Fwd: Science X Newsletter Wednesday, Feb 11

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Newsletter Phys.org <not-for-reply@physorg.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 12, 2015 at 2:55 AM
Subject: Science X Newsletter Wednesday, Feb 11
To: Pascal Alter <pascal.alter@gmail.com>

The Phys.org team would like to share a valuable resource from this month's content sponsor, COMSOL.

We're offering instant access to Multiphysics Simulation: An IEEE Spectrum Supplement. Read stories on the modeling of particle accelerators, semiconductors, smart materials, and more: http://goo.gl/TggcVF

***************************************************

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for February 11, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Small-scale challenges to the cold dark matter model
- New study identifies key design features that boost violins' acoustic power
- Study shows example of a parasite using a bioweapon to control host
- Largest ever genome-wide study strengthens genetic link to obesity
- Astronomers catch multiple-star system in first stages of formation
- Temperature dependence and the thermal limits of embryogenesis
- Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells
- Researchers find link in how cells start process necessary for life
- Open source virtual reality platform takes on 13 new partners
- Oldest fur seal identified, ending five-million-year 'ghost lineage'
- Buildings with 'rocking' technology would be more earthquake-resilient
- Real-time brain feedback reduces attention lapses
- What makes the feather soar
- SpaceX launches observatory on third try, nixes landing test
- Boston Dynamics unveils latest robot quadruped 'Spot' (w/ Video)

Astronomy & Space news

	Small-scale challenges to the cold dark matter model (Phys.org)—A collaborative of researchers from several U.S. universities has published a new paper that explains the major contradictions presented by the prevailing cold dark matter (CDM) cosmological model, and proposes approaches for reconciling cosmological observations with the CDM model's predictions. The paper, titled "Cold dark matter: Controversies on small scales," was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in December.
	Astronomers catch multiple-star system in first stages of formation For the first time, astronomers have caught a multiple-star system in the beginning stages of its formation, and their direct observations of this process give strong support to one of several suggested pathways to producing such systems.
	SpaceX unmanned spaceship splashes down near Southern California An unmanned Dragon spaceship splashed back to Earth on Tuesday after a successful supply run to the International Space Station but its owners were forced to scrub the launch of an important weather satellite on the other side of the continent.
	Europe set for launch of "space plane" prototype Engineers were preparing for the launch Wednesday of a "space plane" that Europe hopes will help it master a key phase in orbital flight—the ability to return to Earth.
	Image: Smile, and the universe smiles with you An upbeat-looking galaxy cluster appears to smile at us in a newly released image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The cluster - designated as SDSS J1038+4849 - appears to have two eyes and a nose as part of a happy face.
	Why comets are like deep fried ice cream Astronomers tinkering with ice and organics in the lab may have discovered why comets are encased in a hard, outer crust.
	Research pair suggests dark matter could create halos of light around galaxies (Phys.org)—A pair of researchers affiliated with Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris has suggested that dark matter may impact light in a way not thought of before. In their paper published in the journal Physical Review Letters, Jonathan Davis and Joseph Silk suggest that dark matter could scatter light from stars creating halos of light around galaxies.
	Astronomers find unexpected 'storm' at galaxy's core Astronomers using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) found surprisingly energetic activity in what they otherwise considered a "boring" galaxy, and their discovery provides important insight on how supermassive black holes can have a catastrophic effect on the galaxies in which they reside.
	Europe launches space plane with eye on strategic goal Europe said it had launched a prototype space plane Wednesday in a strategy to join an elite club able to both launch a spacecraft and return it safely to Earth.
	SpaceX launches observatory on third try, nixes landing test SpaceX launched an observatory inspired by former Vice President Al Gore toward a solar-storm lookout point a million miles away Wednesday.
