Fwd: Science X Newsletter Friday, Jan 30

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From: Newsletter Phys.org <not-for-reply@physorg.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 31, 2015 at 2:38 AM
Subject: Science X Newsletter Friday, Jan 30
To: Pascal Alter <pascal.alter@gmail.com>

Dear Pascal Alter,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for January 30, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Black holes do not exist where space and time do not exist, says new theory
- Toward practical quantum computers: Technique extends duration of fragile quantum states
- The clime's speech: Data analysis supports prediction that human language is influenced by environmental factors
- Planck: Gravitational waves remain elusive
- New method allows for greater variation in band gap tunability
- Meteorite may represent 'bulk background' of Mars' battered crust
- Study shows even newly hatched chicks have a left to right number space map (w/ Video)
- Evidence mounts for quantum criticality theory
- Scaling up armor systems
- Scientists find Ebola virus is mutating
- DNA nanoswitches reveal how life's molecules connect
- Research uncovers connection between Craigslist personals, HIV trends
- BMW fixes security flaw that exposed 2.2M cars to break-ins
- Latent HIV may lurk in 'quiet' immune cells, research suggests
- IBM and Mars join together to make food safer with genetics

Astronomy & Space news

	Meteorite may represent 'bulk background' of Mars' battered crust NWA 7034, a meteorite found a few years ago in the Moroccan desert, is like no other rock ever found on Earth. It's been shown to be a 4.4 billion-year-old chunk of the Martian crust, and according to a new analysis, rocks just like it may cover vast swaths of Mars.
	Planck: Gravitational waves remain elusive Despite earlier reports of a possible detection, a joint analysis of data from ESA's Planck satellite and the ground-based BICEP2 and Keck Array experiments has found no conclusive evidence of primordial gravitational waves.
Japan to launch new spy satellite Japan's government said it will launch a back-up spy satellite on Sunday, after cancelling an earlier lift-off due to bad weather.
	What's happening in the universe right now? There are some topics that get a little frustrating in their pedantry, but can really draw attention to the grand scope and mechanics in our Universe. This is definitely one of them.
	How are planets formed? How did the Solar System's planets come to be? The leading theory is something known as the "protoplanet hypothesis", which essentially says that very small objects stuck to each other and grew bigger and bigger—big enough to even form the gas giants, such as Jupiter.
	NASA delays soil study satellite launch for 'repairs' NASA has pushed back the launch of a satellite to study soil moisture to Saturday, so that it can perform "minor repairs" to the launch rocket.
	Video: What it would look like if the sun was replaced with other stars? How would our horizon look if Earth orbited around another star, such as Alfa-Centauri, Sirius, or Polaris? Roscosmos TV has released two new videos that replace our familiar Sun and Moon with other stars and planets.
	Going a long way to do a quick data collection Like many a scientist before me, I have spent this week trying to grow a crystal. I wasn't fussy, it didn't have to be a single crystal – a smush of something would have done – just as long as it had a bit of long-range order. But no. Hours spent staring at a screen as the sample I wanted to study failed to sort out its atoms into something I could work with.

