ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• Neanderthal lineages excavated from modern human genomes
• Neanderthals' genetic legacy: Humans inherited variants affecting disease risk, infertility, skin and hair characteristics
• Running may be better than walking for breast cancer survival, research finds
• Resetting, understanding the metabolic clock
• Digital test for toxic genes: Computer algorithm identifies genes whose activation is lethal to bacteria
• Weapons tied to repeat domestic abuse
• New subgroup of schizophrenia patients with motor disorders
• Mammography beneficial for younger women, study finds
• Lighting up in uniform: Study looks at what makes soldiers reach for a pack of cigarettes or not
• Autism: Advances towards universal early screening
• Designer proteins provide new information about body's signal processes
• Scientists find new strategy to combat bacterial infections
• Poor breakfast in youth linked to metabolic syndrome in adulthood
• Imaging the development of diabetes: Visualization of a human autoimmune disease in animal models
• Classification system for bladder cancer prognosis
• Discovery of mechanism by which sex hormone regulates aggressive behavior in male birds
• Protein modifies thyroid hormone levels according to body temperature
• Finding points to possible new Parkinson's therapy
• Parents unclear about process for specialist care for kids
• Arsenic, mercury, selenium in Asian carp not a health concern to most, research shows
• Low levels of pro-inflammatory agent help cognition in rats
• Caffeine use disorder: Widespread health problem that needs more attention
• Automated system could efficiently identify high-risk osteoporosis patients
• Skin cell response to environmental stimuli like viruses may predict type 1 diabetes
• Study examines repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer
• Parents less likely to spank after reading briefly about its links to problems in children
• Churn burn: Report outlines state strategies to assist with health insurance transitions
• Researchers open door to new HIV therapy
• High-tech 'whole body' scan could improve treatment of bone marrow cancer
• Intranasal vaccine protects mice against West Nile infection
• Bacterial toxin potential trigger for multiple sclerosis
• Early rehabilitation important for recovery after severe traumatic brain injury
• Voice may change after nose job
• Contradictory nutrition news creates consumer confusion
• Agent Orange linked to skin cancer risk, report suggests

Neanderthal lineages excavated from modern human genomes Posted: 29 Jan 2014 10:49 AM PST A substantial fraction of the Neanderthal genome persists in modern human populations. A new approach for analyzing whole-genome sequencing data from 665 people from Europe and East Asia shows that more than 20 percent of the Neanderthal genome survives in the DNA of this contemporary group. Significant amounts of population-level DNA sequences might be obtained from extinct groups even in the absence of fossilized remains, because these archaic sequences might have been inherited by other individuals from whom scientists can gather genomic data.

Neanderthals' genetic legacy: Humans inherited variants affecting disease risk, infertility, skin and hair characteristics Posted: 29 Jan 2014 10:49 AM PST Remnants of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans are associated with genes affecting type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, lupus, biliary cirrhosis and smoking behavior. They also concentrate in genes that influence skin and hair characteristics. At the same time, Neanderthal DNA is conspicuously low in regions of the X chromosome and testes-specific genes.

Running may be better than walking for breast cancer survival, research finds Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:52 AM PST Previous studies have shown that breast cancer survivors who meet the current exercise recommendations (2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week) are at 25 percent lower risk for dying from breast cancer. New research suggests that exceeding the recommendations may provide greater protection, and that running may be better than walking.

Resetting, understanding the metabolic clock Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:52 AM PST We've all heard about circadian rhythm, the roughly 24-hour oscillations of biological processes that occur in many living organisms. Yet for all its influence in many aspects of our lives -- from sleep to immunity and, particularly, metabolism -- relatively little is understood about the mammalian circadian rhythm and the interlocking processes that comprise this complex biological clock. Through intensive analysis and computer modeling, researchers have gained insight into factors that affect these oscillations, with results that could lend themselves to circadian regulation and pharmacological control.

Digital test for toxic genes: Computer algorithm identifies genes whose activation is lethal to bacteria Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:52 AM PST Researchers have developed a new computer algorithm that predicts which metabolic genes are lethal to cells when overproduced. Their findings could help guide metabolic engineering to produce new chemicals and drugs in more cost-effective ways.

Weapons tied to repeat domestic abuse Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:50 AM PST Women are up to 83 percent more likely to experience repeat abuse by their male partners if a weapon is used in the initial abuse incident, according to a new study that has implications for victims, counselors and police.

