ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• C’est difficile: Researchers develop cocktail of bacteria that eradicates Clostridium difficile infection in mice
• Scientists step up hunt for bacterial genes tied to lyme disease
• Scientists deepen genetic understanding of multiple sclerosis
• Academia should fulfill social contract by supporting bioscience startups, case study says
• New genes for adult BMI levels: Versatile gene discovery chip used to detect gene variants involved in biology of obesity
• Exercise boosts satisfaction with life, researchers find
• Individual gene differences can be tested in zebrafish
• Stroke survivors who smoke raise risk of more strokes, heart attack, death
• Bioimaging: Aim for the stars
• New drug delivery system for bladder cancer using nanoparticles
• New genomics study shows ancestry could help solve disease riddles
• Stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis, other myelin disorders expected soon
• Malaria transmission peaks at much cooler temperatures than previously predicted
• Gene mutation linked to old age hearing loss identified
• Impact of adversity on early life development demonstrated
• New technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells
• Why astronauts experience low blood pressure after returning to Earth from space
• Omega-3 intake heightens working memory in healthy young adults
• Workouts in extreme weight-loss TV fuel negative attitudes about exercise, study finds
• Resveratrol falls short in health benefits, study shows
• Animal model of typhoid fever could lead to better vaccines
• Efficient, protein-based method for creating iPS cells developed
• Anesthesia drugs really do put us to sleep
• Genetic causes of a male infertility disorder revealed
• Sensory neurons identified as critical to sense of touch
• PFO closure may be superior to medical therapy in preventing stroke
• Major flaw in standard approach to global gene expression analysis identified
• Study reveals rate at which key genetic deletions contribute to male infertility
• Antibiotics that only partly block protein machinery allow germs to poison themselves
• Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever
• Structure discovered for promising tuberculosis drug target
• Genetic tradeoff: Harmful genes are widespread in yeast but hold hidden benefits
• New anti-tumor cell therapy strategies are more effective
• Hunting for the last remaining tumor cell
• First human heart cell model of an inherited heart muscle disorder developed
• Unmasking the deadly secrets of pancreatic cancer
• Lonely older adults face more health risks
• Gene that's usually bad news loses its punch if you live to your 90s
• New bio-adhesive polymer demonstrated
• Researchers identify unique immune gene signature across thousands of patients' solid tumors
• Experts call for increased neonatal inclusion in pediatric drug trials
• New opportunity for rapid treatment of malaria
• Genes, depression and life satisfaction
• Dysentery epidemic killed many in the 1700s-1800s
• Traumatic consequences long after fall of the Berlin Wall
• Study suggests caution and further studies on drugs used to treat macular degeneration
• Sleep apnea can reduce severity of cardiac injury during a heart attack
• Restricting high-risk individuals from owning guns saves lives, report finds
• Conscience legislation ignores medical providers committed to giving patients all necessary care
• Steroid injection linked to increased risk of bone fractures
• Protein regulation linked to intellectual disability

C’est difficile: Researchers develop cocktail of bacteria that eradicates Clostridium difficile infection in mice Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:46 PM PDT In a new study, researchers used mice to identify a combination six naturally occurring bacteria that eradicate a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, an infectious bacterium associated with many hospital deaths. Three of the six bacteria have not been described before. This work may have significant implications for future control and treatment approaches.

Scientists step up hunt for bacterial genes tied to lyme disease Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:41 PM PDT Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that affects tens of thousands. It can lead to abnormalities in the nervous system, heart and joints. New research into the bacterium's genetic makeup could advance the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of the disease.

Scientists deepen genetic understanding of multiple sclerosis Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT Scientists have discovered that 30 percent of our likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis can be explained by 475,806 genetic variants in our genome. Genome-wide Association Studies commonly screen these variants, looking for genetic links to diseases.

Academia should fulfill social contract by supporting bioscience startups, case study says Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT Universities not only provide the ideal petri dish for cultivating bioscience with commercial potential, but have a moral obligation to do so, given the opportunity to translate public funding into health and jobs, according to a new case study.

New genes for adult BMI levels: Versatile gene discovery chip used to detect gene variants involved in biology of obesity Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT A large international study has identified three new gene variants associated with body mass index levels in adults. The researchers used the CardioChip, a gene array designed to probe for gene variants relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Scientists say the research findings may provide fundamental insights into the biology of adult obesity.