Medicine & Health news

	New molecular target identified for treating cerebral malaria A drug already approved for treating other diseases may be useful as a treatment for cerebral malaria, according to researchers at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. They discovered a novel link between food intake during the early stages of infection and the outcome of the disease, identifying two molecular pathways that could serve as new targets for treatment.
	Sex differences found in brain mechanisms important for learning (Medical Xpress)—Women tend to become addicted to drugs and relapse faster than men, though the biological reasons are not completely clear. Now, investigators at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered that high levels of estrogen may lead to a unique kind of learning that could explain why women are more susceptible to addiction.
	Scientists find Ebola virus is mutating (Medical Xpress)—Researchers working at Institut Pasteur in France have found that the Ebola virus is mutating "a lot" causing concern in the African countries where the virus has killed over eight thousand people in just several months time. In speaking with the press, they report that multiple mutations of the virus have been observed, though it is still not clear what advantage it has given the virus, if any. They also reported that they have seen many cases of people infected with the virus that did not exhibit any symptoms, which might suggest that at least one of the mutations in the virus has led to infections that are less traumatic to their victim, but which are also likely more easily spread.
	Research uncovers connection between Craigslist personals, HIV trends Craigslist's entry into a market results in a 15.9 percent increase in reported HIV cases, according to research from the University of Minnesota published in the December issue of MIS Quarterly. When mapped at the national level, more than 6,000 HIV cases annually and treatment costs estimated between $62 million and $65.3 million can be linked to the popular website.
	Latent HIV may lurk in 'quiet' immune cells, research suggests Drugs for HIV have become adept at suppressing infection, but they still can't eliminate it. That's because the medication in these pills doesn't touch the virus' hidden reserves, which lie dormant within infected white blood cells. Unlock the secrets of this pool of latent virus, scientists believe, and it may become possible to cure - not just control - HIV.
Biomaterial coating raises prospect of more successful medical implants A novel, bacteria-repelling coating material that could increase the success of medical implants has been created by researchers.
More than one-third of kids in England are overweight/obese More than a third of children in England are overweight/obese, finds a 20 year study of electronic health records, published online in Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Repeated head blows linked to smaller brain volume and slower processing speeds Repeated blows to the head sustained during serial boxing or martial arts tournaments are linked to smaller volumes of certain parts of the brain and slower processing speeds, reveals research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
	Facebook shapes women's body image – just not as you'd expect If you're one of the world's 1.3 billion regular Facebook users, you'll know the feeling of being consumed by your news feed.
How poverty may affect memory Working memory, how we actively hold and manipulate information in our mind, is a cognitive skill used on a daily basis.  How effectively working memory performs, however, is not as universal as one may think.  In an open access article published in the Journal of Cognition and Development titled "Working Memory Differences Between Children Living in Rural and Urban Poverty", author Michele Tine investigated whether working memory of children living in rural poverty is distinct from the working memory profiles of children in urban poverty.  Both verbal and visuospatial tests were given to discern how memory deficits compared.
	The future of precision immunology In his State of the Union address, President Obama announced a new precision medicine initiative to work on finding a cure for cancer and other diseases. Howard L. Kaufman, a leading immunotherapy expert from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey recently shared his thoughts in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on the progress doctors have made in precision immunology – a type of precision medicine that involves creating a profile of a patient's immune system to fight disease. Kaufman, associate director for clinical science and chief surgical officer at the Cancer Institute, answered some questions from Rutgers Today on the future of the precision medicine field.
	Why aren't there any human doctors in Star Wars? Though set "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away," it isn't hard to see in the Star Wars films a vision of our own not so distant future. But Anthony Jones, a physician with a long background in health care technology development, sees the Star Wars vision of medicine's future as sheer fantasy. Specifically, he is struck by the dearth of doctors – at least human ones. "In Star Wars," he says, "there are no people practicing medicine. Caring for patients seems to have been taken over by machines."
	Sequencing genetic duplications could aid clinical interpretation Copy number variations (deletions or duplications of large chunks of the genome) are a major cause of birth defects, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. Still, geneticists can definitively say how a CNV, once discovered in someone's DNA, leads to one of these conditions in just a fraction of cases.
	Obama calls on Congress to fund 'precision medicine' studies Holding out the promise of major medical breakthroughs, President Barack Obama on Friday called on Congress to approve spending in medical research that tailors treatment to an individual's genes.
Babies' brains could unravel the mystery of stuttering University of Sydney researchers are launching a world-first study to see if it's possible to detect whether a baby will go on to stutter in later life - well before they start to talk.
	Shared symptoms of Chikungunya virus, rheumatoid arthritis may cloud diagnosis A mosquito-borne virus that has spread to the Caribbean and Central and South America and has caused isolated infections in Florida often causes joint pain and swelling similar to that seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
