for emergency response Tinder announced Thursday that US users would soon have a "panic button" to alert authorities to potentially dangerous situations as part of a stepped up safety initiative by the popular dating app.
	Dutch foundation launches 'Dieselgate' action against VW in France A Dutch foundation said Thursday it had launched a "joint action" in France against carmaker Volkswagen as part of a European bid for damages for millions of car owners duped in an emissions cheating scheme.
	Xerox nominates 11 to replace HP board Xerox will nominate 11 people to replace HP's board, a company that it is targeting for a takeover.
	TikTok inks music deal as it sets up shop in California TikTok on Thursday licensed a catalogue of independent music as it worked to build on the momentum of the social networking app specializing in video snippets.
	Waymo self-driving minivans take to more US roads Alphabet's self-driving vehicle unit Waymo is expanding testing to more regions of the United States to explore "new transportation solutions."
	New CEO stands by 737 MAX, eyeing reset at troubled Boeing Boeing Chief Executive David Calhoun sought to pivot from a bruising period of crisis and scandal on Wednesday, pledging a renewed commitment to safety and transparency and endorsing the long-term viability of the 737 MAX plane.
	VW in Canada ordered to pay CAN$196.5 mn over emissions scandal A court in Toronto on Wednesday ordered Volkswagen to pay a fine of Can$196.5 million (US$150 million) after the automaker pleaded guilty to violating environmental laws in the emissions cheating scandal.
	A new battleground in the web browser wars: Privacy Google announced a massive shift last week in how it handles cookies, those pesky digital trackers that chase us around the internet and serve up targeted ads that are both creepy yet eerily precise reflections of our wants. The search giant, which just helped Alphabet Inc. surpass a $1 trillion valuation, said it will eventually stop supporting third-party cookies in its ubiquitous Chrome browser.
	Flying the safer skies In Atlanta, where the world's busiest airport fields thousands of flights each day, applied linguistics professor Eric Friginal is working to improve communication and safety in global travel. Friginal recently co-authored "English in Global Aviation" with his former student Jennifer Roberts, now an aviation English specialist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., and aviation expert Elizabeth Mathews. Here, he explains how language and communication affect flight safety worldwide.
	American Airlines reports higher profits despite MAX hit American Airlines reported a jump in fourth-quarter profits on Thursday due to continued strong consumer demand that offset the hit from the grounding of Boeing's 737 MAX jets.
	Strong flying demand cushions MAX earnings hit at US carriers Continued strong demand for travel boosted airline earnings Thursday even as US carriers struggle with the grinding Boeing 737 MAX crisis that has clouded their outlook.

Medicine & Health news

	Technique reveals whether models of patient risk are accurate After a patient has a heart attack or stroke, doctors often use risk models to help guide their treatment. These models can calculate a patient's risk of dying based on factors such as the patient's age, symptoms, and other characteristics.
	Researchers uncover the genomics of health Most diseases have a genetic component. To better understand disease, researchers led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research are analysing genetic information to determine what keeps us healthy.
	Preventing metastasis by stopping cancer cells from making fat Olivier Feron, a researcher at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, seeks to understand how metastases form from a tumor. He previously demonstrated that the most aggressive cancer cells use significant amounts of lipids as energy sources. Now, Prof. Feron has discovered that cancer cells store lipids in small intracellular vesicles called lipid droplets. Cancer cells loaded with lipids are more invasive and therefore more likely to form metastases. Prof. Feron and his team sought to identify the link between lipid storage and metastasization.
	Largest-ever study ties over 100 genes to autism More than 100 genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), according to the largest genetic study of the condition to date.
	Scientists highlight potential of exposome research Over the last two decades, the health sciences have been transformed by genomics, which has provided insights into genetic risk factors for human disease. While powerful, the genomics revolution has also revealed the limits of genetic determinants, which account for only a fraction of total disease risk. A new article in the journal Science argues that a similar large-scale effort is needed to ensure a more complete picture of disease risk by accounting for the exposome, defined as our cumulative exposure to environmental agents such as chemical pollutants.
	A rat had basically no brain—but it could still see, hear, smell and feel One day, a scientist in Craig Ferris's lab was scanning the brains of very old rats when he found that one could see, hear, smell, and feel just like the other rats, but it was walking around with basically no brain—and likely had been since birth.
