Fwd: Science X Newsletter Friday, May 15

RESPEKT!

Infective endocarditis incidence up in US from 2000 to 2011

Too much, too little sleep may up stroke risk for those with high blood pressure

Even in later life, exercise seems to pay dividends

Learning daily skills prepares kids with autism for adult life

Cognitive improvements with active singing in dementia

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Newsletter Phys.org <not-for-reply@physorg.com>
Date: Sat, May 16, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Subject: Science X Newsletter Friday, May 15
To: Pascal Alter <pascal.alter@gmail.com>

Dear Pascal Alter,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for May 15, 2015:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- What happens when Newton's third law is broken?
- Researchers demonstrate method that reduces friction between two surfaces to almost zero at macroscopic scale
- Researchers explore mechanics of silk to design materials with high strength and low density
- Astronomers baffled by discovery of rare quasar quartet
- Antibody's unusual abilities might inspire vaccine strategies
- Mystery methane on Mars: The saga continues
- Microsoft study claims human attention span now lags behind goldfish
- Simple Leonardo da Vinci experiments combined with advanced theory reveal new atomic-level insights into rubber
- Random nanowire configurations increase conductivity over heavily ordered configurations
- Soft-tissue engineering for hard-working cartilage
- Quantum physics on tap: Nano-sized faucet offers experimental support for longstanding quantum theory
- Isotope tracking: Chemical tags in ear bones track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon
- Antiviral compound may protect brain from pathogens, West Nile virus study shows
- Within colors of bees and butterflies, an optical engineer's dream is realized
- "WaitChatter" app teaches vocabulary during moments in between texts

Nanotechnology news

	Researchers demonstrate method that reduces friction between two surfaces to almost zero at macroscopic scale (Phys.org)—A team of researchers working at Argonne National Laboratory, in Illinois, has found a way to dramatically reduce friction between two macroscopic scale surfaces—to near zero. In their paper published in the journal Science, the team describes how they accidently discovered the method and why they believe it might be useful for real world applications.
	Team demonstrates first large-scale graphene fabrication One of the barriers to using graphene at a commercial scale could be overcome using a method demonstrated by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
	A nano-transistor assesses your health via sweat Made from state-of-the-art silicon transistors, an ultra-low power sensor enables real-time scanning of the contents of liquids such as perspiration. Compatible with advanced electronics, this technology boasts exceptional accuracy – enough to manufacture mobile sensors that monitor health.
	Within colors of bees and butterflies, an optical engineer's dream is realized Evolution has created in bees, butterflies, and beetles something optical engineers have been struggling to achieve for years—precisely organized biophotonic crystals that can be used to improve solar cells, fiber-optic cables, and even cosmetics and paints, a new Yale-led study has found.
	Random nanowire configurations increase conductivity over heavily ordered configurations Researchers at Lehigh University have identified for the first time that a performance gain in the electrical conductivity of random metal nanowire networks can be achieved by slightly restricting nanowire orientation. The most surprising result of the study is that heavily ordered configurations do not outperform configurations with some degree of randomness; randomness in the case of metal nanowire orientations acts to increase conductivity.

Physics news

	What happens when Newton's third law is broken? Even if you don't know it by name, everyone is familiar with Newton's third law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This idea can be seen in many everyday situations, such as when walking, where a person's foot pushes against the ground, and the ground pushes back with an equal and opposite force. Newton's third law is also essential for understanding and developing automobiles, airplanes, rockets, boats, and many other technologies.
	Quantum physics on tap: Nano-sized faucet offers experimental support for longstanding quantum theory We all know intuitively that normal liquids flow more quickly as the channel containing them tightens. Think of a river flowing through narrow rapids.
	New research explores when quantum systems get critical An international team of scientists from China and Australia have released research that has probed how quantum matter changes when it makes a 'quantum phase transition'.
	Particle physics discovery raises hope for a theory of everything The standard model of particle physics, which describes every particle we know of and how they interact, was given much credence when the Higgs boson was discovered in 2012. Now, measurements of a rare particle-physics decay at the Large Hadron Collider offer further support for the model – but also hints at ways to find out what lies beyond it.
Reported successes and failures aid hot pursuit of superconductivity A collaboration of researchers in Japan report on four years of extensive research into superconductivity, including the materials that were found not to have superconducting properties, as well as those that were, and their potential for wires and devices.
	Jumbled arrangement of atoms allows bulk metallic glasses to flow like honey Metals are one of the most-used materials in the modern built world, found in everything from buildings to aircraft to smartphones. While most metals are mined from the earth, scientists have recently created a new generation of metals in the lab. These so-called bulk metallic glasses have unique properties. They're stronger and harder than conventional metals, but can be formed like plastics. This sounds astonishing. What's behind their special characteristics?
	Deciphering distinct atomic motions in proteins with dynamic neutron scattering Whether inside algae converting biomass to fuels or human cells responding to radiation exposure, proteins change their shape via atomic motions to perform a specific function. Today these shape-changing processes are still difficult to measure and understand. Scientists recently determined three classes of atomic motion using neutron scattering coupled with computational simulations.

