ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Chronic loneliness in older adults leads to more doctors' office visits, study finds
• Folic acid may help elderly weather heat waves
• Protein may improve liver regeneration: GF21 boosts regenerative ability in mice carrying human PPAR alpha protein
• Skin tough: Why skin is resistant to tearing
• Scientists one step closer to finding how to repair damaged nerve cells
• Exercise largely absent from US medical school curriculum, study shows
• Bullying by students with disabilities reduced by social-emotional learning
• In Alzheimer's mice, memory restored with cancer drug
• Non-invasive technique allows amputee to use bionic hand, powered by his thoughts
• Significant reduction in fatal car crashes after increase in alcohol taxes
• Restoring IL-17 may treat skin infections related to chronic alcohol consumption
• Memory immune cells that screen intruders as they enter lymph nodes
• Genetic variability in the platelet linked to increased risk for clotting
• Age matters: Discovering why antidepressants don't work well for kids
• Brittle bone disease: Drug research offers hope
• Intestinal bacteria can be used to classify effects of different diseases
• Brain's 'gender' may be quite flexible: Mechanism that plays key role in sexual differentiation of brain described
• History of depression puts women at risk for diabetes during pregnancy, study finds
• Domestic violence deters contraception
• 'Gold standard' for pain relief after shoulder surgery may not be 24 karat
• How did he do it? Mayor Bloomberg's public health strategy evaluated
• HIV patients experience better kidney transplant outcomes than hepatitis c patients
• New clues to why poor nutrition in the womb leads to obesity later in life
• Impact of domestic violence on women's mental health
• How a deadly fungus evades the immune system
• Innovative strategies needed to address US transplant organ shortage
• Pig-borne disease most likely jumped into humans when rearing practices changed
• Scientists find clues into cognitive dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome
• Kids allowed to 'sip' alcohol may start drinking earlier
• South-east England ahead on genetic tests for inherited eye conditions
• New pathways into the cell: Fundamental insights into drug delivery processes
• New concept: Can Resuscitation be delayed?
• Unique mechanism of natural product with powerful antimicrobial action revealed
• Bans on texting while driving reduce crash-related hospitalizations
• Hormone known for mother's milk also fosters bond between parents
• Marketing of energy drinks placed on TV channels that appeal to teens
• Social media study of Pinterest to clinical practice effectiveness
• To statin or not to statin?
• How the DNA alarm-system works
• More reasons why getting a good night’s sleep is important
• Sleep apnea during pregnancy is not good for mother or baby

Chronic loneliness in older adults leads to more doctors' office visits, study finds Posted: 31 Mar 2015 12:47 PM PDT Experiences of loneliness and social isolation can lead to increased health care use among older adults, according to new research. The study found that the frequency of physician visits was particularly influenced by chronic loneliness -- and suggests that the identification and targeting of interventions for lonely elders may significantly decrease physician visits and health care costs.

Folic acid may help elderly weather heat waves Posted: 31 Mar 2015 12:47 PM PDT Supplemental folic acid can enhance blood vessel dilation in older adults, according to researchers, suggesting that folic acid supplements may be an inexpensive alternative for helping older adults to increase skin blood flow during heat waves and reduce cardiovascular events.

Protein may improve liver regeneration: GF21 boosts regenerative ability in mice carrying human PPAR alpha protein Posted: 31 Mar 2015 12:47 PM PDT Researchers have illuminated an important distinction between mice and humans: how human livers heal. The difference centers on a protein called PPAR alpha which activates liver regeneration.

Skin tough: Why skin is resistant to tearing Posted: 31 Mar 2015 11:52 AM PDT Researchers have recorded the first direct observations of the micro-scale mechanisms behind the ability of skin to resist tearing. The results could be applied to the improvement of artificial skin, or to the development of thin film polymers for flexible electronics.

Scientists one step closer to finding how to repair damaged nerve cells Posted: 31 Mar 2015 11:52 AM PDT A team of researchers has uncovered a new kind of synergy in the development of the nervous system, which explains an important mechanism required for neural circuits to form properly. This breakthrough could eventually help develop tools to repair nerve cells following injuries to the nervous system (such as the brain and spinal cord).

