ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Major hurdle cleared to diabetes transplants
• Universal paid sick leave reduces spread of flu
• Odors from human skin cells can be used to identify melanoma
• Medieval leprosy genomes shed light on disease's history
• Gustatory tug-of-war key to whether salty foods taste good
• Dangerous strains of E. coli may linger longer in water than benign counterparts, study finds
• Genetics of dyslexia and language impairment unraveled
• Programming blood forming stem cells
• Culprit implicated in neurodegenerative diseases also critical for normal cells
• New fluorescent protein from eel improves key clinical assay
• Protein protects against breast cancer recurrence in animal model
• A peptide to protect brain function
• Greater convenience and safety for wheelchair users
• Study points to role of nervous system in arthritis
• New molecular-level understanding of the brain's recovery after stroke
• After an ACL tear: Research opens door to new treatments to improve recovery for athletes
• Light-carved 'nano-volcanoes' hold promise for drug delivery
• Helping to restore balance after inner ear disorder
• Brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders
• Gene offers an athlete's heart without the exercise
• Gene variants may predict who will benefit from breast cancer prevention drugs
• Helmet crash tests: Don't hit the road without one
• First major study of suicide motivations to advance prevention
• Volunteering reduces risk of hypertension in older adults
• Austerity cuts to Spanish healthcare system are 'putting lives at risk', experts say
• 50 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients discontinue medication within the first two years
• Cutting post-surgical infection rate
• Deep brain stimulation trial in treatment-resistant obesity links weight loss trend to metabolism increase programmed in metabolic chamber
• Free bus travel for teens curbs road traffic injuries and benefits environment
• Every 10 tobacco ad sightings boost teens' risk of starting to smoke by almost 40 percent
• Doubling of deaths among sick moms-to-be amid poor evidence on drug safety in pregnancy
• New imaging technique holds promise for speeding MS research
• Obstructive sleep apnea raises risk of sudden cardiac death

Major hurdle cleared to diabetes transplants Posted: 13 Jun 2013 01:18 PM PDT Researchers have identified a way to trigger reproduction in the laboratory of clusters of human cells that make insulin, potentially removing a significant obstacle to transplanting the cells as a treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes.

Universal paid sick leave reduces spread of flu Posted: 13 Jun 2013 01:18 PM PDT Allowing all employees access to paid sick days would reduce influenza infections in the workplace by nearly 6 percent, according to a first-of-its-kind analysis. The researchers simulated an influenza epidemic in Pittsburgh and surrounding Allegheny County and estimated it to be more effective for small, compared to large, workplaces.

Odors from human skin cells can be used to identify melanoma Posted: 13 Jun 2013 12:33 PM PDT Researchers identified odorants from human skin cells that can be used to identify melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In addition a nanotechnology-based sensor could reliably differentiate melanoma cells from normal skin cells. Non-invasive odor analysis may be a valuable technique in the detection and early diagnosis of human melanoma.

Medieval leprosy genomes shed light on disease's history Posted: 13 Jun 2013 11:26 AM PDT Scientists have reconstructed a dozen medieval and modern leprosy genomes -- suggesting a European origin for the North American leprosy strains found in armadillos and humans, and a common ancestor of all leprosy bacteria within the last 4000 years.

Gustatory tug-of-war key to whether salty foods taste good Posted: 13 Jun 2013 11:26 AM PDT As anyone who's ever mixed up the sugar and salt while baking knows, too much of a good thing can be inedible. What hasn't been clear, though, is how our tongues and brains can tell when the saltiness of our food has crossed the line from yummy to yucky -- or, worse, something dangerous. Now researchers report that in fruit flies, at least, that process is controlled by competing input from two different types of taste-sensing cells: one that attracts flies to salty foods, and one that repels them.

Dangerous strains of E. coli may linger longer in water than benign counterparts, study finds Posted: 13 Jun 2013 10:36 AM PDT A toxin dangerous to humans may help E. coli fend off aquatic predators, enabling strains of E. coli that produce the toxin to survive longer in lake water than benign counterparts, a new study finds. The research may help explain why water quality tests don't always accurately capture health risks for swimmers.