Earth news

	Earthquakes reveal deep secrets beneath East Asia A new work based on 3-D supercomputer simulations of earthquake data has found hidden rock structures deep under East Asia. Researchers from China, Canada, and the U.S. worked together to publish their results in March 2015 in the American Geophysical Union Journal of Geophysical Research, Solid Earth.
	NASA study shows Antarctica's Larsen B ice shelf nearing its final act A new NASA study finds the last remaining section of Antarctica's Larsen B Ice Shelf, which partially collapsed in 2002, is quickly weakening and likely to disintegrate completely before the end of the decade.
	Probing iron chemistry in the deep mantle Carbonates are a group of minerals that contain the carbonate ion (CO32-) and a metal, such as iron or magnesium. Carbonates are important constituents of marine sediments and are heavily involved in the planet's deep carbon cycle, primarily due to oceanic crust sinking into the mantle, a process called subduction. During subduction, carbonates interact with other minerals, which alter their chemical compositions. The concentrations of the metals gained by carbonate ions during these interactions are of interest to those who study deep earth chemistry cycles.
	As carbon emissions climb, so too has the Earth's capacity to remove CO2 from the atmosphere A new paper, co-authored by Woods Hole Research Center Senior Scientist Richard A. Houghton, entitled, "Audit of the global carbon budget: estimate errors and their impact on uptake uncertainty", was published in the journal Biogeosciences. The paper confirms that as carbon emissions continue to climb, so too has the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. About half of the emissions of CO2 each year remain in the atmosphere; the other half is taken up by the ecosystems on land and the oceans.
	Report shows 75 percent of Los Angeles County water systems vulnerable to drought, other challenges Despite the importance of potable water to the quality of life, economy and ecosystems in Los Angeles County, surprisingly little is known about the 228 government and private entities that deliver water, and how vulnerable or resilient they are to withstanding pressures from droughts and climate change. A new study by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation fills this gap and finds that 75 percent of community drinking water systems in Los Angeles County exhibit at least one indicator of supply vulnerability due either to dependency on a single type of water source, local groundwater contamination, small size or a projected increase in extreme heat days over the coming decades.
The rarity of huge aftershocks like the ones in Nepal The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on May 12, just weeks after the devastating 7.8 magnitude event, should be classed as an aftershock rather than a second earthquake. Although there are relatively few examples of such big aftershocks in history, the tragic events in Nepal demonstrate that we must always be prepared for them.
	Grazing fish can help save imperiled coral reefs Grazing fish can help save coral reefs, but not all grazers are created equal, according to a Florida International University study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series.
	Typhoon Dolphin closing in on Guam A tight, highly developed and organized Typhoon Dolphin is closing in on Guam as it cruises across the Pacific at 16 knots. It is currently located 290 miles east southeast of Andersen AFB located in Guam. The RapidScat image taken on May 14, 2015 shows a very tight spiral of winds in the center which shows a very organized storm eye. Winds at present are at 95 knots gusting to 115 (109 - 132 mph).
	Image: Catalan coast, Spain, from orbit This radar image captures part of Catalonia in northeastern Spain including the city of Barcelona (right), the site of one of Europe's principal seaports.
Approach for a sound environmental risk assessment of sub-seabed CO2 storage Research Project ECO2 preStorage of carbon dioxide in the offshore sea bed as part of a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) strategy is often discussed as a means to reduce further the increase of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Funded by the European Union, the ECO2 project developed recommendations for the selection and monitoring of submarine storage sites as well as an approach to a sound environmental risk assessment (ERA). 27 partner institutions from nine European countries cooperated in the project that has been coordinated by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel from May 2011 to April 2015. The outcome of ECO2 helps to adjust CCS regulations and to operate sub-seabed CO2storage sites more safely.
	Eye in the sky aids stocking rates Satellite imagery of rangelands properties can help pastoralists determine pasture growth and plan appropriate stocking levels, according to research at Liveringa Station in the Kimberley.
What works—and what doesn't—for engaging people on climate change A special report analyzing what works—and what doesn't—for motivating people to take action on climate change has been released today by the University of Victoria-led Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS).
	Over 50 years of marine litter research now available to all in new book University of Exeter researcher, Professor Tamara Galloway, has contributed to one of the most expansive summaries of our knowledge of man-made litter in the world's oceans to date. The new book, Marine Anthropogenic Litter is published by Springer and is set to be available through open access, allowing its content to reach the wider audience that is so necessary to raise awareness of this important challenge.
	Raising groundwater keeps valleys from sinking: Santa Clara Valley, Calif. California and other parts of the western U.S. are experiencing extended severe drought conditions. Varying groundwater levels in valleys throughout the state, balanced by water imported, for instance, via the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project make understanding the state's underlying hydrologic framework all the more important. This paper by R.T. (Randy) Hanson of the U.S. Geological Survey focuses on California's Santa Clara Valley.
	Typhoon pelts Guam with winds, rain; residents take shelter More than 1,100 people took refuge in shelters early Saturday as the center of a powerful Pacific typhoon glanced off Guam, hammering the U.S. territory with high winds, rain and huge waves.
	Image: Little Bobtail Lake fire in British Columbia The MODIS instrument on the Aqua satellite captured this image of the Little Bobtail Lake fire in British Columbia, Canada. It is unclear how the fire started and was first spotted on Saturday, May 9. Since then the fire has grown significantly and has burned over 13,000 hectares (32,123 acres) and is zero percent con The wildfire is located about 70 km southwest of Prince George. Eighty people have already been evacuated and close to 700 homes are in danger of being consumed should the fire spread.
Best hope for California drought: El Nino pattern next year This week's wet storm isn't expected to provide much, if any, relief from California's historic drought. But there is hope for a serious drenching next year in the form of El Nino, a tropical weather pattern over the Pacific Ocean that typically brings rain to the West Coast. Climatologists say the system forming near the equator looks like a big one that has the potential to provide relief from the yearslong dry spell.

