ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• New tool on horizon for surgeons treating cancer patients
• Viral commuters: How influenza viruses use transportation systems in the US
• Sequential immunizations could be the key to HIV vaccine
• Researchers bring to life proteins' motion
• Scientists identify progenitor cells for blood, immune system
• Protein 'comet tails' propel cell recycling process
• Single enzyme's far-reaching influence in human biology, disease
• Sequencing Ebola's secrets
• Diet that mimics fasting appears to slow aging
• Specific roles of adult neural stem cells may be determined before birth
• Molecular cause of heart condition identified
• Drug approved to treat osteoporosis shows promise in pre-clinical diabetes research
• Single gene turns colorectal cancer cells back into normal tissue in mice
• Biomedical breakthrough: Carbon nanoparticles you can make at home
• Link found between neighborhood quality, cellular aging
• Cataract culprits: Genes linked to cataract formation identified
• Best practices highlighted to prevent infections during healthcare laundry process
• Stem cell exosomes used to induce damaged mouse hearts to self-repair
• MRSA contamination found in supermarket sausages and minced pork in UK
• Protein plays unexpected role in embryonic stem cells
• Graphic novella could help prevent hearing loss in Spanish-speaking agricultural workers
• New model to study HIV latency in brain cells
• Future oncology explores role of biomarkers and next generation sequencing
• Abdominal blood clots may indicate undiagnosed cancer
• Brain receptor found to significantly affect cocaine addiction
• Researchers examine infectious bacterium's natural defenses
• Adult craze for human breast milk purchased online poses serious health risks
• Researchers help identify gene mutation that can trigger lymphoblastic leukemia
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: More than just picky eating
• Researchers design placenta-on-a-chip to better understand pregnancy
• Some common anti-nausea medications used post-operatively could increase patients' arrhythmia risk
• Faster, not stronger: How a protein regulates gene expression
• Potential downside to domestic surgical tourism
• Better clinical management improves quality of life for neurofibromatosis patients
• New genetic immune disorder identified
• Discovery may lead to targeted melanoma therapies
• Better primary care needed for Medicaid patients, expert suggests
• Early menarche may be important in development of aggressive breast cancer in African-American women
• New biomarkers might help personalize metastatic colorectal cancer treatment
• Acute pulmonary fibrosis may respond to autoimmune disease therapy
• Tests to gauge genetic risks for prostate cancer now are feasible
• Knowledge about alternative medicine connected to education, income
• New imaging technique could make brain tumor removal safer, more effective, study suggests
• Dietary trans fat linked to worse memory
• Sunscreen confusion may burn shoppers
• Pulsed electrical fields may provide improved skin rejuvenation
• Toward nanorobots that swim through blood to deliver drugs

New tool on horizon for surgeons treating cancer patients Posted: 18 Jun 2015 11:59 AM PDT Surgeons could know while their patients are still on the operating table if a tissue is cancerous, according to researchers who describe an automated droplet-based surface sampling probe that accomplishes in about 10 minutes what now routinely takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Viral commuters: How influenza viruses use transportation systems in the US Posted: 18 Jun 2015 11:57 AM PDT In increasingly mobile modern societies, long-distance transmission can rapidly spread pathogens. A new study suggests that both airline and commuter road travel influence flu virus distribution in the continental US.

Sequential immunizations could be the key to HIV vaccine Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:45 AM PDT Scientists have thought for some time that multiple immunizations, each tailored to specific stages of the immune response, could be used to generate a special class of HIV-fighting antibodies, so-called broadly neutralizing antibodies. New findings provide the first evidence supporting this approach.

Researchers bring to life proteins' motion Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:45 AM PDT A new study expands scientists' understanding of proteins' normal functioning. Researchers identified how proteins move and change their shape in order to perform specific jobs. This advancement fills a gap in scientific knowledge that persisted for more than 30 years.

Scientists identify progenitor cells for blood, immune system Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT Scientists have identified characteristics of a family of daughter cells, called MPPs, which are the first to arise from stem cells within bone marrow that generate the entire blood system

Protein 'comet tails' propel cell recycling process Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Lou Gehrig's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease, all result in part from a defect in autophagy -- one way a cell removes and recycles misfolded proteins and pathogens. Researchers show for the first time that the formation of ephemeral compartments key in this process require actin polymerization by a complex of seven proteins, which creates 'comet tails.'

Single enzyme's far-reaching influence in human biology, disease Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT Every cell in the body uses phosphorylation, the process of adding a chemical tag to control a protein's function and fate, such as when it moves from one part of a cell to another or binds to other proteins. Now, researchers have made a surprisingly simple discovery: The modification of more than 100 secreted proteins is the work of a single enzyme called Fam20C.

