ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Neutrons help explain ozone poisoning and links to thousands of premature deaths each year
• Bean leaves can trap bedbugs, researchers find
• Multiple genes robustly contribute to schizophrenia risk in replication study
• Co-infections not associated with worse outcomes during H1N1 pandemic
• Shingles vaccine is associated with reduction in both postherpetic neuralgia and herpes zoster
• Treatment leads to near-normal life expectancy for people with HIV in South Africa
• Manipulating calcium accumulation in blood vessels may provide a new way to treat heart disease
• A new approach for spinal muscular atrophy?
• Researchers create next-generation Alzheimer's disease model
• Genetic biomarker may help identify neuroblastomas vulnerable to novel class of drugs
• Engineered small pox may kill liver cancer
• In autism, age at diagnosis depends on specific symptoms
• Researchers find heart disorder genetic variants in stillbirth cases
• Small molecule unlocks key prostate cancer survival tactic
• Key pathway to stop dangerous, out-of-control inflammation discovered
• Two-drug combo more effective in treating sarcomas
• Engineered antibody demonstrated safety, efficacy in wide range of advanced tumors
• RNA interference drug demonstrated activity and safety in phase I trial
• Hangover remedy examined: Yak-a-mein soup, a.k.a., ‘Old Sober’ 
• New evidence that egg white protein may help high blood pressure
• Excess estrogen in pregnancy can silence BRCA1 in daughters, increasing breast cancer risk
• Exposure to space radiation reduces ability of intestinal cells to destroy oncoprotein
• Study reveals function of thousands of autoantibodies in blood
• Producing new neurons under all circumstances: A challenge that is just a mouse away
• Blockade of pathogen's metabolism
• Electronic implants: New fast transcutaneous non-invasive battery recharger and energy feeder
• Short-term benefits seen with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for focal hand dystonia
• New evidence that natural substances in green coffee beans help control blood sugar levels
• First genetic factor in prostate cancer prognosis identified
• Copper surfaces reduce the rate of health care-acquired infections in the ICU
• One-two punch could be key in treating blindness
• Gene variations predict chemotherapy side effects
• Removal of hypothalamic hamartoma curbs compulsive eating and excessive weight gain
• Major depression: Great success with pacemaker electrodes, small study suggests
• Stress during gestation causes a predisposition to the development of pathologies in adulthood
• Subtle hallmarks of psychiatric illness can reveal themselves even remotely
• Currently used drugs found active in laboratory mice against bioterror threats
• Teachers in Ireland regard medication for ADHD as last resort
• How 'free will' is implemented in the brain and is it possible to intervene in the process?
• You are as old as you feel
• 'Well-being risks' contribute to decreased productivity
• Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy linked to increased incidence of specific pediatric cancers
• Fewer unnecessary early deliveries seen in multistate, hospital-based study
• Month of birth impacts immune system development
• Debunking a myth: IUDs proven safe birth control for teenagers
• Heart surgery increases death risk for cancer survivors who had radiation, study finds
• Minocycline, an antibiotic, improves behavior for children with fragile X syndrome
• New prostate cancer screening guidance statement
• Study finds key to calling back-up help when tumor-fighter p53 goes down
• Strict school meal standards associated with improved weight status among students
• Alcohol consumption has no impact on breast cancer survival, study suggests
• New guideline recommends treatments for tapeworm infection that is on rise in U.S.
• Increased rates of hospitalization linked to elder abuse

Neutrons help explain ozone poisoning and links to thousands of premature deaths each year Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:19 PM PDT Researchers have demonstrated ozone attacks on lung surface fluids.

Bean leaves can trap bedbugs, researchers find Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:19 PM PDT Inspired by a traditional Balkan bedbug remedy, researchers have documented how microscopic hairs on kidney bean leaves effectively stab and trap the biting insects. Scientists are now developing materials that mimic the geometry of the leaves.

Multiple genes robustly contribute to schizophrenia risk in replication study Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT Multiple genes contribute to risk for schizophrenia and appear to function in pathways related to transmission of signals in the brain and immunity, according to an international study.

Co-infections not associated with worse outcomes during H1N1 pandemic Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT A new study has found that despite complications, patients co-infected with the pandemic 2009-2010 influenza A H1N1 and a second respiratory virus were not associated with worse outcomes or admission to the hospital's intensive care unit.