Astronomy & Space news

	Astronomers baffled by discovery of rare quasar quartet Using the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, a group of astronomers led by Joseph Hennawi of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy have discovered the first quadruple quasar: four rare active black holes situated in close proximity to one another. The quartet resides in one of the most massive structures ever discovered in the distant universe, and is surrounded by a giant nebula of cool dense gas. Because the discovery comes with one-in-ten-million odds, perhaps cosmologists need to rethink their models of quasar evolution and the formation of the most massive cosmic structures. The results are being published in the May 15, 2015 edition of the journal Science.
	Magnetar near supermassive black hole delivers surprises In 2013, astronomers announced they had discovered a magnetar exceptionally close to the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way using a suite of space-borne telescopes including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.
	Scientists discover the fluffiest galaxies An international team of researchers led by Pieter van Dokkum at Yale University have used the W. M. Keck Observatory to confirm the existence of the most diffuse class of galaxies known in the universe. These "fluffiest galaxies" are nearly as wide as our own Milky Way galaxy – about 60,000 light years – yet harbor only one percent as many stars. The findings were recently published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
	Mystery methane on Mars: The saga continues Is the Red Planet giving off methane? The question has taunted scientists for nearly 50 years, ever since the Mariner 7 spacecraft detected a whiff of the gas near Mars' south pole. Researchers retracted the finding a month later after realizing that the signal was in fact coming from carbon dioxide ice.
	OPALS boosts space-to-ground optical communications research Ever wonder why stars seem to twinkle? This effect is caused by variations in the density of our atmosphere that cause blurring in light coming from space. It's pretty for stargazing, but a challenge for space-to-ground communications.
	Video: Kepler observes Neptune dance with its moons NASA's Kepler spacecraft, known for its planet-hunting prowess of other stars, is also studying solar system objects. In its new K2 mission, Neptune and two of its moons, Triton and Nereid, have been imaged. The movie illustrates 70 days of uninterrupted observation making this one of the longer continuous studies of an outer solar system object.
	Could we live on Jupiter? NASA and Elon Musk have plans to get your ass to Mars.
	Extremely young stellar clump in the distant universe As part of an observing program carried out with the Subaru Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope, a group of researchers from the Service d'Astrophysique- Laboratoire AIM of CEA-IRFU led by Anita Zanella discovered the birth cry of a massive star-forming clump in the disk of a very distant galaxy. This giant clump is less than 10 million years old, and it is the very first time that such a young star-forming region is observed in the distant universe. This discovery sheds new light on how stars were born within distant galaxies. The physical properties of this object reveal that newly-born clumps in such galaxies survive from stellar winds and supernovae feedback, and can thus live for a few hundred million years unlike the predictions from several theoretical models. Their long lifetime could enable their migration toward the inner regions of the galaxy, hence contributing to the total mass of the galactic bulge and the growt! h of the central black hole.
	Green aviation project tests shape changing wing flaps A NASA F-15D flies chase for the G-III Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) project.
	Mapping lunar landscapes in panorama The Camera Pointing System (CPS) is a sophisticated tool capable of controlling a camera's movement with precision as well as protecting the camera under extreme conditions.
	Fresh theories about dark matter Tom Broadhurst, the Ikerbasque researcher in the Department of Theoretical Physics of the UPV/EHU, together with Sandor Molnar of the National Taiwan University and visiting Ikerbasque researcher at the UPV/EHU in 2013, have conducted a simulation that explains the collision between two clusters of galaxies. Clusters of galaxies are the biggest objects that exist in the universe. They are collections of hundreds of thousands of galaxies pulled together by gravity.

