Fwd: Science X Newsletter Friday, Jun 13

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From: Newsletter Phys.org <not-for-reply@physorg.com>
Date: Sat, Jun 14, 2014 at 2:15 AM
Subject: Science X Newsletter Friday, Jun 13
To: Pascal Alter <pascal.alter@gmail.com>

Dear Pascal Alter,

Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 13, 2014:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

- Not too fast, not too slow: Researchers untangle energetics of extinct dinosaurs
- Big to tiny robots on risky ground: You go first
- Researchers unearth largest Silurian vertebrate to date—meter long Megamastax
- Study shows crayfish exhibit anxiety-like behavior when stressed
- Iberian Peninsula's geothermal power can generate current electrical capacity five times over
- Breakthrough for information technology using Heusler materials
- Crossing the goal line: New tech tracks football in 3-D space
- Reimagining silicon
- New web technology would let you track how your private data is used online
- Einstein vs quantum mechanics, and why he'd be a convert today
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in food products for the first time
- Subseafloor bacteria survive by over-activating DNA-repair and antibiotic target genes
- Research focuses on how food marketing creates a false sense of health
- 3D printer to fly to space in august, sooner than planned
- Decontamination system to up research on space station

Astronomy & Space news

	Wealthy Chinese buy space flight tickets: report More than 300 Chinese space enthusiasts have booked tickets costing nearly $100,000 for a five minute trip to outer space, official media reported Friday.
	Tour of Boeing's CST-100 Spaceliner to LEO On Monday, June 9, Boeing revealed the design of their CST-100 astronaut spaceliner aimed at restoring Americas ability to launch our astronauts to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the International Space Station (ISS) by 2017.
	Giant telescopes pair up to image near-Earth asteroid (w/ video) (Phys.org) —NASA scientists using Earth-based radar have produced sharp views of a recently discovered asteroid as it slid silently past our planet. Captured on June 8, 2014, the new views of the object designated "2014 HQ124" are some of the most detailed radar images of a near-Earth asteroid ever obtained.
	Herschel is key to discovery of spectacular gravitational lens An international team of astronomers including Dutch astronomers Peter Barthel and Léon Koopmans (University of Groningen) reports the discovery of a unique case of a cosmic gravitational lens. Using several telescopes on the ground and in space, the scientists show that a distant radio galaxy, acting as a cosmic lens, distorts and magnifies the radiation of an even more distant mysterious dark object, thereby making that object visible.
	Herschel sees budding stars and a giant, strange ring The Herschel Space Observatory has uncovered a weird ring of dusty material while obtaining one of the sharpest scans to date of a huge cloud of gas and dust, called NGC 7538. The observations have revealed numerous clumps of material, a baker's dozen of which may evolve into the most powerful kinds of stars in the universe. Herschel is a European Space Agency mission with important NASA contributions.
	3D printer to fly to space in august, sooner than planned A 3-D printer intended for the International Space Station has passed its NASA certifications with flying colors—earning the device a trip to space sooner than expected. The next Dragon spacecraft, scheduled to launch in August, will carry the Made In Space printer on board.
	Decontamination system to up research on space station Just like eating, drinking and even trying to wash your hair aboard the International Space Station, conducting science experiments in space is not a simple task for astronauts. There are so many more factors for crews to consider than scientists on Earth have to worry about. If not contained, microgravity can turn gasses, dust, fluids and sharp objects into a floating nightmare.
	NASA experiments recreate aromatic flavors of Titan NASA scientists have created a new recipe that captures key flavors of the brownish-orange atmosphere around Saturn's largest moon, Titan.
	Cracks in Pluto's moon could indicate it once had an underground ocean If the icy surface of Pluto's giant moon Charon is cracked, analysis of the fractures could reveal if its interior was warm, perhaps warm enough to have maintained a subterranean ocean of liquid water, according to a new NASA-funded study.