Exercise boosts satisfaction with life, researchers find Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT Had a bad day? Extending your normal exercise routine by a few minutes may be the solution, according to researchers, who found that people's satisfaction with life was higher on days when they exercised more than usual.

Individual gene differences can be tested in zebrafish Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT The zebrafish is a potential tool for testing one class of unique individual genetic differences found in humans, and may yield information helpful for the emerging field of personalized medicine, according to a team of scientists. The differences, or mutations, in question create minor changes in amino acids -- the building blocks of DNA -- from person to person. Zebrafish can be used as a model to understand what biological effects result from these genetic mutations.

Stroke survivors who smoke raise risk of more strokes, heart attack, death Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:17 PM PDT Stroke survivors who smoke put themselves at a greater risk of additional strokes, heart attack or death than those who never smoked, according to new research.

Bioimaging: Aim for the stars Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:08 PM PDT Glucose–amine rings turn star-shaped fluorescent dyes into powerful probes for imaging cancer cells in three dimensions.

New drug delivery system for bladder cancer using nanoparticles Posted: 25 Oct 2012 12:29 PM PDT Scientists have shown in experimental mouse models that a new drug delivery system allows for administration of three times the maximum tolerated dose of a standard drug therapy for advanced bladder cancer, leading to more effective cancer control without increasing toxicity.

New genomics study shows ancestry could help solve disease riddles Posted: 25 Oct 2012 12:27 PM PDT Explosive advancement in human genome sequencing opens new possibilities for identifying the genetic roots of certain diseases and finding cures. However, so many variations among individual genomes exist that identifying mutations responsible for a specific disease has in many cases proven an insurmountable challenge. But now a new study reveals that by comparing the genomes of diseased patients with the genomes of people with sufficiently similar ancestries could dramatically simplify searches for harmful mutations, opening new treatment possibilities.

Stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis, other myelin disorders expected soon Posted: 25 Oct 2012 12:04 PM PDT Researchers are now on the threshold of human application of stem cell therapies for a class of neurological diseases known as myelin disorders -- a long list of diseases that include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, white matter stroke, cerebral palsy, certain dementias, and rare but fatal childhood disorders called pediatric leukodystrophies, experts say.

Malaria transmission peaks at much cooler temperatures than previously predicted Posted: 25 Oct 2012 11:51 AM PDT The most deadly type of malaria in humans and the one most prevalent in Africa is one that is very sensitive to climate. Previously published scientific studies put the optimal temperature for malaria transmission from mosquitos to humans at 31 degrees C (88 degrees F), but according to a new mathematical model, the temperature for peak transmission of the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is much, much lower.

Gene mutation linked to old age hearing loss identified Posted: 25 Oct 2012 11:08 AM PDT Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to age-related hearing loss, a discovery that can lead to better prevention measures.

Impact of adversity on early life development demonstrated Posted: 25 Oct 2012 10:09 AM PDT It's time to end the nature versus nurture debate and embrace growing evidence that it's the interaction between biology and environment that influences human development. One study by evolutionary biologists using fruit flies showed that food deprivation and lack of adequate nutrition in early life had significant impact on adult behavior and quality of life.

New technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells Posted: 25 Oct 2012 10:09 AM PDT Researchers have created a new technique to study how myeloids, a type of blood stem cell, become the white blood cells important for immune system defense against infections and tissue damage. This approach offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during myeloid differentiation, and may improve our ability to treat myeloid diseases like leukemia, the researchers report.

Why astronauts experience low blood pressure after returning to Earth from space Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:26 AM PDT When astronauts return to Earth, their altitude isn't the only thing that drops -- their blood pressure does too. This condition, known as orthostatic hypotension, occurs in up to half of those astronauts on short-term missions (two weeks or less) and in nearly all astronauts after long-term missions (four to six months). A new research report solves the biological mystery of how this happens by showing that low gravity compromises the ability of arteries and veins to constrict normally, inhibiting the proper flow of blood.

Omega-3 intake heightens working memory in healthy young adults Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:24 AM PDT In the first study of its kind, researchers have determined that healthy young adults ages 18-25 can improve their working memory even further by increasing their Omega-3 fatty acid intake.

Workouts in extreme weight-loss TV fuel negative attitudes about exercise, study finds Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:24 AM PDT The Biggest Loser might be a TV ratings winner, but its extreme depiction of exercise is more likely to turn people off than get them off the couch, according to new research.