	'Lopsided' supernova could be responsible for rogue hypervelocity stars Hypervelocity stars have been observed traversing the Galaxy at extreme velocities (700 km/s), but the mechanisms that give rise to such phenomena are still debated. Astronomer Thomas M. Tauris argues that lopsided supernova explosions can eject lower-mass Solar stars from the Galaxy at speeds up to 1280 km/s. "[This mechanism] can account for the majority (if not all) of the detected G/K-dwarf hypervelocity candidates," he said.
	NASA spacecraft completes 40,000 Mars orbits NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter passed a mission milestone of 40,000 orbits on Feb. 7, 2015, in its ninth year of returning information about the atmosphere, surface and subsurface of Mars, from equatorial to polar latitudes.
	Anti-geyser testing completed for SLS liquid oxygen tank Goodbye, geysers! NASA engineers have successfully finished anti-geyser testing for the liquid oxygen tank that will help fuel the agency's new rocket, the Space Launch System, on the journey to Mars.
	ATV to bid farewell to space station for last time ESA's last Automated Transfer Vehicle will leave the International Space Station on Saturday for its final solo voyage, setting course for a fiery demise that will mark the end of its mission and the programme.
	Why does the Milky Way rotate? We live in a galaxy that is called the Milky Way. It's called a barred spiral galaxy, which means that it has a spiral shape with a bar of stars across its middle. The galaxy is rather huge—at least 100,000 light-years in diameter, making it the second-biggest in our Local Group of galaxies.
	Planck reveals the dynamic side of the Universe The Planck collaboration, which includes the CNRS, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the French National Space Agency (CNES) and several French universities and institutions, has today released data from four years of observation by the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Planck spacecraft. The aim of the Planck mission is to study the cosmic microwave background, the light left over from the Big Bang. The measurements, taken in nine frequency bands, were used to map not only the temperature of the radiation but also its polarization, which provides additional information about both the very early Universe (when it was 380,000 years old) and our galaxy's magnetic field.
	Extremely large telescopes will add more firepower to search the cosmos As an astronomer, I get a lot of requests for help. "I'd like to buy a telescope," the conversation usually goes. "Can you give me some tips on what to look for?"
	European space plane splashes down on schedule: ESA Europe's prototype space plane splashed down in the Pacific on schedule Wednesday after a 100-minute flight to test key re-entry technologies, the European Space Agency (ESA) said.
	SpaceX tries again to launch observatory, nixes landing test SpaceX counted on better flying weather Wednesday as it geared up for the third time to launch a deep-space observatory, but canceled a radical rocket-landing test because of rough seas.
Team explores vision complications for astronauts An international partnership between Florida State University and a team from the Russian Academy of Sciences has found that space travel may severely impair the body's ability to regulate blood rushing to the brain, which could contribute to the temporary or permanent vision problems experienced by astronauts.
	Europe tests space plane in step to strategic goal Europe on Wednesday said it successfully launched and brought back to Earth a prototype space plane in a strategy to join an elite club of space powers.
	Canada shuttering key big-lens observatory Canada is shuttering a critical teaching observatory in eastern North America where the first dark skies reserve was created, its director told AFP on Wednesday.

Medicine & Health news

	Largest ever genome-wide study strengthens genetic link to obesity There are many reasons why people gain different amounts of weight and why fat becomes stored in different parts of their bodies. Now researchers are homing in on genetic reasons. Their findings, part of the largest genome-wide study to date, were published in two companion papers today in the journal Nature.
	One-two punch catches cancer cells in vulnerable state Timing may be decisive when it comes to overcoming cancer's ability to evade treatment. By hitting breast cancer cells with a targeted therapeutic immediately after chemotherapy, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) were able to target cancer cells during a transitional stage when they were most vulnerable, killing cells and shrinking tumors in the lab and in pre-clinical models. The team reports its findings in Nature Communications on February 11.
	Researchers uncover signal that switches cells to cancerous metabolism Abnormal metabolism within the cells is a distinctive characteristic of cancer, but until now, the mechanism that causes cells to undergo this metabolic shift remained unknown.