Technology news

	ICANN sees privatization of Internet management soon The head of the nonprofit group that oversees the world's Internet addresses expressed confidence Thursday that it would be privatized and out of US government control by year's end.
	Latest self-driving Google car heading to public streets The latest version of Google's self-driving car—a pod-like two-seater that needs no gas pedal or steering wheel—will make its debut on public roads this summer, a significant step in the technology giant's mission to have driverless cars available to consumers in the next five years.
	Microsoft Hyperlapse turns long video into distilled entertainment Many can remember invitations from neighbors to view hours—and one hour could seem like hours—of footage of a family vacation, which would not be at all entertaining. It's still in many cases tedious to view unedited videos. The great thing about professional videos is that they deliver a smooth encapsulation of time that begins with a story intro leading into a "and then what happened" which flows into an ending. Microsoft Research has been working up technology that can do the same for everyone, pro or amateur. It can turn an otherwise tedious video – from a bumpy bicycle ride to a walk along a river—into a short, distilled version. On Thursday, Microsoft announced Microsoft Hyperlapse, which makes first-person videos not only fast but smooth.
	"WaitChatter" app teaches vocabulary during moments in between texts The average person spends 10 to 15 minutes a day waiting for texts and instant-message (IM) replies, according to an analysis by Carrie Cai, a PhD student at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL).
	Microsoft's Bing search engine to go 'mobile friendly' Microsoft said Thursday its Bing search engine would be reconfigured to give more prominence to "mobile-friendly" websites, an acknowledgment of the growing importance of smartphones and other mobile devices.
How exclusive 'laser shock peening' technology is improving aircraft reliability and lifetime Scientists have long sought to improve human life through lasers—otherwise known as "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation"—since Albert Einstein first established the theoretical foundation for them in 1917. For years, lasers were the stuff of legend and imagination; just look at "Austin Powers," "Honey , I Shrunk the Kids," "Diamonds Are Forever" and the grandfather of them all, "Star Wars."
	Reddit cracks down on harassment Reddit on Thursday said it is cracking down on abusive behavior that is keeping people from expressing opinions at the news-focused social network.
	Prying parents: Phone monitoring apps flourish in S. Korea Lee Chang-june can be miles from his 12-year-old son but still know when he plays a smartphone game. With the press of an app he can see his son's phone activity, disable apps or totally shut down the smartphone.
	Giving freight rail tracks a boost The big chunks of rock—crushed limestone or dolomite that engineers call ballast—that keep railroad tracks in place look like a solid footing even as freight cars rumble overhead.
	Heavier, pricier vehicles are safer, research finds When it comes to vehicle safety, car buyers get what they pay for. That's the finding of University at Buffalo research presented today, May 14, at the annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
	When amateurs do the job of a professional, the result is smart grids secured by dumb crypto Security relies upon good programming and correct adherence to well-designed standards. If the standards are sloppy, then security has been compromised from the outset.
Emails show FBI privacy concerns about license-plate readers The FBI has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in license-plate reader technology, but it halted a purchase order at least temporarily after lawyers raised privacy concerns about the surveillance three years ago, according to emails and other documents obtained by The Associated Press.
	Students design exercise device for people with paraplegia Five Northeastern University student-researchers have retrofitted a rowing machine with an ingenious device, allowing people with paraplegia to exercise without the aid of a trainer.
Netflix stock lifts on China rumors Netflix shares surged Friday after news reports that the streaming television giant was in talks to begin operations in China.
	New mobile app extends outreach of SAWBO educational videos Whether the need is to educate people in West Africa about preventing Ebola or to train farmers in Latin America on preventing postharvest loss, Scientific Animations without Borders has an app - and an animated video - for that.
Ride-sharing service Lyft says Icahn makes $100M investment Carl Icahn is joining the parade of investors in startups, hitching a $100 million ride with on-demand ride sharing service Lyft.
US university unit cuts off from Web after cyberattack Penn State University said Friday that the computer network of its college of engineering was disconnected from the Internet after a cyberattack "by a threat actor based in China."
Pandora loses to BMI in court hearing, vows to appeal Pandora Media Inc. lost a court hearing Thursday in a dispute with music publishing rights group BMI over royalty rates, but the Internet streaming leader said it will appeal.
	The return of pre-Internet games consoles such as the ZX Spectrum and the Atari 2600 Released 33 years ago, the ZX Spectrum computer was an 8-bit personal home computer made in the UK by Sir Clive Sinclair's Sinclair Research Ltd. The Spectrum was among the first home computers in the UK to reach a mainstream audience with parallels to the reach of the Commodore 64 in the USA. The ZX Spectrum, with its high-resolution colour graphics and sound, was a bonanza to computer gamers enjoying games such as Football Manager, Airwolf, BC Bill and Action Fighter.
	Adaptive hydrotherapy wetsuit This user-operated adaptive hydrotherapy wetsuit is for people with limited mobility, in particular paraplegic patients and the elderly. As water can minimize the impact on patients' joints and muscles during conditioning exercises, hydrotherapy is recommended or users with limited mobility. However, hydrotherapy usually requires the involvement of at least two physiotherapists.
	Phototherapy device for neonatal jaundice O-blanket is an innovative phototherapy device for neonatal jaundice, consisting of a light-emitting fabric covered by a wrapper made of top, reflective and back fabrics. The lightemitting fabric is woven from side-emitting polymer optical fibres and textile yarns.
	The human body as a new frontier of cyber-physical systems Today the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced two five-year, center-scale awards totaling $8.75 million to advance the state-of-the-art in medical and cyber-physical systems (CPS).
	The world's first mercury-free film-type ultraviolet light source The Kobe University Graduate School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Medicine have jointly developed the world's first new mercury-free light source that produces ultraviolet radiation for medical applications. The technology for the "made-to-order skin treatment equipment" is possible due to an industry-academia-government collaboration. It is currently being certified as a medical instrument, and sales are expected to begin in October 2015. This equipment should effectively treat skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, leucoderma, and psoriasis. Because it can deliver high-intensity radiation to only the affected area, it should reduce the treatment time and patients' stress.
Tool to help manufacturers select wireless network that's right for them Going wireless is appealing to a growing number of manufacturers. Using wireless sensor networks to monitor and control equipment and processes eliminates the costly labyrinth of dedicated cabling to hardwire devices, enables flexibility in organizing operations, and expands opportunities for keeping tabs on plant-floor conditions and performance.
	Designing the future of rail travel Increased traffic, congestion, security of energy supply and climate change are just some of the many pressing issues that the EU currently faces. In order to fully tackle these challenges, the railway sector must modernise and take on a larger share of transport demand over the next few decades.
	Calculating the service life of bridges In future, the service life of bridges may be estimated more accurate than ever before. Engineers from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) have refined mathematical models for calculating them. Unlike previous models, they take local conditions into consideration, rather than depending on average default values. The RUB's science magazine RUBIN reports.
	Latest figures show decline in federal funding for R&D, equipment, facilities in 2013 Federal agency funding for research and development and R&D plant (facilities and fixed equipment used for R&D) fell by 9 percent in fiscal year 2013, according to a new InfoBrief from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES).
Hackers attack German Parliament's internal data system Authorities say hackers have tried to break into the internal data system of the German Parliament.

Chemistry news

	Researchers explore mechanics of silk to design materials with high strength and low density Spider silk has long been noted for its graceful structure, as well as its advanced material properties: Ounce for ounce, it is stronger than steel.
	New test detects drug use from a single fingerprint Research published today in the journal Analyst has demonstrated a new, noninvasive test that can detect cocaine use through a simple fingerprint. For the first time, this new fingerprint method can determine whether cocaine has been ingested, rather than just touched.
	Simple Leonardo da Vinci experiments combined with advanced theory reveal new atomic-level insights into rubber Friction, the force that slows down objects as they slide across a surface, can save lives when car brakes are slammed. Yet despite its obvious importance, no one knows for sure how friction works at the level of atoms and molecules.
	How olive oil is processed The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean basin. Archeological evidence shows that olive oil was produced as early as 4000 BC. Besides food, olive oil was used historically for medicine, lamp fuel, soap, and skin care.

