Fwd: Science X Newsletter Sunday, Oct 19

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From: Newsletter Phys.org <not-for-reply@physorg.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 20, 2014 at 2:23 AM
Subject: Science X Newsletter Sunday, Oct 19
To: Pascal Alter <pascal.alter@gmail.com>

Dear Pascal Alter,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for October 19, 2014:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- MasterCard, Zwipe announce fingerprint-sensor card
- Germ-zapping robot could support war against Ebola (w/ Video)
- New iPad cellular models have Apple SIM flexibility
- Atomic trigger shatters mystery of how glass deforms
- Sex? It all started 385 million years ago (w/ Video)
- Many older people have mutations linked to leukemia, lymphoma in their blood cells
- Imaging electric charge propagating along microbial nanowires
- Crystallizing the DNA nanotechnology dream: Scientists have designed the first large DNA crystals
- New insight that 'mega' cells control the growth of blood-producing cells
- Lab-developed intestinal organoids form mature human tissue in mice
- Major breakthrough could help detoxify pollutants
- Improved electricity access has little impact on climate change
- Deep space 'snowball' nears close shave with Mars
- Comet Siding Spring whizzes past Mars

Astronomy & Space news

	Deep space 'snowball' nears close shave with Mars A comet the size of a small mountain is about to skim past Mars, and NASA hopes its spacecraft will be able to photograph the once-in-a-million-years encounter.
	Comet Siding Spring whizzes past Mars A comet the size of a small mountain whizzed past Mars on Sunday, dazzling space enthusiasts with the once-in-a-million-years encounter.
Partial solar eclipse over the U.S. on Thursday, Oct. 23 People in most of the continental United States will be in the shadow of the Moon on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 23, as a partial solar eclipse sweeps across the Earth. For people looking through sun-safe filters, from Los Angeles, 45% of the sun's diameter will be covered at 3:38 p.m. PDT (local time); from Seattle, 64% will be covered at 3 p.m. PDT; from Denver, 55% will be covered at 4:35 MDT; and in Chicago, 55% will be covered at 5:42 p.m. The sun will set before the eclipse is visible in New York or New England. A tiny bite would be visible at sunset while looking through special sun-safe filters farther south on the Eastern Seaboard.
All robotic eyes on comet for Mars flyby All eyes on Mars—robotic or otherwise—were focused toward a comet the size of a small mountain set to whiz past the Red Planet on Sunday.

