ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Search for better biofuels microbes leads to human gut
• Complexity of diabetes: Restoring the complexity of the overall blood sugar control system
• Federal food program puts food on the table, but dietary quality could be improved
• Critically ill ICU patients lose almost all of their gut microbes and the ones left aren't good
• New DNA sequencing method to diagnose tuberculosis
• Fruit and vegetable consumption could be as good for your mental as your physical health
• Presence or absence of early language delay alters anatomy of the brain in autism
• New measure provides more data on oxygen levels during sedation
• We drink more alcohol on gym days
• Reversing the effects of pulmonary fibrosis with a microRNA mimic
• Best exercise for obese youths analyzed
• Maternal breast milk is risk factor for cytomegalovirus transmission in premature infants
• Statin use during hospitalization for hemorrhagic stroke associated with improved survival
• Healthy lifestyle choices may dramatically reduce risk of heart attack in men
• Old drug may be key to new antibiotics
• Actions on climate change bring better health, study says
• Artificial liver tested as potential therapy for patients with alcohol-related organ failure
• Think the system for paying U.S. doctors is rigged to favor surgeons? New study may surprise you
• Higher risk of heart disease for South Asians in Canada
• Gene expression patterns in pancreatic circulating tumor cells revealed
• Platelets modulate clotting behavior by 'feeling' their surroundings
• Immune response turned up, not down, by flu during pregnancy, study finds
• Fine line between breast cancer, normal tissues
• Priorities for research on pharmaceutical, personal care products in the environment
• Benefits of wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis demonstrated in pilot study
• New chip promising for tumor-targeting research
• Compound from hops aids cognitive function in young animals
• Variability in heart beat keeps the body in balance
• Obesity and stress pack a double hit for health
• Hold on, tiger mom: Punitive parenting may lead to mental health risks
• Common diabetes drug associated with risk of low levels of thyroid hormone
• Online ratings influence parents' choices of physicians for their children
• Brainwave test could improve autism diagnosis, classification
• Environment plays bigger role than genetics in food allergic disease
• Diabetes in South Asian population the focus of new efforts
• Research evaluates neurodevelomental, medical outcomes in single family room NICU
• Putting dementia carers in control

Search for better biofuels microbes leads to human gut Posted: 23 Sep 2014 08:07 AM PDT Scientists have scoured cow rumens and termite guts for microbes that can efficiently break down plant cell walls for the production of next-generation biofuels, but some of the best microbial candidates actually may reside in the human lower intestine, researchers report.

Complexity of diabetes: Restoring the complexity of the overall blood sugar control system Posted: 23 Sep 2014 08:06 AM PDT For millions of people in the United States living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, measuring the daily rise and fall of blood glucose (sugar) is a way of life. Our body's energy is primarily governed by glucose in the blood, and blood sugar itself is exquisitely controlled by a complicated set of network interactions involving cells, tissues, organs and hormones that have evolved to keep the glucose on a relatively even keel, pumping it up when it falls too low or knocking it down when it goes too high. This natural dynamical balance becomes lost when someone develops diabetes.

Federal food program puts food on the table, but dietary quality could be improved Posted: 23 Sep 2014 06:02 AM PDT Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program, had lower dietary quality scores compared with income eligible non-participants, a new study shows.

Critically ill ICU patients lose almost all of their gut microbes and the ones left aren't good Posted: 23 Sep 2014 06:02 AM PDT After a long stay in the Intensive Care Unit only a handful of pathogenic microbe species remain behind in patients' intestines, a study has shown. The team of researchers tested these remaining pathogens and discovered that some can become deadly when provoked by conditions that mimic the body's stress response to illness.

New DNA sequencing method to diagnose tuberculosis Posted: 23 Sep 2014 06:02 AM PDT A new approach to the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) has been developed by researchers working in the UK and The Gambia that relies on direct sequencing of DNA extracted from sputum -- a technique called metagenomics -- to detect and characterize the bacteria that cause TB without the need for time-consuming culture of bacteria in the laboratory.

Fruit and vegetable consumption could be as good for your mental as your physical health Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:59 AM PDT New research focused on mental wellbeing found that high and low mental wellbeing were consistently associated with an individual's fruit and vegetable consumption. 33.5% of respondents with high mental wellbeing ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day, compared with only 6.8% who ate less than one portion.

Presence or absence of early language delay alters anatomy of the brain in autism Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:59 AM PDT Individual differences in early language development, and in later language functioning, are associated with changes in the anatomy of the brain in autism. A new study has found that a common characteristic of autism -- language delay in early childhood -- leaves a 'signature' in the brain.

New measure provides more data on oxygen levels during sedation Posted: 23 Sep 2014 05:57 AM PDT The "area under the curve of oxygen desaturation" (AUCDesat) may provide a more sophisticated approach to monitoring blood oxygen levels during procedures using sedation, according to a study. Sedation is essential for many types of medical procedures. But even though it has an excellent safety profile, sedation is not risk-free, anesthesiologists say.

