الأربعاء، 3 فبراير 2016

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 03:54 PM PST

By studying stroke victims who have lost the ability to spell, researchers have pinpointed the parts of the brain that control how we write words.

Clip-on device offers protection against mosquitoes that transmit Zika

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 02:40 PM PST

A new repellent device could be an effective tool for preventing bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito -- the primary vector of Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever -- according to a new article.

Drug prevents key age-related brain change in rats

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 02:40 PM PST

New findings shed light on the mechanisms of cognitive decline and identify potential strategies to stem it.

Novel nanoparticle made of common mineral may help keep tumor growth at bay

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:39 AM PST

Engineers have found a way to keep a cancerous tumor from growing by using nanoparticles of the main ingredient in common antacid tablets. With their work, researchers show for the first time that they can modulate pH in solid tumors using intentionally designed nanoparticles.

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST

A faulty signaling pathway has been identified that, when corrected, in mice ameliorates the symptoms of Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological condition. The findings could lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that may benefit children affected by the disease.

Sstudy identifies mechanism for drug target to help block HIV's ability to spread

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST

A new study identifies how RNA-based drug 5-aza-C blocks HIV's ability to spread by converting to DNA before infiltrating the virus. Because RNA drugs are more cost-effective, the findings could provide insight for developing more affordable HIV medications.

Sharpin emerges from the pack as a regulator of inflammation

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST

It is normal -- in fact necessary -- for our immune system to occasionally fly into an inflammatory rage to defend the host (us) against pathogens or even tumor cells. Problems arise when the rage persists or is re-directed against one's self, as occurs in autoimmune disease.

Pharmaceutical residues increasingly disrupt aquatic life: A hidden global change

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:36 AM PST

Let's forget about the climate for a minute. Largely hidden from public view, another global change is causing increasing disruption. Residues of medicines in water can kill aquatic animals and play havoc with their food web and reproductive cycle. An international team of researchers makes an urgent case for better wastewater treatment and biodegradable pharmaceuticals.

New light shed on anti-adhesive molecule in the vascular endothelium

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:36 AM PST

Researchers describe the role of endomucin, a molecule that -- under healthy circumstances -- resists the adhesion of white blood cells as they move through the circulatory system. These findings suggest that promoting the expression of endomucin may prevent the collection of white blood cells that causes tissues to become inflamed.

Using mathematics to improve human health

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:31 AM PST

Scientists have used mathematics as a tool to provide precise details of the structure of protein nanoparticles, potentially making them more useful in vaccine design.

Fishing for answers about mercury consumption

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:40 AM PST

A new study has provided the first report on the relationship of brain concentrations of mercury to brain neuropathology and diseases associated with dementia.

Adenosine deaminase may help the immune system fight HIV on its own

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST

A new therapeutic strategy for HIV may already be available by repurposing an existing prescription drug, new research shows. The drug, an enzyme called adenosine deaminase, or ADA, ultimately may be able to activate the immune system against HIV and to help the immune system 'remember' the virus to prevent or quickly eliminate future infection.

Biomolecule's behavior under artificial conditions more natural than expected

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST

Researchers often analyze isolated biomolecules in test tubes, and it is doubtful if the results can be applied to densely-packed cells. A team of researchers monitored the folding of an RNA structure in the living cell and compared the results with those of test tube analyses.

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST

The relationship of the worldwide increase in height with the development of leading chronic non-communicable diseases has been revealed in a new article. Tall people have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher risk of cancer. The authors discuss which dietary factors and other mechanisms may explain these associations.

Effects on HIV and Ebola

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST

Extracts of the medicinal plant Cistus incanus (Ci) prevent human immunodeficiency viruses from infecting cells, new research shows. Active antiviral ingredients in the extracts inhibit docking of viral proteins to cells, they say.

Cell insight offers clues on biological processes linked to fertility

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST

Congenital disorders such as Down's syndrome could be better understood, following new insights into how healthy cells are formed. Scientists have identified a set of proteins that play a key role in preventing errors during the formation of healthy cells.

Listeria: Hypervirulent strains with cerebral and placental tropism

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST

A large-scale study based on almost 7,000 strains of Listeria monocytogenes -- the bacterium responsible for human listeriosis, a severe foodborne infection -- has concluded. Through the integrative analysis of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data, the researchers have revealed the highly diverse pathogenicity of isolates belonging to this bacterial species.

Scientists have put a high precision blood assay into a simple test strip

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new biosensor test system based on magnetic nanoparticles. It is designed to provide highly accurate measurements of the concentration of protein molecules (e.g. markers, which indicate the onset or development of a disease) in various samples, including opaque solutions or strongly colored liquids.

Inflammation attacks brain's reward center

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST

A brain reward center, the striatum, may be directly affected by inflammation and that striatal change is related to the emergence of illness behaviors, scientists report.