Medicine & Health news

	Many older people have mutations linked to leukemia, lymphoma in their blood cells At least 2 percent of people over age 40 and 5 percent of people over 70 have mutations linked to leukemia and lymphoma in their blood cells, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
	New insight that 'mega' cells control the growth of blood-producing cells While megakaryocytes are best known for producing platelets that heal wounds, these "mega" cells found in bone marrow also play a critical role in regulating stem cells according to new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. In fact, hematopoietic stem cells differentiate to generate megakaryocytes in bone marrow. The Stowers study is the first to show that hematopoietic stem cells (the parent cells) can be directly controlled by their own progeny (megakaryocytes).
	Lab-developed intestinal organoids form mature human tissue in mice Researchers have successfully transplanted "organoids" of functioning human intestinal tissue grown from pluripotent stem cells in a lab dish into mice – creating an unprecedented model for studying diseases of the intestine.
Study finds smoking during pregnancy alters newborn stress hormones and DNA Researchers from The Miriam Hospital have studied the effects of smoking during pregnancy and its impact on the stress response in newborn babies. Their research indicates that newborns of mothers who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy show lower levels of stress hormones, lowered stress response, and alterations in DNA for a gene that regulates passage of stress hormones from mother to fetus. The study and its findings have been published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Asthmatic first to die from enterovirus in Canada A young asthmatic has become the first Canadian to die in an international outbreak of the respiratory enterovirus D68, officials announced Friday.
Anti-tobacco conference struggles to stub out lobbyists A major conference aimed at cutting global smoking rates in Moscow this week found itself grappling with another issue: how to stop the powerful tobacco lobby from butting in on the debate.
	First step: From human cells to tissue-engineered esophagus In a first step toward future human therapies, researchers at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles have shown that esophageal tissue can be grown in vivo from both human and mouse cells. The study has been published online in the journal Tissue Engineering, Part A.
Scientists opens black box on bacterial growth in cystic fibrosis lung infection Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have shown for the first time how bacteria can grow directly in the lungs of Cystic fibrosis patients, giving them the opportunity to get tremendous insights into bacteria behavior and growth in chronic infections.
An end to needle phobia: device could make painless injections possible Imagine no tears during infant vaccines and no fear of the needle for those old enough to know what's coming. Such painless injections could be possible with a device that applies pressure and vibration while the needle is inserted in the skin, according to a study presented at the Anesthesiology 2014 annual meeting.
	Frequent dining out might widen your waistline, study finds (HealthDay)—Love to dine out? You could be at higher risk for becoming overweight and having poorer cholesterol levels than people who prefer to eat at home, a new study suggests.
	U.S. kids use ADHD meds more during school year (HealthDay)—American children's use of stimulant medications is 30 percent higher during the school year than in the summer, a new study indicates.
	Dads face guilt about workouts, just like moms do (HealthDay)—Fathers face many of the same family and work barriers to exercise as mothers, new research indicates.
	Athletic trainers' group advises heart tests for young athletes (HealthDay)—Young athletes should undergo heart screening before they play competitive sports, according to new guidelines released by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
	Factors ID'd that influence lack of orthopedic follow-up (HealthDay)—For patients treated in the emergency department, orthopedic-related and demographic variables influence failure to return for outpatient management ("no-show"), according to a study published in the Oct. 1 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
	Spotting may be endometriosis marker for women with infertility (HealthDay)—Premenstrual spotting for two or more days is associated with endometriosis in women with infertility, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
	Simulation-based training improves endoscopy execution (HealthDay)—Simulation-based training (SBT) improves clinicians' performance of gastrointestinal endoscopy in both test settings and clinical practice, according to research published in the October issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
	Years of endurance exercise may raise A-fib/Flutter risk (HealthDay)—Cumulative years of regular endurance exercise are associated with an increased risk for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, according to a study published in the Oct. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
	70-gene signature not cost-effective in breast cancer (HealthDay)—For patients with node-negative breast cancer (NNBC), the 70-gene signature is unlikely to be cost-effective for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decision making, according to a study published online Oct. 6 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Patient resources for ventricular assist devices info suboptimal (HealthDay)—Materials related to left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) discuss benefits, but less often discuss risks and rarely present alternate treatment options, according to a study published online Oct. 14 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes.
	Two-pronged program looks best for helping smokers quit (HealthDay)—A combination of counseling and medication greatly increases smokers' chances of quitting, according to new research published in the October issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Whole-exome sequencing shows potential as diagnostic tool Among a group of 2,000 patients referred for evaluation of suspected genetic conditions, whole-exome sequencing provided a potential molecular diagnosis for 25 percent, including detection of a number of rare genetic events and new mutations contributing to disease, according to a study appearing in JAMA. The study is being released to coincide with the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
New test scans all genes to ID single mutation causing rare disorders Audrey Lapidus adored her baby's sunny smile and irresistible dimples, but grew worried when Calvin did not roll over or crawl by 10 months and suffered chronic digestive problems. Four neurologists dismissed his symptoms and a battery of tests proved inconclusive. Desperate for answers, Audrey and her husband agreed to have their son become UCLA's first patient to undergo a powerful new test called exome sequencing.
Could reading glasses soon be a thing of the past? A thin ring inserted into the eye could soon offer a reading glasses-free remedy for presbyopia, the blurriness in near vision experienced by many people over the age of 40, according to a study released today at AAO 2014, the 118th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A corneal inlay device currently undergoing clinical review in the United States improved near vision well enough for 80 percent of the participating patients to read a newspaper without disturbing far distance vision needed for daily activities like driving.
Vitamin D deficiency increases poor brain function after cardiac arrest by sevenfold Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of poor brain function after sudden cardiac arrest by seven-fold, according to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014 by Dr Jin Wi from Korea. Vitamin D deficiency also led to a higher chance of dying after sudden cardiac arrest.