	Real-time brain feedback reduces attention lapses Your attention, please. People make mistakes every day because they lose focus. Maybe your car drifts across the center line or an error slips into a report at work.
	Why the wheels come off in communication How can two people come up with two completely different Lego models while working from the same instructions?
	Brain's GPS system influenced by shape of environment Patterns created by the brain's grid cells, which are believed to guide navigation, are modified by the shape of the environment, according to UCL researchers. This means grid patterns aren't a universal metric for the brain's GPS system to measure distance, as previously thought.
	Mutation detection in human in vitro fertilized embryos using whole-genome sequencing Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is used in fertility clinics to detect large chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations passed on by parents to their in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. However, it is not possible to comprehensively scan the embryo's genome to detect spontaneous mutations. In a study published online today in Genome Research, scientists developed a whole-genome sequencing approach using 5- to 10-cell biopsies from human embryos to detect potential disease-causing mutations.
Protein controls both alcohol craving and organ damage What if there was a drug that could simultaneously curb a person's craving for alcohol while also protecting their heart and liver from alcohol's damaging effects? While an actual pill that can do this might be a ways off, the results of a new study from researchers at the University of Iowa suggest that it might be potentially possible.
	Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells Brain cancer patients may live longer thanks to a new cancer-detection method developed by researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital - The Neuro, at McGill University and the MUHC, and Polytechnique Montréal. The collaborative team has created a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells. The hand-held Raman spectroscopy probe enables surgeons, for the first time, to accurately detect virtually all invasive brain cancer cells in real time during surgery. The probe is superior to existing technology and could set a new standard for successful brain cancer surgery.
	Terrible at remembering names? Blame it on the music, not the memory Music may help some people relax when they're trying to concentrate. But it doesn't help them remember what they're focusing on, especially as they get older.
Low vitamin D predicts more severe strokes, poor health post-stroke Stroke patients with low vitamin D levels were found to be more likely than those with normal vitamin D levels to suffer severe strokes and have poor health months after stroke, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
	Caution concerning the possible health benefits of alcohol Any health benefits from alcohol may be limited to women aged 65 and over - and even then may have been exaggerated by existing studies, suggests research published in The BMJ today.
Drowned children do not benefit from resuscitation beyond 30 minutes Children who drown and suffer from cardiac arrest with hypothermia are significantly more likely to die or suffer severe brain damage if resuscitation continues for more than 30 minutes, finds a study published in The BMJ.
Stress caused by discrimination linked to mental health issues among Latino teens Latino adolescents who experience discrimination-related stress are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and issues with sleep, according to research led by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. These mental health outcomes were more pronounced among Latino teens born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, as opposed to foreign-born teens.
	One in five suicides is associated with unemployment Every year, around 45,000 people take their own lives because they are out of work or someone close to them is affected by unemployment, as a study by the University of Zurich now reveals. It includes data of 63 countries and demonstrates that during the 2008 economic crisis the number of all suicides associated with unemployment was nine times higher than previously believed.
	Lab creates potentially life saving heart cells A group of Simon Fraser University researchers' cultivation of dozens of beating heart cells in Petrie dishes could one day save or improve the lives of patients with inherited heart arrhythmias. They are genetic mutations that cause irregular heartbeats that can be lethal.
	New strategic approach against bowel cancer Colorectal carcinoma is the most frequent type of bowel cancer and the second most common tumour disease among men and women in Germany. So-called microsatellite stable colorectal cancer with mutations in the BRAF gene represents a particularly aggressive form. The BRAF gene produces the enzyme B-Raf, which plays a critical role in controlling cell division. A team of researchers from Freiburg and Stuttgart including the Freiburg biologists Dr. Ricarda Herr and Dr. Tilman Brummer analysed the effect of B-Raf inhibitors on the behaviour of colorectal cancer cells in three-dimensional tissue culture. Their findings show that B-Raf inhibitors cause the cancer cells to differentiate into cells that are characterised by more mature features and specialised to fulfil a specific function. Importantly, more differentiated cells often display a less aggressive behaviour. Hence, combination strategies, which are currently in clinical trials! and involve B-Raf inhibitors, might be able to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Taking too much folic acid while pregnant may put daughters at risk of diabetes and obesity Mothers that take excessive amounts of folic acid during pregnancy may predispose their daughters to diabetes and obesity later in life, according to a new study published today in the Journal of Endocrinology. With high dose supplements being widely available, the study calls for a need to establish a safe upper limit of folic acid intake for pregnant women.