Collagen, heparan sulfate coatings alter cell proliferation, attachment

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:11 AM PST

A new paper describes methods to optimize characteristics of cells grown in a lab using biomaterial coatings. The research falls within the field of tissue engineering - the use of biomaterials, cells, and natural factors to regenerate tissues and organs lost to disease or injury. The research group has used a biodegradable polymer coated with two common biomaterials -- collagen and heparan sulfate -- to emphasize differences in cell-material interactions in different environments.

Newly identified pathway links fetal brain development to adult social behavior

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:09 AM PST

Abnormalities in embryonic brain development in mice, including transient embryonic brain enlargement during neuron formation, are responsible for abnormal adult brain structures and behavioral abnormalities, researchers have discovered.

Physician group issues advice, raises questions about best practices for evaluating blood in the urine as a sign of cancer

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:09 AM PST

A new report issues advice for physicians on how to detect and evaluate blood found in the urine, which is known as hematuria. The report also raises questions about the potential harms associated with diagnostic tests that are commonly employed to evaluate this condition.

Increased risk of bacterial infection if food is exposed to light

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:08 AM PST

Listeria bacterium found in food, which can infect people and cause temporary gastro-intestinal distress, is a serious health risk for pregnant women and for people with compromised immune systems. According to a dissertation, the bacterium, which sometimes causes the lethal illness listeriosis, reacts to light by activating defense mechanisms.

Flu vaccine shows promise for reducing risk of influenza-associated atrial fibrillation

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:08 AM PST

Influenza is significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation, which could be reduced through influenza vaccination, according to new findings.

Turning down the volume on cancer

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST

When the audio on your television set is too loud, you simply turn down the volume. What if we could do the same for signaling in our bodies that essentially causes normal cells to turn cancerous? New discoveries may point to ways to do just that: a research team has identified previously unknown targets for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

Anti-bullying program focused on bystanders helps the students who need it the most

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST

Many K-12 school efforts to reduce bullying have proven not very effective, leading educators to wonder what bullying prevention approach works best. A new study finds one anti-bullying program works extremely well. The study of more than 7,000 students in 77 elementary schools in Finland found that one program greatly benefited the mental health of sixth graders who were bullied the most, significantly improving their self-esteem and reducing their depression.

Study may offer answers for treating depression in alcoholics

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:14 AM PST

A new study is offering a glimmer of hope to alcoholics who find it hard to remain sober because their abstinence is hounded by stubborn, difficult-to-treat depression.

Can games help train future doctors and nurses?

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:14 AM PST

Kaizen, a Web-based gaming platform, promotes learning through a mix of education, entertainment and competition. Named for a Japanese phrase meaning "continuous improvement," Kaizen presents players with short, multiple-choice scenarios designed to test their clinical knowledge.

Does gender expression impact weight? New research ties masculinity to higher BMI for young people

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:13 AM PST

The first long-term research study of its kind ties masculine gender expression, or how much an individual conforms to masculine norms, to higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth.

Adolescent weight gain on popular injectable contraceptive may depend on micronutrient intake

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:12 AM PST

Since its introduction nearly 23 years ago, the popular injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) has been associated with causing substantial weight gain in some adolescent girls. Without being able to identify or predict which girls will gain weight on the drug, physicians typically counsel all teens receiving DMPA to simply eat less. New research suggests that the message may need to change to "eat better."

Americans are ten times more likely to die from firearms than citizens of other developed countries

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:08 AM PST

Americans are Ten Times More Likely to Die from Firearms Than Citizens of Other Developed Countries, According to New Report Published in The American Journal of Medicine

Study determines saliva gland test can spot early Parkinson's disease

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST

Testing a portion of a person's submandibular gland may be a way to diagnose early Parkinson's disease, report scientists. Currently, there is no accurate diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease.

Scientists create imaging 'toolkit' to help identify new brain tumor drug targets

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST

Stopping the growth of blood vessels in tumors is a key target for glioblastoma therapies, and imaging methods are essential for initial diagnosis and monitoring the effects of treatments. A team of researchers has developed a combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultramicroscopy 'toolkit' to study vessel growth in glioma models in more detail than previously possible.

Study examines response to sexual violence on campus

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST

To address concerns over sexual violence on college campuses, higher education institutions are required to appoint a Title IX Coordinator to investigate incidents, but few are trained to deal with the broad range of offenses the job entails, a study has found.

'Junk' DNA plays role in preventing breast cancer

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST

Supposed 'junk' DNA, found in between genes, plays a role in suppressing cancer, according to new research. The human genome contains around three meters of DNA, of which only about two per cent contains genes that code for proteins. Since the sequencing of the complete human genome in 2000, scientists have puzzled over the role of the remaining 98 per cent.