	West Nile virus triggers brain inflammation by inhibiting protein degradation West Nile virus (WNV) inhibits autophagy to induce the aggregation of proteins in infected cells, triggering cell death and brain inflammation (encephalitis), according to Hokkaido University researchers. They also discovered that a drug can induce autophagy to remove protein aggregates and thus prevent cell death.
	Study reveals missing link in mechanisms underlying fight-or-flight response We've all felt the effects of an adrenaline rush. Faced with danger, real or perceived, the heart beats faster, breathing quickens and muscles tighten as the body prepares to fight a threat or flee from it.
	Study uncovers unexpected connection between gliomas, neurodegenerative diseases A protein typically associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's might help scientists explore how gliomas, a type of cancerous brain tumor, become so aggressive.
	Genetically engineered virus protects mice against deadly effects of nerve gas and pesticides A single injection of a new gene therapy protected mice from the effects of sarin and other deadly chemical warfare agents for months, new work that could not only help defend soldiers and civilians in war zones, but also farm workers regularly exposed to similar toxins.
	Study offers new insight into brain connectivity A new framework for understanding changes in the brain's activity and connections, which has implications for how to best model the mechanisms of disease in the brain, has been developed by Georgia State University researchers and collaborators.
	Study identifies top strategies for successful weight loss maintenance Just in time for the New Year, a new Cal Poly study shows that if you want to lose weight and keep it off, building healthy dietary, self-monitoring and psychological coping strategies may be the keys to success.
	Engineered capillaries model traffic in tiny blood vessels Engineered human capillaries are providing an astounding view of how red blood cells transit ultra-small blood vessels.
	Novel communication between intestinal microbes and developing immune cells in the thymus Newborns face unique immunological challenges immediately after birth. As they depart a relatively sterile fetal environment, they are abruptly exposed to a multitude of foreign antigens, the major burden of which is in the form of the microbiota newly colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. These rapidly multiplying foreign invaders represent, by far, the biggest threat to the neonatal immune system, which has to recognize and classify these organisms as benign, commensal or pathogenic.
	High-protein diets boost artery-clogging plaque, mouse study shows High-protein diets may help people lose weight and build muscle, but a new study in mice suggests they have a down side: They lead to more plaque in the arteries. Further, the new research shows that high-protein diets spur unstable plaque—the kind most prone to rupturing and causing blocked arteries. More plaque buildup in the arteries, particularly if it's unstable, increases the risk of heart attack.
	Living near major roads linked to risk of dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and MS Living near major roads or highways is linked to higher incidence of dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), suggests new research published this week in the journal Environmental Health.
Adult exposure to chickenpox linked to lower risk of shingles, but does not provide full protection Adults who are exposed to a child with chickenpox (varicella) in the home are around 30% less likely to develop shingles (herpes zoster) over 20 years, finds a study in The BMJ today.
	Industry funding of patient groups lacks governance and transparency Industry funding of patient groups is common in many high income countries, but few patient groups have formal policies that govern corporate funding and financial transparency is inadequate, warn experts in The BMJ today.
	Climate-friendly food choices protect the planet, promote health, reduce health costs Increased uptake of plant-based diets in New Zealand could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while greatly improving population health and saving the healthcare system billions of dollars in the coming decades, according to a new University of Otago study.
	China closes off large city to stop spread of deadly virus China closed off a city of more than 11 million people Thursday in an unprecedented effort to try to contain a deadly new viral illness that has sickened hundreds and spread to other cities and countries in the Lunar New Year travel rush.
	SARS lessons hang over China's fight against new virus China's lockdown of an entire city to contain a virus outbreak stands in contrast to its handling of the deadly SARS crisis two decades ago, when it was criticised for being secretive and indecisive.
	Studies suggest role of bats, snakes in outbreak of China virus A new strain of coronavirus that emerged in China may have originated in bats or snakes, according to genetic analysis of the virus that has so far killed 17 people.
	New study supports Allen Carr's Easyway (ACE) method to quit smoking The largest and most authoritative research trial of its kind testing the Allen Carr's Easyway (ACE) method of quitting smoking has detected no difference in success rates between ACE and a specialist stop smoking service in the UK.
	Exposure to diesel exhaust particles linked to pneumococcal disease susceptibility A new study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, shows that exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) can increase an individual's susceptibility to pneumococcal disease.