	Rate of Latino physicians shrinks, even as Latino population swells Latinos are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, with their numbers having risen 243 percent since 1980. Yet the number of Latino physicians per 100,000 Latinos has declined by 22 percent during that period, according to new research.
	Large numbers of teenage girls experience sexual coercion in relationships More than four in ten teenage schoolgirls in England have experienced sexual coercion, new research by University of Bristol academics launched today [11 February] reveals. Most were pressured to have sex or other sexual activity, and in some cases, this included rape. And many of the 13-17-year-olds had also suffered physical attacks, intimidation or emotional abuse from their boyfriends.
	Nationwide survey reveals widespread use of mind and body practices More Americans of all ages are rolling out their yoga mats in an effort to improve their health. A large nationally representative survey shows that the number of Americans using mind and body approaches to improve health and well-being remains high. Of note is a significant increase in the use of yoga since 2002. In addition, almost as many Americans practice meditation or receive chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation.
	Book reveals teens' questions about sex and relationships, then provides the answers A new book co-authored by a Virginia Commonwealth University professor reveals the frank questions teenagers have about sex and relationships, and answers them all with factual, medically based responses.
Chest compressions save lives, says cardiologist Imagine being with someone who suddenly collapses and doesn't respond to you.
	Exercise science study shows no increased risk of injury from uphill/downhill running Like many runners, former BYU track star Katy Andrews Neves has had her share of injuries. Unlike most runners, one of those injuries has been witnessed by millions of people around the world.
	'Nurture' more important than 'nature' in childhood obesity says research Parents' lifestyles, rather than their genes, are primarily responsible for their children being overweight according to research by the Centre for Economic Performance, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
	New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths Children treated for moderate acute malnutrition—a condition suffered by an estimated 35 million children worldwide—experience a disturbingly high rate of relapse and even death in the year following treatment and recovery.
	Nationwide study reports shifts in Americans' use of natural products A nationally representative survey shows that natural product use in the United States has shifted since 2007, with some products becoming more popular and some falling out of favor. Overall, natural products (dietary supplements other than vitamins and minerals) remain the most common complementary health approach.
	Sieve-like structure regulates the transport of proteins and migration of white blood cells into lymph nodes Researchers have uncovered a sieve-like structure in lymph nodes that regulates the transport of proteins and migration of white blood cells into lymph nodes. The discovery, made by scientists working at the University of Turku, Finland, will provide new insights into rapid defence responses in the human immune system. The research was carried out with funding from the Academy of Finland and the Sigrid Juselius Foundation.
Study may explain why people choose not to vaccinate their children Two groups of people – those who have greater trust of health-care professionals and possess more knowledge about vaccines and those who are older, more educated and more affluent – are more likely to believe that the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the risks, according to a study by a University of Arkansas political scientist.
Stroke patients receiving better, more timely care One in four acute ischemic stroke patients treated with a time-dependent clot-busting drug were quickly transferred from an emergency department or smaller community hospital to a certified stroke center, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
	Fighting malaria is going to take more than just nets In January, the New York Times highlighted how insecticide treated nets meant to protect people from mosquitoes and malaria are now being used to haul fish in Africa. Among those using these nets to catch fish, hunger today is a bigger risk than malaria tomorrow.
	Banning kids from using technology is counter-productive Taiwan recently made the unprecedented move of banning children two years and younger from using any form of digital technology.