Shingles vaccine is associated with reduction in both postherpetic neuralgia and herpes zoster Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT A vaccine to prevent shingles may reduce by half the occurrence of this painful skin and nerve infection in older people (aged over 65 years) and may also reduce the rate of a painful complication of shingles, post-herpetic neuralgia, but has a very low uptake (only 4 percent) in older adults in the United States, according to a new study.

Treatment leads to near-normal life expectancy for people with HIV in South Africa Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT In South Africa, people with HIV who start treatment with anti-AIDS drugs (antiretroviral therapy) have life expectancies around 80 percent of that of the general population provided that they start treatment before their CD4 count drops below 200 (cells per microliter), according to a study by South African researchers.

Manipulating calcium accumulation in blood vessels may provide a new way to treat heart disease Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:35 PM PDT Hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is the primary cause of heart disease. It's caused by calcium accumulation in the blood vessels, which leads to obstruction of blood flow and heart complications. Although many risk factors for atherosclerosis have been identified, the cause isn't known and there's currently no way to reverse it once it sets in. In a new study, researchers have characterized the cells responsible for driving this calcium build-up in vessel walls.

A new approach for spinal muscular atrophy? Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:34 PM PDT Spinal muscular atrophy is a debilitating neuromuscular disease that in its most severe form is the leading genetic cause of infant death. By experimenting with an ALS drug in two very different animal models, researchers have identified a new potential mechanism for developing an SMA treatment.

Researchers create next-generation Alzheimer's disease model Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:34 PM PDT A new genetically engineered lab rat that has the full array of brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease supports the idea that increases in a molecule called beta-amyloid in the brain causes the disease.

Genetic biomarker may help identify neuroblastomas vulnerable to novel class of drugs Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:34 PM PDT An irregularity within many neuroblastoma cells may indicate whether the tumor is vulnerable to a new class of anti-cancer drugs known as BET bromodomain inhibitors

Engineered small pox may kill liver cancer Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:33 PM PDT As part of a multicenter clinical trial, researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine are evaluating Pexa-Vec (JX-594) to slow the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer. Pexa-Vec is a genetically engineered virus that is used in the smallpox vaccine.

In autism, age at diagnosis depends on specific symptoms Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:33 PM PDT The age at which a child with autism is diagnosed is related to the particular suite of behavioral symptoms he or she exhibits, new research shows.

Researchers find heart disorder genetic variants in stillbirth cases Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:32 PM PDT In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have discovered genetic mutations associated with long QT syndrome (LQTS), a genetic abnormality in the heart's electrical system, in a small number of intrauterine fetal deaths, according to a new study.

Small molecule unlocks key prostate cancer survival tactic Posted: 09 Apr 2013 02:32 PM PDT The most recent in a series of studies has shown that a single molecule is at the heart of one of the most basic survival tactics of prostate cancer cells.

Key pathway to stop dangerous, out-of-control inflammation discovered Posted: 09 Apr 2013 01:08 PM PDT A potential new strategy to developing new drugs to control inflammation without serious side effects has been found by Georgia State University researchers and international colleagues.

Two-drug combo more effective in treating sarcomas Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT Researchers have found that when given together, a two-drug combination acts synergistically in test animals modeled with sarcoma tumors. They report that the drug combination of MK-1775 and gemcitabine resulted in a 70 percent decrease in the tumor volume when compared to receiving one drug or the other.

Engineered antibody demonstrated safety, efficacy in wide range of advanced tumors Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT The engineered antibody MPDL3280A, which targets a protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), was safe and effective for several cancers, according to phase I study results.

RNA interference drug demonstrated activity and safety in phase I trial Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT Early results from a phase I, first in-human study indicate that a potential new class of drugs, RNA interference (RNAi) drugs, can be safely administered in humans, according to new research.

Hangover remedy examined: Yak-a-mein soup, a.k.a., ‘Old Sober’  Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT One of the Crescent City's time-honored traditions -- a steaming bowl of Yak-a-mein Soup, a.k.a., "Old Sober" -- after a night of partying in the French Quarter actually does have a basis in scientific fact, according to new research.

New evidence that egg white protein may help high blood pressure Posted: 09 Apr 2013 12:58 PM PDT Scientists reported new evidence today that a component of egg whites -- already popular as a substitute for whole eggs among health-conscious consumers concerned about cholesterol in the yolk -- may have another beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure.