	Subtle structural features in donated kidneys may predict risk of transplant failure Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that subtle structural features in kidneys from living donors that can only be seen with a microscope may predict the risk of transplant failure in recipients. The findings are published online in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
	Low-dose aspirin may reduce preterm birth risk among first-time mothers: study Daily low-dose aspirin, from as early as the sixth week of pregnancy through the 36th week, may lower the risk for preterm birth among first-time mothers, suggests a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The clinical trial, which involved more than 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries, found that women taking daily low-dose aspirin were 11% less likely to deliver before the 37th week of pregnancy, compared to those given a placebo.
	Coronavirus therapies slowed by intermittent nature of outbreaks As the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak causes worldwide concern, Purdue University scientists say control measures are an absolute necessity and that medical treatments for similar disease are on the horizon.
	Arginine depletion as a starting point for potential rheumatoid arthritis treatments Rheumatoid arthritis is a common inflammatory joint disease. A feature of this disease is the increased fusion of endogenous immune cells (macrophages) to form so-called osteoclasts, which attack and break down bone tissue.
	China virus: What we know about the fatalities The first fatality of China's new virus would come to represent a common set of traits for those who died to the disease: he was over the age of 60 and in poor health.
	China locking down cities with 18 million to stop virus Chinese authorities Thursday moved to lock down at least three cities with a combined population of more than 18 million in an unprecedented effort to contain the deadly new virus that has sickened hundreds of people and spread to other parts of the world during the busy Lunar New Year travel period.
'End of the world': Wuhan residents react to quarantine Wuhan residents called for help and shared worries of food shortages Thursday, with streets in the virus-hit central Chinese city left deserted after it was put on lockdown.
	Production of two Excedrin painkillers halted Production and distribution of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine products have been temporarily stopped, maker GlaxoSmithKline said Tuesday.
	Think coconut oil is good for your health? Here's what the experts are saying New research on the health affects of coconut oil adds to concerns about its link to cardiovascular disease.
	A novel pill to treat bleeding from uterine fibroids aims for FDA approval For millions of premenopausal women, uterine fibroids turn their monthly periods into virtual hemorrhages.
	Practical tips for a healthier winter Many people dread the dark days of winter. Having to spend time indoors can bring on the blues, and close quarters can increase the risk of catching a cold or flu. Dr. Brent Bauer, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine specialist, has tips to help you have a healthier winter.
	Cause of ventricular tachycardia determines treatment Dear Mayo Clinic: Recently, I was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, but doctors said a cause cannot be determined. What usually causes this problem? Does knowing the cause make a difference in treatment?
	What we know and don't know about the new coronavirus A new coronavirus not previously detected in humans has rippled through parts of China, spreading to more than 440 people since first appearing in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late December.
	Cervical cancer progress falters as screening uptake hits record lows Cervical cancer rates in Britain halved between the late 1980s and mid-2000s but progress has since been "stalling and stagnating," according to Cancer Research UK figures published today during cervical cancer prevention week.
	Can a second opinion make a difference? Your doctor may be the smartest, most compassionate, thoughtful person in the world—a leading specialist or someone you've trusted for years. But you shouldn't let that stop you from getting a second opinion.
	Stopping cholera and saving lives Daniele Lantagne is dedicated to combating infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and Ebola. At the School of Engineering's Environmental Sustainability Lab, her approach encompasses laboratory, field, and policy implementation-based research. Lantagne, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, and her team focus on reducing diarrheal diseases, the second most common cause of death among children worldwide through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene—also known as WASH—practices
	Inhibition of p38 reduces the growth of lung tumors One of the biggest challenges faced by biomedicine is the development of more selective and efficient cancer treatments. In 2018, 1.7 million people died from lung cancer worldwide, a number equivalent to the population of Barcelona. The high mortality rate of lung cancer reflects the need for the development of treatments that are more efficient.
	For brain tumor patients who have to be readmitted, hospital choice is key More than 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor, and surgery is often the first step in treatment.
	Should we be worried about the new Wuhan coronavirus? The World Health Organisation has postponed its decision about whether to classify the new Wuhan coronavirus as a global health emergency. It wants to gather more information and will meet again at midday on Thursday in Geneva (late Thursday night, Australian time).