	Can science finger a philanderer? Are people naturally monogamous, polygamous or promiscuous? It's one of those questions that most people feel quite confident in answering. Ask a few people and you're likely to receive a variety of contradictory answers, each delivered with considerable confidence. But the question is far more slippery than it first appears.
	Study confirms effectiveness of device to improve bowel control Research led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery shows a vaginal bowel-control system designed by Pelvalon is the first device to successfully control fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage, via a vaginal insert. The results of the research, known as the LIFE study, are available now online and will be published in the March 2015 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	Heating targeted cancer drugs increases uptake in tumour cells Manchester scientists have found that gentle heating of targeted nano-sized drug parcels more effectively in deliver them to tumour cells – resulting in an improvement in survival rates.
	A cancer false alarm could discourage people from checking out future symptoms Cancer Research UK scientists have found that having a cancer false alarm could put people off checking out cancer symptoms they develop in the future.
	'Drink less' campaigns should focus on why and how Campaigns to get young people to drink less should focus on the benefits of not drinking and how it can be achieved, a new study suggests.
	Treating the uninjured side of the brain appears to aid stroke recovery To maximize stroke recovery, researchers may want to focus more on ways to support the side of the brain where the injury didn't occur, scientists report.
Does illness make people lonely? Difficult circumstances often bring people closer together. But a new Concordia study published in Health Psychology has found that the onset of chronic illness often results in sufferers feeling lonelier—even for those who have had a steady partner for 50 years or more.
Higher mortality risk in individuals with mental health disorders Individuals with mental health disorders have a risk of mortality that is two times higher than the general population or than individuals without such disorders, according to a study published online by JAMA Psychiatry.
Supermarket promotions boost sales of less healthy foods more than healthier foods UK supermarket price promotions are more likely to lead to an increase in sales of less healthy foods than healthier choices in supermarkets, according to a study published today. However, the study of almost 27,000 UK households found that supermarkets were no more likely to promote less healthy over healthier foods.
Researcher identifies novel pathway that solid tumor cancer cells activate for growth A common, yet previously undistinguished protein, which is elevated in many late-stage cancers, may play a strategic role in tumor growth through a non-conventional pathway, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine report in the Feb. 10 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Research finds 15-fold increase in newborn opioid withdrawal in Ontario The number of newborns suffering from opioid withdrawal increased 15-fold in Ontario over 20 years, according to research published today in CMAJ Open.
New evidence on risks of advanced maternal age Many of the risk factors associated with pregnancy are more harmful when the expectant mother is over 35. According to an extensive, register-based study carried out at the University of Eastern Finland, the risks associated with overweight, smoking, gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia are higher in advanced maternal age than in younger expectant mothers.
	New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine today heralds a new era in stroke treatment across the globe.
	Caring youth-parent relations can be vital to preventing adolescent suicide attempts Positive relations between youth and their parents can be key to preventing adolescent suicide attempts, according to the University of British Columbia (UBC) research.
	First-in man: Tumor suctioned from vein to allow minimally invasive kidney surgery Physicians at Henry Ford Hospital successfully suctioned a cancerous tumor from a major vein in a patient with metastatic kidney cancer, clearing the way for him to undergo a minimally-invasive kidney removal. This allowed him to participate in a clinical trial using genetic material from his tumor to produce a vaccine to help fight his metastatic disease.
	New technology could help patients make better decisions on care Traditional decision aids to help patient-doctor discussions have drawbacks, but a new electronic model developed by McMaster University researchers holds promise of revolutionizing shared decision-making in the doctor's office with the touch of an electronic tablet.
	How much sleep do we need? Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Lydia DonCarlos, PhD, is a member of an expert panel that's making new recommendations on how much sleep people need.
	Brain stents show big promise for certain stroke patients Stroke experts are reporting a major advance: Stents similar to the ones used to open clogged heart arteries also can be used to clear a blood clot in the brain, greatly lowering the risk a patient will end up disabled.
