ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

New approach to improving treatment for MS and other conditions

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:24:24 EDT

Working with lab mice models of multiple sclerosis (MS), scientists have detected a novel molecular target for the design of drugs that could be safer and more effective than current FDA-approved medications against MS.

New malaria test kit gives a boost to elimination efforts worldwide

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:27:27 EDT

A new, highly sensitive blood test that quickly detects even the lowest levels of malaria parasites in the body could make a dramatic difference in efforts to tackle the disease.

New study recommends using active videogaming ('exergaming') to improve children's health

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:58:58 EDT

Levels of physical inactivity and obesity are very high in children, with fewer than 50 percent of primary school-aged boys and fewer than 28 percent of girls meeting the minimum levels of physical activity required to maintain health. Exergaming, using active console video games that track player movement to control the game, has become popular, and may provide an alternative form of exercise to counteract sedentary behaviors.

Clinical support for patient self-management is rhetoric rather than reality, experts say

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:57:57 EDT

The processes to allow people to self-manage their own illness are not being used appropriately by health professionals to the benefit of their patients, new research suggests. Self-management support aims to increase the patient's ability to take ownership over their condition and in some cases, to self-treat.

Newer diabetes medications may have additional cardiovascular benefits

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

A newer class of medications used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics may also improve cardiovascular health.

Expert questions US public health agency advice on influenza vaccines

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

The United States government public health agency, the CDC, pledges "To base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data, openly and objectively derived." But experts argue that in the case of influenza vaccinations and their marketing, this is not so.

Breakthrough for IVF? Selecting the most promising embryos

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

A recent study on 5-day old human blastocysts shows that those with an abnormal chromosomal composition can be identified by the rate at which they have developed to blastocysts, thereby classifying the risk of genetic abnormality without a biopsy. Now, researchers have undertaken a retrospective study, using their predictive model to assess the likelihood of any embryo transferred resulting in a successful pregnancy, with very encouraging outcomes.

Global health policy fails to address burden of disease on men

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

Men experience a higher burden of disease and lower life expectancy than women, but policies focusing on the health needs of men are notably absent from the strategies of global health organizations, according to experts.

Body mass index of low income African-Americans linked to proximity of fast food restaurants

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:17 EDT

African-American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant had a higher body mass index than those who lived further away from fast food, according to researchers, and this association was particularly strong among those with a lower income.

Target to prevent hardening of arteries identified

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:17:17 EDT

The gene Dkk1 encodes a protein that plays a key role in increasing the population of connective-tissue cells during wound repair, but prolonged Dkk1 signaling in cells lining blood vessels can lead to fibrosis and a stiffening of artery walls.

Brain makes call on which ear is used for cell phone

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

If you're a left-brain thinker, chances are you use your right hand to hold your cell phone up to your right ear, according to a newly published study. The study shows a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used to listen to a cell phone.

Depression linked to almost doubled stroke risk in middle-aged women

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

Depression among women 47-52 years old is associated with an almost doubled risk of stroke. Researchers call for greater awareness of depression as a preventable risk factor for stroke among younger middle-aged women.

Massachusetts' health care reform didn't raise hospital use, costs

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:16 EDT

Health care reform in Massachusetts didn't result in substantially more hospitalizations, longer stays or higher costs. There were no significant differences in post-reform hospital use in Massachusetts versus to three other states without reform. There was also no significant increase in use of safety-net hospitals in Massachusetts.

Gene involved in neurodegeneration keeps clock running: Scientists identify another gene important to morning wake-up call

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Scientists have shown a gene involved in neurodegenerative disease also plays a critical role in the proper function of the circadian clock. In a study of the common fruit fly, the researchers found the gene, called Ataxin-2, keeps the clock responsible for sleeping and waking on a 24-hour rhythm. Without the gene, the rhythm of the fruit fly's sleep-wake cycle is disturbed, making waking up on a regular schedule difficult for the fly.