Genetics of dyslexia and language impairment unraveled Posted: 13 Jun 2013 09:43 AM PDT A new study of the genetic origins of dyslexia and other learning disabilities could allow for earlier diagnoses and more successful interventions, according to researchers. Many students now are not diagnosed until high school, at which point treatments are less effective.

Programming blood forming stem cells Posted: 13 Jun 2013 09:43 AM PDT By transferring four genes into mouse fibroblast cells, researchers have produced cells that resemble hematopoietic stem cells, which produce millions of new blood cells in the human body every day. These findings provide a platform for future development of patient-specific stem/progenitor cells, and more differentiated blood products, for cell-replacement therapy.

Culprit implicated in neurodegenerative diseases also critical for normal cells Posted: 13 Jun 2013 09:43 AM PDT The propensity of proteins to stick together in large clumps -- termed "protein aggregation" -- is the culprit behind a variety of conditions including Huntington's and Alzheimer's. With this notoriety, protein aggregation is considered to be a bad accident of nature. But new research shows that, when kept in balance, protein aggregation has beneficial functions that allow cells to organize themselves. The findings will be valuable as researchers design treatments for diseases that involve this process.

New fluorescent protein from eel improves key clinical assay Posted: 13 Jun 2013 09:42 AM PDT Unagi, the sea-going Japanese freshwater eel, harbors a fluorescent protein that could serve as the basis for a new clinical test for bilirubin, a critical indicator of human liver function, hemolysis, and jaundice, according to researchers. The discovery also sheds light on the mysterious and endangered Unagi that could contribute to its conservation.

Protein protects against breast cancer recurrence in animal model Posted: 13 Jun 2013 09:42 AM PDT Precisely what causes breast cancer recurrence has been poorly understood. But now a piece of the puzzle has fallen into place: Researchers have identified a key molecular player in recurrent breast cancer – a finding that suggests potential new therapeutic strategies.

A peptide to protect brain function Posted: 13 Jun 2013 08:22 AM PDT Medical researchers have developed a new peptide, called NAP or Davunetide, that has the capacity to both protect and restore critical cell functions in the brain. Her findings indicate that NAP could be an effective tool in combating effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's.

Greater convenience and safety for wheelchair users Posted: 13 Jun 2013 08:20 AM PDT With modern communication aids, users of electric powered wheelchairs can operate a PC and cellphone without human assistance. A new module is set to transform electric powered wheelchairs into communication hubs.

Study points to role of nervous system in arthritis Posted: 13 Jun 2013 08:19 AM PDT Reducing levels of nerve-growth factor may be a key to developing better pain treatments.

New molecular-level understanding of the brain's recovery after stroke Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:44 AM PDT A specific MicroRNA, a short set of RNA (ribonuclease) sequences, naturally packaged into minute (50 nanometers) lipid containers called exosomes, are released by stem cells after a stroke and contribute to better neurological recovery according to a new animal study. The research provides fundamental new insight into how stem cells affect injured tissue and also offers hope for developing novel treatments for stroke and neurological diseases, the leading cause of long-term disability in adult humans.

After an ACL tear: Research opens door to new treatments to improve recovery for athletes Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:44 AM PDT Striking the likes of Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, L.A. Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Detroit Tigers' Victor Martinez, tears in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are one of the most rampant and serious knee injuries among athletes. Now, researchers have identified a new drug target that may prevent one of the most dreaded consequences of an ACL tear -- the weakening or loss of muscle tissue (muscle atrophy) that can be a career-killer in sports and ultimately develop into osteoarthritis.

Light-carved 'nano-volcanoes' hold promise for drug delivery Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:44 AM PDT Researchers have developed a method for creating "nano-volcanoes" by shining various colors of light through a nanoscale "crystal ball" made of a synthetic polymer. These nano-volcanoes can store precise amounts of other materials and hold promise for new drug-delivery technologies.