Biology news

	Isotope tracking: Chemical tags in ear bones track Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon Salmon carry a strontium chemical signature in their "ear bones" that lets scientists identify specific streams where the fish hatched and lived before they were caught at sea. The new tool may help pinpoint critical habitats for fish threatened by climate change, industrial development and overfishing.
	Which is most valuable: Gold, cocaine or rhino horn? Many of the world's largest herbivores—including several species of elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses and gorillas—are in danger of becoming extinct. And if current trends continue, the loss of these animals would have drastic implications not only for the species themselves, but also for other animals and the environments and ecosystems in which they live, according to a new report by an international team of scientists.
Research finds mechanism of herbicide resistance University of Adelaide researchers have identified the mechanism behind the resistance of the cereal weed brome grass to the widely used herbicide glyphosate.
	Quail breeding discoveries shed light on human sexuality At Nagoya University and the National Institute of Basic Biology, researchers have found a brain receptor that helps to initiate quail breeding. Meanwhile, researchers at Waseda and Kitasato universities are exploring the neurochemical link between male aggressiveness and the presence of females.
	Nomadic swift parrot find the best food sources Scientists have discovered the nomadic swift parrot has an uncanny ability to find the best food supplies across the whole of Tasmania each year.
	It's best to make friends of friends—even the spotted hyena knows that Bonding with a friend of a friend is something most humans gravitate toward naturally, or at least Facebook likes to think so every time it suggests friends for you to "friend."
Phage spread antibiotic resistance Investigators found that nearly half of the 50 chicken meat samples purchased from supermarkets, street markets, and butchers in Austria contained viruses that are capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes from one bacterium to another—or from one species to another. "Our work suggests that such transfer could spread antibiotic resistance in environments such as food production units and hospitals and clinics," said corresponding author Friederike Hilbert, DVM. The research is published ahead of print May 1, in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Maine, packed with moose, didn't have so many ticks Maine's state animal—the moose—fared better with potentially deadly ticks this past winter than in previous years, but the herd remains imperiled by the parasites in northern New England and beyond, wildlife biologists said.
Species in the Spotlight campaign highlights NOAA Fisheries' endangered species conservation efforts NOAA Fisheries announced today a new Species in the Spotlight campaign to focus recovery and public education efforts on eight marine species that are at risk of extinction.
	16 new lettuce breeding lines from ARS U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in California have developed 16 new lettuce breeding lines. Lettuce production in the United States is concentrated mostly in California and Arizona, where it is grown year-round. Salinas, California, in fact, is often referred to as "the salad bowl of the nation."
	Using ozone to protect papaya exports Postharvest diseases reduce the value and quality of agricultural products, leading to economic losses for growers and producers. This is a major issue for agricultural countries like Malaysia, which exports papaya. Current technologies such as synthetic fungicides help minimise these losses, although potential risks to human health and the ecosystem restrict the use of such chemicals.
	Cambodia border crossing and road threaten one of Asia's last great wilderness areas Some of the world's most endangered species will be driven closer to extinction if a new road and border crossing with Vietnam are built within Cambodia's pristine Mondulkiri Protected Forest – one of the most biologically diverse areas in Southeast Asia.
	Integrating and visualizing primary biodiversity data from prospective and legacy taxonomic literature XML markup of taxonomic research and specimen data is a valuable tool for structuring the incessantly accumulating biodiversity knowledge. It allows for the opportunity to collectively use the currently fragmented information for more detailed analysis.