	Further dangers of smoking while pregnant revealed by new study Smoking while pregnant causes chemical changes to the DNA of a foetus detectable from as early as 12 weeks and may predispose children born to smokers to a range of health conditions which last throughout life, new research by Scottish academics has revealed.
	Eyes, ears and nose may aid Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment Detecting a decline in certain sensory functions may become the future of preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD), with research showing smell testing and retinal imaging to be strong predictors of dementia risk.
	Hot on the trail of the hepatitis-liver cancer connection Using whole genomic sequencing, scientists from RIKEN in Japan have for the first time demonstrated the profound effect that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can have on the genetic mutations found in tumors of the liver, potentially paving the way to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which these chronic infections can lead to cancer. Primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and recent studies have shown that particularly in Asia, infection with either hepatitis B or C is often associated with such cancers.
Stress shared by same-sex couples can have unique health impacts Studies of stress and its effects on health have typically focused on the worries of an individual: money, love, health, work. But what about stress shared by two people in a romantic relationship?
Research finds 90 percent of home chefs contaminate food If you're gearing up for a big Super Bowl bash, you might want to consult the best food-handling practices before preparing that feast. New research from Kansas State University finds that most home chefs drop the ball on food safety.
	Sickle-cell disease patient cured after bone marrow transplant A Rochester woman who was born with sickle-cell anemia has been cured of the disease after a bone marrow transplant at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
	What exactly is coronavirus? The conflicts in Syria and Iraq are straining public health systems and public health efforts meant to prevent and detect the spread of infectious diseases. This is generating a "perfect storm" of conditions for outbreaks. Among the infections raising concern is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, caused by a type of coronavirus, which emerged in 2012.
Team discovers key to preventing blindness and stroke devastation Research led by Nicolas Bazan, MD, PhD, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Yvette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degeneration Research, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans, has discovered gene interactions that determine whether cells live or die in such conditions as age-related macular degeneration and ischemic stroke. These common molecular mechanisms in vision and brain integrity can prevent blindness and also promote recovery from a stroke. The paper is published online in Cell Death & Differentiation, a Nature journal.
Scientists home in on reasons behind cancer drug trial disappointment Scientists based at the University of Helsinki, Finland, have discovered a 'hidden' mechanism which could explain why some cancer therapies which aim to block tumour blood vessel growth are failing cancer trials.
	DNA clock helps to get measure of people's lifespans Scientists have identified a biological clock that provides vital clues about how long a person is likely to live.
	Can Lean Management improve hospitals? Waiting times in hospital emergency departments could be cut with the introduction of Lean Management and Six Sigma techniques according to new research.
Altered dopamine signaling a clue to autism Newly discovered genetic variations linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disrupt the function of the dopamine transporter, suggesting that altered dopamine signaling contributes to this common developmental condition, according to a Vanderbilt University-led research team.
Tweeting about sexism may improve a woman's wellbeing This is one of the findings of a study by Dr Mindi Foster, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada that is published today, Friday 30 January 2015, in the British Journal of Social Psychology. The study was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
	More measles cases seen in January than in typical year: CDC (HealthDay)—The United States has seen more cases of measles in January than it usually does in an entire year, federal health officials said Thursday.
	Teens, young adults most likely to go to ER after car accidents: report (HealthDay)—In a finding that won't surprise many parents, a new government analysis shows that teens and young adults are the most likely to show up in a hospital ER with injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident.
	Colon cancer rates rising among Americans under 50 (HealthDay)—Although the overall rate of colon cancer has fallen in recent decades, new research suggests that over the last 20 years the disease has been increasing among young and early middle-aged American adults.
	Mobile and interactive media use by young children: The good, the bad and the unknown Mobile devices are everywhere and children are using them more frequently at young ages. The impact these mobile devices are having on the development and behavior of children is still relatively unknown. In a commentary in the journal Pediatrics, researchers review the many types of interactive media available today and raise important questions regarding their use as educational tools, as well as their potential detrimental role in stunting the development of important tools for self-regulation.
New software analyzes human genomes faster than other available technologies Investigators at Nationwide Children's Hospital have developed an analysis "pipeline" that slashes the time it takes to search a person's genome for disease-causing variations from weeks to hours. An article describing the ultra-fast, highly scalable software was published in the latest issue of Genome Biology.
Fluorescent dyes 'light up' brain cancer cells Two new fluorescent dyes attracted to cancer cells may help neurosurgeons more accurately localize and completely resect brain tumors, suggests a study in the February issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