Mobile stroke units improve response times, outcomes for patients Mobile Stroke Treatment Units - specialized emergency rooms on wheels - are saving critical minutes in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients, according to two new studies presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
	Stem cell transplants may work better than existing drug for severe multiple sclerosis Stem cell transplants may be more effective than the drug mitoxantrone for people with severe cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study published in the February 11, 2015, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Minds at attention: Military and mindfulness Rather than the calm before the storm, the period before soldiers are deployed to a conflict zone is a time of extremely high demand and intense stress. Soldiers receive intensive training for the mission, while psychologically preparing to leave loved ones to face a dangerous, high-stress, high-performance environment. Although the goal of the predeployment period is to ensure that soldiers are prepared for the mission, studies have shown the presence of impaired cognitive functioning and psychological health during this critical interval.
Scientists limit accelerated cellular aging caused by methamphetamine use The ravaged faces of methamphetamine addicts tell a terrible tale - abusing the drug dramatically accelerates aging. Now scientists from UC Irvine and the Italian Institute of Technology have discovered how this occurs at the cellular level and identified methods to limit the process.
New device improves healing of some ruptured aneurysms A new device inserted into small ruptured brain aneurysms significantly improved healing of ruptured aneurysms compared to a standard device, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
Twelve-year study suggests procedures to prevent cervical cancer do not affect fertility Common surgical procedures used to diagnose and treat precancerous cervical lesions do not decrease women's chances of becoming pregnant, according to a study that followed nearly 100,000 women for up to 12 years.
Stroke survivors more likely to make dangerous driving errors Drivers who have had recent strokes are more likely than drivers who have not had strokes to make errors during complex driving tasks, according to two small Canadian studies presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
Lower systolic blood pressure reduces risk of stroke People 60 or older, especially minorities and women, have a lower risk of stroke if the top number (systolic) in their blood pressure is below 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), according to a study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
Optic nerve may help predict stroke patient death risk Using optic ultrasound to measure the sheath of a nerve that connects the eye and brain can help identify acute stroke patients most at risk of dying within days or months, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2015.
	Researchers find new therapy benefits stroke patients Canadian researchers have completed an international randomized controlled trial showing that a clot retrieval procedure, known as endovascular treatment (ET), can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke. The study, led by researchers at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), shows a dramatic improvement in outcomes and a reduction in deaths from stroke. The results of this study were published in the Feb. 11 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
	Order matters: Sequence of genetic mutations determines how cancer behaves The order in which genetic mutations are acquired determines how an individual cancer behaves, according to research from the University of Cambridge, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Education, not mandatory screening, best for women with dense breast tissue Women with dense breast tissue are at increased risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue, generally defined as having more fibroglandular than fatty tissue, can make it more difficult for radiologists to detect cancer on screening mammography.
Lenvatinib shows promise for patients with radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer In a pivotal Phase III study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the oral anti-angiogenic therapy lenvatinib has shown dramatic improvement in progression-free survival in patients with advanced radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer.
International study finds meth messes up brains of youths far more than those of adults Adolescents who chronically use methamphetamine suffer greater and more widespread alterations in their brain than adults who chronically abuse the drug-and damage is particularly evident in a part of the brain believed to control the "executive function," researchers from the University of Utah and South Korea report.
In-flight blood transfusions increase survival rates and improve trauma patient outcomes Air-lifted trauma victims who received blood transfusions in the helicopter before arriving at a trauma center had higher one-day survival rates and less chance of shock than air-lifted patients who did not receive blood transfusions until they arrived at the trauma unit, according to study findings published online in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The study appears as an "article in press" and will appear in a print edition of the journal this spring.
Reduction in menopause-related symptoms associated with non-invasive neurotechnology Nearly nine out of 10 premenopausal and postmenopausal women in the United States experience hot flashes, night sweats or other disturbances in mood and sleep. Unfortunately, there aren't many safe and effective therapies available to manage these symptoms.
