ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Primary care doctors reluctant to provide genetics assessment in routine care
• Simple method turns human skin cells into immune strengthening white blood cells
• New genetic targets discovered in fight against muscle-wasting disease
• Molecular mechanisms of birth defects among older women: Why older women can have babies with Down Syndrome
• Malaria parasites sense and react to mosquito presence to increase transmission
• Diverse gut bacteria associated with favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites
• Ebola paper demonstrates disease transmission rate
• Increased access to nature trails could decrease youth obesity rates, study finds
• Cells put off protein production during times of stress
• Intestinal bacteria needed for strong flu vaccine responses in mice
• Scientists revert human stem cells to pristine state
• Impact on gut microbiota of fermented milk product containing probiotics revealed by new technology
• Not enough vitamin B1 can cause brain damage
• Bioethicists call for greater first-world response to Ebola outbreak
• Neurochemical imbalance in schizophrenia discovered
• Our microbes are a rich source of drugs
• How bacteria battle fluoride
• Endometriosis a burden on women's lives
• Breast milk reveals a correlation between dietary fats and academic success
• High levels of physical activity linked to better academic performance in boys
• New superfoods could help key protein keep bodies healthy
• Talking therapy for people with a recent bipolar disorder diagnosis
• Sunshine can act as 'driver' for suicide
• Is the pattern of brain folding a 'fingerprint' for schizophrenia?
• Steroid hormone to fight age-related diseases
• Genomic analysis reveals that high-risk leukemia subtype becomes more common with age
• Cutting health care costs one appendix at a time
• 'Fat shaming' doesn't encourage weight loss
• Binge drinking in pregnancy can affect child's mental health, school results
• Smokers who consume too much sodium at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis
• Microfluidics: Lab on a breathing chip
• Ozone nano-bubble water: Potential treatment for severe gum infections
• Study examines vitiligo, alopecia areata and chronic graft vs. host disease
• Restricting calories may improve sleep apnea, blood pressure in obese people
• Using plants to produce enzyme may provide treatment for high blood pressure in lungs
• Small weight gain can raise blood pressure in healthy adults
• PTSD, respiratory illness: A signature long-term problem of 9/11 responders
• New look at the diabetes, heart risk relationship
• For Ebola health care workers, how protective gear is removed poses risk of deadly exposure, experts caution
• Craniofacial surgery in India: Progress made, but challenges remain

Primary care doctors reluctant to provide genetics assessment in routine care Posted: 11 Sep 2014 12:16 PM PDT Physicians report many barriers keep them from giving patients guidance on genetic risks, disease, according to new research. Medical genetics medicine has traditionally been used to identify and diagnose rare diseases, but in the last decade it has been increasingly helpful in determining patients at risk for genetically-based conditions who can benefit from preventive health care, says the study's senior author.

Simple method turns human skin cells into immune strengthening white blood cells Posted: 11 Sep 2014 11:27 AM PDT For the first time, scientists have turned human skin cells into transplantable white blood cells, soldiers of the immune system that fight infections and invaders. The work could let researchers create therapies that introduce into the body new white blood cells capable of attacking diseased or cancerous cells or augmenting immune responses against other disorders.

New genetic targets discovered in fight against muscle-wasting disease Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:54 AM PDT Findings of a new study offer the possibility of developing new ways of tackling an incurable condition known as muscle-wasting disease. To date, only six genes have been linked to the illness. Despite rigorous screening, at least 50% of patients have no detectable mutation in the 6 known genes. Now a breakthrough study has discovered two more genes linked to the disease.

Molecular mechanisms of birth defects among older women: Why older women can have babies with Down Syndrome Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:54 AM PDT Researchers studying cell division in fruit flies have discovered a pathway that may improve understanding of molecular mistakes that cause older women to have babies with Down syndrome.