New subgroup of schizophrenia patients with motor disorders Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:49 AM PST Researchers have identified a new subgroup of patients suffering from schizophrenia characterized by motor disorders.

Mammography beneficial for younger women, study finds Posted: 29 Jan 2014 08:45 AM PST Researchers have published new findings that mammography remains beneficial for women in their 40s. According to the study, women between ages 40 and 49 who underwent routine screening mammography were diagnosed at earlier stages with smaller tumors and were less likely to require chemotherapy.

Lighting up in uniform: Study looks at what makes soldiers reach for a pack of cigarettes or not Posted: 29 Jan 2014 06:18 AM PST Is it possible to predict which soldier will start smoking and which one will maybe quit? Yes, say researchers in the US, especially when factors such as alcohol use, gender, a soldier's rank, war zone stressors and unit support are considered. A new study looks at smoking behavior in the military.

Autism: Advances towards universal early screening Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:59 AM PST A new study shows improvement towards universal early screening for autism. The report also found that few approaches to early detection, such as screening during well-child visits, were evaluated to understand their impact on early diagnosis and access to services.

Designer proteins provide new information about body's signal processes Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:59 AM PST Researchers can radically alter the properties of proteins by redesigning their chemical structure. New fundamental research based on designer proteins highlights important communication processes in the human body. In the long term, this new knowledge may lead to pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects.

Scientists find new strategy to combat bacterial infections Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:58 AM PST Increasing numbers of bacteria are developing antibiotic resistance. This forms a significant challenge in the battle against bacterial infections. Scientists have identified a chemical substance with the potential of acting as a new drug to treat bacterial infections, particularly urinary tract infections. This candidate drug does not destroy pathogenic bacteria, but rather disarms them. The benefit of this new strategy is that useful bacteria are unharmed and there is a lower risk of the development and spread of resistance by bacteria.

Poor breakfast in youth linked to metabolic syndrome in adulthood Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:58 AM PST It is often said that breakfast is important for our health, and a new study supports this claim. The study revealed that adolescents who ate poor breakfasts displayed a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome 27 years later, compared with those who ate more substantial breakfasts.

Imaging the development of diabetes: Visualization of a human autoimmune disease in animal models Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:58 AM PST Researchers have developed a technique to study the inflammatory process that takes place in the pancreas during the natural development of type 1 diabetes, allowing for real-time and repeated non-invasive imaging of individual islets of Langerhans. The technique enables the visualization of a human autoimmune disease in animal models that gives us a way to watch the body´s response to new therapeutic strategies that attempt to save islets from this deadly immune system attack.

Classification system for bladder cancer prognosis Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:58 AM PST Researchers have developed a classification system to determine the prognosis for bladder cancer. It is hoped that this will prove useful for future bladder cancer research and drug development.

Discovery of mechanism by which sex hormone regulates aggressive behavior in male birds Posted: 29 Jan 2014 04:54 AM PST Researchers have discovered a hormonal mechanism for controlling aggressiveness in male birds. The team hope this may lead to a method of reducing aggressive behavior in humans.

Protein modifies thyroid hormone levels according to body temperature Posted: 28 Jan 2014 05:21 PM PST Research improves our understanding of the changes that occur during fevers; it also sheds light on the euphoric feeling some people get when in a hot bath or sauna.

Finding points to possible new Parkinson's therapy Posted: 28 Jan 2014 03:48 PM PST A new study shows that, when properly manipulated, a population of support cells found in the brain called astrocytes could provide a new and promising approach to treat Parkinson's disease. These findings, which were made using an animal model of the disease, demonstrate that a single therapy could simultaneously repair the multiple types of neurological damage caused by Parkinson's, providing an overall benefit that has not been achieved in other approaches.

Parents unclear about process for specialist care for kids Posted: 28 Jan 2014 03:47 PM PST Parents vary widely in views about their responsibilities in getting specialty care for their children, according to a new poll.

Arsenic, mercury, selenium in Asian carp not a health concern to most, research shows Posted: 28 Jan 2014 01:34 PM PST Researchers have found that overall, concentrations of arsenic, selenium, and mercury in bighead and silver carp from the lower Illinois River do not appear to be a health concern for a majority of human consumers.