Assessment of surgical danger when surgeons remove implanted small arms ammunition

Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST

Researchers have focused new research on risk assessments that are necessary when a surgical team is required to remove embedded ordnance that may contain explosive materials.

Disruptions to embryonic reprogramming alter adult mouse behavior

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 07:00 PM PST

When the process of epigenetic reprogramming is defective in mouse development, the consequences in adulthood can include abnormal repetitive behaviors, scientists have shown.

Super Bowl celebrations spread flu, according to researchers

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 07:00 PM PST

Cities with teams in the Super Bowl see a rise in flu deaths, new research shows. The effects are greater when the Super Bowl occurs close to the peak of flu season or when the dominant influenza strain is more lethal. Models show this year's flu season could be a mild one, but the virus will still kill thousands of people and sicken many more.

When loved ones battle cancer, families head to Web for information more than support

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 06:59 PM PST

Loved ones of cancer patients are likely to search for further information about the disease online but less inclined to seek emotional support from social media forums, according to a study. It is fairly common for loved ones of cancer patients to develop depression or anxiety disorders, but there aren't many studies focusing specifically on cancer patients' caregivers and family members, said the study's author.

Evidence-based health care: The care you want, but might not be getting

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 06:59 PM PST

As hospital leaders continue to feel pressure to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs, a new study reveals one reason why many organizations fall short. Use of evidence-based practice among chief nurses and their hospitals is relatively low, according to a survey.

Sparse coverage hinders infertility treatment access

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 06:59 PM PST

Use of infertility treatments in the United States, ranging from medicines to in vitro fertilization, is likely hindered by widespread gaps in insurance coverage of reproductive services and technology.

Making the leap from sequence data to actionable targets in clinical oncology

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 06:50 PM PST

The ever-shrinking cost of DNA sequencing improves accessibility for an increasing number of people and, importantly, for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This is particularly salient in cancer genetics, as cancer is often the result of mutation in not one gene, but many. Moreover, personalized genomics is the foundation of precision medicine; however, having the DNA sequence in hand is only half of the equation.

Phone counseling found insufficient to help teen smokers stay quit into young adulthood

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

In a 14-year study involving more than 2,000 teen smokers in 50 Washington state high schools, a team of cancer prevention researchers has found that one year of telephone counseling using motivational interviewing and skills training delivered during the senior year of high school is insufficient to help the smokers quit and stay quit up to six years into young adulthood.

Researchers work to unravel the complex genetic disease neurofibromatosis type 1

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:22 AM PST

From a collection of more than 7,800 unrelated neurofibromatosis type 1 mutations, researchers have aimed at two goals: correlate a particular mutation with the symptoms that will develop as the child grows, and identify the likely mechanism that caused a group of DNA rearrangement mutations.

Potential targeted therapy for lung cancer identified using fly model

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:21 AM PST

A drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for melanoma in combination with a common cholesterol-lowering drug may show promise in controlling cancer growth in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to new research.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments need to have heart tested

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:21 AM PST

Chemotherapy treatment is a necessary evil in the fight against most cancers and has prolonged life for millions of people. However, many cancer survivors suffer from an increased risk of heart problems related to the toxic effect some chemotherapy drugs have on the heart. The key is catching it early.

Do you know your numbers?

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:21 AM PST

Many believe that heart health involves strenuous tasks and countless hours at the gym. But just 30 minutes of exercise five out of seven days a week can reduce heart attack risk by up to 50 percent.

Sparing ovaries, removing fallopian tubes may cut cancer risk, but few have procedure

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:19 AM PST

During hysterectomies for non-cancerous conditions, removing both fallopian tubes while keeping the ovaries may help protect against ovarian cancer and preserve hormonal levels, but few women receive this surgical option, according to a new study.

Technique helps predict likelihood of migraines in concussion patients

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 11:19 AM PST

Researchers are using a mathematical tool to help determine which concussion patients will go on to suffer migraine headaches, according to a new study.

Researchers identify way radiation may fight cancer cells escaping immune system

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 10:26 AM PST

A team of researchers is fighting cancers using a combination of therapies and recently found ways that radiation could maximize responses to novel immune-based therapeutic approaches to fight cancer.

Surviving breast cancer: Younger women face bigger hurdles

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 10:23 AM PST

Breast cancer takes a daunting toll on all women, but it hits younger women especially hard, finds a new study. Women aged 18-44 with a history of breast cancer reported a lower health-related quality of life than older survivors, highlighting the impact of breast cancer on the physical and mental health of younger women.

Researchers develop concept for new sunscreen that allows body to produce vitamin D

Posted: 01 Feb 2016 10:09 AM PST

Researchers have developed a process for altering the ingredients in a sunscreen that does not impact its sun protection factor (SPF), but does allow the body to produce vitamin D, researchers report for the first time.
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