ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• 75 percent of first-time moms plan to follow vaccine schedule, study finds
• Surprising finds about drug use
• Eye drops could clear up cataracts using newly identified chemical
• Gut bacteria can dramatically amplify cancer immunotherapy
• Noise-induced hearing loss: Genetic cause, mechanism discovered
• Brain imaging reveals possible depression signature in traumatic brain injury
• Zebrafish reveal how axons regenerate on a proper path
• Researchers identify new route for release of steroid hormones
• Why some genes are highly expressed
• No new heart muscle cells in mice after the newborn period
• Researchers strive to improve breast cancer treatment
• Breaking free: Scientists show how telomeric RNA molecule escapes and produces inflammatory response
• DNA strands often 'wiggle' as part of genetic repair
• Strength of brain connectivity varies with fitness level in older adults
• Guides within electronic medical records during visits help doctors provide better care
• New research could help in the fight against infection, cancer and allergies
• Mindfulness training helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
• First precision medicine trial in cancer prevention identifies molecular-based chemoprevention strategy
• Duration of lactation associated with bone density
• Are you hardwired to enjoy high-calorie foods? Research links genes to heightened brain reward responses to foods high in fat and sugar
• Expert system for early diagnosis of schizophrenia
• Obesity: Is junk food really to blame?
• Researchers reveal acoustic complexity of chickadee songs
• Possible solution for side effect of Alzheimer’s immunotherapy treatment
• Dental implants frequently lead to complications
• Tumor network in brain increases treatment resistance
• An easy test for sickle cell disease
• In preventing return of winter blues, talk outshines light
• Relapsing infections could challenge malaria eradication
• Scientists uncover mechanism that propels liver development after birth
• Brain's immune system could be harnessed to fight Alzheimer's
• Spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk, study finds
• Adding ultrasound to breast screening results in higher rate of detection for women
• Earliest embryonic lethality gene identified
• Estrogen drug may not benefit women with Alzheimer's dementia
• Can parents' stress impact the health of future generations?
• Study points to more individualized treatment options for youth with onset type 2 diabetes
• Study rejects biologic age as limiting factor for stem cell transplants

75 percent of first-time moms plan to follow vaccine schedule, study finds Posted: 05 Nov 2015 01:05 PM PST First-time expectant mothers who do not plan to follow the recommended childhood immunization schedule differ in a number of ways from mothers who do, according to a recent study.

Surprising finds about drug use Posted: 05 Nov 2015 12:21 PM PST Conducting an economic analysis of drug use is a particularly difficult endeavor, but for one researcher, it just meant taking a look at the history books.

Eye drops could clear up cataracts using newly identified chemical Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:38 AM PST A chemical that could potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, has been identified by a team of scientists.

Gut bacteria can dramatically amplify cancer immunotherapy Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:38 AM PST Introducing certain bacteria into the digestive tracts of mice with melanoma can help their immune systems attack tumor cells. The gains were comparable to treatment with anti-cancer drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors. The combination of bacteria and anti-PD-L1 nearly abolished tumor outgrowth, report scientists.

Noise-induced hearing loss: Genetic cause, mechanism discovered Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:35 AM PST The function of pejvakin, a molecule that plays a vital role in the hearing system, has been recently discovered by researcherse. The absence of this molecule appears to be responsible for noise-induced hearing loss, one of the most common causes of deafness. The scientists' discovery offers new prospects for the treatment of this condition.

Brain imaging reveals possible depression signature in traumatic brain injury Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:35 AM PST Individuals with depression in addition to traumatic brain injury (TBI) are prone to poorer recovery, reductions in cognitive performance, greater functional disability, increased suicide attempts and other social and sexual difficulties. Since depression symptoms vary greatly, teasing apart a diagnosis in the context TBI is often difficult. However, researchers have identified a potential brain-based biomarker for depressive symptoms that could simplify the process.

Zebrafish reveal how axons regenerate on a proper path Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:13 AM PST When peripheral nerves are damaged and their vital synaptic paths are disrupted, they have the ability to regenerate and reestablish lost connections. Using zebrafish, which are transparent at larval stages, the researchers identified key components that allows the nervous system to heal itself and literally obtain a whole new window into how axons regenerate.

Researchers identify new route for release of steroid hormones Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:11 AM PST Little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the release of steroid hormones from endocrine tissues. The commonly accepted understanding, noted in textbooks, is that simple diffusion is at work. But new research challenges this textbook view. The researchers report that in fruit flies, the focus of their study, the release of the steroid hormone 'ecdysone' is tightly regulated by signaling pathways in the cell.