Resveratrol falls short in health benefits, study shows Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:24 AM PDT Resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine thought to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce risk of heart disease and increase longevity, does not appear to have those benefits in healthy women, according to new research.

Animal model of typhoid fever could lead to better vaccines Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:22 AM PDT The first mouse model of the common bacterial disease typhoid fever is reported in a new study. Because the animals show human-like symptoms and respond positively to immunization, they could be used to develop more effective vaccines against the deadly pathogen.

Efficient, protein-based method for creating iPS cells developed Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:22 AM PDT Researchers have devised an efficient and safer way to make induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, by using just the proteins that the genes encode.

Anesthesia drugs really do put us to sleep Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:22 AM PDT When patients are put under anesthesia, they are often told they will be "put to sleep," and now it appears that in some ways that's exactly what the drugs do to the brain. New evidence in mice shows that the drugs don't just turn wakefulness "off," they also force important sleep circuits in the brain "on."

Genetic causes of a male infertility disorder revealed Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:22 AM PDT Severe spermatogenic failure is a genetic condition that causes low sperm count and infertility. Researchers have gained new insights into the genetic alterations that cause this disorder and their prevalence in populations of men around the world. The findings reveal which alterations are the greatest risk factors for the disease, and they could be immediately applicable in genetic counseling for assisted reproduction.

Sensory neurons identified as critical to sense of touch Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:22 AM PDT While studying the sense of touch, scientists have pinpointed specific neurons that appear to regulate perception. The sensory neurons are characterized by thin spikes, and based on their volume, these protrusions determine the cells' sensitivity to force.

PFO closure may be superior to medical therapy in preventing stroke Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT Results of a large-scale, randomized clinical trial called RESPECT revealed that patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is superior to medical therapy in preventing recurrent stroke, according to a presentation of findings today at the TCT conference.

Major flaw in standard approach to global gene expression analysis identified Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT Researchers report that common assumptions employed in the generation and interpretation of data from global gene expression analyses can lead to seriously flawed conclusions about gene activity and cell behavior in a wide range of current biological research.

Study reveals rate at which key genetic deletions contribute to male infertility Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT A large-scale analysis of Y chromosomes from more than 20,000 men finds that two spontaneously recurring deletions along a complex region of the Y chromosome are responsible for approximately 8 percent of cases of failed sperm production, according to researchers.

Antibiotics that only partly block protein machinery allow germs to poison themselves Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT Powerful antibiotics that scientists and physicians thought stop the growth of harmful bacteria by completely blocking their ability to make proteins actually allow the germs to continue producing certain proteins -- which may help do them in.

Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT Researchers have created the first true mouse model of typhoid infection. The development promises to advance the study of typhoid and the creation of new vaccines against the infection, which remains a major health threat in developing countries.

Structure discovered for promising tuberculosis drug target Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT Researchers have figured out the three-dimensional shape of the protein responsible for creating unique bonds within the cell wall of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The bonds make the bacteria resistant to currently available drug therapies, contributing to the alarming rise of these super-bacteria throughout the world.

Genetic tradeoff: Harmful genes are widespread in yeast but hold hidden benefits Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT The genes responsible for inherited diseases are clearly bad for us, so why hasn't evolution, over time, weeded them out and eliminated them from the human genome altogether? Part of the reason seems to be that genes that can harm us at one stage of our lives are necessary and beneficial to us at other points in our development.

New anti-tumor cell therapy strategies are more effective Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:29 AM PDT Targeted T-cells can seek out and destroy tumor cells that carry specific antigen markers. Two novel anti-tumor therapies that take advantage of this T-cell response are described in two new studies.

Hunting for the last remaining tumor cell Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:29 AM PDT The 7.5 milliliters of blood contained in a standard sample tube is not nearly enough to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer, or colorectal cancer with a high enough degree of reliability. These CTCs are the cause of metastases in cancer patients. If they can be effectively characterized, it is possible to arrive at a prognosis and to determine the most effective course of treatment. However, the only way to detect "that one particular cell" is to subject the patient's entire blood volume to a kind of dialysis.

First human heart cell model of an inherited heart muscle disorder developed Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT Researchers in Singapore have successfully created a human heart cell model of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart muscle disorder which puts one at high risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Unmasking the deadly secrets of pancreatic cancer Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT A large-scale study that defines the complexity of underlying mutations responsible for pancreatic cancers in more than 100 patients has just been published.