Excess estrogen in pregnancy can silence BRCA1 in daughters, increasing breast cancer risk Posted: 09 Apr 2013 11:48 AM PDT Excess estrogen levels during pregnancy can disable, in their daughters, a powerful breast cancer tumor suppressor gene, say researchers. They found the DNA repair gene BRCA1 to be silenced in one year-old girls exposed to a high hormonal fetal environment.

Exposure to space radiation reduces ability of intestinal cells to destroy oncoprotein Posted: 09 Apr 2013 11:48 AM PDT With so much recent interest in space travel, many have asked, is it safe? Two studies funded by NASA help explain why space radiation may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in humans.

Study reveals function of thousands of autoantibodies in blood Posted: 09 Apr 2013 11:43 AM PDT Research suggests a new immunology frontier with evidence that blood contains thousands of autoantibodies that bind specifically to antigens from all over the body, clear cellular debris from injury and disease and vary by age, gender and disease state.

Producing new neurons under all circumstances: A challenge that is just a mouse away Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:20 AM PDT Improving neuron production in elderly persons presenting with a decline in cognition is a major challenge facing an aging society and the emergence of neuro-degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in France recently showed that the pharmacological blocking of the TGF-beta molecule improves the production of new neurons in the mouse model.

Blockade of pathogen's metabolism Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:18 AM PDT In the search for new antibiotics, researchers are taking an unusual approach: They are developing peptides, short chains of protein building blocks that effectively inhibit a key enzyme of bacterial metabolism.

Electronic implants: New fast transcutaneous non-invasive battery recharger and energy feeder Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:18 AM PDT Scientists have developed a non-invasive battery recharger system for electronic implants that allows a longer life for the internal implantable devices in the human body such as pacemakers, defibrillators and electric hearts.

Short-term benefits seen with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for focal hand dystonia Posted: 09 Apr 2013 10:12 AM PDT Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is being increasingly explored as a therapeutic tool for movement disorders associated with deficient inhibition throughout the central nervous system. This includes treatment of focal hand dystonia (FHD), characterized by involuntary movement of the fingers either curling into the palm or extending outward. A new study reports short-term changes in behavioral, physiologic, and clinical measures that support further research into the therapeutic potential of rTMS.

New evidence that natural substances in green coffee beans help control blood sugar levels Posted: 09 Apr 2013 09:47 AM PDT Scientists today described evidence that natural substances extracted from unroasted coffee beans can help control the elevated blood sugar levels and body weight that underpin type 2 diabetes.

First genetic factor in prostate cancer prognosis identified Posted: 09 Apr 2013 08:15 AM PDT Patients with prostate cancer and hereditary mutations in the BRCA2 gene have a worse prognosis and lower survival rates than do the rest of the patients with the disease.

Copper surfaces reduce the rate of health care-acquired infections in the ICU Posted: 09 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT Placement of copper objects in intensive care unit hospital rooms reduced the number of healthcare-acquired infections in patients by more than half, according to a new study.

One-two punch could be key in treating blindness Posted: 09 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that using two kinds of therapy in tandem may be a knockout combo against inherited disorders that cause blindness. While their study focused on man's best friend, the treatment could help restore vision in people, too.

Gene variations predict chemotherapy side effects Posted: 09 Apr 2013 08:00 AM PDT Seemingly benign differences in genetic code from one person to the next could influence who develops side effects to chemotherapy, a new study has found. The study identified gene variations that can predispose people to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a condition that is hard to predict and often debilitating enough to cause cancer patients to stop their treatment early.

Removal of hypothalamic hamartoma curbs compulsive eating and excessive weight gain Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:59 AM PDT Neurosurgeons report on the success they achieved when they removed a hypothalamic hamartoma from a 10-year-old girl to combat hyperphagia (excessive appetite and compulsive overeating) and consequent unhealthy weight gain.

Major depression: Great success with pacemaker electrodes, small study suggests Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:59 AM PDT Researchers implanted pacemaker electrodes into the medial forebrain bundle in the brains of patients suffering from major depression with amazing results: In six out of seven patients, symptoms improved both considerably and rapidly. The method of Deep Brain Stimulation had already been tested on various structures within the brain, but with clearly lesser effect.

Stress during gestation causes a predisposition to the development of pathologies in adulthood Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:59 AM PDT The intrauterine environment plays an important role in the health of the offspring. Now, experts from the affirm that the mother's stress, due to socio-economic or psycho-social causes, is associated with the development of pathologies related with obesity.