Why some genes are highly expressed Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:11 AM PST The DNA in our cells is folded into millions of small packets, like beads on a string, allowing our two-meter linear DNA genomes to fit into a nucleus of only about 0.01 mm in diameter. However, these molecular beads, called nucleosomes, render DNA 'unreadable.' They thus need to be temporarily displaced to allow genes to be copied ('transcribed') into the messages that are used to make proteins.

No new heart muscle cells in mice after the newborn period Posted: 05 Nov 2015 11:11 AM PST New heart muscle cells in mice are mainly formed directly after birth, new research shows. After the neonatal period the number of heart muscle cells does not change, and heart growth occurs only by cell size increase, similar to the human heart.

Researchers strive to improve breast cancer treatment Posted: 05 Nov 2015 09:19 AM PST Creating a chemotherapeutic-resistant breast cancer cell line begins with a complete understanding of what causes resistant tumors and how to prevent them. Researchers are striving to do just that.

Breaking free: Scientists show how telomeric RNA molecule escapes and produces inflammatory response Posted: 05 Nov 2015 09:19 AM PST Our chromosomes contain all of our genetic information, and it's up to telomeres – structures of proteins that cap off and protect our DNA at the tips of chromosomes – to preserve the vital instructions necessary for life. There are even specific molecules like TERRA (Telomeric repeat-containing RNA) that exist specifically to regulate telomeres and promote chromosome end protection. Now, a new study has found that TERRA can be found outside of cells and serve as a potentially important cell signaling molecule that induces an inflammatory response, and this activity may play an important role in the development of cancer.

DNA strands often 'wiggle' as part of genetic repair Posted: 05 Nov 2015 09:19 AM PST Every time a double-stranded break occurs in DNA strands, the damaged ends move about during repair, report researchers. Scientists believe a better understanding of this mysterious mechanism could improve the use of cancer treatments, some of which manipulate DNA repair in malignant cells.

Strength of brain connectivity varies with fitness level in older adults Posted: 05 Nov 2015 09:17 AM PST A new study shows that age-related differences in brain health -- specifically the strength of connections between different regions of the brain -- vary with fitness level in older adults.

Guides within electronic medical records during visits help doctors provide better care Posted: 05 Nov 2015 09:15 AM PST When providers were given a structured approach to evaluating and managing stable COPD patients using information embedded into a patient's electronic medical records during outpatient visits, they provided better advanced patient assessments and other quality of care measures, new research shows.

New research could help in the fight against infection, cancer and allergies Posted: 05 Nov 2015 08:37 AM PST New research has uncovered an important mechanism in the drive to understand immunological processes that protect us against infection, allergy and cancer.

Mindfulness training helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases Posted: 05 Nov 2015 08:37 AM PST Training in meditation and other mindfulness-based techniques brings lasting improvements in mental health and quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), according to a study.

First precision medicine trial in cancer prevention identifies molecular-based chemoprevention strategy Posted: 05 Nov 2015 08:37 AM PST A genetic biomarker called loss of heterozygosity or LOH is able to predict which patients with premalignant mouth lesions are at highest risk of developing oral cancer, new research shows.

Duration of lactation associated with bone density Posted: 05 Nov 2015 08:35 AM PST Maternal bone density decreases after childbirth, but only among women who lactate for at least four months. The lactation period is unrelated to vitamin D status.

Are you hardwired to enjoy high-calorie foods? Research links genes to heightened brain reward responses to foods high in fat and sugar Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:39 AM PST For the first time, researchers have identified two genetic variants that interact to alter the brain responses to high-calorie foods, a tie that could aid in the development of targeted treatments for obesity and overweight. Researchers found that two gene variants - FTO and DRD2 - influenced activity in the brain reward system when looking at pictures of high-calorie foods.

Expert system for early diagnosis of schizophrenia Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:29 AM PST The opinion of a qualified professional is unlikely to be replaced by a computer algorithm for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, additional medical evidence based on such an algorithm might be useful in early diagnosis, according to new research.

Obesity: Is junk food really to blame? Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:29 AM PST Soda, candy, and fast food are often painted as the prime culprits in the national discussion of obesity in the United States. While a diet of chocolate bars and cheese burgers washed down with a Coke is inadvisable from a nutritional standpoint, these foods are not likely to be a leading cause of obesity in the United States according to a new study.