Helping to restore balance after inner ear disorder Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:41 AM PDT A new study makes the first attempts to design and test a vestibular prosthesis to help restore balance for those with Meniere's disease. Many disorders of the inner hear which affect both hearing and balance can be hugely debilitating and are currently largely incurable. Cochlear implants have been used for many years to replace lost hearing resulting from inner ear damage. However, to date, there has not been an analogous treatment for balance disorders resulting from inner ear disease.

Brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:41 AM PDT A new study suggests a promising brain-imaging technique has the potential to improve diagnoses for the millions of people with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Gene offers an athlete's heart without the exercise Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:41 AM PDT Researchers have found that a single gene poses a double threat to disease: Not only does it inhibit the growth and spread of breast tumors, but it also makes hearts healthier.

Gene variants may predict who will benefit from breast cancer prevention drugs Posted: 13 Jun 2013 07:41 AM PDT In women at high risk for breast cancer, a long-term drug treatment can cut the risk of developing the disease in half. Researchers have identified two gene variants that may predict which women are most likely to benefit from this therapy.

Helmet crash tests: Don't hit the road without one Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:24 AM PDT A new laboratory study shows bicycle helmets significantly reduce the causes of head, skull and brain injury -- linear and angular head accelerations, and the impact force of a crash. The biomechanical research with crash test dummies found that crashing without a helmet exposes the head to loads up to 9.5 times greater than with a helmet.

First major study of suicide motivations to advance prevention Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:23 AM PDT A new study sheds important new light on why people attempt suicide and provides the first scientifically tested measure for evaluating the motivations for suicide.

Volunteering reduces risk of hypertension in older adults Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:23 AM PDT It turns out that helping others can also help you protect yourself from high blood pressure. New shows that older adults who volunteer for at least 200 hours per year decrease their risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure, by 40 percent. The study suggests that volunteer work may be an effective non-pharmaceutical option to help prevent the condition. Hypertension affects an estimated 65 million Americans and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Austerity cuts to Spanish healthcare system are 'putting lives at risk', experts say Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:23 AM PDT A series of austerity reforms made by the Spanish government could lead to the effective dismantling of large parts of the country's healthcare system, with potentially detrimental effects on the health of the Spanish people, according to new research.

50 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients discontinue medication within the first two years Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:23 AM PDT Up to one-third of rheumatoid arthritis patients discontinue or change therapy within the first year of treatment.

Cutting post-surgical infection rate Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:20 AM PDT Medical researchers are recommending clinical guidelines that will cut the post-surgical infection rate for staph bacteria (including MRSA) by 71 percent and 59 percent for a broader class of infectious agents known as gram-positive bacteria.

Deep brain stimulation trial in treatment-resistant obesity links weight loss trend to metabolism increase programmed in metabolic chamber Posted: 13 Jun 2013 06:20 AM PDT A deep brain stimulation trial in treatment-resistant obesity linked a weight loss trend to a metabolism increase programmed in a metabolic chamber, according to a pilot study.

Free bus travel for teens curbs road traffic injuries and benefits environment Posted: 12 Jun 2013 07:42 PM PDT Free bus travel for teens helps curb road traffic injuries and benefits the environment, reveal the results of an analysis of the free bus scheme in London.

Every 10 tobacco ad sightings boost teens' risk of starting to smoke by almost 40 percent Posted: 12 Jun 2013 07:42 PM PDT Tobacco ads really do persuade teens to take up smoking, with every 10 sightings boosting the risk by almost 40 percent, reveals new research.

Doubling of deaths among sick moms-to-be amid poor evidence on drug safety in pregnancy Posted: 12 Jun 2013 07:42 PM PDT The lack of hard data on the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of drugs in pregnancy has hindered the treatment of pregnant women, contributing to a doubling of deaths amongst mums-to-be with an underlying health problem over the past 20 years, argues a new editorial.

New imaging technique holds promise for speeding MS research Posted: 12 Jun 2013 01:23 PM PDT Researchers have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging technique that detects the telltale signs of multiple sclerosis in finer detail than ever before -- providing a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments.

Obstructive sleep apnea raises risk of sudden cardiac death Posted: 12 Jun 2013 10:26 AM PDT People who have obstructive sleep apnea -- when a person stops breathing for periods during sleep -- have a greater risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study.

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