Researchers shocked by new statistics on head injuries among people who are homeless

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Men who are heavy drinkers and homeless for long periods of time have 400 times the number of head injuries as the general population, according to a new study by researchers who said they were shocked by their findings.

Returning genetic incidental findings without patient consent violates basic rights, experts say

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

Scientists push back against recent American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations, and offer compelling reasons why patient autonomy must remain firmly in place as science advances.

Accelerated aging in children: Promising treatment for progeria within reach

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

Pharmaceuticals that inhibit a specific enzyme may be useful in treating progeria, or accelerated aging in children. A new study indicates that the development of progeria in mice was inhibited upon reducing the production of this enzyme.

Scientific insurgents say 'Journal Impact Factors' distort science

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

An ad hoc coalition of unlikely insurgents -- scientists, journal editors and publishers, scholarly societies, and research funders across many scientific disciplines -- today posted an international declaration calling on the world scientific community to eliminate the role of the journal impact factor in evaluating research for funding, hiring, promotion, or institutional effectiveness.

Endothelium, heal thyself

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

Investigators publish new findings showing that the endothelium's efficient barrier function relies on an enormous self-restorative capacity.

Security risks found in sensors for heart devices, consumer electronics

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

The type of sensors that pick up the rhythm of a beating heart in implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers are vulnerable to tampering, according to a new study conducted in controlled laboratory conditions.

Fishing for memories: How long-term memories are processed to guide behavior

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:39:39 EDT

In our interaction with our environment we constantly refer to past experiences stored as memories to guide behavioral decisions. But how memories are formed, stored and then retrieved to assist decision-making remains a mystery. By observing whole-brain activity in live zebrafish, researchers have visualized for the first time how information stored as long-term memory in the cerebral cortex is processed to guide behavioral choices.

Faulty energy production in brain cells leads to disorders ranging from Parkinson's to intellectual disability

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:38:38 EDT

Neuroscientists have shown for the first time that dysfunctional mitochondria in brain cells can lead to learning disabilities. The link between dysfunctional mitochondria and Parkinson's disease is known, but this new research shows that it is also present in other brain disorders.

Stem-cell-based strategy boosts immune system in mice

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

Raising hopes for cell-based therapies, researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. The researchers showed that, in mice, the tissue can be used to foster the development of white blood cells the body needs to mount healthy immune responses and to prevent harmful autoimmune reactions.

Engineers monitor heart health using paper-thin flexible 'skin'

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:57:57 EDT

Engineers combine layers of flexible materials into pressure sensors to create a wearable heart monitor thinner than a dollar bill. The skin-like device could one day provide doctors with a safer way to check the condition of a patient's heart.

Students' diet and physical activity improve with parent communications

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:56:56 EDT

College students eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise more on days when they communicate more with their parents, according to researchers.

Study brings greater understanding of tumor growth mechanism

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:55:55 EDT

A new study has for the first time revealed how the loss of a particular tumor suppressing protein leads to the abnormal growth of tumors of the brain and nervous system.

Vicious cycle: Obesity sustained by changes in brain biochemistry

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:55:55 EDT

Scientists have shown that in the brain cells of rats, obesity impedes the production of a hormone that curbs appetite and inspires calorie burning. The root cause appears to be a breakdown in the protein-processing mechanism of the cells. In the lab, the researchers showed they could fix the breakdown with drugs.

Genetic risk for schizophrenia is connected to reduced IQ

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:53 EDT

The relationship between the heritable risk for schizophrenia and low intelligence (IQ) has not been clear. Schizophrenia is commonly associated with cognitive impairments that may cause functional disability. Researchers have now found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia had a lower IQ at age 70 but not at age 11.

Herpes infections: Natural Killer cells activate hematopoiesis

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

Infections can trigger hematopoiesis at sites outside the bone marrow – in the liver, the spleen or the skin. Researchers now show that a specific type of immune cell facilitates such “extra medullary” formation of blood cells.