Researchers reveal acoustic complexity of chickadee songs Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:29 AM PST Researchers have found an alternative choice for songbird study: a small non-migratory songbird commonly found in North America known as the black-capped chickadee. Female black-capped chickadees sing and their songs are acoustically distinct from the songs of their male counterparts. What's more, the researchers say, both male and female birds can tell apart the songs of the two sexes. Sturdy will describe the new findings in a talk at ASA's Fall 2015 Meeting.

Possible solution for side effect of Alzheimer’s immunotherapy treatment Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:22 AM PST It is estimated that 46.8 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with Alzheimer's disease the most common form. Now researchers have discovered a possible solution for side effects seen in immunotherapy treatment for Alzheimer's. Immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's that uses antibodies to stimulate the immune system to remove pieces of a protein called amyloid beta which accumulates in the brain (in deposits known as plaques) and is thought to be a major factor driving Alzheimer's neurodegenerative effects.

Dental implants frequently lead to complications Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:20 AM PST Almost 8 percent of patients experience loss of at least one implant within ten years. Even more develop peri-implantitis. Patients with periodontitis run a greater risk of both implant loss and peri-implantitis, a study shows.

Tumor network in brain increases treatment resistance Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:20 AM PST Astrocytomas are special type of brain tumors that are difficult to treat, because they do not respond to standard forms of treatment. One reason for this resistance could be their ability to form a communication network, say researchers.

An easy test for sickle cell disease Posted: 05 Nov 2015 06:17 AM PST A team of biomedical engineers has developed a simple, inexpensive, and quick technique for the diagnosis and monitoring of sickle cell disease that can be used in regions where advanced medical technology and training are scarce.

In preventing return of winter blues, talk outshines light Posted: 05 Nov 2015 05:45 AM PST In the long term, cognitive behavior therapy is more effective at treating seasonal affective disorder that light therapy, considered the gold standard, a study found. Two winters after the initial treatment, 46 percent of research subjects given light therapy reported a recurrence of depression compared with 27 percent of those who were administered CBT. Depressive symptoms were also more severe for those who received light therapy.

Relapsing infections could challenge malaria eradication Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST Eliminating malaria in the Asia-Pacific could prove more challenging than previously thought, with new research showing that most childhood malaria infections in endemic areas are the result of relapsed, not new, infections.

Scientists uncover mechanism that propels liver development after birth Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST Internal organs continue to develop for months and years after birth. This critical period is full of cellular changes that transform the organization and function of most tissues. But the exact mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation are still a mystery. Now researchers report that liver cells utilize a mechanism called 'alternative splicing,' which alters how genes are translated into the proteins that guide this critical period of development.

Brain's immune system could be harnessed to fight Alzheimer's Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST The brain's immune system could potentially be harnessed to help clear the amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests. The findings are the culmination of years of investigation after a surprising discovery while studying mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers observed that amyloid beta plaques -- which scientists believe play a major role in the disease -- were being cleared in animals with chronic brain inflammation.

Spending more on patients lowers doctors' malpractice risk, study finds Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST Physicians who spend more health care dollars on procedures for patients reduce their malpractice claim risk. The study affirms this widely-held assumption, tying higher spending to lower malpractice claim rates through an analysis of Florida physician and claims data.

Adding ultrasound to breast screening results in higher rate of detection for women Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST Adding ultrasound to standard mammography tests in breast screening could result in improved rates of detection for breast cancer in women in Japan, according to a new study.

Earliest embryonic lethality gene identified Posted: 04 Nov 2015 10:05 PM PST A single gene (TLE6), when mutated, is responsible for human embryonic lethality at an earlier stage of development than has ever previously been documented, new research indicates.

Estrogen drug may not benefit women with Alzheimer's dementia Posted: 04 Nov 2015 03:05 PM PST An estrogen-like drug, raloxifene, has no demonstrated benefit on memory and thinking skills for women with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Can parents' stress impact the health of future generations? Posted: 04 Nov 2015 12:27 PM PST The long-term impacts of exposure to stressors during development have been the focus of recent research. The review looks at whether the effect of stressors on parents lingers to impact the health of their offspring.

Study points to more individualized treatment options for youth with onset type 2 diabetes Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:46 AM PST New research examined predictors of the outcomes in youth with onset type 2 diabetes based on early characteristics at diagnosis, and suggests the need for specific criteria for adolescents that are different from those in adults.

Study rejects biologic age as limiting factor for stem cell transplants Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:10 AM PST More than 40 percent of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can remain in long-term cancer remission through a modified, less aggressive approach to donor stem cell transplantation, according to the results of a phase 2 study.

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., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States