Sequencing Ebola's secrets Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT More than 200 additional genomes from Ebola virus samples have been sequenced by an international team of researchers, in order to capture the fullest picture yet of how the virus is transmitted and how it has changed over the long-term outbreak.

Diet that mimics fasting appears to slow aging Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:44 AM PDT Study shows broad health benefits from periodic use of diet that mimics fasting in mice and yeast -- which appear to translate to humans, also.

Specific roles of adult neural stem cells may be determined before birth Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:42 AM PDT Adult neural stem cells, which are commonly thought of as having the ability to develop into many type of brain cells, are in reality pre-programmed before birth to make very specific types of neurons, at least in mice, according to a study.

Molecular cause of heart condition identified Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:42 AM PDT Researchers have teased apart the molecular basis for differences in behavior between healthy cells and those from patients with a cardiac condition and identified a drug treatment that partially restores function to diseased cells.

Drug approved to treat osteoporosis shows promise in pre-clinical diabetes research Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:42 AM PDT A drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis in humans also stimulates the production of cells that control insulin balance in diabetic mice, researchers have found. While other compounds have been shown to have this effect, the drug (Denosumab) is already FDA approved and could more quickly move to clinical trials as a diabetes treatment.

Single gene turns colorectal cancer cells back into normal tissue in mice Posted: 18 Jun 2015 10:42 AM PDT Anti-cancer strategies generally involve killing off tumor cells. However, cancer cells may instead be coaxed to turn back into normal tissue simply by reactivating a single gene. Researchers found that restoring normal levels of a human colorectal cancer gene in mice stopped tumor growth and re-established normal intestinal function within only four days.

Biomedical breakthrough: Carbon nanoparticles you can make at home Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:22 AM PDT Researchers have found an easy way to produce carbon nanoparticles that are small enough to evade the body's immune system, reflect light in the near-infrared range for easy detection, and carry payloads of pharmaceutical drugs to targeted tissues. The new approach generates the particles in a few hours and uses only a handful of ingredients, including store-bought molasses.

Link found between neighborhood quality, cellular aging Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:22 AM PDT Regardless of chronological age, people who live in neighborhoods with high crime, noise, and vandalism are biologically more than a decade older than those who do not, according to a study.

Cataract culprits: Genes linked to cataract formation identified Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:21 AM PDT When cataracts encroach on the eyes, the only effective remedy is to surgically replace the eyes' lenses with synthetic substitutes. But what if scientists found a way to delay or prevent cataracts from forming in the first place? Researchers may have found such an opportunity by identifying the prime suspects in the formation of cataracts -- deficiency of two genes that encode regulatory proteins.

Best practices highlighted to prevent infections during healthcare laundry process Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:21 AM PDT Proper laundering and handling are important in achieving and maintaining the hygienically clean quality of healthcare fabrics and textiles delivered to the point of care, according to a new review that highlights evidence-based strategies to inhibit potentially serious contamination. The review is based on findings and recommendations from peer-reviewed studies, as well as current standards and guidelines.

Stem cell exosomes used to induce damaged mouse hearts to self-repair Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:21 AM PDT A little more than a decade ago, researchers discovered that all cells secrete tiny communications modules jammed with an entire work crew of messages for other cells. Today, a team of researchers is harnessing the communications vesicles excreted by stem cells and using them to induce the damaged heart to repair itself.

MRSA contamination found in supermarket sausages and minced pork in UK Posted: 18 Jun 2015 09:21 AM PDT A survey carried out earlier this year has found the first evidence of the 'superbug' bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in sausages and minced pork obtained from supermarkets in the UK. However, researchers stress that this does not pose a significant immediate risk to the public.

Protein plays unexpected role in embryonic stem cells Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:42 AM PDT A protein long believed to only guard the nucleus also regulates gene expression and stem cell development, scientists report. The discovery gives a new understanding to genetic diseases that are caused by mutations in these proteins.

Graphic novella could help prevent hearing loss in Spanish-speaking agricultural workers Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:41 AM PDT In the Mountain West region, noise-induced hearing loss is common among Spanish-speaking agricultural workers due to their proximity to noise produced by heavy farm equipment and livestock, according to a US Department of Health and Human Services 2013 study. Now researchers are interested in what effect a digital graphic novella will have on Spanish-speaking agricultural workers receiving information about hearing loss and hearing protection.

New model to study HIV latency in brain cells Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:38 AM PDT Over 35 million people worldwide are currently infected by HIV. Antiviral therapies can keep the virus from multiplying. However, no drug can cure infection so far, because various cell types continue to carry the virus in a latent, i.e. quiescent, state. Scientists have now established a model for latent HIV infection of brain cells. The researchers used this model to identify various compounds that affect latency of the virus in the brain.

