Sunday 11 April 2021

NASA delays Mars copter flight for tech check

NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-nasa-mars-copter-flight-tech.html

Friday 9 April 2021

Liftoff! Pioneers of space

Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space 60 years ago next week.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-liftoff-space.html

US sanctions Chinese computer makers in widening tech fight

The Biden administration has added seven Chinese supercomputer research labs and manufacturers to a U.S. export blacklist in a spreading conflict with Beijing over technology and security.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-sanctions-chinese-makers-widening-tech.html

Amazon union organizers deflated as vote tilts against them

Amazon is heading into the final stretch of a union push in Bessemer, Alabama with a sizeable lead over labor organizers.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-amazon-union-deflated-vote-tilts.html

Verizon recalls mobile hotspots sold to schools, in stores

Verizon is recalling 2.5 million mobile hotspots after some reports of overheating and two reports of minor burns.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-verizon-recalls-mobile-hotspots-sold.html

Three-man Soyuz flight honouring Gagarin blasts off for ISS

A three-man crew blasted off to the International Space Station Friday in a capsule honouring the 60th anniversary of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in space.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-three-man-soyuz-flight-honouring-gagarin.html

X-ray study recasts role of battery material from cathode to catalyst

An international team working at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) used a unique X-ray instrument to learn new things about lithium-rich battery materials that have been the subject of much study for their potential to extend the range of electric vehicles and the operation of electronic devices.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-x-ray-recasts-role-battery-material.html

Could Mario Kart teach us how to reduce world poverty and improve sustainability?

Many Mario Kart enthusiasts are familiar with the rush of racing down Rainbow Road, barely squeaking around a corner, and catching a power-up from one of the floating square icons on the screen—or, less ideally, slipping on a banana peel laid by another racer and flying off the side of the road into oblivion. This heated competition between multiple players, who use a variety of game tokens and tools to speed ahead or thwart their competitors, is part of what makes the classic Nintendo racing game that has been around since the early 1990s so appealing.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-mario-kart-world-poverty-sustainability.html

Three-man Soyuz flight honouring Gagarin blasts off for ISS

A three-man crew blasted off to the International Space Station Friday in a capsule honouring the 60th anniversary of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becoming the first person in space.

X-ray study recasts role of battery material from cathode to catalyst

An international team working at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) used a unique X-ray instrument to learn new things about lithium-rich battery materials that have been the subject of much study for their potential to extend the range of electric vehicles and the operation of electronic devices.

Configuring infrared spectroscopy tools to better detect breast cancer

Detecting and analyzing breast cancer goes beyond the initial discovery of the cancer itself. If a patient has a tumor removed and it needs to be analyzed to determine further treatment, it might be OK for the results to take 24 hours. But if the patient is still on the operating table and clinicians are waiting to make sure no cancer cells are present along the edges of the removed tumor, results need to be nearly immediate.

Could Mario Kart teach us how to reduce world poverty and improve sustainability?

Many Mario Kart enthusiasts are familiar with the rush of racing down Rainbow Road, barely squeaking around a corner, and catching a power-up from one of the floating square icons on the screen—or, less ideally, slipping on a banana peel laid by another racer and flying off the side of the road into oblivion. This heated competition between multiple players, who use a variety of game tokens and tools to speed ahead or thwart their competitors, is part of what makes the classic Nintendo racing game that has been around since the early 1990s so appealing.

Cancer-killing virus therapy shows promise against inoperable skin cancers

Early results show that a new combination drug therapy is safe and effective against advanced skin cancer in patients who were not able to have their tumors surgically removed.

Sunlight linked with lower COVID-19 deaths, study shows

Sunnier areas are associated with fewer deaths from Covid-19, an observational study suggests.

Failure to rescue a major driver of excess maternal mortality in Black women

In a study of over 73 million delivery hospitalizations during a 19-year period in the United States, researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that failure to rescue from severe maternal morbidity contributes more than a half of the 3-fold difference in maternal mortality between Black women and White women. Failure to rescue refers to death resulting from severe maternal morbidity such as eclampsia, acute heart failure, and sepsis. The findings are published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Brazil at high risk of dengue outbreaks after droughts because of temporary water storage

Dengue risk is exacerbated in highly populated areas of Brazil after extreme drought because of improvised water containers housing mosquitoes, suggests a new study in Lancet Planetary Health.