We drink more alcohol on gym days Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:13 PM PDT On days when people exercise more -- typically Thursdays to Sundays -- they drink more alcohol, too. This is the only study to use smartphone technology and a daily diary approach for self-reporting physical activity and alcohol use.

Reversing the effects of pulmonary fibrosis with a microRNA mimic Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:13 PM PDT A potential new treatment that reverses the effects of pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory disease in which scars develop in the lungs and severely hamper breathing, is being studied by scientists. The treatment uses a microRNA mimic, miR-29, which is delivered to lung tissue intravenously. In mouse models, miR-29 not only blocked pulmonary fibrosis, it reversed fibrosis after several days.

Best exercise for obese youths analyzed Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:00 PM PDT What exercise program can best fight the 'epidemic' of teen obesity? According to a study, by combining aerobic exercise with resistance training. "Obesity is an epidemic among youth," says one author. "Adolescents who are overweight are typically advised to exercise more, but there is limited evidence on what type of exercise is best in order to lose fat."

Maternal breast milk is risk factor for cytomegalovirus transmission in premature infants Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:00 PM PDT Premature infants, especially those born with very low-birth-weight, are particularly vulnerable to cytomegalovirus infection because of their immature immune systems. Maternal breast milk is a primary source of postnatal cytomegalovirus in very-low-birth-weight patients, researchers say.

Statin use during hospitalization for hemorrhagic stroke associated with improved survival Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:00 PM PDT Patients who were treated with a statin in the hospital after suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke were significantly more likely to survive than those who were not, according to a study. This study was conducted by the same researchers who recently discovered that the use of cholesterol-lowering statins can improve survival in victims of ischemic stroke.

Healthy lifestyle choices may dramatically reduce risk of heart attack in men Posted: 22 Sep 2014 03:00 PM PDT Following a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and diet, exercise, not smoking and moderating alcohol intake, could prevent four out of five coronary events in men, according to a new study.

Old drug may be key to new antibiotics Posted: 22 Sep 2014 02:57 PM PDT An anticonvulsant drug called lamotrigine is the first chemical inhibitor of the assembly of ribosomes in bacteria. he discovery is important as there is growing concern worldwide about how antibiotic resistance is making the cures for infections ineffective. The World Health Organization has declared that antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health security.

Actions on climate change bring better health, study says Posted: 22 Sep 2014 02:57 PM PDT The number of extremely hot days in Eastern and Midwestern U.S. cities is projected to triple by mid-century, according to a new study. In presenting their synthesis, the study authors seek to encourage efforts that benefit both the health of the planet and the health of people.

Artificial liver tested as potential therapy for patients with alcohol-related organ failure Posted: 22 Sep 2014 02:57 PM PDT A novel, human cell based, bioartificial liver support system is being tested for patients with acute liver failure, often a fatal diagnosis. The external organ support system is designed to perform critical functions of a normal liver, including protein synthesis and the processing and cleaning of a patient's blood. The filtered and treated blood is then returned to the patient through the central line.

Think the system for paying U.S. doctors is rigged to favor surgeons? New study may surprise you Posted: 22 Sep 2014 02:57 PM PDT A new study pulls back the curtain on one of the most contentious issues in health care: differences in payment between physicians who perform operations and those who don't. Contrary to perception, the research indicates, the physician payment system is not inherently "rigged" to favor surgeons.

Higher risk of heart disease for South Asians in Canada Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:29 PM PDT Findings of a new study emphasize the need to develop a standardized surveillance system for non-communicable diseases, such as CVD, cancer and lung diseases, by ethnic group in Canada.

Gene expression patterns in pancreatic circulating tumor cells revealed Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:28 PM PDT Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer identified distinct patterns of gene expression in several groups of CTCs, including significant differences from the primary tumor that may contribute to the ability to generate metastases. The investigators identified several different classes of pancreatic CTCs and found unexpected factors that may prove to be targets for improved treatment of the deadly tumor.

Platelets modulate clotting behavior by 'feeling' their surroundings Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:28 PM PDT Platelets respond to surfaces with greater stiffness by increasing their stickiness, the degree to which they "turn on" other platelets and other components of the clotting system, researchers have found. Platelets, the tiny cell fragments whose job it is to stop bleeding, are very simple. And yet they have proven to be "smarter than we give them credit for," researchers have found.

Immune response turned up, not down, by flu during pregnancy, study finds Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:28 PM PDT Pregnant women have an unusually strong immune response to influenza, an unexpected finding that may explain why they get sicker from the flu than other healthy adults, new research has found. The results were surprising because immune responses are thought to be weakened by pregnancy to prevent the woman's body from rejecting her fetus.