Medicine & Health news

	Antibody's unusual abilities might inspire vaccine strategies The recent discovery of a novel antibody that works in an unusual way might inspire ideas for designing more effective vaccines. Among the common pathogens that could be targeted are urinary-tract infecting strains of E. coli.
Perspective-taking difficulties diminished when autistic and psychosis tendencies balance Researchers at the University of Birmingham have shed new light on the relationship between autistic tendencies and psychosis proneness in neurotypical adults.
	Microsoft study claims human attention span now lags behind goldfish (Medical Xpress)—Microsoft has conducted a study aimed at learning how modern technology is impacting the attention span of people who use it. They have published their results on their own website, and claim also that they have used Sohlberg and Mateer's model of attention, which allows for providing a timed result. As part of their study, they note that there are three types of human attention: sustained (prolonged focus), selective (maintaining focus despite distractions) and alternating (shifting attention between tasks or stimuli). The study consisted of surveying 200 people and administering EEG scans to 112 volunteers.
	Soft-tissue engineering for hard-working cartilage An international study published in the journal Nature Communications points the way toward wider, more effective use of biocompatible materials in repairing human tissues. Focusing on the difficult case of restoring cartilage, which requires both flexibility and mechanical strength, the researchers investigated a new combination of 3-D printed microfiber scaffolding and hydrogels. The composites they tested showed elasticity and stiffness comparable to knee-joint tissue, as well as the ability to support the growth and cross-linking of human cartilage cells. Researchers at the Technische Universität München (TUM) expect the new approach to have an impact on other areas of soft-tissue engineering research, including breast reconstruction and heart tissue engineering.
	Antiviral compound may protect brain from pathogens, West Nile virus study shows Researchers have found that an antiviral compound may protect the brain from invading pathogens.
Link between vitamin E and exposure to air pollution A new study from King's College London and the University of Nottingham has found an association between the amount of vitamin E in the body, exposure to particulate pollution and lung function. The paper adds to growing evidence from previous studies suggesting that some vitamins may play a role in helping to protect the lungs from air pollution. Although the new study did not specifically demonstrate a protective effect, it is the first to show a clear link between vitamin E concentrations in the blood and exposure to fine particulate pollution in the general population.
Aging baby boomers, childless and unmarried, at risk of becoming 'elder orphans' With an aging Baby Boomer population and increasing numbers of childless and unmarried seniors, nearly one-quarter of Americans over age 65 are currently or at risk to become "elder orphans," a vulnerable group requiring greater awareness and advocacy efforts, according to new research by a North Shore-LIJ geriatrician and palliative care physician.
	Men far less likely to prevent, screen for osteoporosis While the consequences of osteoporosis are worse in men than women - including death - older males are far less likely to take preventive measures against the potentially devastating bone-thinning disease or accept recommendations for screening, according to startling new research by North Shore-LIJ Health System geriatricians.
	Genome-wide DNA study shows lasting impact of malnutrition in early pregnancy Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Leiden University in the Netherlands found that children whose mothers were malnourished at famine levels during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy had changes in DNA methylation known to suppress genes involved in growth, development, and metabolism documented at age 59. This is the first study to look at prenatal nutrition and genome-wide DNA patterns in adults exposed to severe under-nutrition at different periods of gestation. Findings are published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
	Revealing kidney cancer's secret: Tumors gain survival advantage by reprogramming their metabolism An international team of scientists, led by UC Davis nephrologist Robert Weiss, have used a sophisticated combination of proteomics and metabolomics to show how renal cell carcinoma (RCC) reprograms its metabolism and evades the immune system. In addition, the study found that cancer grade has a major impact on this reprogramming. These results, published in the journal Cancer Research, point to new therapeutic options for this particularly deadly cancer.
	Study implicates new gene in multiple sclerosis disease activity A new study led by investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) reports the discovery of a genetic variant that is associated with a patient's likelihood of responding to interferon-beta, one of the medications used in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Published in the Annals of Neurology on May 14, the study also presents evidence that the affected gene, SLC9A9, may have a broader role in regulating the development and activity of certain immune cells that play important roles in inflammatory diseases like MS.
	Diabetes drug may reduce heart attack risk in HIV patients In patients with HIV, a diabetes drug may have benefits beyond lowering blood sugar. A new study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests the drug may prevent cardiovascular problems because it works to reduce inflammation linked to heart disease and stroke in these patients.
	Obesity research finds leptin hormone isn't the overeating culprit For years, scientists have pointed to leptin resistance as a possible cause of obesity. Research led by investigators at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Metabolic Diseases Institute, however, found that leptin action isn't the culprit.
BMC finds adults do not report dietary supplement use to physicians A Boston Medical Center researcher has found that some physicians are not asking all patients about their dietary supplement (DS) use, that some patients are not disclosing DS use to providers, and that medical documentation of dietary supplements often does not exist. Failure to disclose dietary supplement use by patients, and the failure to ask about them by physicians, can lead to repercussions in patients' health, as described in the press release below. This only adds to the recent concern regarding dietary supplements.
	High pollen levels hitting allergy sufferers hard Ah, springtime. Sunny days, fresh breezes and everything is in bloom – including seasonal allergies.
	A hopeful new strategy for treating Parkinson's disease A novel compound developed by a team led by the University of Colorado Boulder may be therapeutic in suppressing misguided inflammatory responses by a set of immune cells known as microglia to perceived damage to the brain and nervous system.
	The age of brain science When it comes to developing ways to enhance human beings, we are increasingly fascinated by all things neurological. If the 20th century was all about the gene, the 21st is shaping up to be the century of the brain. This fascination has even produced a dedicated discipline of neuroethics, which includes the study of the moral case for using medicine to make changes to our personalities, feelings and beliefs.
	New study eases fears of airborne Ebola At the peak of the Ebola epidemic last fall came a frightening new possibility: a mutation that could allow the disease to spread through the air. Now University of Florida researchers have dispelled this concern using data from current and past Ebola outbreaks.
Researchers create action guide on 'cognitive aging' Misplaced your car keys lately? Can't remember if you locked the door when you left the house? Does an old friend's name elude you? Don't worry too much, it happens.
	Lack of vitamin B12 can cause trouble in school Vitamin B12 deficiency in elementary school children from Bogotá, Colombia, was strongly associated with the students having to repeat a grade and with their number of school absences, researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found.
New research suggests afterlife belief preserves hope when thinking about death The prospect of death does not necessarily leave people feeling hopelessly mortal but depends rather on afterlife belief, suggests new research from psychologists at the University of Kent.
	Hi-tech nanoknife treatment to kill kidney tumour A pioneering procedure has been carried out in by a University of Leeds specialist using a hi-tech 'nanoknife' technology to destroy cancer cells using pulses of high voltage electrical current.
	Study highlights risk of norovirus from swimming Simple tips can help swimmers stay safe in various swimming venues.
Stimulating treatment found for rare balance disorder Deakin University neuroscientists have found brain stimulation reduces the symptoms of a rare balance disorder, offering hope to those who have failed to find their land legs years after a trip at sea.
	Study explores the roots of happiness If you have a spring in your step and a smile on your face, you're in good company. Americans are generally a pretty happy bunch, according to a new study that aims to further our collective understanding of happiness and its root causes.
	New zebrafish model should speed research on parasite that causes toxoplasmosis Researchers at Oregon State University have found a method to speed the search for new therapies to treat toxoplasmosis – by successfully infecting zebrafish with Toxoplasma gondii.
Researchers discover new ways to shut down signals involved in brain diseases A research team based at the University of Eastern Finland and the Turku Centre for Biotechnology have found new ways to block a pathway that may be responsible for several brain disorders, which could open the door to developing better treatments.
Sound waves could be viable alternative in diagnosing minor fractures Researchers conducted a study of the usefulness and efficiency of portable ultrasound in detecting the presence of minor fractures in patients presenting to a minor injuries unit. Analysis showed that 85% of patients with a fracture confirmed by X-ray had injuries detected through ultrasonography. The authors say emergency clinicians could rule in fractures by studying the ultrasound images but ruling out fractures is still the job of radiographers.
New study finds that many probiotics are contaminated with traces of gluten More than half of popular probiotics contain traces of gluten, according to an analysis performed by investigators at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). Tests on 22 top-selling probiotics revealed that 12 of them (or 55%) had detectable gluten.
	Bone health key in aiding Rett's syndrome patients An international panel of experts, led by WA researchers, is developing guidelines to help clinicians and families better manage bone health in individuals with Rett's syndrome.
Researcher exploring why obesity strikes so hard among Mexican-American boys Fifteen percent of non-Hispanic white children in the United States are obese, but among Mexican-American boys the figure is a much more troubling 23 percent. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Angelina Sutin, a researcher in the Florida State University College of Medicine, will spend the next three years untangling the roots of that disparity.