Milk allergy? Watch the dark chocolate Does your sweetheart have a milk allergy? You may want to hold off on a dark chocolate Valentine.
	With generic drugs, eye patients are more likely to take medicine as directed When patients with glaucoma switched from a brand name drug to its generic counterpart, they were more likely to take their medication as directed compared to those who remained on the brand name drug, according to a study published online in Ophthalmology.
Study finds air pollution affects short-term memory, IQ and brain metabolic ratios City smog lowers children's IQ. This is among findings from a recent University of Montana study that found children living in cities with significant air pollution are at an increased risk for detrimental impacts to the brain, including short-term memory loss and lower IQ.
Transcriptomics identifies genes and signaling pathways that may regulate neurodegeneration Neuronal death is a normal feature of brain development but also a defining feature of neurodegenerative diseases when improperly regulated. Results of a detailed and comprehensive analysis of transcriptome expression alterations during neuronal death have been reported. A large number of genes previously not linked to neuronal death were identified in the study. Although further functional analyses are needed, some of these genes may be important players in the regulation of neuronal death and represent potential targets for the development of novel therapies.
	Early retina cell changes in glaucoma identified Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, usually stems from elevated eye pressure, which in turn damages and destroys specialized neurons in the eye known as retinal ganglion cells. To better understand these cellular changes and how they influence the progression and severity of glaucoma, researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Shiley Eye Institute turned to a mouse model of the disease. Their study, published Feb. 10 in The Journal of Neuroscience, reveals how some types of retinal ganglion cells alter their structures within seven days of elevated eye pressure, while others do not.
	Researchers identify novel factor involved in autophagy Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are typically characterized by protein deposits in the brain. These are comprised of defective, insoluble proteins which no longer fulfill their function and which cells are unable to break down. The work group headed by Professor Christian Behl of the Institute of Pathobiochemistry of the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has determined the RAB3GAP complex as a novel factor that influences the efficient degradation of proteins. The researchers were able to show that the complex plays an important role in autophagy, a physiological process that breaks down cellular proteins and organelles. This insight opens up possible new options for the development of therapeutic and preventative approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. The work group has published the results of their research in the specialized journal Autophagy.
	Bacteria protect intestinal tumor model from being killed by immune cells Bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth are often abundant in patients with colon cancer, but the potential role these microbes play in tumor development has not been clear. A study published by Cell Press February 10th in the journal Immunity reveals that the oral pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum protects a variety of tumor cells from being killed by immune cells. The findings could open new avenues for the treatment of cancer in human patients.
Diabetes drug spurs host defense Pioglitazone, a medication approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes, can help bypass genetic defects in chronic granulomatous disease to help white blood cells fight bacterial infections, according to researchers at National Jewish Health.
	Study ties more deaths, types of disease, to smoking Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and even routine infections. A new report ties these and other maladies to smoking and says an additional 60,000 to 120,000 deaths each year in the United States are probably due to tobacco use.
Measles outbreak hits third Canadian province An outbreak of measles with at least one case linked to a flare-up of the virus in the neighboring United States has struck Canada, public health officials said Wednesday.
	AMA: Use American Heart Month to focus on patients' BP (HealthDay)—As part of American Heart Month, physicians are encouraged to focus on patients' blood pressure, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
Kidneys from HIV donors may be OK for HIV patients, study finds (HealthDay)—New research from South Africa suggests that HIV may not be a barrier for kidney transplants between people infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
	Sunday deadline driving health law sign-ups for 2015 Ahead of a Sunday deadline, consumers are stepping up to enroll for 2015 coverage under President Barack Obama's health care law, administration officials said Wednesday.
US withdrawing troops fighting Ebola President Barack Obama said Wednesday US military efforts to contain Ebola would give way to a civilian-led drive to "extinguish" the virus, as he ordered home American troops in West Africa.