Medicine & Health news

Grocers sue Vermont over GMO food label law (AP)—The Grocery Manufacturers Association and other industry groups have challenged a Vermont law that requires the labeling of food made with genetically modified organisms.
Genotyping can predict disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients New cohort studies presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014) have shown the amino acid valine at position 11 of HLA-DRB1 gene to be the strongest independent genetic determinant of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 In addition, positions 71 and 74 were found to represent independent predictors, with the three positions together: 11, 71 and 74 strongly associated with disease outcomes.1
Higher health care cost burden of musculoskeletal conditions compared to other diseases A new study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014) highlights the increased health care costs associated with musculoskeletal conditions compared to other diseases. Health care costs were almost 50% higher for people with a musculoskeletal condition compared to any other singly occurring condition.1
'Miracle' mum-to-be in Sierra Leone tells of Ebola recovery joy A pregnant women identified as the first person to be cured of the deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone spoke Friday of her joy at her "miracle" recovery.
New vaccine study hopes to improve pancreatic cancer treatment Medical investigators at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare are studying a new cancer immunotherapy to see if it can successfully help patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
	A Broadway cancer survivor mentors young singers (AP)—Five young, amateur singers assembled a little nervously in a rehearsal room recently near Times Square. This was the day they'd be mentored by a Tony Award-nominated star.
First first patient enrolled in PROSPECT II clinical trial The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) and Uppsala Clinical Research (UCR) announced enrollment of the first patient in the PROSPECT II (Providing Regional Observations to Study Predictors of Events in the Coronary Tree II) trial. David Erlinge, MD, PhD performed the first procedure at Skane University Hospital in Lund, Sweden.
Canadian sues hospital for shortening penis in botched surgery A Canadian man is suing a Montreal area hospital over a botched surgery that left his penis one inch shorter, claiming it ruined his sex life and his marriage, media said Friday.
	Smartphone apps carry higher infection risk than online dating sites or clubs Phone dating apps used by gay men to find a sexual partner carry a higher risk of getting common sexually transmitted infections than meeting online or in bars and clubs, suggests research published online in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer reversed when drug paired with anti-malaria agent The inexpensive anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reverses resistance to tamoxifen, a widely used breast cancer drug, in mice.
	Proteins causing daytime sleepiness tied to bone formation, target for osteoporosis Orexin proteins, which are blamed for spontaneous daytime sleepiness, also play a crucial role in bone formation, according to findings by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers. The findings could potentially give rise to new treatments for osteoporosis, the researchers say.
Researchers uncover new insights into developing rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have generated fresh insights that could aid in the development of rapid-acting antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression.
New York is central in modified-food label debate Agricultural, food and beverage companies have spent millions of dollars to defeat legislation in New York state that would require labels on food containing ingredients from genetically modified crops, highlighting the state's key role in the debate about what Americans should know about the products they consume.
	Gun violence and mental illness: Study addresses perception vs. reality (Medical Xpress)—Recent mass killings in Isla Vista, California, and elsewhere have again raised concern among lawmakers and the media about the possible connection between mental illness and gun violence. A new study sets the record straight and recommends an evidence-based approach to limiting firearms fatalities.
	University patents new diagnostic technique for early detection of multiple conditions A team led by Professor Tony James and Dr Steve Bull from our Department of Chemistry has patented a technique they hope will help with the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
	Sleep deprivation can cause drivers to doze when they believe they are awake After the driver of a tractor-trailer apparently failed to react appropriately to slowed traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike and slammed into a limousine van early on the morning of June 7, killing one passenger and injuring four others, including comedian and actor Tracy Morgan, it was learned that the driver had gone without sleep for more than 24 hours.
	Does binge drinking affect rugby performance? A Massey University study has found a big night on the booze has little effect on the anaerobic performance of rugby players the following day.
Sjogren's syndrome significantly increases risk of heart attack A new study presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014) showed a significantly increased risk of heart attack in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), particularly in the first year following diagnosis.1 There was also a trend towards an increased risk for stroke.
Biomarkers predict long-term outcomes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis Data presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2014) demonstrate the possibility of using biomarkers (developed from whole blood gene expression profiles) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to predict the status of their disease at 12 months. The long-term disease status at 12 months was accurately predicted only after treatment had been initiated, in newly diagnosed patients.1
	Changing diet, exercise, men-only groups and humour may be recipe for tackling male obesity Fewer men join weight loss programmes but are more likely than women to stick with them, according to analysis of international obesity studies led by University of Aberdeen researchers.
Sarcocystis thermostable PCR detection kit Consumption of undercooked cyst-laden meat from cattle, sheep and goats may cause infection in humans. Researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA have successfully invented a PCR kit which provides a suitable and feasible means of screening, detection and identification with high sensitivity and specificity of the parasite.