Malaria parasites sense and react to mosquito presence to increase transmission Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:54 AM PDT Many pathogens are transmitted by insect bites. The abundance of vectors (as the transmitting insects are called) depends on seasonal and other environmental fluctuations. A new article demonstrates that Plasmodium parasites react to mosquitoes biting their hosts, and that the parasite responses increase transmission to the mosquito vector.

Diverse gut bacteria associated with favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:53 AM PDT Postmenopausal women with diverse gut bacteria exhibit a more favorable ratio of estrogen metabolites, which is associated with reduced risk for breast cancer, compared to women with less microbial variation, according to a new study.

Ebola paper demonstrates disease transmission rate Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:00 AM PDT Transmission rates for each single case of Ebola consistently showed at least one new case of the disease being transmitted. Country-specific analysis of transmission rates in Liberia and Sierra Leone showed on average between one and two new cases for every existing case, research has shown.

Increased access to nature trails could decrease youth obesity rates, study finds Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:59 AM PDT Local governments can help reduce youth obesity levels by increasing the amount and type of public lands available for recreation, researchers say. "More non-motorized nature trails available for use by youth in a particular county lead to an increase in the physical activity rates as well as lower youth obesity rates," one researcher said.

Cells put off protein production during times of stress Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:58 AM PDT When a stressed cell recognizes the buildup of misfolded proteins, it responds by reshuffling its workload, much like a stressed out employee might temporarily move papers from an overflowing inbox into a junk drawer. The study could lend insight into misfolded protein diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes.

Intestinal bacteria needed for strong flu vaccine responses in mice Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:58 AM PDT Mice treated with antibiotics to remove most of their intestinal bacteria or raised under sterile conditions have impaired antibody responses to seasonal influenza vaccination, researchers have found. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment before or during vaccination may impair responses to certain vaccines in humans. The results may also help to explain why immunity induced by some vaccines varies in different parts of the world.

Scientists revert human stem cells to pristine state Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:50 AM PDT Researchers have resolved a long-standing challenge in stem cell biology by successfully 'resetting' human pluripotent stem cells to a fully pristine state, at a point of their greatest developmental potential.

Impact on gut microbiota of fermented milk product containing probiotics revealed by new technology Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:50 AM PDT The effect of a fermented milk product containing probiotics on the gut microbiota has been demonstrated by researchers using a novel high resolution bioinformatics tool. The product affected certain gut bacteria without changing the global composition of the microbial community. These findings open new perspectives to understand the effects of probiotics on our health.

Not enough vitamin B1 can cause brain damage Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:45 AM PDT A deficiency of a single vitamin, B1 (thiamine), can cause a potentially fatal brain disorder called Wernicke encephalopathy. Symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations, loss of muscle coordination and vision problems. Untreated, the condition can lead to irreversible brain damage and death.

Bioethicists call for greater first-world response to Ebola outbreak Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:42 AM PDT Amid recent discussion about the Ebola crisis in West Africa, physicians say that high-income countries like the United States have an obligation to help those affected by the outbreak and to advance research to fight the deadly disease — including in the context of randomized clinical trials of new drugs to combat the virus.

Neurochemical imbalance in schizophrenia discovered Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:42 AM PDT Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), researchers have discovered that neurons from patients with schizophrenia secrete higher amounts of three neurotransmitters broadly implicated in a range of psychiatric disorders.

Our microbes are a rich source of drugs Posted: 11 Sep 2014 09:42 AM PDT Bacteria that normally live in and upon us have genetic blueprints that enable them to make thousands of molecules that act like drugs, and some of these molecules might serve as the basis for new human therapeutics, according to new research.

How bacteria battle fluoride Posted: 11 Sep 2014 07:19 AM PDT Two studies provide new insights into the mechanisms that allow bacteria to resist fluoride toxicity, information that could eventually help inform new strategies for treating harmful bacterial diseases.

Endometriosis a burden on women's lives Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:47 AM PDT Endometriosis often takes a long time to be diagnosed and affects all areas of a women's life, a study has found. Endometriosis is a chronic, recurring disease that is experienced by approximately 10 per cent of women worldwide. Common symptoms include painful menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful sex and infertility.