	First treatment for pain using human stem cells a success Researchers at the University of Sydney have used human stem cells to make pain-killing neurons that provide lasting relief in mice, without side effects, in a single treatment. The next step is to perform extensive safety tests in rodents and pigs, and then move to human patients suffering chronic pain within the next five years.
	BCG revaccination shows potential to boost immunity against tuberculosis When young Indian adults, who have been vaccinated at birth, are once again given the BCG vaccine, their immune response against tuberculosis (TB) improves and they may be less likely to develop the disease, finds a new study led by scientists at the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
	Dopamine fasting may not be as crazy as it sounds Silicon Valley's newest fad is dopamine fasting, or temporarily abstaining from "addictive" activities such as social media, music, internet gaming—even food.
	Skin-to-skin contact does not improve interaction between mother and preterm infant Following a premature birth, it is important that the parents and the infant quickly establish a good relationship. Researchers at Linköping University have studied the relationship between mothers and infants who have continuous skin-to-skin contact during the entire period from birth to discharge from the hospital. The results show that continuous skin-to-skin contact does not lead to better interaction between the mother and the infant. The study is published in the scientific journal Advances in Neonatal Care.
	Researchers develop tool to tackle diet epidemic in India New research led by Queen's University Belfast aims to better understand the link between diet and disease in India.
	More autonomy at work reduces the risk of low back pain A team of psychologists from Technische Universität Dresden, in cooperation with experts from health sciences and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, has carried out a meta-analysis to identify psychosocial work factors that pose a risk for the development of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Their study clearly indicates that not only physical but also psychological and social factors exert considerable influence on the development of the disease.
	Reelin reverts the main pathological processes related to Alzheimer's and other tauopathy Promoting the signaling pathway of reelin, an essential extracellular protein for the neuronal migration and synaptic plasticity, could be an effective therapeutic strategy to counterbalance the main cognitive, biochemical and behavioural alterations seen in Alzheimer's and other pathologies associated with Tau protein, as shown in a new study with animal models published in the journal Progress in Neurobiology.
	Immune system cells contribute to the invading capacity of brain tumours In a study published in Brain Communications, the team led by Carlos Barcia, researcher at Institut de Neurociències of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (INc), analysed the role of immune cells in the expansion of glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain tumour type. The study is a collaborative effort with the General Hospital in Valencia, and part of Elena Saavedra's doctoral thesis.
Results of long-term study could help identify children at risk of future type 2 diabetes Researchers at the University of Plymouth and Nestlé have revealed new insights into the factors that predispose children to developing type 2 diabetes in adult life.
	How the brain processes rewards Researchers from HSE University, Skoltech and the University of Toronto analyzed data from 190 fMRI studies and found out that food, sex and money implicate similar brain regions whereas different types of reward favor the left and right hemispheres differently. The paper is to be published in Brain Imaging and Behavior.
	Hot flashes impair memory performance If you're having difficulty identifying the right word to express yourself clearly or remembering a story correctly, you may blame menopause. A new study suggests that physiologic hot flashes are associated with decreased verbal memory and with alterations in brain function during encoding and retrieval of memory, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Study results are published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
	Multimorbidity leads to general practitioners suffering burnout There is a difference between seeing a patient with a catalogue of two or more serious chronic diseases and a healthy patient who just needs a prescription to treat a case of cystitis.
	New light shed on damaging impact of infrared and visible rays on skin The damage visible and infrared light can do to our skin has been revealed for the first time in new research by scientists at Newcastle University, UK.
	Airborne pollution associated with more severe rhinitis symptoms The nasal symptoms of rhinitis are more severe in people exposed to higher levels of outdoor air pollution. That was the conclusion reached by the authors of a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which was led by a team of scientists from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a research institute supported by "la Caixa."
	JumpstartMD commercial program seems effective for weight loss (HealthDay)—The commercial low-calorie, low-carbohydrate JumpstartMD program is effective for weight loss, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Obesity.
	Teprotumumab bests placebo for active thyroid eye disease (HealthDay)—Teprotumumab is associated with better outcomes than placebo among patients with active thyroid eye disease, according to a study published in the Jan. 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Supratentorial ICH outcomes better in young blacks, hispanics (HealthDay)—For young adults with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), functional outcomes are improved with black and Hispanic versus white race/ethnicity, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in Neurology.
