ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Signals that make early stem cells identified
• What you eat can influence how you sleep
• Study of altruism during the Ebola outbreak suggests good intentions are in the details
• How trypanosome parasites communicate with each other
• Adolescents stress more with poor sleep
• Is suicide a tragic variant of an evolutionarily adaptive set of behaviors?
• Key pathway involved in blood vessel occlusion discovered
• Flexible film may lead to phone-sized cancer detector
• Versatile new way to build molecules developed
• Chemists devise powerful new method for modifying drug molecules
• How malaria fools our immune system
• Scientists get mice to pay attention by manipulating neurons in brain
• Brain waves may be spread by weak electrical field
• Medical school program addresses rural physician shortage
• Palliative care initiated in the ED associated with improved quality of life
• New study indicates students' cognitive functioning improves when using standing desks
• Researchers kill drug-resistant lung cancer with 50 times less chemo
• Nanoprobe development will enable scientists to uncover more DNA secrets
• Drug curbs marijuana use, but with tough side effects
• Genes may contribute to making some nations happier than others
• Why fish intake by pregnant women improves the growth of a child's brain
• Hay fever medicine reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
• New recommendations on reproducibility
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as safe as aspirin
• Nano-shells deliver molecules that tell bone to repair itself
• Researchers develop novel cell line for screening of brain drugs
• Born to break: Mutation causes fragile bones
• Seduced by the label: How nutrition information leads you to buy more
• Odor biomarker for Alzheimer's disease
• Health warning labels may deter parents from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages for kids
• HPV vaccine uptake is highest among girls in high poverty, majority Hispanic communities
• Scientists uncover how part of a protein helps primates fight HIV
• Liver recovery difficult even with improved diet, but faster if sugar intake is low
• Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair
• Scientists discover how we play memories in fast forward
• High levels of urate in blood associated with lower risk of Parkinson's disease
• Vaccine targets alzheimer's disease-like characteristics in people with down syndrome
• Flipping molecular 'switch' may reduce nicotine's effects in the brain
• 3D images of megaenzymes may lead to improved antibiotics
• Food allergy linked to hyperactive immune system at birth
• Low-fiber diet may cause irreversible depletion of gut bacteria over generations
• Blueberries, citrus fruits, red wine associated with reduced erectile dysfunction
• Safe to cuddle with pets while home with a cold or flu
• Mammals shape their microbiome to prevent disease
• Cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients
• Sugar consumption plays greater role in heart disease than saturated fat
• Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A problem of too much drive and too little control?

Signals that make early stem cells identified Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:34 PM PST Where and when do stem cells first appear during development? Researchers investigated this question by examining how cells organize as the hair follicle first appears in mouse embryos. They uncovered signaling pathways that may provide insights into some skin cancers.

What you eat can influence how you sleep Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:34 PM PST A new study found that eating less fiber, more saturated fat and more sugar is associated with lighter, less restorative, and more disrupted sleep.

Study of altruism during the Ebola outbreak suggests good intentions are in the details Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:24 PM PST A study of risk communication as it relates to altruistic behavior has found that portraying an event as a distant risk, despite highlighting its importance and potential progression, fails to prompt altruistic behavior intention among the US public.

How trypanosome parasites communicate with each other Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:45 PM PST While scientists have known for years that African trypanosomes cause sleeping sickness, they've been left scratching their heads as to how these tiny single-celled organisms communicate. A new study helps solve this mystery.

Adolescents stress more with poor sleep Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:40 PM PST Cortisol levels that indicate increased stress response are higher in adolescents with sleep problems.

Is suicide a tragic variant of an evolutionarily adaptive set of behaviors? Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:33 PM PST What do snapping shrimp, naked mole rats, ants, honeybees, and humans all have in common? They all share a similar colony-like organizational system that biologists have termed eusociality. Eusocial species have been remarkably successful in both surviving and thriving through the use of colony-level cooperation. One cooperative behavior used by all eusocial species is the self-sacrifice of individuals to defend the colony.

Key pathway involved in blood vessel occlusion discovered Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:25 PM PST Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding blood vessel occlusion by discovering a novel pathway involved in this process.