Low levels of pro-inflammatory agent help cognition in rats Posted: 28 Jan 2014 01:34 PM PST Although inflammation is frequently a cause of disease in the body, research indicates that low levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the brain are important for cognition. Cytokines are proteins produced by the immune system.

Caffeine use disorder: Widespread health problem that needs more attention Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:40 PM PST "I'm a zombie without my morning coffee." "My blood type is Diet Coke." "Caffeine isn't a drug, it's a vitamin." Most people make jokes like these about needing a daily boost from their favorite caffeinated beverage -- whether first thing in the morning or to prevent the after-lunch slump. But a recent study indicates that more people are dependent on caffeine to the point that they suffer withdrawal symptoms and are unable to reduce caffeine consumption even if they have another condition that may be impacted by caffeine -- such as a pregnancy, a heart condition, or a bleeding disorder.

Automated system could efficiently identify high-risk osteoporosis patients Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:40 PM PST An automated system that identifies high-risk osteoporosis patients being treated for fractures and can generate letters encouraging follow-up is an effective way to promote osteoporosis intervention and prevent future fractures, according researchers.

Skin cell response to environmental stimuli like viruses may predict type 1 diabetes Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST Type 1 diabetes is a genetically-driven autoimmune disease of pancreatic beta-cells, whose origins remain unknown. Researchers have discovered that skin cells from patients with type 1 diabetes display abnormal activity triggered by immune response mechanisms to environmental stimuli like a viral infection.

Study examines repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST A new study reports that in the absence of biopsy-proven invasive cancer, a second colonoscopy done at an expert center may be appropriate to reevaluate patients referred for surgical resection. In the study, 71 percent of the lesions referred for surgery were noncancerous polyps (growths in the colon) and were treatable endoscopically. In 26 percent of cases, previous removal was attempted by the referring physician but was unsuccessful.

Parents less likely to spank after reading briefly about its links to problems in children Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST Parents who spank believe it's an effective way to discipline children. But extensive research has linked spanking to short- and long-term child behavior problems. New studies found that brief exposure to the research significantly altered parents' positive views toward spanking. "If we can educate people about corporal punishment, these studies show that we can in a very quick way begin changing attitudes."

Churn burn: Report outlines state strategies to assist with health insurance transitions Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST A new culture of health care has been ushered in by the Affordable Care Act, but, for Americans with varying incomes, it is a bit more complicated. These individuals may experience shifts in coverage, requiring them to "churn" between Medicaid and private insurance. A new report outlines what states are doing to ease such transitions.

Researchers open door to new HIV therapy Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST A structural biologist and cell biologist have identified a new target for possible anti-AIDS drugs that would complement the current cocktail of drugs used to keep HIV in check. The target is a protein that interacts with an HIV protein, Nef, that slams the door to other viruses once a cell is infected.

High-tech 'whole body' scan could improve treatment of bone marrow cancer Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST A pioneering scanning technique that can image a patient's entire body can reveal where cancer is affecting the bones and guide doctors in their choice of treatment, new research reveals.

Intranasal vaccine protects mice against West Nile infection Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST Researchers have developed a nasal vaccine formulation that provides protective immunity against West Nile virus infection in mice after only two doses.

Bacterial toxin potential trigger for multiple sclerosis Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST Researchers have added to the growing body of evidence that multiple sclerosis may be triggered by a toxin produced by common foodborne bacteria.

Early rehabilitation important for recovery after severe traumatic brain injury Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:38 PM PST Early rehabilitation interventions seem to be essential for how well a patient recovers after a severe brain injury. It might even increase the chances for long-term survival, according to researchers.

Voice may change after nose job Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:38 PM PST Patients who have undergone plastic surgery to change the appearance of their nose may also notice changes in the sound of their voice, reports a study.

Contradictory nutrition news creates consumer confusion Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:38 PM PST Exposure to conflicting news about the health benefits of certain foods, vitamins and supplements often results in confusion and backlash against nutrition recommendations, finds a recent study.

Agent Orange linked to skin cancer risk, report suggests Posted: 28 Jan 2014 12:38 PM PST Vietnam War veterans with prior exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange may be at higher risk for certain types of skin cancer, suggests a new report.

You are subscribed to email updates from Health & Medicine News -- ScienceDaily To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610