Fine line between breast cancer, normal tissues Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:28 PM PDT A tool has been successfully tested that will help surgeons better distinguish cancerous breast tissue from normal tissue, thereby decreasing the chances for repeat operations. The tool, known as DESI mass spectrometry imaging, works by turning molecules into electrically charged versions of themselves, called ions, so that they can be identified by their mass.

Priorities for research on pharmaceutical, personal care products in the environment Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:17 PM PDT The results from a survey designed to identify and prioritize the scientific research needed to understand the risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment have now been released.

Benefits of wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis demonstrated in pilot study Posted: 22 Sep 2014 12:17 PM PDT A pilot study has shown the benefits of a 10-week psychoeducational wellness program in people with multiple sclerosis. Improvements were seen in mood, overall mental health, perceived stress, and pain, researchers report.

New chip promising for tumor-targeting research Posted: 22 Sep 2014 11:58 AM PDT Researchers have developed a chip capable of simulating a tumor's 'microenvironment' and plan to use the new system to test the effectiveness of nanoparticles and drugs that target cancer. The new system, called a tumor-microenvironment-on-chip (T-MOC) device, will allow researchers to study the complex environment surrounding tumors and the barriers that prevent the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

Compound from hops aids cognitive function in young animals Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:07 AM PDT Xanthohumol, a type of flavonoid found in hops and beer, has been shown in a new study to improve cognitive function in young mice, but not in older animals. The findings are another step toward understanding, and ultimately reducing the degradation of memory that happens with age in many mammalian species, including humans.

Variability in heart beat keeps the body in balance Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:07 AM PDT Although the heart beats out a very familiar 'lub-dub' pattern that speeds up or slows down as our activity increases or decreases, the pattern itself isn't as regular as you might think. In fact, the amount of time between heartbeats can vary even at a 'constant' heart rate -- and that variability, doctors have found, is a good thing.

Obesity and stress pack a double hit for health Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:07 AM PDT If you're overweight, you may be at greater risk for stress-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to a new study. Researchers observed that overweight and obese individuals have higher levels of stress-induced inflammation than those within a healthy weight-range.

Hold on, tiger mom: Punitive parenting may lead to mental health risks Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:07 AM PDT Less supportive and punitive parenting techniques used by some Chinese parents might lead to the development of low self-esteem and school adjustment difficulties in their children and leave them vulnerable to depression and problem behaviors, according to a paper.

Common diabetes drug associated with risk of low levels of thyroid hormone Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:07 AM PDT Metformin, a commonly used drug for treating type 2 diabetes, is linked to an increased risk of low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in patients with underactive thyroids, according to a study. Low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone can cause harm, such as cardiovascular conditions and fractures.

Online ratings influence parents' choices of physicians for their children Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:06 AM PDT Almost three-quarters (74%) of parents are aware of online rating sites for physicians, and more than one-quarter (28%) have used those online ratings to choose a healthcare provider for their children, according to research.

Brainwave test could improve autism diagnosis, classification Posted: 22 Sep 2014 10:05 AM PDT Measuring how fast the brain responds to sights and sounds could help in objectively classifying people on the autism spectrum and may help diagnose the condition earlier, research suggests. Statistics show that 1 in 68 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The signs and symptoms of ASD vary significantly from person to person, ranging from mild social and communication difficulties to profound cognitive impairments.

Environment plays bigger role than genetics in food allergic disease Posted: 22 Sep 2014 08:04 AM PDT Environment has a much stronger role than genetics in eosinophilic esophagitis, a severe, often painful food allergy that renders children unable to eat a wide variety of foods, researchers have found. Eosinophils are normal cellular components of the blood, but when the body produces too many eosinophils they can cause a variety of eosinophilic disorders. These are disorders involving chronic inflammation and resulting tissue damage, often in the gastrointestinal system.

Diabetes in South Asian population the focus of new efforts Posted: 22 Sep 2014 08:01 AM PDT A graduate student of South Asian descent is using his medical training and cultural background to educate New Jersey's South Asian communities on diet and lifestyle changes. "Since most people from South Asia are vegetarian, white rice is our go-to food, which means that carb-heavy meals with a high glycemic index are common," he explains. "To reduce their risk, they have to change their diet as well as understand their genetic predisposition."

Research evaluates neurodevelomental, medical outcomes in single family room NICU Posted: 22 Sep 2014 06:12 AM PDT A single-family room neonatal intensive care unit provides for appropriate levels of maternal involvement, developmental support, and staff involvement, which are essential to provide the kind of care that can optimize the medical and neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants and lead to the development of preventive interventions to reduce later impairment, researchers have found.

Putting dementia carers in control Posted: 22 Sep 2014 06:10 AM PDT Experts will explore how improved support and powers for people caring for loved-ones with dementia can improve quality of life for both patients and carers around the UK as part of a new study.

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