Exercise largely absent from US medical school curriculum, study shows Posted: 31 Mar 2015 11:51 AM PDT Fewer than half of the physicians trained in the United States in 2013 received formal education or training on the subject of exercise, according to new research. "There are immense medical benefits to exercise; it can help as much as medicine to address some health concerns," said a national expert on the benefits of physical activity. "Because exercise has medicinal as well as other benefits, I was surprised that medical schools didn't spend more time on it."

Bullying by students with disabilities reduced by social-emotional learning Posted: 31 Mar 2015 11:51 AM PDT Peer victimization -- bullying -- declined 20 percent among students with disabilities who participated in Second Step social-emotional learning curricula, authors of a new study report. More than 120 students with disabilities at two school districts in the Midwest United States participated in the research, which was part of a larger three-year clinical trial of the widely used social-emotional learning curricula Second Step.

In Alzheimer's mice, memory restored with cancer drug Posted: 31 Mar 2015 11:51 AM PDT Memory and as well as connections between brain cells were restored in mice with a model of Alzheimer's given an experimental cancer drug, researchers report. "With this treatment, cells under bombardment by beta amyloid plaques show restored synaptic connections and reduced inflammation, and the animal's memory, which was lost during the course of the disease, comes back," said the senior author of the study.

Non-invasive technique allows amputee to use bionic hand, powered by his thoughts Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:13 AM PDT Medical researchers have created an algorithm that allowed a man to grasp a bottle and other objects with a prosthetic hand, powered only by his thoughts.

Significant reduction in fatal car crashes after increase in alcohol taxes Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:13 AM PDT Increasing state alcohol taxes could prevent thousands of deaths a year from car crashes, say researchers, who found alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes decreased after taxes on beer, wine and spirits went up in Illinois.

Restoring IL-17 may treat skin infections related to chronic alcohol consumption Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:13 AM PDT Alcoholism takes a toll on every aspect of a person's life, including skin problems. Now, a new research report helps explain why this happens and what might be done to address it. "The clinical association between alcoholism and severe skin infection is well established," said one expert. "The ability to experimentally model skin immune deficiencies that occur in chronic alcoholics opens up new avenues to test immune-based therapies to better protect this population and thereby limit the spread of infectious disease to the broader community as well."

Memory immune cells that screen intruders as they enter lymph nodes Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:13 AM PDT A new population of 'memory' immune cells has been discovered by scientists, throwing light on what the body does when it sees a microbe for the second time. This insight, and others like it, will enable the development of more targeted and effective vaccines.

Genetic variability in the platelet linked to increased risk for clotting Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:08 AM PDT Coronary heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States, are diseases associated with heightened platelet reactivity. A new study in humans suggests an underlying reason for the variability in the risk of clotting is due to a genetic variation in a receptor on the surface of the platelet.

Age matters: Discovering why antidepressants don't work well for kids Posted: 31 Mar 2015 10:08 AM PDT A new study had researchers seeking answers to why the therapeutic benefit afforded by SSRIs was so limited in children and teenagers. If researchers can uncover the biological mechanisms preventing available treatments from producing antidepressant effects, scientists can then target those mechanisms to develop new antidepressants that will treat childhood and adolescent depression more effectively.

Brittle bone disease: Drug research offers hope Posted: 31 Mar 2015 09:16 AM PDT A drug being developed to treat osteoporosis may also be useful for treating osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease, a rare but potentially debilitating bone disorder that that is present from birth, scientists say.

Intestinal bacteria can be used to classify effects of different diseases Posted: 31 Mar 2015 09:14 AM PDT It is possible to quantify and classify the effects of different diseases on the activity of intestinal bacteria, new research demonstrates for the first time. Human intestinal flora, known as microbiota, can be considered as an additional organ in the body. It consists of millions of bacteria that interact with each other and with the body, thus affecting its functioning and health. It is known that many intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and diseases such as obesity, cancer and autoimmune diseases can cause changes in the composition of gut bacteria.