Subtle hallmarks of psychiatric illness can reveal themselves even remotely Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:59 AM PDT Researchers discovered that healthy people and those with borderline personality disorder displayed different patterns of behavior while playing an online strategy game, so much so that when healthy players played people with borderline personality disorder, they gave up on trying to predict what their partners would do next.

Currently used drugs found active in laboratory mice against bioterror threats Posted: 09 Apr 2013 07:57 AM PDT In the most extensive screen of its kind, scientists have demonstrated the feasibility of repurposing already-approved drugs for use against highly pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The pathogens included emerging diseases and potential bioterror threats ranging from anthrax to the Marburg and Ebola viruses.

Teachers in Ireland regard medication for ADHD as last resort Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:12 AM PDT Teachers in the Republic of Ireland consistently view medication treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a last resort, even when they view the disorder as biologically based.

How 'free will' is implemented in the brain and is it possible to intervene in the process? Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:12 AM PDT Researchers have been able to identify the precise moment when a network of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain creates the signal to perform an action, before a person is even aware of deciding to take that action. Now they are building on this work to make initial attempts to interfere with consciously made decisions by decoding the pattern of brain activity in real time before an action is taken.

You are as old as you feel Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:12 AM PDT Older adults who see themselves as old and frail will start to feel old and frail.

'Well-being risks' contribute to decreased productivity Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:09 AM PDT In addition to health-related risk factors, some non-traditional "well-being risks" can have a significant impact on workers' productivity.

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy linked to increased incidence of specific pediatric cancers Posted: 09 Apr 2013 06:09 AM PDT Increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy was associated with a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and two rare childhood cancers, according to a new study.

Fewer unnecessary early deliveries seen in multistate, hospital-based study Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:46 PM PDT A hospital-based quality improvement program showed an 83 percent decline in the rate of elective early term deliveries (inductions of labor and cesarean sections without a medical reason) among of 25 hospitals that implemented of a toolkit called "Elimination of Non-medically Indicated (Elective) Deliveries before 39 Weeks Gestational Age." The rate fell significantly from 27.8 percent to 4.8 percent during the one-year project period.

Month of birth impacts immune system development Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:46 PM PDT Newborn babies' immune system development and levels of vitamin D have been found to vary according to their month of birth, according to new research.

Debunking a myth: IUDs proven safe birth control for teenagers Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:45 PM PDT Intrauterine devices are as safe for teenagers -- including those who have never given birth -- as they are for adults, according to new research.

Heart surgery increases death risk for cancer survivors who had radiation, study finds Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:45 PM PDT Cancer survivors who had chest radiation are nearly twice as likely to die in the years after having major heart surgery as similar patients who didn't have radiation, according to new research.

Minocycline, an antibiotic, improves behavior for children with fragile X syndrome Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:44 PM PDT Minocycline, an older, broad-spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline family, provides meaningful improvements as a therapeutic for children with fragile X syndrome, a study has found.

New prostate cancer screening guidance statement Posted: 08 Apr 2013 03:44 PM PDT Men between the ages of 50 and 69 should discuss the limited benefits and substantial harms of the prostate-specific antigen test with their doctor before undergoing screening for prostate cancer, according to new recommendations issued today by the American College of Physicians.

Study finds key to calling back-up help when tumor-fighter p53 goes down Posted: 08 Apr 2013 02:22 PM PDT Genes p63, p73 can fill in to identify, destroy bad cells if they can be protected from themselves.

Strict school meal standards associated with improved weight status among students Posted: 08 Apr 2013 02:20 PM PDT A study suggests that states with stricter school meal nutrition standards were associated with better weight status among students who received free or reduced-price lunches compared with students who did not eat school lunches.

Alcohol consumption has no impact on breast cancer survival, study suggests Posted: 08 Apr 2013 02:20 PM PDT Although previous research has linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has found that drinking before and after diagnosis does not impact survival from the disease. In fact, a modest survival benefit was found in women who were moderate drinkers before and after diagnosis due to a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, a major cause of mortality among breast cancer survivors.

New guideline recommends treatments for tapeworm infection that is on rise in U.S. Posted: 08 Apr 2013 02:20 PM PDT The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released an evidence-based guideline on treating neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm infection causing seizures that is common in developing countries and is now on the rise in developed countries, including the United States.

Increased rates of hospitalization linked to elder abuse Posted: 08 Apr 2013 02:20 PM PDT Older adults who are subject to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation face a greater risk of being hospitalized than other seniors, according to the results of a study published in the April 8 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.

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