Surgery for stress urinary incontinence doesn't cause pelvic cancer

Women undergoing surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are not at increased risk of developing pelvic cancers, according to a large-scale, population-based study in The Journal of Urology, Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA).

Lessons in equity from the frontlines of COVID-19 vaccination

When the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved for emergency use in December 2020, healthcare systems across the Unites States needed to rapidly design and implement their own approaches to distribute COVID-19 vaccines equitably and efficiently. This new role has required Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) to develop new strategies and build large operational teams to organize and successfully vaccinate more than 14,000 patients a week across Eastern Massachusetts. In an Insight article published in JAMA Health Forum, Leonor Fernandez, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Peter Shorett, MPP, Chief Integration Officer at BILH, identify five key lessons about health equity that have emerged from BILH's vaccination campaign for the health system's approximately 1.6 million patients.

Even 'safe' ambient CO levels may harm health, study finds

Data collected from 337 cities across 18 countries show that even slight increases in ambient carbon monoxide levels from automobiles and other sources are associated with increased mortality.

Study investigates link between lactation and visceral, pericardial fat

As demonstrated by multiple studies over the years, women who breastfeed have a lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes when compared to those who don't or can't. However, the mechanisms by which these risks are reduced for lactating women are still not fully understood.

Earth's crust mineralogy drives hotspots for intraterrestrial life

Below the verdant surface and organic rich soil, life extends kilometers into Earth's deep rocky crust. The continental deep subsurface is likely one of the largest reservoirs of bacteria and archaea on Earth, many forming biofilms—like a microbial coating of the rock surface. This microbial population survives without light or oxygen and with minimal organic carbon sources, and can get energy by eating or respiring minerals. Distributed throughout the deep subsurface, these biofilms could represent 20-80% of the total bacterial and archaeal biomass in the continental subsurface according to the most recent estimate. But are these microbial populations spread evenly on rock surfaces, or do they prefer to colonize specific minerals in the rocks?

Earth's crust mineralogy drives hotspots for intraterrestrial life

Below the verdant surface and organic rich soil, life extends kilometers into Earth's deep rocky crust. The continental deep subsurface is likely one of the largest reservoirs of bacteria and archaea on Earth, many forming biofilms—like a microbial coating of the rock surface. This microbial population survives without light or oxygen and with minimal organic carbon sources, and can get energy by eating or respiring minerals. Distributed throughout the deep subsurface, these biofilms could represent 20-80% of the total bacterial and archaeal biomass in the continental subsurface according to the most recent estimate. But are these microbial populations spread evenly on rock surfaces, or do they prefer to colonize specific minerals in the rocks?

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-earth-crust-mineralogy-hotspots-intraterrestrial.html

Long-awaited review reveals journey of water from interstellar clouds to habitable worlds

Dutch astronomer Ewine van Dishoeck (Leiden University, the Netherlands), together with an international team of colleagues, has written an overview of everything we know about water in interstellar clouds thanks to the Herschel space observatory. The article, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, summarizes existing knowledge and provides new information about the origin of water on new, potentially habitable, worlds. The article is expected to serve as a reference work for the next twenty years.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-long-awaited-reveals-journey-interstellar-clouds.html

Long-awaited review reveals journey of water from interstellar clouds to habitable worlds

Dutch astronomer Ewine van Dishoeck (Leiden University, the Netherlands), together with an international team of colleagues, has written an overview of everything we know about water in interstellar clouds thanks to the Herschel space observatory. The article, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, summarizes existing knowledge and provides new information about the origin of water on new, potentially habitable, worlds. The article is expected to serve as a reference work for the next twenty years.

Thursday 8 April 2021

Summoning seniors: Big new push to vaccinate older Americans

The first hurdle was getting on the bus. Seventy-four year old Linda Busby hesitated outside a community center where older people were loading up to go get the coronavirus vaccine.

Are some COVID-19 vaccines more effective than others?