Future oncology explores role of biomarkers and next generation sequencing Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:38 AM PDT Highlighting the seismic shift in cancer research and treatment that is underway due to biomarkers and next generation sequencing, a new article offers multiple review articles summarizing the opportunities presented by improvements in molecular testing and analysis.

Abdominal blood clots may indicate undiagnosed cancer Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:38 AM PDT A blood clot in an abdominal vein may be an indicator of undiagnosed cancer, new research suggests. The study also suggests that these clots predict poorer survival in patients with liver and pancreatic cancer.

Brain receptor found to significantly affect cocaine addiction Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:34 AM PDT By manipulating the activity of Activin receptors in the brain, researchers report that they were able to increase or decrease cocaine-taking and relapse behavior in animal models. The study focused on receptors in regions of the brain involved in pleasure and reward.

Researchers examine infectious bacterium's natural defenses Posted: 18 Jun 2015 07:34 AM PDT Antibiotics fight bacteria by targeting enzymes essential to the bacterium's survival, like those involved in rebuilding the bacterium's cellular wall. With many deadly bacteria able to resist antibiotics, scientists must work to design new compounds that target important functions in the bacteria to stop them from multiplying. As a spinoff from their research aimed at fighting a specific parasite, researchers may have found a way around an infectious bacterium's natural defenses.

Adult craze for human breast milk purchased online poses serious health risks Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:50 AM PDT The recent craze for human breast milk amongst certain fitness communities, fetishists and chronic disease sufferers is ill advised say the authors of a new study. Failure of women to sanitize properly when expressing milk, the failure to sterilize equipment properly, and the improper or prolonged storage and transportation of milk can expose consumers to bacterial food-borne illnesses like any other raw milk.

Researchers help identify gene mutation that can trigger lymphoblastic leukemia Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:32 AM PDT After collecting data on a leukemia-affected family for nearly a decade, an international team of genetic researchers is tracking down a mutation partly responsible for causing the disease. Their findings have 'major implications' for better understanding the genetic basis of several types of cancer, including leukemia.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: More than just picky eating Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:32 AM PDT A new commentary by experts reflects on the clinical impact of the diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and the work that remains in terms of treatments and improved outcomes.

Researchers design placenta-on-a-chip to better understand pregnancy Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:32 AM PDT Researchers have developed a 'placenta-on-a-chip' to study the inner workings of the human placenta and its role in pregnancy. The device was designed to imitate, on a micro-level, the structure and function of the placenta and model the transfer of nutrients from mother to fetus. This prototype is one of the latest in a series of organ-on-a-chip technologies developed to accelerate biomedical advances.

Some common anti-nausea medications used post-operatively could increase patients' arrhythmia risk Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:32 AM PDT Certain commonly prescribed anti-nausea medications given to patients during or after an operation could increase their risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, new research has found.

Faster, not stronger: How a protein regulates gene expression Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:32 AM PDT By measuring the motion of single molecules, scientists have discovered how specialized proteins control gene expression by binding and compacting discrete parts of DNA inside the cell. The findings have significant implications for genetics and cancer research.

Potential downside to domestic surgical tourism Posted: 18 Jun 2015 04:28 AM PDT Following surgery, up to 22 percent of surgical patients experience unexpected complications and must be readmitted for post-operative care. A study suggests that for these patients, returning to the same hospital is important for recovery. Readmission to a different hospital was associated with a 26 percent increased risk for dying within 90 days. The results have implications for patients who take part in domestic medical tourism.

Better clinical management improves quality of life for neurofibromatosis patients Posted: 17 Jun 2015 02:52 PM PDT A genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis causes benign tumors to grow on the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system. There are no effective drugs to prevent or reverse NF. But increasing scientific knowledge has allowed for better clinical management and fewer complications, resulting in a higher quality of life.

New genetic immune disorder identified Posted: 17 Jun 2015 02:52 PM PDT A new immune disorder has been identified -- DOCK2 deficiency -- named after the mutated gene responsible for the disease. An international team of collaborators studied five children, four boys and one girl, from different ethnic backgrounds who had experienced debilitating infections early in life. The children were diagnosed with combined immunodeficiency, which refers to a group of inherited disorders distinguished by defects in immune system cells called T cells. CIDs also may affect other cells of the immune system, including B cells.

Discovery may lead to targeted melanoma therapies Posted: 17 Jun 2015 02:51 PM PDT Melanoma patients with high levels of a protein that controls the expression of pro-growth genes are less likely to survive, according to a new study. The research team found that the protein, called H2A.Z.2, promotes the abnormal growth seen in melanoma cells as they develop into difficult-to-treat tumors. H2A.Z.2 is part of the chromosome structure that packages genes, and has the ability to switch them on off. Having high levels of this protein aberrantly activates growth-promoting genes in melanoma cells.