	Teen transgender access to pubertal suppression lowers suicidality (HealthDay)—Access to pubertal suppression during adolescence is associated with lower odds of lifetime suicidal ideation among transgender young adults, according to a study published online Jan. 23 in Pediatrics.
	What's blood type got to do with clot risk? People with blood types A and B may have higher risks for developing dangerous blood clots compared to people who have type O blood. That's according to new research that also showed a slightly higher risk for certain types of heart disease among the A and B groups.
	A new blood component revealed Does the blood we thought to know so well contain elements that had been undetectable until now? The answer is yes, according to a team of researchers from Inserm, Université de Montpellier and the Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM) working at the Montpellier Cancer Research Institute (IRCM), which has revealed the presence of whole functional mitochondria in blood circulation. The discovery may deepen our knowledge of physiology and open up new avenues for treatment.
	Older refugees have high levels of depression even decades after immigration to Canada Most research on the mental health of refugees focuses on the first few years after resettlement in the host country, but little is known about their long-term mental health.
	Women with PCOS experience poor health and quality of life beyond reproductive years Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience poor health and quality of life into their late forties, according to new research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
	Novel approach to immune system could lead to personalized therapy against sepsis The human immune system uses two pre-programmed strategies to tackle infection. One is fever, a resistance mechanism that tries to eliminate a pathogen by raising the body's temperature. The other works in the opposite direction, cooling the body down in a controlled manner to permit temporary tolerance of the invader while protecting organs and systems. These two mechanisms act as alternatives according to the intensity of the attack and the overall state of the patient's health.
	Researchers uncover mechanism for how common gene therapy vectors enter cells Researchers led by a team at Massachusetts Eye and Ear have identified a novel cellular entry factor for adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) types—the most commonly used viral vectors for in vivo gene therapy. AAVs are vectors—or vehicles—that are created from a virus that is made harmless by molecular engineering, and have shown promise transporting genetic therapy treatments to affected tissues.
	Researchers uncover two-drug combo that halts the growth of cancer cells UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center researchers have discovered a two-drug combo that halts the growth of cancer cells that carry HER2 mutations.
	When caregivers need care People who regularly care for or assist a family member or friend with a health problem or disability are more likely to neglect their own health, particularly by not having insurance or putting off necessary health services due to cost, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.
	Women with colorectal cancer fare better if they have social support New research from Kaiser Permanente finds that post-menopausal women with colorectal cancer were more likely to die from their disease or from any cause if they had low social support before diagnosis. The analysis of 1,429 women in the national long-term health study Women's Health Initiative, which included patients from Kaiser Permanente and other health systems, was published in the journal Cancer January 23.
	Companies look into possible vaccines for China virus Clinical trials for a vaccine against the new virus sweeping China could be carried out in the summer, the head of an anti-epidemic coalition said on Thursday, as different companies announced research into the disease.
	Not enough evidence that vaping helps smokers quit: US govt report There is not enough evidence to conclude that e-cigarettes help smokers quit tobacco, a US government report said Thursday, as the vaping industry faces increased regulatory pressures.
Oral hormone-blocking drug may help with heavy menstrual bleeding About 50 % of women with uterine fibroids—non-cancerous muscle tumors that grow in the uterus—experience heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms. Surgery is commonly recommended when these symptoms are severe enough to prompt a woman to seek treatment. The most common surgery used to treat fibroids is removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), though in some cases, removal of the fibroids and repair of the uterus (myomectomy) are performed. Surgery is usually extensive in both cases. Long-acting hormone injections can reduce symptoms such as heavy bleeding in women with fibroids, but side effects can be significant and it can take months for the effects of the medications to wear off.
	Liver fibrosis 'off switch' discovered in mice Chronic alcohol abuse and hepatitis can injure the liver, often leading to a buildup of collagen and scar tissue. Understanding this process, known as liver fibrosis, could help researchers develop new ways to prevent or treat conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic flatty liver disease (NAFLD).
	Revealed an alteration related to the loss of effectiveness of a treatment in lung cancer The Cancer Genetics Group of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, led by Montse Sánchez-Céspedes, together with Luis Montuenga from CIMA, and Enriqueta Felip from Vall d'Hebron Hospital, has revealed that inactivation of RB1 through intragenic rearrangements is frequent in lung cancer cells from non-smoking patients with EGFR mutations.