Are some COVID-19 vaccines more effective than others?

Top colleges see record application numbers amid pandemic

Highly competitive colleges including Yale, Brown and Penn are sending out acceptance notices this week to a much smaller percentage of admission seekers than usual after sorting through record-breaking numbers of applications.

The ulti-mutt pet? Chinese tech company develops robo-dogs

It's whip fast, obeys commands and doesn't leave unpleasant surprises on the floor—meet the AlphaDog, a robotic response to two of China's burgeoning loves: pets and technology.

Spain limits AstraZeneca vaccine to 60 years and up

Spain joined other European nations on Wednesday in limiting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the elderly due to concerns over links to extremely rare blood clotting.

EXPLAINER: What to know about the Amazon union vote count

Amazon is known for quick delivery. But finding out whether Amazon warehouse workers voted for or against unionizing is going to take some more time.

All-in-one device uses microwave power for defense, medicine

An invention from Purdue University innovators may provide a new option to use directed energy for biomedical and defense applications.

Top colleges see record application numbers amid pandemic

Highly competitive colleges including Yale, Brown and Penn are sending out acceptance notices this week to a much smaller percentage of admission seekers than usual after sorting through record-breaking numbers of applications.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-colleges-application-pandemic.html

The ulti-mutt pet? Chinese tech company develops robo-dogs

It's whip fast, obeys commands and doesn't leave unpleasant surprises on the floor—meet the AlphaDog, a robotic response to two of China's burgeoning loves: pets and technology.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-ulti-mutt-pet-chinese-tech-company.html

EXPLAINER: What to know about the Amazon union vote count

Amazon is known for quick delivery. But finding out whether Amazon warehouse workers voted for or against unionizing is going to take some more time.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-amazon-union-vote.html

All-in-one device uses microwave power for defense, medicine

An invention from Purdue University innovators may provide a new option to use directed energy for biomedical and defense applications.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-all-in-one-device-microwave-power-defense.html

One of Africa's rarest primates protected by... speedbumps

A new study revealed that a drastic reduction of deaths of one of Africa's rarest primates, the Zanzibar red colobus (Piliocolobus kirkii), followed the installation of four speedbumps along a stretch of road where the species frequently crossed.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-africa-rarest-primates-speedbumps.html

The truth about doublespeak: Is it lying or just being persuasive?

Doublespeak, or the use of euphemisms to sway opinion, lets leaders avoid the reputational costs of lying while still bringing people around to their way of thinking, a new study has found.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-truth-doublespeak-lying-persuasive.html

New method advances single-cell transcriptomic technologies

Single-cell transcriptomic methods allow scientists to study thousands of individual cells from living organisms, one-by-one, and sequence each cell's genetic material. Genes are activated differently in each cell type, giving rise to cell types such as neurons, skin cells and muscle cells.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-method-advances-single-cell-transcriptomic-technologies.html

Gut bacteria 'talk' to horse's cells to improve their athletic performance

A horse's gut microbiome communicates with its host by sending chemical signals to its cells, which has the effect of helping the horse to extend its energy output, finds a new study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. This exciting discovery paves the way for dietary supplements that could enhance equine athletic performance.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-gut-bacteria-horse-cells-athletic.html

Structural racism, anti-LGBTQ policies lead to worse health in Black sexual minority men

Eliminating racist and anti-LGBTQ policies is essential to improving the health of Black gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men, according to a Rutgers-led research team.

One of Africa's rarest primates protected by... speedbumps

A new study revealed that a drastic reduction of deaths of one of Africa's rarest primates, the Zanzibar red colobus (Piliocolobus kirkii), followed the installation of four speedbumps along a stretch of road where the species frequently crossed.

A drug that can stop tumors from growing

Cancer doctors may soon have a new tool for treating melanoma and other types of cancer, thanks to work being done by researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Researchers develop language test for people with Down syndrome

Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed a test to evaluate the expressive language skills of people with Down syndrome, a condition resulting from an extra copy or piece of chromosome 21. Expressive language is the use of words to convey meaning to others. Language delays are common in people with Down syndrome, and the study authors believe their test provides a more effective way to evaluate prospective language interventions, compared to current evaluation methods.