Brain's 'gender' may be quite flexible: Mechanism that plays key role in sexual differentiation of brain described Posted: 31 Mar 2015 09:12 AM PDT During prenatal development, the brains of most animals, including humans, develop specifically male or female characteristics. But scientists have known little about the details of how this differentiation occurs. Now, a new study has illuminated details about this process. Researchers succeeded in transforming the brain of a female rat after an important developmental window had closed, giving it the characteristics of a male rat brain.

History of depression puts women at risk for diabetes during pregnancy, study finds Posted: 31 Mar 2015 09:12 AM PDT A history of depression may put women at risk for developing diabetes during pregnancy, according to research. This study also pointed to how common depression is during pregnancy and the need for screening and education.

Domestic violence deters contraception Posted: 31 Mar 2015 09:12 AM PDT Women who are abused by their partner or ex-partner are much less likely to use contraception; this exposes them to sexually transmitted diseases and leads to more frequent unintended pregnancies and abortions. These findings could influence how physicians provide contraceptive counseling.

'Gold standard' for pain relief after shoulder surgery may not be 24 karat Posted: 31 Mar 2015 08:36 AM PDT Around 10,000 patients undergo shoulder surgery in Ontario every year and most go home the same day. Since it's quite a painful procedure, a lot of effort goes into making sure patients can manage their pain while at home recovering. The current "gold standard" for pain management is a single shot of freezing such as lidocaine or ropivacaine to reduce pain during and after surgery, which is still performed under general anesthetic. Doctors had thought that this freezing, coupled with oral painkillers, would manage pain and keep patients comfortable for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but this may not be the case.

How did he do it? Mayor Bloomberg's public health strategy evaluated Posted: 31 Mar 2015 08:34 AM PDT How did former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg succeed in achieving so much of his "comprehensive and far-reaching" public health agenda? Key strategies included harnessing the full authority of the City health department and mobilizing the existing workforce to focus on targeted reforms, according to a study.

HIV patients experience better kidney transplant outcomes than hepatitis c patients Posted: 31 Mar 2015 07:08 AM PDT HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive kidney transplant patients experienced superior outcomes when compared to kidney transplant patients with Hepatitis C and those infected with both HIV and Hepatitis C, according to a study.

New clues to why poor nutrition in the womb leads to obesity later in life Posted: 31 Mar 2015 07:08 AM PDT Babies receiving poor nutrition in the womb tend to be smaller at birth, which has been linked to the development of obesity and other health problems later in life. Researchers continue to discover other consequences related to undernutrition during pregnancy. A new study examines how poor fetal nutrition affects protein expression in the fat tissue of adult rats, revealing key differences between males and females.

Impact of domestic violence on women's mental health Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:44 AM PDT In addition to their physical injuries, women who are victims of domestic violence are also at a greater risk of mental health problems such as depression and psychotic symptoms. "We studied the impact of domestic violence on the risk of mental health problems, particularly depression," explained the first study author. "We also studied the role of certain factors from the victims' personal history, such as childhood abuse and economic poverty," she explained.

How a deadly fungus evades the immune system Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:43 AM PDT New research has scientists re-thinking how a lethal fungus grows and kills immune cells. The study hints at a new approach to therapy for Candida albicans, one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections.

Innovative strategies needed to address US transplant organ shortage Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:43 AM PDT As the United States faces transplant waiting lists that continue to grow longer over time, there is increasing debate about the proper way to incentivize living donations. Due to organ shortages, thousands of Americans are on transplant waiting lists for 5 or more years as their health deteriorates, and more than 1,000 of them die each year.

Pig-borne disease most likely jumped into humans when rearing practices changed Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:43 AM PDT The most virulent strains of Streptococcus suis, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adult humans in parts of southeast Asia and in pigs around the world, are likely to have evolved and become widespread in pigs at the same time as changes in rearing practices, according to research from an international consortium.

Scientists find clues into cognitive dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:43 AM PDT A unique pattern of immune molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome have been discovered, providing insights into the basis for cognitive dysfunction --frequently described by patients as 'brain fog'-- as well as new hope for improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Kids allowed to 'sip' alcohol may start drinking earlier Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:43 AM PDT Children who get a taste of their parents' wine now and then may be more likely than their peers to start drinking by high school, according to a new report. The findings are based on 561 Rhode Island middle school students who were surveyed periodically over three years. At the beginning of sixth grade (around age 11), almost 30 percent of students said they'd ever sipped alcohol. In most cases, their parents provided it--often at a party or other special occasion.