	Researchers take step toward automating thyroid cancer triage According to an article published ahead-of-print in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR), a Stanford University team has developed a quantitative framework able to sonographically differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules at a level comparable to that of expert radiologists, which may prove useful for establishing a fully automated system of thyroid nodule triage.
	Facial paralysis stigma takes emotional toll, especially when acquired later in life People with facial paralysis are more likely to face depression and anxiety than the general population, especially if the paralysis occurs later in life rather than at birth, according to a recent study from Oregon State University.
	Study finds many youth living with undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome Most youth living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have not been diagnosed, according to a new prevalence study from researchers at DePaul University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, published by the journal Child & Youth Care Forum. Leonard A. Jason, a professor of psychology at DePaul University, led the seven-year study to screen more than 10,000 children and teenagers in the Chicago area.
	A Zika vaccine could save suffering and costs Global climate change has raised concerns that mosquito-borne diseases could become increasingly prevalent in the United States as warmer temperatures lead to increased mosquito activity.
ICUs receive higher satisfaction scores for end-of-life care than other hospital units Family caregivers of the deceased rated the quality of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit (ICU) higher than the end-of-life care in other hospital departments (also called wards), according to new, large Penn Medicine study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The research challenges a common belief that dying in the ICU is a less favorable experience than dying elsewhere in the hospital.
	US investigating second suspected case of Chinese virus Authorities in Texas are investigating a second suspected case on US soil of a new and deadly Chinese virus, officials said Thursday.
	China locks down cities to curb virus, but WHO says no global emergency China locked down some 20 million people at the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak on Thursday, but the World Health Organization said the disease did not yet constitute a global health emergency.
GW Cancer Center expands clinical trial offerings for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma The Cutaneous Oncology Program at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center was selected as the first global site for a clinical trial for patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This designation highlights the GW Cancer Center's growing regional and global reputation for treating patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer behind basal cell carcinoma. The study, sponsored by Regeneron, will examine outcomes for patients treated with Libtayo (cemiplimab)—an immunotherapy treatment—prior to surgery and radiation therapy.
Hong Kong turns holiday camps into quarantine zones as virus fears spike Hong Kong will turn two holiday camps, including a former military barracks, into quarantine zones for people who may have come into contact with carriers of the Wuhan virus, officials announced Thursday.
	Q&A: WHO representative addresses China's new virus outbreak Shortly before authorities closed off the Chinese city at the epicenter of an outbreak of a new virus, the World Health Organization sent a team led by country representative Gauden Galea to check conditions on the ground in Wuhan, an inland city of more than 11 million people.
How the new coronavirus developed A new coronavirus, a mysterious SARS-like disease, has spread around China and three other Asian countries since first emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
	Study examines reliability of biopsies from donated kidneys prior to transplantation A new study indicates that biopsies of donated kidneys are likely not useful for assessing organ quality prior to transplantation unless standards are set for how they should be performed and interpreted. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of CJASN.
Beijing cancels large-scale Lunar New Year events over virus fears Large-scale Lunar New Year events in Beijing have been cancelled as part of national efforts to control the spread of a new SARS-like virus, city authorities announced Thursday.
	The evolution of a tumor The results of evolution are often awe-inspiring—from the long neck of the giraffe to the majestic colors of a peacock—but evolution does not always create structures of function and beauty.
	Improved safety for mother and child Preeclampsia is a particularly dreaded pregnancy complication that threatens the lives of mother and child. A correct diagnosis, however, is currently time-consuming and, in many cases, inaccurate. The Empa spin-off "MOMM Diagnostics" is developing a fast and precise test that provides diagnostic certainty and at the same time saves healthcare costs.
Beijing's Forbidden City to close over virus fears China will close Beijing's Forbidden City—one of the country's most revered cultural sites—due to rising fears over a new SARS-like virus that has infected hundreds and killed more than a dozen.
India FM says nurse in Saudi infected with China virus An Indian nurse working in Saudi Arabia has tested positive for the SARS-like virus that has infected hundreds in China, the Indian foreign ministry said Thursday.
Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus Singapore Thursday confirmed its first case the new SARS-like virus which has killed 17 people in China and spread to multiple countries including the United States.
Vietnam confirms two cases of SARS-like coronavirus Two Chinese nationals in Vietnam have tested positive for the SARS-like coronavirus and are being treated in hospital, officials said Thursday.