iPhones for eye health: Capturing ocular images in difficult-to-photograph patients Smartphone technology is a widely available resource which may also be a portable and effective tool for imaging the inside of the eye, according to results of a study released today at AAO 2014, the 118th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Researchers from the Ross Eye Institute at the University at Buffalo-SUNY are successfully using an iPhone® application as an inexpensive, portable and effective tool for imaging the inside of the eye, including in patients who are challenging to photograph by traditional methods.
Whole exome sequencing closer to becoming 'new family history' Approximately one-fourth of the 3,386 patients whose DNA was submitted for clinical whole exome testing received a diagnosis related to a known genetic disease, often ending a long search for answers for them and their parents, said researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine departments of molecular and human genetics and pediatrics and the Baylor Human Genome Sequencing Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Study examines type of exome sequencing and molecular diagnostic yield In a sample of patients with undiagnosed, suspected genetic conditions, a certain type of exome sequencing method was associated with a higher molecular diagnostic yield than traditional molecular diagnostic methods, according to a study appearing in JAMA. The study is being released to coincide with the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting.
Tanzania launches giant measles vaccination drive Tanzania on Saturday launched its biggest ever campaign against measles and rubella aimed protecting 21 million children from the potentially fatal diseases.
Egg freezing: controversial new benefit in the US workplace Free meals, four months of maternity leave and now egg-freezing: Facebook's latest gift to its employees has rekindled debate on the role of women in the company.
Gene duplications associated with autism evolved recently in human history Human geneticists have discovered that a region of the genome associated with autism contains genetic variation that evolved in the last 250,000 years, after the divergence of humans from ancient hominids, and likely plays an important role in disease. Their findings were presented today at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Women more likely to develop anxiety and depression after heart attack Women are more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack (myocardial infarction; MI) than men, according to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014 by Professor Pranas Serpytis from Lithuania.
Scientists identify mutation associated with cleft palate in humans and dogs Scientists studying birth defects in humans and purebred dogs have identified an association between cleft lip and cleft palate – conditions that occur when the lip and mouth fail to form properly during pregnancy – and a mutation in the ADAMTS20 gene. Their findings were presented today at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Children's genes affect their mothers' risk of rheumatoid arthritis A child's genetic makeup may contribute to his or her mother's risk of rheumatoid arthritis, possibly explaining why women are at higher risk of developing the disease than men. This research will be presented Tuesday, October 21, at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Experimental Ebola vaccine expected in Geneva Tuesday: hospital Canada will start sending more than 1,000 doses of an experimental Ebola vaccine to Switzerland this week as part of the global fight against the deadly virus, a Geneva hospital said Sunday.
	Metabolic genetics research paves way to treating diabetes and obesity Breaking down complex conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and obesity into the specific metabolic proteins and processes that underlie them offers a new approach to studying the genetics of these diseases and how they are interrelated, according to research presented today at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
World fears mount that Ebola battle being lost The World Bank warned Friday the fight to stop Ebola was being lost, as the UN pleaded for more money to combat the escalating epidemic and global travel fears mounted.
	Effectiveness of Ebola travel ban questioned (AP)—A ban on travel from West Africa might seem like a simple and smart response to the frightening Ebola outbreak there. It's become a central demand of Republicans on Capitol Hill and some Democrats, and is popular with the public. But health experts are nearly unanimous in saying it's a bad idea that could backfire.
	Specialized care centers may be needed to contain ebola (HealthDay)—Specialized medical centers may be necessary to adequately treat and contain the Ebola virus in the United States, according to an ideas and opinions piece published online Oct. 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Birth season affects your mood in later life New research shows that the season you are born has a significant impact on your risk of developing mood disorders. People born at certain times of year may have a greater chance of developing certain types of affective temperaments, which in turn can lead to mood disorders (affective disorders). This work is being presented at the European College of CNP Congress in Berlin.
Pathological gambling is associated with altered opioid system in the brain All humans have a natural opioid system in the brain. Now new research, presented at the ECNP Congress in Berlin, has found that the opioid system of pathological gamblers responds differently to those of normal healthy volunteers. The work was carried out by a group of UK researchers from London and Cambridge, and was funded by the Medical Research Council. This work is being presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology congress in Berlin.
Researchers find why depression and aging linked to increased disease risk Psychological stress and stress-related psychiatric disorders are associated with increased risk for aging-related diseases, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this relation are unknown. Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the development of targeted preventive strategies and new or improved treatments for these devastating diseases. This work is presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology congress in Berlin.
Do not succumb to Ebola 'hysteria,' Obama urges US President Barack Obama urged against "hysteria or fear" Saturday in the face of a growing Ebola crisis, as the United Nations spoke of an "encouraging" response to its funding appeal.
	Ebola monitoring inconsistent as virus spread (AP)—The top administrator in Dallas County rushed to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital this week responding to urgent news: One of its nurses had caught Ebola from a Liberian patient. He quickly asked for the hospital's watch list to find out who else might be at risk.
Medical charity accuses US of pushing India to ease patent rules Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) on Saturday accused the United States of ratcheting up pressure on India's new government to relax strict patent conditions which have made the country the "world's pharmacy".
Nigeria expected to be declared Ebola-free Nigeria is expected to be declared Ebola-free on Monday, just three months after fears that the virus could spread like wildfire through Africa's most populous nation.
For many journalists Ebola's invisible threat scarier than war You can't see shells falling, guns pointed or identify the bad guys: for many journalists the invisible threat of Ebola is more unnerving than covering a war.
Tear duct implant effective at reducing pain and inflammation in cataract surgery patients The first tear duct implant developed to treat inflammation and pain following cataract surgery has been shown to be a reliable alternative to medicated eye drops, which are the current standard of care, according to a study presented today at AAO 2014, the 118th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The device, known as a punctum plug, automatically delivers the correct amount of postoperative medication in patients, potentially solving the issue of poor compliance with self-administering eye drops.
	Test shows Spain nursing assistant clear of Ebola A Spanish nursing assistant appears to have recovered from the Ebola virus, authorities said Sunday, nearly two weeks after she became the first person infected outside West Africa in the current outbreak.

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