X-ray tomography of living frog embryo

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

Classical X-ray radiographs provide information about internal, absorptive structures of organisms such as bones. Alternatively, X-rays can also image soft tissues throughout early embryonic development of vertebrates. Related to this, a new X-ray method allowed researchers to view three dimensional reconstructions showing developing embryos of the African clawed frog.

Resistance to visceral Leishmaniasis: New mechanisms involved

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

Researchers have elucidated new molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to visceral leishmaniasis, a serious parasitic infection. They have shown that dectin-1 and mannose receptors participate in the protection against the parasite responsible for this infection, by triggering an inflammatory response, while the DC-SIGN receptor facilitates the penetration of the pathogen and its proliferation in macrophages.

Work-related stress linked to increased blood fat levels, cardiovascular health risks

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

New results link job stress to dyslipidemia, a disorder that alters the levels of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood. An altered lipid profile is dangerous for the heart.

Posttraumatic stress disorder associated with type 2 diabetes

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

The presence of posttraumatic stress disorder is significantly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin C does not lower uric acid levels in gout patients, study finds

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:37:37 EDT

Despite previous studies touting its benefit in moderating gout risk, new research reveals that vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, does not reduce uric acid (urate) levels to a clinically significant degree in patients with established gout. Vitamin C supplementation, alone or in combination with allopurinol, appears to have a weak effect on lowering uric acid levels in gout patients, according to the results of a new study.

First prospective trial shows molecular profiling timely for tailoring therapy

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:30:30 EDT

CUSTOM is the first completed prospective clinical trial that used genetic analysis alone to assign cancer treatment for patients with one of three different cancers. Findings suggest patients, and their physicians, are eager to jump into next-era cancer care -- analysis of an individual's tumor to find and target genetic mutations that drive the cancer.

Long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:45:45 EDT

Death rates associated with patients with refractory angina, or chronic chest pain, are lower than previously considered; therefore, physicians should focus on relieving the chest pain symptoms and improving the quality of life in these patients according to a new article.

Sugar-sweetened beverages associated with increased kidney stone risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Researchers found that the consumption of sugar sweetened soda and punch is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone formation.

Malaria infected mosquitoes more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Female mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites are significantly more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes, according to new research. Scientists will now attempt to find out how malaria parasites manipulate their mosquito hosts.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Scientists detected the H1N1 (2009) virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast a year after the human pandemic began.

Jekyll into Hyde: Breathing auto emissions turns HDL cholesterol from 'good' to 'bad'

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:40:40 EDT

Academic researchers have found that breathing motor vehicle emissions triggers a change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, altering its cardiovascular protective qualities so that it actually contributes to clogged arteries. The finding, shown in mice, reveals how car emissions activate the early cell and tissue damage called oxidation that causes inflammation leading to hardening of the arteries and HDL cholesterol may play a key role.

Brain rewires itself after damage or injury, life scientists discover

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:50:50 EDT

The brain forms complex new circuits after damage to compensate for lost function, often far from the damaged region, life scientists report. The new study identified the exact regions of the brain that take over when the brain's hippocampus is damaged, and is the first demonstration of such neural circuit plasticity.

Getting fit in middle age can reduce heart failure risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:50:50 EDT

Already being fit or getting into shape during middle age can reduce future heart failure risk. Low fitness is an independent, modifiable risk factor for heart failure.

Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Suicide risk is higher among military personnel with more lifetime TBIs, even after controlling for clinical symptom severity. Results of the study show that multiple TBIs, which are common among military personnel, may contribute to increased risk for suicide.

Skin cancer may be linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

People who have skin cancer may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. The link does not apply to melanoma, a less common but more aggressive type of skin cancer.

Cholesterol-lowering drug may reduce exercise benefits for obese adults

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:19:19 EDT

Researchers found that simvastatin, a generic type of drug typically prescribed to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, hindered the positive effects of exercise for obese and overweight adults.