The truth about doublespeak: Is it lying or just being persuasive?

Doublespeak, or the use of euphemisms to sway opinion, lets leaders avoid the reputational costs of lying while still bringing people around to their way of thinking, a new study has found.

New method advances single-cell transcriptomic technologies

Single-cell transcriptomic methods allow scientists to study thousands of individual cells from living organisms, one-by-one, and sequence each cell's genetic material. Genes are activated differently in each cell type, giving rise to cell types such as neurons, skin cells and muscle cells.

Gut bacteria 'talk' to horse's cells to improve their athletic performance

A horse's gut microbiome communicates with its host by sending chemical signals to its cells, which has the effect of helping the horse to extend its energy output, finds a new study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. This exciting discovery paves the way for dietary supplements that could enhance equine athletic performance.

Wednesday 7 April 2021

Billboard and storefront ads for cannabis linked to problematic use in teens

Adolescents who frequently see billboard or storefront advertisements for recreational cannabis are more likely to use the drug weekly and to have symptoms of a cannabis use disorder, according to a new study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Tokyo, as you've never seen it before

It's Tokyo, but unlike you've ever seen it before—a miniaturised 1:1,000 scale version of one of the world's biggest capitals, displaying everything from sea levels to population densities.

Survey: Even as schools reopen, many students learn remotely

Large numbers of students are not returning to the classroom even as more schools reopen for full-time, in-person learning, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Biden administration.

Texas governor bans mandated COVID-19 'vaccine passports'

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott used his executive power Tuesday to ban state government and some private entities from requiring COVID-19 "vaccine passports" to access services, in the latest move from a Republican governor pitting public health campaigns against personal freedom and private choices.

Senators press for more on SolarWinds hack after AP report

Key lawmakers said Tuesday they're concerned they've been kept in the dark about what suspected Russian hackers stole from the federal government and they pressed Biden administration officials for more details about the scope of what's known as the SolarWinds hack.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-senators-solarwinds-hack-ap.html

Toshiba to weigh buyout offer from UK fund

Toshiba is considering a buyout offer from a British private equity fund, it said Wednesday, with reports suggesting the deal could be worth about $20 billion.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-toshiba-buyout-uk-fund.html

Samsung Electronics, LG forecast 40% leaps in Q1 operating profits

South Korea's two biggest electronics firms both forecast jumps of around 40 percent in their first-quarter operating profits Wednesday, with coronavirus-driven working from home fuelling global demand for semiconductors and home appliances.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-samsung-electronics-lg-q1-profits.html

Devart SecureBridge Supports New RAD Studio 10.4.2 and Adds TLS/SSL Server Component

Devart has recently introduced a long-awaited update of SecureBridge v9.5. The new version comes with support for RAD Studio 10.4.2 and two new components for implementing TLS/SSL and TCP/IP servers. [PR.com]

LoyaltyXpert Announced a Loyalty Program for Agro Industries

It has been an immense pleasure to proclaim that LoyaltyXpert is now offering loyalty solutions for the agro industry. The company strives to offer customized loyalty program solutions that help the agro industry's businesses to increase customer retention and profitability. The loyalty solution for the agriculture industry aims at proactive collaboration for B2B where farmers' wholesalers and other channel partners can [PR.com]

"The Auschwitz Volunteer" - Now Available in Japanese

A Japanese edition of "The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery" by Captain Witold Pilecki is now available. Japanese-language rights were acquired by Misuzu Shobo Publishers in Tokyo, from Aquila Polonica Publishing, Los Angeles. Aquila Polonica was represented in the transaction by Eriko Takeuchi of Japan UNI. This new Japanese edition joins the German, Italian, Portuguese, Finnish, complex Chinese (Taiwan), [PR.com]

HotelsByDay Announces Sale of DayAxe to New Management

HotelsByDay, a web app which allows guests to reserve hotel daytime inventory, announces the sale of DayAxe, a company that sells access to hotel amenities such as pool passes, cabanas, spas and fitness rooms, to a new management team that is backed by an angel investor with deep experience in travel and hospitality. “Unfortunately, the pandemic has thrown a big wrench in our strategic planning and HotelsByDay was [PR.com]