Death of the bake sale: New rules mean healthier fundraisers When it comes to school fundraisers, bake sale tables loaded with sugary goodies are out. Fun runs, auctions and sales of healthier treats are in.
Ebola-hit Liberia announces new delay to school restart Liberia's education ministry has announced a further postponement of the reopening of the country's schools, which were closed six months ago to limit the spread of the Ebola virus.
	Fujitsu develops technology to accurately align nodules within CT scan images taken over time Fujitsu today announced that it has developed a technology for the highly precise alignment of nodules, or growths of cells, within computed tomography (CT) images taken of the same patient on different dates. In CT imaging, the position of a nodule may change because of a person's heartbeat and breathing. In the past, these images have been aligned using surrounding blood vessels and other features as reference points, but when there are few blood vessels in close proximity, this technique is imprecise. Fujitsu has now developed a technology that very accurately aligns these images using not only nearby blood vessels, but also those located over a larger area as reference points, even when there are few blood vessels nearby.
Landmark study into firefighters' mental health The University of Adelaide is conducting the first study of its kind into the mental health of professional firefighters at South Australia's Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS).
	Virtual reality and neurorobotics to speed up rehabilitation following strokes and spinal cord injuries To speed up the recovery process of people who suffer motor disability. This is the ambitious aim of the HYPER research project which is using neurorobotics, neuroprosthetics and virtual reality to improve the life quality of patients whose mobility is limited.
Cholera kills 19 in flood-ravaged Mozambique A cholera epidemic has killed 19 people in northern Mozambique following flooding that devastated the region, the government said Wednesday.
	Liberia president calls for zero Ebola cases, vigilance Liberia's president vowed Wednesday that the country would get to zero Ebola cases soon as the U.S. military announced it will be withdrawing most of its troops who have spent the last several months helping to battle the disease.
Exercise ball used in delivery process decreases labor time, reduces number of C-sections According to a new study by nurse researchers at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, a Phoenix hospital part of Banner Health, a peanut-shaped exercise ball can be a highly effective tool to accelerate the labor process for women with an epidural. The research shows women utilizing the peanut ball were half as likely to undergo a cesarean surgery and delivered babies faster than those who did not use the ball. The results are published in the 2015 winter edition of the Journal of Perinatal Education.
Grant preparation blowout despite simplified NHMRC process A new study shows the time Australian researchers spent applying for National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grants last year blew out by a collective 67 years, despite the funding body streamlining its application process.
Plague outbreak kills 71 in Madagascar: WHO The plague has killed 71 people in Madagascar since September, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, adding that the outbreak was slowing but still posed a threat.
	UH team works to help patients with Down syndrome see better New computer-simulated prescribing strategies for glasses may improve the vision of individuals with Down syndrome, thanks to a team of University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) researchers who received a $1.67 million grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI).
Commuter with measles prompts California transit warning Officials in Northern California on Wednesday warned Bay Area Rapid Transit commuters that they may have been exposed to measles.
Suit seeks to exempt physicians from assisted suicide law A cancer patient and five doctors filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to exempt physicians who help terminally ill patients end their lives from a California ban on assisted suicide.
AstraZeneca to pay $7.9 million over kickback allegations Pharmaceutical manufacturer AstraZeneca LP will pay $7.9 million to settle allegations that it engaged in a kickback scheme involving the heartburn medicine Nexium, U.S. Justice Department officials said Wednesday.
Ebola cases on the rise for second month: WHO The number of new Ebola cases in west Africa rose for the second week running after a previous falls, including a "sharp increase" in Guinea, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Improving end-of-life care: Lessons from 40 years of work After four decades of work - first on patients' rights, then on family and caregiving relationships, and most recently on systemic reform—we now know that it will take additional efforts in all three areas to improve care at the end of life, concludes an article in the New England Journal of Medicine.

---

This email is a free service of Phys.org
You received this email because you subscribed to our list.
(......)
You are subscribed as pascal.alter@gmail.com