Breast milk reveals a correlation between dietary fats and academic success Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:47 AM PDT You are what you eat, the saying goes, and now a study suggests that the oft-repeated adage applies not just to physical health, but to brain power as well. Researchers compared the fatty acid profiles of breast milk from women in over two dozen countries with how well children from those same countries performed on academic tests. Their findings show that the amount of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a mother's milk is the strongest predictor of test performance. It outweighs national income and the number of dollars spent per pupil in schools.

High levels of physical activity linked to better academic performance in boys Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:47 AM PDT Higher levels of physical activity are related to better academic achievement during the first three school years, particularly in boys, research shows. For instance, boys with higher levels of physical activity, and especially walking and bicycling to and from school, had better reading skills than less active boys.

New superfoods could help key protein keep bodies healthy Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:33 AM PDT A new generation of new superfoods that tackle heart disease and diabetes could be developed following research into a protein that helps keep cells in our bodies healthy. The beneficial substances comprise broccoli-derived sulforaphane and quercetin, which is found in high-levels in onions.

Talking therapy for people with a recent bipolar disorder diagnosis Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:33 AM PDT A group of people with a recent bipolar diagnosis who had an average of 14 hours Cognitive Behavioural Therapy alongside 'treatment as usual,' which includes medication and support from community mental health teams, psychiatry or a GP was compared to a group of 34 people who only received 'treatment as usual' in a randomized controlled trial. The group receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- a psychological therapy which helps people address patterns of thinking and behavior which they wish to change -- made a better, more sustained recovery.

Sunshine can act as 'driver' for suicide Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:33 AM PDT Long spells of sunshine -- as demonstrated by many scientific studies -- can have a positive impact on the human mind and can have a helpful effect for people with depression. Things are very different at the start of a spell of nice weather, however. During the first days of sunshine, the internal unrest and increased activity can act as a driver for some at-risk people to commit suicide.

Is the pattern of brain folding a 'fingerprint' for schizophrenia? Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT Anyone who has seen pictures or models of the human brain is aware that the outside layer, or cortex, of the brain is folded in an intricate pattern of "hills", called gyri, and "valleys", called sulci. It turns out that the patterns of cortical folding are largely consistent across healthy humans, broadly speaking. However, disturbances in cortical folding patterns suggest deeper disturbances in brain structure and function..

Steroid hormone to fight age-related diseases Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT Through the study of the roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans, a research team has discovered a hormone that enhances longevity and reduces fertility, thus reproducing the effects of an extreme diet. The scientists now intend to explore its mode of action in the hope of finding new ways to combat age-related diseases.

Genomic analysis reveals that high-risk leukemia subtype becomes more common with age Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT The stage has been set to determine if drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors will extend the lives of patients with the high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia subtype, researchers report. A pediatric clinical trial is scheduled to open by early 2015.

Cutting health care costs one appendix at a time Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:24 AM PDT When given the choice between a less costly "open" operation or a pricier laparoscopy for their children's appendicitis, parents were almost twice as likely to choose the less expensive procedure – when they were aware of the cost difference. The study shows that providing pricing information upfront can influence patient choice of surgical procedures and potentially lead to cost savings in health care, a sector of the economy that accounts for more than 17 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, researchers say.

'Fat shaming' doesn't encourage weight loss Posted: 10 Sep 2014 06:41 PM PDT Discrimination against overweight and obese people does not help them to lose weight, finds new research. In a study of 2,944 UK adults over four years, those who reported experiencing weight discrimination gained more weight than those who did not. On average, after accounting for baseline differences, people who reported weight discrimination gained 0.95kg whereas those who did not lost 0.71kg, a difference of 1.66kg.

Binge drinking in pregnancy can affect child's mental health, school results Posted: 10 Sep 2014 06:41 PM PDT Binge drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of mental health problems (particularly hyperactivity and inattention) in children aged 11 and can have a negative effect on their school examination results, according to new research on more than 4,000 participants.