69th Annual Maggie Awards® Ceremony Announced - 104 Brands to be Honored on April 23rd Ceremony

The 69th Annual Maggie Awards® team cordially invites the publishing industry to attend the 69th Annual Maggie Awards® Ceremony slated for Thursday, April 23rd, 2021 via Zoom. The live event will reveal Maggie Awards® Winners and Award of Excellence honorees from among 104 finalists for excellence in publishing and digital media. Honorees represent brands across consumer, trade, association, and student [PR.com]

Cutting Videos to be Added to Horse&Rider OnDemand

Winston Hansma joins Horse&Rider OnDemand as the first cutting expert on the platform. [PR.com]

Zeigler Auto Group's New Hot Air Balloon Takes Flight Just in Time for Easter

Zeigler’s new, branded hot air balloon successfully completed its first flight on Sunday, April 4, 2021. The Easter Sunday flight took off at Jamestown Elementary in Hudsonville, Michigan at 6:45p.m. and concluded an hour later in a sod field just north of Hudsonville. The pilot, Derrick Jones, a world-renowned hot air balloonist, is also the general sales manager at Zeigler Maserati-Alfa Romeo-Fiat of Grandville. [PR.com]

Michael Wyckoff Awarded Engel & Völkers Private Office Designation

Wyckoff joins global real estate company’s exclusive group of professionals worldwide. [PR.com]

Adoptions From The Heart Brings Expecting and Birth Parents Together for a “Heart-to-Heart”

Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH), a nonprofit open-adoption agency with various locations along the east coast, is launching the Heart-to-Heart Mentoring Program. Heart-to-Heart Mentoring Program connects Birth Parents with Expectant Parents to provide support and guidance to those facing unplanned pregnancies. Birth Parents can provide their first-hand knowledge and experience to help expectant parents process the [PR.com]

Eastern PA Trans Equity Project Condemns Introduction of Fairness in Women’s Sports Act

Eastern PA Trans Equity Project reminds legislators that transgender youth deserve the same opportunities as their cisgender counterparts and that a majority of Pennsylvanians support transgender equality. [PR.com]

Window Treatment Marketing Pros to Host SEO Workshop

The New SEO Formula for Window Treatment and Awning Companies Set for April 15. [PR.com]

Steve Muehler – Investment Banking Expands Its Global Portfolio with Captive Insurance

Steve Muehler, the Managing Member of Steve Muehler – Investment Banking & Steve Muehler – Commercial Insurance, today announced the two firms first joint venture with the launch of its “Global Capital Insurance” products. [PR.com]

New Entity Developer 6.11 Supports EF Core 6, JSON and YAML Serialization

Devart released the new version of Entity Developer. The Czech vendor added support for Entity Framework Core 6.0, greatly improved serialization support, and presented some usability improvements. [PR.com]

Boutique Investment Firm P2 Advisers Acquires Startup Ecosystem Catalyst Innoberator

Bangalore based startup ecosystem player Innoberator has been acquired by P2 advisers. Innoberator was best known for running business model interventions for startups and SME's for the past 5 years. [PR.com]

New Yorker Electronics to Distribute the New APS Neptune Industrial Adapter Desktop Power Supply

New Waterproof Industrial Strength Power Supply from Autec features Power Ratings of 6W, 12W, 18W, 24W, 60W and 72W. [PR.com]

SMC Corporation Celebrates April 27th as National Pneumatics Day

Everyone deserves to breathe clean, fresh air, and promoting sustainable pneumatic automation using clean, dry compressed air, along with regularly scheduled air prep maintenance will not only optimize machine performance, but it will also be steps closer to an eco-friendly production space. [PR.com]

Derek Builders Invites You to "Experience the Derek Difference" - New Brand Identity, Same Service, Standards, and Values

Derek Engineering, Inc., a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial and industrial construction, announced today the launch of a new brand identity and trade name. The Arizona based general contractor, spearheaded by Southwest Region President, Jeff Bateman, will now operate as Derek Engineering, Inc., doing business as Derek Builders. Among the other changes will be its logo, tagline and domain name [PR.com]