	Better predicting flu outbreaks with Wikipedia Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have the ability to forecast the upcoming flu season and other infectious diseases by analyzing views of Wikipedia articles. "The ability to more accurately forecast the flu season and other infectious diseases will transform the way health departments prepare for and respond to epidemics, ultimately saving lives," scientist Sara Del Valle said.
	Diet and exercise are a universal prescription for better health What if there were a nearly universal prescription for better health, one that could save untold thousands of lives annually, lower health care costs and even help shrink the nation's carbon footprint?
	Epilepsy has been found to reduce the generation of new neurons Amanda Sierra and Juan Manuel Encinas, Ikerbasque researchers at the Achucarro centre (Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience) have discovered a new property of hippocampal neural stem cells by using an epilepsy model in genetically modified mice. The work has been published by the Cell Stem Cell journal, the main international reference in stem cell research.
	Scientists discover bacterial cause behind fatal heart complications Researchers at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health have discovered a key cause of life threatening heart complications, conditions that frequently follow severe infections with the bacteria responsible for pneumonia and meningitis.
	Even Olympic athletes have cardiac abnormalities and may be at risk of CVD Even athletes whose performance and fitness are at the very highest level may have life-threatening cardiovascular abnormalities. Indeed, a study of more than 2,000 athletes eligible for the summer and winter Olympic games and screened for cardiovascular health has now revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, some of which were considered as very serious threats to health.1
	Tackling obesity needs a number of magic bullets No one health issue has the most impact on human health, or engenders more debate about how to tackle it, than obesity.
	Too much, too little sleep may up stroke risk for those with high blood pressure (HealthDay)—People with high blood pressure who sleep less than five hours or more than eight hours each night may have significantly higher odds of a stroke, new research suggests.
	Even in later life, exercise seems to pay dividends (HealthDay)—A little exercise late in life may help men live longer, new research from Norway suggests.
	Learning daily skills prepares kids with autism for adult life (HealthDay)—Adults with autism have a better chance of finding and keeping a job if they can effectively perform basic daily tasks, such as bathing, brushing their teeth, cleaning and preparing meals, new research reveals.
	Cognitive improvements with active singing in dementia (HealthDay)—An active singing program can improve cognition and life satisfaction among individuals with dementia in an assisted living facility, according to a letter to the editor published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
	Infective endocarditis incidence up in US from 2000 to 2011 (HealthDay)—From 2000 to 2011 there was an increase in infective endocarditis (IE) incidence in the United States, according to a study published in the May 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
	Pollen-derived adenosine key in ragweed-induced allergy (HealthDay)—Pollen-derived adenosine is an important element in ragweed pollen-induced allergic airway inflammation, according to a study published online May 2 in Allergy.
	Binge eating disorder creates significant health care burden (HealthDay)—Health care costs are similar for patients with binge eating disorder (BED) and those with eating disorder not otherwise specified without BED (EDNOS-only), and are significantly higher compared with costs of matched patients without an eating disorder (NED), according to a study published online May 8 in the International Journal Eating Disorders.
	Case report: cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (HealthDay)—For pregnant women with intractable nausea relieved by frequent bathing, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome should be considered, according to a case report scheduled to be published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	Study considers antibiotics-first approach to appendicitis (HealthDay)—An antibiotics-first approach could be considered for specific patients with appendicitis, according to a case vignette published in the May 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	CDC: Some progress seen in foodborne illness (HealthDay)—The incidence of reported infections with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 and a common strain of Salmonella bacteria have decreased, while infections with other types of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Vibrio have increased, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	Tramadol-related ER visits up 2005 to 2011 (HealthDay)—There was a sharp rise in the number of emergency department visits involving tramadol between 2005 and 2011, two new government reports show.
Cancer survivors have evolving information needs Judging by the nature and topics of their information seeking, cancer patients' information needs appear to differ depending on the type of cancer they have and where they are in their survivorship. Clinicians caring for cancer survivors may need to understand these needs in order to better address survivors' concerns about cancer recurrence, late effects, and family members' risks.
Activity after ICD implantation may predict survival Patients who had higher activity levels following ICD implantation had better survival, according to research in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The research will be simultaneously presented at the Heart Rhythm Society 2015 Scientific Sessions.
Studies find pharmacists help patients control blood pressure If you have hypertension, it pays to include a pharmacist in a medical-care team.
Researchers call for interdisciplinary look at sexual violence on campus National thought leaders convened at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health yesterday for a symposium identifying gaps in understanding the prevention of sexual violence on college campuses, calling for a broad interdisciplinary agenda for the next generation of research on a significant problem that became front-page news around the country this year.
	Smoking linked to worse outcomes after urologic cancer surgery and other major surgeries Patients who smoke, as well as those who once had the habit, are more likely to develop complications during and after major urologic cancer surgery, according to a new study that included researchers at Henry Ford Health System.
New guidelines aim to resolve conflicts in treating critically ill patients Who should decide what life-prolonging medical treatments the intensive care patient should receive: the clinician or the patient's family?
Campaign increases first-time mouth and throat cancer screenings among low-income rural Floridians Raising awareness of the dangers of mouth and throat cancer increased the number of black men in some of Florida's poorest counties who sought screening for the first time, opening the door to improved survival rates through early detection and treatment, UF Health researchers report.
	A food poisoning report with good news: Fewer E. coli cases Health officials say fewer Americans are getting sick from a nasty germ sometimes found in undercooked hamburgers.
Fee-for-service health care may lead to higher risk for robotic prostate surgery patients A "perverse disincentive" for hospitals that have invested in expensive technology for robotic surgery may be jeopardizing prostate cancer patients who seek out the procedure, concluded a new study led by Henry Ford Hospital researchers.
Two physicians examine heart disease through a literary lens Heart disease has topped mortality charts as the No. 1 killer of men and women for many decades, but a novel analysis of American literary fiction by two physicians finds the disorder's presence in great novels has remained relatively modest.
	Uncovering the scope of infanticide and infant abandonment in Malaysia Infanticide refers to the non-accidental death of infants from one day to one year in age. Infant abandonment, on the other hand, has no universal definition. In Malaysia, recent perceived increases in infant abandonment incidents have prompted authorities to impose stricter punishments. They have also started implementing "baby hatches", provided by private and non-governmental organisations, where a parent can anonymously leave a baby. A lack of official data, however, impedes the development of proper preventive and management strategies.
Study to investigate what we think about depression Australians are being encouraged to take part in a new study at The University of Western Australia investigating community opinions about depression.
	Packaged foods go vegetarian Vegetarian foods are positioned for success in the marketplace as public health advocates highlight the benefits of plant-based diets and a growing number of consumers embrace meat-free or meat-reduced lifestyles. Earlier this year, for example, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) report included adopting a vegetarian diet among its recommended approaches to healthful eating. So it's hardly surprising that mainstream food industry brands like Boca from Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., and MorningStar from Kellogg Co., Battlecreek, Mich., are expanding their offerings in order to increase market share and appeal to a greater consumer base.
	Research looks at how ageing affects driving Researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) are studying how ageing affects driving with the aim of promoting road safety, and they are looking for more older drivers to help with the project.
	New research: Stroke risk and too much sleep; genes that make the body salt-sensitive High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects one third of—or 70 million—US adults1, and the healthcare costs associated with treating the disease are approximately $46 billion2. From May 15 - 19, 2015, members of the medical community from around the world will gather at the 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH) in New York City to discuss new scientific findings, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and new treatments for hypertension. During the conference, more than 200 new studies about the epidemic will provide the most up-to-date information about how to prevent, diagnose and control hypertension and wide-ranging conditions thought to be associated with the "silent killer."
Nigeria: 28 kids killed by lead poisoning from gold mining Twenty-eight children have died from lead poisoning from illegal gold mining in a remote west-central village, Nigerian health officials said, while doctors still are treating thousands from an earlier outbreak.
Helping front-line nurses help suicidal patients Assessing an individual's risk of suicide is a challenging task for nurses. Three Ryerson researchers, though, are looking for ways to support nurses as they complete the risk-assessment process.
Age-friendly communities essential to urban elders' well-being The future of communities around the world will in large part be determined by the efforts to achieve a high quality of life for their older citizens, according to the latest issue of Public Policy & Aging Report (PP&AR), titled "Making a Home in the City: The Age-Friendly Community Movement." A total of seven articles argue that developing cities that meet the interests of all generations should be an important goal for economic and social policy.