Better primary care needed for Medicaid patients, expert suggests Posted: 17 Jun 2015 02:51 PM PDT Although a goal of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act was to provide Medicaid patients with a source of nonemergency care outside of hospital emergency departments (EDs), researchers suggest that these newly enrolled patients will likely continue to look to EDs for treatment of chronic diseases and other nonemergency issues, despite state attempts to impose fees on ED visits. Health policy researchers suggest that patient-centered medical homes may be more effective in reducing the number of Medicare patients seeking nonemergency care in EDs than increasing the cost of the visits.

Early menarche may be important in development of aggressive breast cancer in African-American women Posted: 17 Jun 2015 01:20 PM PDT Early age at menarche, or first menstrual cycle, could play a role in the disproportionate incidence of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancers diagnosed among African-American women, according to a study.

New biomarkers might help personalize metastatic colorectal cancer treatment Posted: 17 Jun 2015 01:20 PM PDT Metastatic colorectal cancer patients tend to live longer when they respond to the first line of chemotherapy their doctors recommend. To better predict how patients will respond to chemotherapy drugs before they begin treatment, researchers conducted a proof-of-principle study with a small group of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The results revealed two genes that could help physicians make more informed treatment decisions for patients with this disease.

Acute pulmonary fibrosis may respond to autoimmune disease therapy Posted: 17 Jun 2015 01:20 PM PDT Patients with acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis responded well to therapies similar to those used to treat autoimmune diseases, suggesting that autoantibodies may play an important role in patients with acute exacerbations of IPF, a devastating lung disease, scientists report. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease of unknown origin with no approved treatments. It results in scar tissue building up in the lungs. It affects more than 100,000 people in the United States and 5 million worldwide. The median survival rate is less than three years, and only 20 percent of patients survive five years beyond diagnosis.

Tests to gauge genetic risks for prostate cancer now are feasible Posted: 17 Jun 2015 01:20 PM PDT Men with an elevated, genetically inherited risk for prostate cancer could be routinely identified with a simple blood or urine test, scientists have concluded, potentially paving the way to better or earlier diagnosis. The study included 7,783 men with prostate cancer and 38,595 without the disease.

Knowledge about alternative medicine connected to education, income Posted: 17 Jun 2015 11:44 AM PDT Individuals with lower education and income levels are less likely to know about yoga, acupuncture and other complementary treatments, new research shows. Lack of knowledge as a reason for non-use was strongly associated with lower education levels and income. Those who attended college were 58 percent less likely to indicate lack of knowledge as a reason for non-use, and individuals with higher incomes were 37 percent less likely.

New imaging technique could make brain tumor removal safer, more effective, study suggests Posted: 17 Jun 2015 11:42 AM PDT Brain surgery is famously difficult for good reason: When removing a tumor, for example, neurosurgeons walk a tightrope as they try to take out as much of the cancer as possible while keeping crucial brain tissue intact — and visually distinguishing the two is often impossible. Now researchers report they have developed an imaging technology that could provide surgeons with a color-coded map of a patient's brain showing which areas are and are not cancer.

Dietary trans fat linked to worse memory Posted: 17 Jun 2015 11:42 AM PDT Higher consumption of dietary trans fatty acids (dTFA), commonly used in processed foods to improve taste, texture and durability, has been linked to worsened memory function in men 45 years old and younger, according to a study.

Sunscreen confusion may burn shoppers Posted: 17 Jun 2015 10:54 AM PDT Consumers may need more help navigating the sunscreen aisle. A new study found that many people seem to be confused by sunscreen terminology. Only 43 percent of people surveyed understood the definition of sun factor protection (SPF) and only seven percent knew what to look for on a label if they wanted a sunscreen that offers protection against early skin aging.

Pulsed electrical fields may provide improved skin rejuvenation Posted: 17 Jun 2015 10:50 AM PDT Current therapies aimed at skin rejuvenation that affect all exposed tissue can change skin's structure and function. Even approaches that directly target skin cells -- such as fractional and some other types of lasers -- can have undesired effects including scarring and discoloration. A new approach to skin rejuvenation may be less likely to have unintended side effects such as scarring and altered pigmentation.

Toward nanorobots that swim through blood to deliver drugs Posted: 17 Jun 2015 09:58 AM PDT Someday, treating patients with nanorobots could become standard practice to deliver medicine specifically to parts of the body affected by disease. But merely injecting drug-loaded nanoparticles might not always be enough to get them where they need to go. Now scientists are reporting the development of new nanoswimmers that can move easily through body fluids to their targets.

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