	Rare disease put this young mom in a coma for 7 months (HealthDay)—Kertisha Brabson's mom rushed to the hospital after being told her adult daughter was acting out of her mind.
	Teens with obesity and PCOS have more 'unhealthy' bacteria Teens with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have more "unhealthy" gut bacteria suggesting the microbiome may play a role in the disorder, according to new research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
	For low back pain in older adults, treatment doesn't match guidelines Opioids are prescribed to nearly one-third of older adults with "new and persistent" low back pain—in most cases without trying guideline-recommended pain medications or physical therapy, according to the new research by Dan Pham Ly, MD, MPP, of Harvard University. He comments, "This study raises concerns about excessive use of low-value and potentially harmful treatments for the common problem of LBP in older adults, with under-use of evidence-based, guideline-recommended treatments."
Countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus A SARS-like virus has claimed 17 lives since emerging on December 31 in a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
	Gulf screens passengers from China amid virus outbreak Gulf airports, including one of the world's biggest aviation hubs, said Thursday they would screen all passengers arriving from China amid the outbreak of a deadly virus.

Biology news

	Scanning system in sperm may control rate of human evolution Maturing sperm cells turn on most of their genes, not to follow their genetic instructions like normal, but instead to repair DNA before passing it to the next generation, a new study finds.
	Unveiling the biggest and most detailed map of the fly brain yet Janelia and Google scientists have constructed the most complete map of the fly brain ever created, pinpointing millions of connections between 25,000 neurons. Now, a wiring diagram of the entire brain is within reach.
	Team significantly expands the global diversity of large and giant viruses While the microbes in a single drop of water could outnumber a small city's population, the number of viruses in the same drop—the vast majority not harmful to humans—could be even larger. Viruses infect bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes, and they range in particle and genome size from small, to large and even giant. The genomes of giant viruses are on the order of 100 times the size of what has typically been associated with viruses, while the genomes of large viruses may be only 10 times larger. And yet, while they are found everywhere, comparatively little is known about viruses, much less those considered large and giant.
	Snake stem cells used to create venom-producing organoids Organoids have become an important tool for studying many disease processes and testing potential drugs. Now, they are being used in a surprising and unexpected way: for the production of snake venom. On January 23 in the journal Cell, researchers are reporting that they have created organoids of the venom glands of the Cape coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi) and that these glands are capable of producing venom.
	Jewel beetles' sparkle helps them hide in plain sight Bright colors are often considered an evolutionary tradeoff in the animal kingdom. Yes, a male peacock's colorful feathers may help it attract a mate, but they also make it more likely to be seen by a hungry jungle cat. Jewel beetles (Sternocera aequisignata) and their green, blue, and purple iridescent wing cases may be an exception to the rule, researchers report January 23 in the journal Current Biology. They found that the insects' bright colors can act as a form of camouflage.
	Stressed-out dust is sharing antibiotic resistance genes Indoor dust is evolving—and not in a good way.
	Bird droppings provide clues to environmental change Queen's University researchers John Smol and Matthew Duda have identified concerning trends in a vulnerable seabird.
	Turtle tracking reveals key feeding grounds Loggerhead turtles feed in the same places year after year—meaning key locations should be protected, researchers say.
	Large marine parks can save sharks from overfishing threat 'No-take' marine reserves—where fishing is banned—can reverse the decline in the world's coral reef shark populations caused by overfishing, according to an Australian study.
	Study provides insight on how to minimize the impacts of severe weather on wildlife When Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida in September 2017, the Category 5 storm offered a team of wildlife researchers a first-ever opportunity to observe behavioral responses of white-tailed deer to an extreme weather event in real time. The data collected are providing crucial new insights for scientists seeking to minimize the impacts of severe weather and climate change on wildlife.
	How Helicobacter stays helical Stomach cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death across the globe. One of the main risk factors for this disease is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. About half of the world's population is chronically infected with the bacterium, which burrows its way into the mucus lining the stomach and sets up long-term inflammation that can trigger ulcers and, more rarely, cancer.
	Why cells need acidic lysosomes Just like the body contains lungs, liver, and lymph nodes, so does each of the body's cells contain tiny specialized organs. Perhaps most peculiar among them are lysosomes—bubble-like sacks that act as part recycling bin, part stomach.