Other Sciences news

Offline TV ads prompt online purchases by multitaskers Many television advertisers voice fears that distracted viewers—those increasingly frenetic multitaskers using smartphones, laptops and tablets while viewing TV - are becoming less receptive to advertisers' messages. A new study published in the online Articles in Advance section of Marketing Science, a journal of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), refutes this conventional wisdom and concludes that the "second screen" puts a virtual store in every consumer's pocket. Multitasking viewers now visit, browse, and even buy advertised products within moments of seeing a commercial.
	Book details how biofuel policies affect food prices Since their inception in 2006, biofuel policies have created turmoil in the world grains and oilseeds markets and made a more profound impact on society than any other topic in food policy and agricultural economics, according to a new book.
	Entrepreneurship thrives when local wages are high, study shows Attempts by successive governments to boost entrepreneurship in areas with low rates of self-employment have largely failed, according to a new study by economists at the universities of Sussex and Sheffield.
	Research tracks relationships between CEO greed and company performance That gut feeling many workers, laborers and other underlings have about their CEOs is spot on, according to three recent studies in the Journal of Management, the Journal of Management Studies and the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies that say CEO greed is bad for business.
Hazing remains a concern in college marching bands, new study shows Nearly a third of college marching band members surveyed in a national study observed hazing in their programs but few of the students reported the activities, often because of fears of retribution or loss of social standing, according to researchers.

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