Flexible film may lead to phone-sized cancer detector Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:25 PM PST A thin, stretchable film that coils light waves like a Slinky could one day lead to more precise, less expensive monitoring for cancer survivors.

Versatile new way to build molecules developed Posted: 14 Jan 2016 01:25 PM PST Chemists have devised a new and widely applicable technique for building potential drug molecules and other organic compounds.

Chemists devise powerful new method for modifying drug molecules Posted: 14 Jan 2016 12:23 PM PST Chemists have developed a versatile new technique for making modifications -- especially one type of extremely difficult, but much-sought-after modification -- to complex drug molecules.

How malaria fools our immune system Posted: 14 Jan 2016 09:19 AM PST Medical researchers reconstructed the 3D structure of one of the proteins of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria and the antibodies that act as the first line of defense against the parasite. This study provides valuable knowledge for the design of anti-malaria drugs.

Scientists get mice to pay attention by manipulating neurons in brain Posted: 14 Jan 2016 09:19 AM PST Researchers have identified for the first time a cell type in the brain of mice that is integral to attention. By manipulating the activity of this cell type, the scientists were able to enhance attention in mice. The results add to the understanding of how the brain's frontal lobes work and control behavior.

Brain waves may be spread by weak electrical field Posted: 14 Jan 2016 09:18 AM PST Researchers may have found a new way information is communicated throughout the brain. Their discovery could lead to identifying possible new targets to investigate brain waves associated with memory and epilepsy and better understand healthy physiology.

Medical school program addresses rural physician shortage Posted: 14 Jan 2016 09:17 AM PST Mirroring national trends, 97 percent of the 101 rural counties in Missouri are designated Primary Medical Care Health Professional Shortage Areas by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Now, a recent study shows one of its programs enhances training and may increase interest in rural practice for graduating medical students.

Palliative care initiated in the ED associated with improved quality of life Posted: 14 Jan 2016 09:17 AM PST A palliative care consultation initiated in the emergency department (ED) for patients with advanced cancer was associated with improved quality of life and did not seem to shorten survival, according to an article.

New study indicates students' cognitive functioning improves when using standing desks Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:36 AM PST Do students think best when on their feet? New findings provide the first evidence of neurocognitive benefits of stand-height desks in classrooms. These findings provide the first evidence of neurocognitive benefits of stand-height desks in classrooms, where students are given the choice to stand or sit based on their preferences.

Researchers kill drug-resistant lung cancer with 50 times less chemo Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:36 AM PST The cancer drug paclitaxel just got more effective. For the first time, researchers have packaged it in containers derived from a patient's own immune system, protecting the drug from being destroyed by the body's own defenses and bringing the entire payload to the tumor.

Nanoprobe development will enable scientists to uncover more DNA secrets Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:36 AM PST A 'nanoprobe' has been created by scientists, just a tenth of the size of a human hair, to help uncover more of the secrets of DNA. The research has led to the use of the nanoprobe to study how individual proteins interact with DNA. Invisible to the human eye, this tiny triangular probe can be captured using laser tweezers and then moved around inside a microscope chamber.

Drug curbs marijuana use, but with tough side effects Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:35 AM PST Doctors have no approved medicine to help treat marijuana dependence and abuse, but in small new clinical trial, topiramate reduced the amount of cannabis heavy smokers used when they lit up. The results also show, however, that many volunteers couldn't tolerate the drug's side effects.

Genes may contribute to making some nations happier than others Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:35 AM PST The citizens of nations that rate themselves happiest display a specific genetic feature: their DNA is more likely to contain a specific allele involved in sensory pleasure and pain reduction, say researchers. They weighed up genetic and various external factors to might contribute to national differences in happiness.

Why fish intake by pregnant women improves the growth of a child's brain Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:34 AM PST An explanation for the correlation between eating fish during pregnancy, and the health of the baby's brain, has been uncovered by a group of researchers. Dietary lipid contains fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3, which are essential nutrients for many animals and humans. The research group found that a balanced intake of lipids by pregnant women is necessary for the normal brain formation of the unborn child.