	How old are they? Some non-photosynthetic orchids consist of dead wood Botanists have long held a fascination for heterotrophic plants, not only because they contradict the notion that autotrophy (photosynthesis) is synonymous with plants, but also because such plants are typically rare and ephemeral. However, it is still a matter of debate as to how these plants obtain nutrition.
	A new approach to reveal the multiple structures of RNA Experimental data and computer simulations have yielded an innovative technique to characterize the configurations of an RNA molecule. The work, published in Nucleic Acids Research, opens new roads to studying dynamic molecular systems.
	Stopping yellow spot fungus that attacks wheat crops Scientists from the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) and Curtin University in Western Australia have used an advanced imaging technique at the Australian Synchrotron for an in-depth look at how a fungus found in wheat crops is damaging its leaves.
	Shark attacks remained low in 2019—but bites from the elusive cookiecutter were up Shark attacks were unusually low for the second year running, with 64 unprovoked bites in 2019, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File. The total was roughly in line with 2018's 62 bites and about 22% lower than the most recent five-year average of 82 incidents a year.
	Scientists discover the mechanism of DNA high-order structure formation The genetic material of our cells—DNA—exists in a high-order structure called chromatin. Chromatin consists of DNA wrapped around histone proteins and efficiently packs DNA into a small volume. Moreover, using a spool and thread analogy, chromatin allows DNA to be locally wound or unwound, thus enabling genes to be enclosed or exposed. The misregulation of chromatin structures results in aberrant gene expression and can ultimately lead to developmental disorders or cancers. Despite the importance of DNA high-order structures, the complexity of the underlying machinery has circumvented molecular dissection.
	Bending with the wind, coral spawning linked to ocean environment During the early summer, corals simultaneously release tiny balls composed of sperms and eggs, known as bundles, that float to the ocean surface. Here the bundles open, allowing the sperm to fertilize the eggs where they eventually settle on the seafloor and become new coral on the reef.
	How moon jellyfish get about With their translucent bells, moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) move around the oceans in a very efficient way. Scientists at the University of Bonn have now used a mathematical model to investigate how these cnidarians manage to use their neural networks to control their locomotion even when they are injured. The results may also contribute to the optimization of underwater robots. The study has already been published online in the journal eLife; the final version will appear soon.
	Victorian efforts to export animals to new worlds failed, mostly In 1890, a New York bird enthusiast released several dozen starlings in Central Park. No one knows for sure why Eugene Schieffelin set the birds aloft, but he may have been motivated by a sentimental desire to make the American Northeast more like the English countryside.
	California's monarch butterflies critically low for 2nd year The western monarch butterfly population wintering along California's coast remains critically low for the second year in a row, a count by an environmental group released Thursday showed.
	Unravelling arthropod genomic diversity over 500 million years of evolution An international team of scientists report in the journal Genome Biology results from a pilot project, co-led by Robert Waterhouse, Group Leader at the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and University of Lausanne, to kick-start the global sequencing initiative of thousands of arthropods. Comparative analyses across 76 species spanning 500 million years of evolution reveal dynamic genomic changes that point to key factors behind their success and open up many new areas of research.
	Can a tiny invasive snail help save Latin American coffee? While conducting fieldwork in Puerto Rico's central mountainous region in 2016, University of Michigan ecologists noticed tiny trails of bright orange snail excrement on the undersurface of coffee leaves afflicted with coffee leaf rust, the crop's most economically important pest.
	Global warming could have a negative impact on biodiversity generation processes In the current climate change scenario, an international team led by researchers from Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) and the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) has carried out research that suggests global warming could have a negative impact on the processes that generate biodiversity. This is one of the conclusions of a study, recently published in the international scientific Journal of Systematics and Evolution, that focuses on the causes of the evolutionary success of Carex, one of the worlds' three largest genera of flowering plants. The results suggest that this success is linked to the relatively cold climate of the planet during the last 10 million years, which favoured the colonization of new territories and ecosystems.
New experimental vaccine for African swine fever virus shows promise Government and academic investigators have developed a vaccine against African swine fever that appears to be far more effective than previously developed vaccines. The research appears this week in the Journal of Virology, a publication of the American Society for Microbiology.
	Deep diving into the science of beer How high-tech equipment usually reserved for medical research could help brew the perfect pint.

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