Smokers who consume too much sodium at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis Posted: 10 Sep 2014 06:40 PM PDT The interaction between high sodium intake and smoking is associated with a more than doubled risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), research shows. "These findings will provide new insights into the aetiopathogenic process leading to the development of RA among smokers. The finding of sodium being a risk factor for the development of RA among smokers is intriguing, as it may explain discrepancies in previous studies of diet as a risk factor for RA," researchers said.

Microfluidics: Lab on a breathing chip Posted: 10 Sep 2014 06:37 PM PDT Human nasal epithelial cells, cultured on a microchip, react to air pollutants just like they would in the upper airway. The upper respiratory tract is the first line of defense against air pollutants, including allergens, bacteria and environmental toxicants. Finger-like protrusions called cilia on the surface of the human mucous membrane, or epithelium, sway back and forth when irritated. This coordinated 'beating' movement of the cilia helps to remove foreign materials and is an important protective mechanism.

Ozone nano-bubble water: Potential treatment for severe gum infections Posted: 10 Sep 2014 06:37 PM PDT A powerful new antiseptic agent, called ozone nano-bubble water, holds promise for the treatment of periodontitis, or severe gum infections, according to new research.

Study examines vitiligo, alopecia areata and chronic graft vs. host disease Posted: 10 Sep 2014 04:01 PM PDT Vitiligo (depigmentation of the skin) and alopecia areata (AA, patchy or complete hair loss) in patients with chronic graft vs. host disease (GvHD) following a stem cell transplant appear to be associated with having a female donor and the sex mismatch of a female donor and male recipient.

Restricting calories may improve sleep apnea, blood pressure in obese people Posted: 10 Sep 2014 04:01 PM PDT Restricting calories may improve sleep apnea and reduce blood pressure in obese adults. Those who restricted their calories had higher levels of oxygen in their blood and a greater reduction in body weight, a study has demonstrated.

Using plants to produce enzyme may provide treatment for high blood pressure in lungs Posted: 10 Sep 2014 04:01 PM PDT Using plant leaves to produce and deliver a key enzyme may someday improve treatment for life-threatening high blood pressure in the lungs. This plant-based therapy would be less expensive and easier to take than enzyme therapies delivered by injection, researchers report.

Small weight gain can raise blood pressure in healthy adults Posted: 10 Sep 2014 04:00 PM PDT Gaining a few pounds can increase blood pressure in healthy adults, researchers report. Increased fat inside the abdomen led to even larger increases in blood pressure, their study results showed.

PTSD, respiratory illness: A signature long-term problem of 9/11 responders Posted: 10 Sep 2014 03:59 PM PDT As many as 60 percent of 9/11 World Trade Center responders continue to experience clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lower respiratory illness, according to the findings from research conducted over the past several years.

New look at the diabetes, heart risk relationship Posted: 10 Sep 2014 09:02 AM PDT People with diabetes who appear otherwise healthy may have a six-fold higher risk of developing heart failure regardless of their cholesterol levels, new research suggests. In nearly 50% of people with diabetes in a study, researchers employing an ultra-sensitive test were able to identify minute levels of a protein released into the blood when heart cells die. The finding suggests that people with diabetes may be suffering undetectable -- but potentially dangerous -- heart muscle damage possibly caused by their elevated blood sugar levels.

For Ebola health care workers, how protective gear is removed poses risk of deadly exposure, experts caution Posted: 10 Sep 2014 09:02 AM PDT A team of American infectious disease and critical care experts is alerting colleagues caring for Ebola patients that how they remove their personal protective gear can be just as crucial as wearing it to prevent exposure to the deadly virus.

Craniofacial surgery in India: Progress made, but challenges remain Posted: 10 Sep 2014 07:28 AM PDT Dedicated surgeons have made impressive progress in establishing craniofacial surgery services in India, report experts.

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