Charity funding study brings alcohol industry influence on UK policy into question Five charities in the UK are both active in alcohol policy processes and funded by the alcohol industry, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Public Health.
	Severe scoliosis linked to rare mutations Children with rare mutations in two genes are about four times more likely to develop severe scoliosis than their peers with normal versions of the genes, scientists have found. The research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified genetic risk factors that predispose children to develop s-shaped curves in their spines that are dramatic enough to require surgery.
	Shared decision making missing in cancer screening discussions A national survey of patients reveals that physicians don't always fully discuss the risks and benefits of cancer screening, reports a new study in American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
	Fructose dose too high, but exercise can offset A high-fructose diet is related to major health problems including diabetes, but can be offset by a moderate exercise regime, a Murdoch University scientist suggests.
Study of 'super responder' reveals new oncogene for lung cancer Researchers have taken the next step in confirming the identity of previously unknown gene mutation that drives lung cancer development. Scientists at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) originally identified the mutation in one patient out of nine with advanced lung cancer who responded well to the drug sorafenib. The clinical trial involved 306 participants total.
	Here's what travelers in Brazil should know about yellow fever Of the dangers facing travellers to Brazil for the World Cup, yellow fever is one of the least likely to pose a real threat. But there are two important things to know about the illness.
	New study finds no link between saturated fat and heart disease After reviewing nearly 80 studies involving more than half a million people, researchers at Cambridge University found that saturated fat doesn't cause heart disease.
Reasearcher recommends wider use of androgen-deprivation therapy for high PSA levels Men whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level increases after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy but who have no known metastases comprise the second-largest group of patients with prostate cancer. However, no standard of care exists for these patients, according to James Mohler, MD, Associate Director, Senior Vice President of Translational Research and Chair of the Department of Urology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI).
Nutritionist offers advice on vitamins, dietary supplements Before taking a daily vitamin or dietary supplement, you might want to think about what you're really consuming, says a Kansas State University human nutritionist.
	BRCA test results affect patients' breast cancer surgery plans Women diagnosed with breast cancer often face a crucial decision about the extent of their surgical treatment. Many meet national guidelines recommending testing for mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes, which carry a substantial risk of future cancer. A new study reports that among women with breast cancer who undergo recommended testing before surgery, more than 7 in 10 who test positive will change their surgical plan, typically opting for a more extensive procedure such as a double mastectomy and sometimes ovary removal.
Northeast India on alert as malaria kills 20 in week At least 20 people have died from malaria in a remote corner of India in the past week, putting medical authorities on high alert at the start of the monsoon season, an official said Friday.
Uutilizing genetic health care professional reduces unnecessary testing, study shows A new Moffitt Cancer Center study published Thursday in Genetics in Medicine shows that counseling from a genetic health care provider before genetic testing educates patients and may help reduce unnecessary procedures.
Nurses play critical role in responding to global resurgence of pertussis Concerted effort is needed to reverse the ongoing rise in pertussis cases and deaths, especially among children and young people, according to the article by Emily Peake, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, CLC, and Lisa K. McGuire, MSN, MBA-HCM, RN. "This effort begins with nurses and nurse practitioners and other primary care providers who educate patients and the public," they write. "The battle of pertussis is winnable through education, awareness, and vaccination."
Chia powder linked to salmonella illnesses (AP)—Those who seek to make food healthier by adding chia powder should avoid several recalled brands that are linked to salmonella illnesses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
	Rescue of Alzheimer's memory deficit achieved by reducing 'excessive inhibition' A new drug target to fight Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by a research team led by Gong Chen, a Professor of Biology and the Verne M. Willaman Chair in Life Sciences at Penn State University. The discovery also has potential for development as a novel diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia and one for which no cure has yet been found. A scientific paper describing the discovery will be published in Nature Communications on 13 June 2014.
	Genetic 'barcode' for malaria could help contain outbreaks A new genetic 'barcode' for malaria parasites has been found which could be used to track and contain the spread of the disease, according to new research led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
	Early childhood programs yield long-term gains for children in developing nations A new report has found that early childhood programs, shown to give significant, long-term cognitive and economic benefits to children in the United States, also can greatly benefit children in developing nations.
	Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in food products for the first time A team of researchers with the University of Saskatchewan in Canada has found the first instance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a food product—Pseudomonas in a squid sold at a Chinese grocery store in Saskatoon. They reported what they'd found to the CDC in the United States, who promptly issued a warning letter about the find in an open-access journal it hosts, Emerging Infectious Diseases.
	Research focuses on how food marketing creates a false sense of health Health-related buzzwords, such as "antioxidant," "gluten-free" and "whole grain," lull consumers into thinking packaged food products labeled with those words are healthier than they actually are, according to a new research study conducted by scholars at the University of Houston (UH).

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