Carnegie Mellon, Pitt ethicists question impact of hospital advertising If you have ever "googled" illness symptoms and possible treatments, you are not alone. A national Pew Research Center survey indicated that 72 percent of adults searched the Internet for health information in the past year. But, how reliable is that information and what are the ethical implications?
Study links deficiency of cellular housekeeping gene with aggressive forms of breast cancer UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have identified a strong link between the most aggressive type of breast cancer and a gene that regulates the body's natural cellular recycling process, called autophagy.
	Spain uses stem cell therapy to treat damaged hearts A Spanish hospital has successfully used stem cells culled from healthy donors to treat seven heart attack victims, in what officials said was a world first.
	Milk does a body good? A look at the science Embattled milk producers in the U.S. launched a social media campaign this week to rebuild public confidence in the health benefits of their product.
Flu hospitalizations of elderly hit record high, CDC says Some new evidence this is a particularly bad flu season: Flu-related hospitalizations of the elderly are the highest since the government started tracking that statistic nine years ago.
	White House: Science indicates parents should vaccinate kids Amid the measles outbreak stemming from California, the White House is telling parents that science indicates they should vaccinate their children.
	National prenatal screening program increased CHD detection (HealthDay)—Implementation of a national screening program in the Netherlands increased the prenatal detection rate of congenital heart disease (CHD), according to a study published online Jan. 27 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
	Researchers learning more about deadly pancreatic cancer (HealthDay)—Scientists are working to find new ways to treat pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer in the United States.
Study find loss of certain protein is associated with poor prognosis in breast, lung cancer Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have found that breast and lung cancer patients who have low levels of a protein called tristetraprolin (TTP) have more aggressive tumors and a poorer prognosis than those with high levels of the protein. Their study was published in the Dec. 26 issue of PLoS One.
Second bird flu case confirmed in Canada The husband of a Canadian who was diagnosed earlier this week with bird flu after returning from a trip to China has also tested positive for the virus, health officials said Friday.
Researchers reveal how pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemotherapy Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease. The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for 2014 show that over 46,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 39,000 will die from it. Now, research led by Timothy J. Yen, PhD, Professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, reveals that one reason this deadly form of cancer can be so challenging to treat is because its cells have found a way to sidestep chemotherapy. They hijack the vitamin D receptor, normally associated with bone health, and re-purposed it to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy. The findings, which will be published in the January 3 issue of the journal Cell Cycle, raise hopes that doctors will one day find a way to turn this process against the tumor and help chemotherapy do its job.
FDA approves ADHD drug for binge-eating disorder Federal health regulators have approved an attention deficit disorder drug for a new use: A first-of-its kind treatment for binge-eating disorder.
Singapore launches universal health insurance Singapore's parliament has enacted a universal health insurance scheme with nearly $3.0 billion in subsidies to help the elderly and lower-income people, as it responds to demands for better social safety nets.
	Unique EarlyBird study set for historic third phase A unique study which has followed 300 young people from age five since 2000, has received backing for a third phase which will see it become the first study of its kind in the world to track the same group from childhood to adulthood.
	Cardiothoracic surgeon performs unusual surgery on elite athlete From the time he was about 8 years old, Shahab Maslehati had been well aware that his chest was sunken. It had become more pronounced in adolescence, a time when, as he put it, "you're naturally self-conscious about everything." But it hadn't affected his high-school basketball career or his life in general into his early to mid-twenties. He graduated from Colorado State University in 2006 and took a job with the Farm Credit Administration in Denver, where he's worked ever since.
New technologies to help patients with Parkinson's disease Researchers at the UPM are testing new wearable sensor networks and mobile phone applications to monitor and manage patients with Parkinson's disease.
	Minimally invasive treatment based on electrical muscle stimulation corrects spinal curvature in children Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects 2 to 3% of children aged between 10 and 16. It is more common in girls than in boys (with a ratio of 10-1). Besides the obvious physical signs derived from the visible spinal deformity, AIS can cause psychological and emotional problems (low self-esteem, poor body image, etc.) that significantly reduce patients' quality of life.
	AbbVie reports better-than-expected 4Q on Humira sales Drugmaker Abbvie posted better-than-expected adjusted results for the fourth quarter on Friday due to double-digit growth of its blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug Humira.
'Vast majority' of neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine More than three-fourths US neurosurgeons practice some form of defensive medicine—performing additional tests and procedures out of fear of malpractice lawsuits, reports a special article in the February issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
FTC clears Sun Pharma's $4B purchase of competitor Ranbaxy Sun Pharmaceuticals will sell the rights to one generic drug as part of its purchase of competitor Ranbaxy Laboratories, U.S. antitrust regulators said Friday.
Jamaica Senate starts debate on pot decriminalization bill Jamaica's Senate on Friday started debating a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot and establish a licensing agency to regulate a lawful medical marijuana industry on the island where the drug has long been pervasive but prohibited.

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