Tissue damage from metal-on-metal hip implants appears before pain symptoms appear

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:14:14 EDT

Metal-on-metal hip implants can cause inflammation of the joint lining long before symptoms appear, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify this inflammation, according to a new study.

Four genes identified that influence levels of 'bad' cholesterol

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:14:14 EDT

Scientists have identified four genes in baboons that influence levels of “bad” cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease.

No idle chatter: Malaria parasites 'talk' to each other

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:50:50 EDT

Scientists have made the surprise discovery that malaria parasites can 'talk' to each other -- a social behavior to ensure the parasite's survival and improve its chances of being transmitted to other humans. The finding could provide a niche for developing antimalarial drugs and vaccines that prevent or treat the disease by cutting these communication networks.

Human skin cells converted into embryonic stem cells: First time human stem cells have been produced via nuclear transfer

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:50:50 EDT

Scientists have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to become embryonic stem cells capable of transforming into any other cell type in the body. It is believed that stem cell therapies hold the promise of replacing cells damaged through injury or illness. Diseases or conditions that might be treated through stem cell therapy include Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiac disease and spinal cord injuries.

Collecting DNA for human rights: How to help while safeguarding privacy

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:50:50 EDT

DNA databases might help identify victims of crime and human trafficking, but how do we safeguard the personal privacy of innocent victims and family members? A new report identifies a number of key challenges to consider as experts develop such programs.

Despite new recommendations, women in 40s continue to get routine mammograms at same rate

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:49:49 EDT

Women in their 40s continue to undergo routine breast cancer screenings despite national guidelines recommending otherwise, according to new research.

Novel brain training device to reconnect brain and paralyzed limb after stroke

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT

The world’s first Brain Training Device has given a ray of new hope to the recovery of survivors after stroke. This novel device can detect brainwave and control the movement of paralyzed limbs.

Intestinal bacterium Akkermansia curbs obesity

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:37:37 EDT

A dominant and useful bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila is present in the intestinal system of all humans, from babies to the elderly. This microorganism is found in the intestinal mucus layer that protects against intruders. Even more remarkable is that this bacterium has a favorable effect on the disrupted metabolism associated with obesity.

Infection and sepsis-related mortality hotspots identified across the U.S.

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:37:37 EDT

In the past, researchers have sought to determine the geographic distribution of many life-threatening conditions, including stroke and cardiac arrest. Now, researchers have created the first U.S. map that pinpoints hotspots for infection and severe sepsis related-deaths -- with notable clusters located in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and the South. The research is a critical first step in helping to determine which areas of the country require vital public health resources to fight these deadly diseases.

New research shows what raises and lowers blood pressure: Cell phones, salt and saying om

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Considered the "silent killer," high blood pressure affects approximately one billion people worldwide, including one in three adults in the United States.

Long-term use of prescription painkillers for back pain linked to erectile dysfunction in men

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Regularly taking prescription painkillers, also known as opioids, is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction in men.

'Good vibrations:' Brain ultrasound improves mood

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aimed at mental and neurological conditions include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, and transcranial direct current (electrical) stimulation (tDCS), have been shown to improve memory. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has also shown promise.

Political motivations may have evolutionary links to physical strength

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:55:55 EDT

Men's upper-body strength predicts their political opinions on economic redistribution, according to new research. The researchers collected data on bicep size, socioeconomic status, and support for economic redistribution from hundreds of people in the United States, Argentina, and Denmark. In line with their hypotheses, the data revealed that wealthy men with high upper-body strength were less likely to support redistribution of wealth, while less wealthy men of the same strength were more likely to support it.

Body fat hardens arteries after middle age

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:53:53 EDT

Having too much body fat makes arteries become stiff after middle age, a new study has revealed.

Marijuana users have better blood sugar control

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:52:52 EDT

Regular marijuana use is associated with favorable indices related to diabetic control, say investigators. They found that current marijuana users had significantly lower fasting insulin and were less likely to be insulin resistant, even after excluding patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.