Hay fever medicine reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:34 AM PST The cause of abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome has been identified by researchers. As a result, they were able to select a medicine that could reduce or end that pain. This medicine is already used to treat hay fever.

New recommendations on reproducibility Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:33 AM PST Enhancing Research Reproducibility, a set of recommendations aimed to promote the reproducibility and transparency of biomedical and biological research, has been released by experts.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as safe as aspirin Posted: 14 Jan 2016 08:09 AM PST The researchers reviewed major studies of both PrEP for HIV prevention and aspirin for heart attack prevention. They found that both had similar low rates of serious side effects. Aspirin users rarely had serious bleeding or death and PrEP users rarely had serious kidney or bone damage.

Nano-shells deliver molecules that tell bone to repair itself Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:08 AM PST A polymer sphere that delivers a molecule to bone wounds that tells cells already at the injury site to repair the damage has been developed by a team of researchers.

Researchers develop novel cell line for screening of brain drugs Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST A new cell line has been developed, which may be used to investigate new drugs and help predict whether they are able to enter the brain. This research will afford scientists in both academia and the medical industry a new tool for investigating drug uptake in brain tissue and tumors where the human efflux pump, P-gp, is expressed.

Born to break: Mutation causes fragile bones Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST People born with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome develop misshapen skeletons and bones that quickly start to soften and fracture. Now, researchers have replicated the disease in mice. A specific mutation in the NOTCH2 gene causes overabundant bone-absorbing cells that seem to cause the characteristic bone loss and fractures of Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. The findings could illuminate the mechanisms of bone loss in humans, and point to a potential treatment.

Seduced by the label: How nutrition information leads you to buy more Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST Have you ever been to the supermarket and chosen foods based on nutrition labels? If so, be cautious, because the nutrition values you see on labels can substantially differ based on the recommended serving size, with undesired consequences for your purchase behavior. According to a new research, smaller recommended serving sizes on nutrition labels can unknowingly lead you to buy more than you need.

Odor biomarker for Alzheimer's disease Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST A uniquely identifiable odor signature has been identified from mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The odor signature appears in urine before significant development of Alzheimer-related brain pathology, suggesting that it may be possible to develop a non-invasive tool for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Health warning labels may deter parents from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages for kids Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST Health warning labels similar to those found on tobacco products may have a powerful effect on whether parents purchase sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) for their children, according to a new study. Results show that regardless of a parent's level of education, they may be less likely to purchase an SSB when a label warning that consuming beverages with added sugar may contribute to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay is present.

HPV vaccine uptake is highest among girls in high poverty, majority Hispanic communities Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST Adolescent girls living in high-poverty communities and majority Hispanic communities in the United States were more likely to have received at least one dose of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine than those living in low-poverty communities and in communities of other racial and ethnic compositions.

Scientists uncover how part of a protein helps primates fight HIV Posted: 14 Jan 2016 07:07 AM PST Scientists have uncovered part of a protein found in humans and other primates that can help us fight off HIV. In a new study, researchers discover how this structure can stop HIV from working and switch on our immune system at the same time. The findings, say the authors of the study, could potentially be used in developing anti-HIV gene therapy in the future.

Liver recovery difficult even with improved diet, but faster if sugar intake is low Posted: 13 Jan 2016 04:51 PM PST Liver damage caused by the typical 'Western diet' -- one high in fat, sugar and cholesterol that's common in developed countries such as the United States -- may be difficult to reverse even if diet is generally improved, a new study shows. Meanwhile, liver problems such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are surging in the US, affecting 10-35 percent of adults and an increasing number of children.

Mosquito net safe to use in inguinal hernia repair Posted: 13 Jan 2016 04:50 PM PST Sterilized mosquito nets can replace costly surgical meshes in the repair of inguinal (groin) hernias without further risk to the patients, according to a new study. This makes mosquito nets a good alternative for close to 200 million people in low-income countries suffering from untreated groin hernias.