Tuesday 6 April 2021

What can we learn from vanishing wildlife species: The case of the Pyrenean Ibex

Likely the first extinction event of the 2000s in Europe, the sad history of the Pyrenean Ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) is a powerful example of the ever-increasing species loss worldwide due to causes related to human activity. It can, however, give us valuable information on what should be done (or avoided) to halt this extinction vortex.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-wildlife-species-case-pyrenean-ibex.html

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands to 16 and over in NY

New Yorkers over 16 years old can sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations starting Tuesday, a major expansion of eligibility as the state seeks to immunize as many people as possible.

Softbank to buy $2.8 bn stake in Norway robotics firm

Japanese investment giant SoftBank Group will buy a 40 percent stake in Norwegian robotics company AutoStore in a deal worth $2.8 billion, the two firms said.

Apple chief Tim Cook talks of autonomous cars

Apple chief Tim Cook portrayed self-driving cars as an ideal match for the technology giant during an interview released Monday by the New York Times.

Air France gets EU green light for 4 bn euros aid

The EU approved a plan Tuesday by the French government to inject up to four billion euros into Air France, hit by a collapse in passenger traffic during the pandemic.

FDA OKs first new ADHD drug in over a decade for children

U.S. regulators have approved the first new drug in over a decade for children with ADHD, which causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

How many mothers have lost a child: A global comparison

The inequality is enormous: Mothers in select African countries are more than 100 times more likely to have had a child die than mothers in high-income countries.

How a moving platform for 3D printing can cut waste and costs

3-D printing has the potential to revolutionize product design and manufacturing in a vast range of fields—from custom components for consumer products, to 3-D printed dental products and bone and medical implants that could save lives. However, the process also creates a large amount of expensive and unsustainable waste and takes a long time, making it difficult for 3-D printing to be implemented on a wide scale.

COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse gains made on Sustainable Development Goal 1 and 2

A new study analyzing bean production and food security across 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, found COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions to significantly impact bean production. Border controls and high transport costs have led to drops in production of the key food security crop, threatening to reverse gains made in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, towards no poverty and zero hunger, respectively.

For some Black students, discrimination outweighed integration's benefits

Integrating the American classroom has long been a goal of many who seek to eradicate racial discrimination. But a new paper from four economists, including Duke University's William A. "Sandy" Darity Jr., suggests that Black students do not always benefit from attending racially balanced schools.

Black women are dying of COVID-19 at rates higher than men in other racial/ethnic groups

A new paper in the Journal of General Internal Medicine published by the GenderSci Lab at Harvard University shows that Black women are dying at significantly higher rates than white men, and that disparities in mortality rates among women of all races are greater than those between white women and white men.

Insomnia associated with more suicidal thoughts, worse disease symptoms in schizophrenia

Insomnia is a common problem in patients with schizophrenia, and a new study reinforces a close association between insomnia, more suicidal thoughts and actions and increased problems like anxiety and depression in these patients.

Simple fetal heartbeat monitoring still best to reduce unnecessary cesarean sections

Newer is not always better; a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) led by researchers at the University of Warwick shows that simple fetal heartbeat monitoring is still the best method for determining whether a baby is in distress during delivery and whether cesarean delivery is needed http://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.202538.

Cannabis legalization and link to increase in fatal collisions

Legalization of recreational cannabis may be associated with an increase in fatal motor vehicle collisions based on data from the United States, and authors discuss the implications for Canada in an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Personalized patient navigation service reduces readmissions among hospitalized patients with comorbid substance use

A personalized patient navigation service reduced hospital readmissions and emergency department (ER) visits for patients with comorbid substance use disorder. Findings from a randomized trial comparing Navigation Services to Avoid Rehospitalization (NavSTAR) versus usual treatment are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

New deadly snake from Asia named after character from Chinese myth 'Legend of White Snake'

In 2001, the famous herpetologist Joseph B. Slowinski died from snakebite by an immature black-and-white banded krait, while leading an expedition team in northern Myanmar. The very krait that caused his death is now confirmed to belong to the same species identified as a new to science venomous snake, following an examination of samples collected between 2016 and 2019 from Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China.