Lonely older adults face more health risks Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT Research has shown that lonely older adults are at greater risk of developing health problems, but a new study offers hope. In a forthcoming article, the author shows that older adults who approach life with a positive outlook can reverse the negative health issues associated with a lonely life.

Gene that's usually bad news loses its punch if you live to your 90s Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:57 AM PDT A gene linked to the risk of developing Alzheimer's, heart disease and diabetes becomes less important to quality of life once people hit their 90s, a new study shows. At that point, good friends and a positive attitude have a bigger impact, the researchers say.

New bio-adhesive polymer demonstrated Posted: 25 Oct 2012 07:57 AM PDT A new article details the use of a new laser-activated bio-adhesive polymer. The chitosan-based polymer, SurgiLux, is found in fungal cell walls or in exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. This molecular component allows SurgiLux to form low energy bonds between the polymer and the desired tissue when it absorbs light. The technology may soon replace traditional sutures in the clinic.

Researchers identify unique immune gene signature across thousands of patients' solid tumors Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:55 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a unique immune gene signature that can predict the presence of microscopic lymph node-like structures in metastatic melanoma. The presence of these immune structures, the researchers said, appears to be associated with better survival and may indicate the possibility of selecting patients for immunotherapy based solely on the immune-related makeup of their tumors as an approach to personalized medicine.

Experts call for increased neonatal inclusion in pediatric drug trials Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:55 AM PDT Clinical drug trials are a vital part of pharmaceutical manufacturers gaining approval for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A new commentary assesses the issues surrounding the lack of clinical trials on medications used by children, most notably neonates, and how drug manufacturers and academic researchers could work together to create clinical trials that would benefit this underrepresented population.

New opportunity for rapid treatment of malaria Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:54 AM PDT Researchers have identified a new means to eradicate malaria infections by rapidly killing the blood-borne Plasmodium parasites that cause the disease.

Genes, depression and life satisfaction Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:54 AM PDT Vulnerability to major depression is linked with how satisfied we are with our lives. This association is largely due to genes, according to new research from Norway.

Dysentery epidemic killed many in the 1700s-1800s Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:54 AM PDT In the 1700s-1800s, dysentery was a disease causing many deaths. In fact, in some areas in Sweden 90 percent of all deaths were due to dysentery during the worst outbreaks. New research presents demographic and medical history of the disease.

Traumatic consequences long after fall of the Berlin Wall Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:54 AM PDT One in three former political prisoners of the German Democratic Republic still suffers from sleeping disorders, nightmares and irrational fear. Researchers reveal these post-traumatic stress disorders in a study -- the first to examine the post-traumatic consequences in former political prisoners over a period of 15 years.

Study suggests caution and further studies on drugs used to treat macular degeneration Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:53 AM PDT Millions of people with "wet" macular degeneration are prescribed a class of medication known as anti-VEGF drugs. But now scientists have found that a drastic reduction of VEGF activity may do more harm than good.

Sleep apnea can reduce severity of cardiac injury during a heart attack Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:50 AM PDT Patients with sleep apnea have less severe cardiac injury during an acute non-fatal Myocardial Infarction (MI) compared to patients without sleep apnea, according to a new study.

Restricting high-risk individuals from owning guns saves lives, report finds Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:50 AM PDT A new report examines policies and initiatives for reducing gun violence in the U.S. by reforming current gun policies. The report includes the following key findings: easy access to firearms with large-capacity magazines facilitates higher casualties in mass shootings; "right-to-carry" gun laws do not reduce violent crime; prohibiting high-risk groups from having guns-criminals, perpetrators of domestic violence, youths under age 21, substance abusers, and those with severe mental illnesses -- and closing loopholes that enable them to have guns -- are integral and politically feasible steps to reduce gun violence.

Conscience legislation ignores medical providers committed to giving patients all necessary care Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:50 AM PDT Advances in medicine allow doctors to keep patients alive longer, tackle fertility problems and extend the viability of premature babies. They also lead to a growing number of moral questions for both the medical provider and patient.

Steroid injection linked to increased risk of bone fractures Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:50 AM PDT Patients treated with an epidural steroid injection for back pain relief are at increased risk of bone fractures in the spine, according to a new study. Researchers say the risk of fracture increased 29 percent with each steroid injection, a finding they believe raises patient safety concerns.

Protein regulation linked to intellectual disability Posted: 25 Oct 2012 06:50 AM PDT Genetics researchers have solved a 40-year mystery for a family beset by a rare intellectual disability -- and they've discovered something new about the causes of intellectual disability in the process.

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