South-east England ahead on genetic tests for inherited eye conditions Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:42 AM PDT New research reveals a stark variation in genetic testing services for inherited eye disease in England. The study shows that service provision in the North-east is much lower than expected based on population size and demographics, while in London and the South-east, it's much higher.

New pathways into the cell: Fundamental insights into drug delivery processes Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:42 AM PDT Chemists, biologists and pharmacologists deal with the question of how complex active substances can be introduced into cells such that they are rapidly and easily available. Building on earlier research, interdisciplinary teams of scientists have made some important advancements.

New concept: Can Resuscitation be delayed? Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:42 AM PDT A team of researchers has laid the foundation for new resuscitation guidelines for severely hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest. The general rule for treatment of patients in cardiac arrest is that once resuscitation measures have begun, they must be continued uninterruptedly until the patient shows signs of life or is pronounced dead. A new study has shown that in the specific case of severely hypothermic victims with a core body temperature below 28°C, resuscitation can be delayed and periodically interrupted for short intervals during transportation in the mountains without jeopardizing survival.

Unique mechanism of natural product with powerful antimicrobial action revealed Posted: 31 Mar 2015 04:39 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered the unique mechanism of a powerful natural product with wide-ranging antifungal, antibacterial, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. The work sheds light on the natural small molecule known as borrelidin. "Our study may help the rational design of compounds similar to borrelidin with a range of useful applications, particularly in cancer," said the leader of the study.

Bans on texting while driving reduce crash-related hospitalizations Posted: 30 Mar 2015 02:38 PM PDT Bans on texting while driving can reduce crash-related hospitalizations, a new study finds. In fact, findings show that on average, there was a 7 percent reduction in crash-related hospitalizations in states that have enacted such bans.

Hormone known for mother's milk also fosters bond between parents Posted: 30 Mar 2015 01:24 PM PDT Research has discovered a role for prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers, in the bond between parents. The study on cotton-top tamarins found a link between prolactin levels and sexual activity and cuddling among paired adults. Although this was a first for prolactin, it has previously been found for oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates childbirth and is linked to a range of pleasurable emotions.

Marketing of energy drinks placed on TV channels that appeal to teens Posted: 30 Mar 2015 01:24 PM PDT Though the Academy of Pediatrics advises against the consumption of energy drinks by teens, research finds that manufacturers market the bulk of their products on TV channels that likely appeal to teens.

Social media study of Pinterest to clinical practice effectiveness Posted: 30 Mar 2015 11:13 AM PDT Aside from the societal increase and prevalence of social media, a researcher has discovered that doctors and patients sometimes blur lines of their relationships. Instances where social media research of patients in treatment helped to prevent injury were recorded, while definitive, institutional policy and procedures were sorely lagging causing potential issues in patient care.

To statin or not to statin? Posted: 30 Mar 2015 11:13 AM PDT Cholesterol-lowering statins have transformed the treatment of heart disease. But while the decision to use the drugs in patients with a history of heart attacks and strokes is mostly clear-cut, that choice can be a far trickier proposition for the tens of millions of Americans with high cholesterol but no overt disease.

How the DNA alarm-system works Posted: 30 Mar 2015 10:46 AM PDT Researchers have managed to clarify how DNA-damage signaling works. The DNA molecule is chemically unstable giving rise to DNA lesions, which is why DNA damage detection, signaling and repair, collectively known as the DNA damage response, are needed. DNA repair consists of enzymes which find the damaged DNA and repair it. Some of them recognize the damaged bases and give signals to the other enzymes, which repair the DNA.

More reasons why getting a good night’s sleep is important Posted: 30 Mar 2015 10:44 AM PDT Losing several hours of sleep can slow the body's metabolism, but what about losing only a few hours? A new study finds that metabolic effects are seen even when sleep is shortened by two hours.

Sleep apnea during pregnancy is not good for mother or baby Posted: 30 Mar 2015 10:44 AM PDT Researchers find that having sleep apnea while pregnant could make the baby prone to metabolic disease as an adult.

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