Scientists discover how we play memories in fast forward Posted: 13 Jan 2016 02:23 PM PST Neuroscientists have discovered how the brain compresses memories of say, a trip to the grocery store or an entire episode of a TV show, into just a few seconds. This compression also works forward in time, allowing us to imagine and plan future events quickly. It would be hard to make sense of our experiences or make decisions about the future without this ability. There are also implications for diseases like Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

High levels of urate in blood associated with lower risk of Parkinson's disease Posted: 13 Jan 2016 02:23 PM PST Men who have high levels of urate, also known as uric acid, in their blood may be less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Vaccine targets alzheimer's disease-like characteristics in people with down syndrome Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:31 PM PST In the first clinical trial of its type, researchers will test the safety and tolerability of an immunotherapy vaccine that targets Alzheimer's disease-like characteristics in adults with Down syndrome.

Flipping molecular 'switch' may reduce nicotine's effects in the brain Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:27 PM PST A lipid (fat molecule) in brain cells may act as a "switch" to increase or decrease the motivation to consume nicotine, new research demonstrates.

3D images of megaenzymes may lead to improved antibiotics Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:15 PM PST For the first time, researchers have been able to take a series of 3D images of a large section from a medicine-synthesizing enzymes in action. The researchers believe that the images they have generated will not only bring scientists closer to understanding how many antibiotics are made, but could, with further research, lead to the development of much needed next-generation antibiotics.

Food allergy linked to hyperactive immune system at birth Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:07 PM PST Those with hyperactive immune cells at birth, detected in their cord blood, were more likely to develop food allergies in their first year of life, a study of more than 1,000 Victorian babies has shown.

Low-fiber diet may cause irreversible depletion of gut bacteria over generations Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:06 PM PST A study raises concerns that the lower-fiber diets typical in industrialized societies may produce internal deficiencies that get passed along to future generations.

Blueberries, citrus fruits, red wine associated with reduced erectile dysfunction Posted: 13 Jan 2016 01:06 PM PST Flavonoid-rich foods are associated with a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a new study. Of all the different flavonoids, Anthocyanins (found in blueberries, cherries, blackberries, radishes and blackcurrant), flavanones and flavones (found in citrus fruits) were found to offer the greatest benefits in preventing the condition. This research shows that eating a flavonoid-rich diet is as good for erectile function as briskly walking for up to five hours a week.

Safe to cuddle with pets while home with a cold or flu Posted: 13 Jan 2016 11:52 AM PST An infectious disease expert, while stopping short of actually prescribing in-home "pet therapy" for colds or flu, says that if having your companion by your side makes you feel better, go right ahead. Pets won't catch or spread human viruses.

Mammals shape their microbiome to prevent disease Posted: 13 Jan 2016 10:23 AM PST Gut microbes are well known to contribute to health and disease, but what has been less clear is how the host controls gut microbes. A study now reveals that mice and humans produce small molecules (microRNAs) from their GI tract, which are shed in feces, to regulate the composition of gut microbes and thereby protect against intestinal diseases such as colitis.

Cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients Posted: 13 Jan 2016 07:33 AM PST Cigarette smoke reduces the activity of the immunoproteasome, researchers have shown for the first time. In addition, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) display reduced immunoproteasome levels. This might contribute to the COPD patients' increased susceptibility to airway infections, suggests the study.

Sugar consumption plays greater role in heart disease than saturated fat Posted: 13 Jan 2016 07:33 AM PST Atherosclerotic Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is responsible for one in every six deaths in the United States as well as being the leading cause of death throughout the developed world. Healthcare professionals have for many years sought to limit and control CHD by focusing on prevention and, from a dietary perspective, on limiting saturated fats.

Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A problem of too much drive and too little control? Posted: 13 Jan 2016 07:33 AM PST Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a diagnostic label applied to people who have problems regulating emotional mood swings. This emotional instability leaves such individuals vulnerable to emotional upheaval that puts them at risk for problem behaviors, including self-destructive acts and impulsive aggression. A new study provides a quantitative summary of the brain abnormalities that may be underlying the emotional upheaval patients with BPD experience daily.

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