What can we learn from vanishing wildlife species: The case of the Pyrenean Ibex

Likely the first extinction event of the 2000s in Europe, the sad history of the Pyrenean Ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) is a powerful example of the ever-increasing species loss worldwide due to causes related to human activity. It can, however, give us valuable information on what should be done (or avoided) to halt this extinction vortex.

Antihistamines can be helpful during spring allergy season and as COVID vaccines roll out, for which rashes are common

If you are one of the millions of people worldwide suffering from allergies, you may take an antihistamine pill to ward off hives, sneezing and watery eyes.

Bellatrix Releases Final Sequel to Medical Detective Series Set on Vancouver Island

Bellatrix today released the last book in the Doctor Sababa medical detective series, by acclaimed writer Lawrence Winkler. Few current novels accurately portray the professional life of the Internal Medicine specialist. Set in the fictional coastal community of Harbour City, "The Last Casebook of Doctor Sababa" follows on from the first three volumes in "The Casebook of Doctor Sababa" and "The Next Casebook of Doctor [PR.com]

TPC eMedia, a Division of TPC Commedia LLC Launches New Cash Hunting Game in South Bend, Indiana - Get Cash During Pandemic - Portion of Profits to Local Charities

TPC eMedia, a division of TPC Commedia LLC, launched a new real world cash hunting game called Hidden Cash Hunts, starting in Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. [PR.com]

Potter-Tioga Counties’ Cherry Springs State Park Ranked as One of “Nation’s Finest Stargazing Spots”

Sky & Telescope recognizes Cherry Springs State Park as one of the most cherished Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. [PR.com]

Upscale Living Magazine Launches New Website in Spanish

Upscale Living Magazine (ULM), based in Miami, Florida, and dedicated to the creation of content specialized in the latest trends in the luxury, lifestyle, and real estate market, launched its new site in Spanish completely dedicated to the Hispanic community in South Florida, and throughout Latin America, in response to the growing demand for value-driven content from this audience. Although the English version comes in [PR.com]

Paschal Air Plumbing & Electric Opens a New Location in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Paschal Air Plumbing & Electric, the leading provider of home comfort services and replacements, is proud to announce the official opening of its brand new location in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Fort Smith location will serve as a service, install, and warehouse facility in the River Valley. [PR.com]

Monday 5 April 2021

SKorea's LG to exit loss-making mobile phone business

South Korean electronics maker LG said Monday it is getting out of its loss-making mobile phone business to focus on electric vehicle components, robotics, artificial intelligence and other products and services.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-skorea-lg-exit-loss-making-mobile.html

Facing pressure at home, Chinese tech giants expand in Singapore

Chinese tech giants are expanding in Singapore as they face a crackdown at home and growing pressure in other key markets—but they may struggle to find talent in the city-state.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-pressure-home-chinese-tech-giants.html

Rescue hampered by distance as more rain falls in Indonesia

Rescuers were hampered by damaged bridges and roads and a lack of heavy equipment Monday after torrential rains caused multiple disasters on remote eastern Indonesian islands.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-hampered-distance-falls-indonesia.html

Delta cancels about 100 flights, opens some middle seats

Delta Air Lines canceled about 100 flights Sunday due to staff shortages, and it opened up middle seats a month earlier than expected in order to carry more passengers.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-delta-cancels-flights-middle-seats.html

New paper shows benefits of Louisiana coastal restoration to soil carbon sequestration

Without restoration efforts in coastal Louisiana, marshes in the state could lose half of their current ability to store carbon in the soil over a period of 50 years, according to a new paper published in American Geophysical Union Journal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-paper-benefits-louisiana-coastal-soil.html

New study ties solar variability to the onset of decadal La Nina events

A new study shows a correlation between the end of solar cycles and a switch from El Nino to La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean, suggesting that solar variability can drive seasonal weather variability on Earth.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-ties-solar-variability-onset-decadal.html

New study shows how online endorsement could help address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

A third of the UK adult population intend to use social media and personal messaging to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, a new, large scale, multi-university study involving Loughborough researchers has found.