ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• ‘Concern’ over GPs prescribing ‘unnecessary’ antibiotics for toothache
• Ewing Sarcoma: New compounds may aid in development of targeted therapies for a rare pediatric cancer
• Link between Zika virus and fetal brain damage confirmed
• New research: Nine laws particularly effective in reducing underage drinking fatalities
• Cancer drug could treat blood vessel deformities
• Exercise keeps muscles, and you, young
• Asthma-free? Maybe Mom experienced a sunny second trimester
• Scientists identify structure of crucial enzyme in cell division
• Spinal cord regeneration might actually be helped by glial scar tissue
• Study describes molecular cause of common cerebrovascular disease
• Eating beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils may help lose weight and keep it off
• Successful dying: Researchers define the elements of a 'good death'
• Why neural stem cells may be vulnerable to Zika infection
• Birth control pills may increase risk of seizures
• Longer maternity leave linked to better infant health
• Parents' binge eating, restrictive feeding practices may be reactions to kids' emotions
• Medics call for urgent improvements in the quality of endoscopy across Europe
• Rat study reveals long-term effects of adolescent amphetamine abuse on the brain
• Dynamic connections in the brain
• Using glucose monitors to detect other diseases
• Heart, liver disease linked to shutdown of body's antioxidant
• The impact of anti-odor clothing on the environment
• Study highlights risk of lapse in surgical skills among nation's pediatric surgeons
• Genome-wide association study of cannabis
• Kidney disease: Report assesses mammoth problem for the United States
• New mouse model for acute myeloid leukemia opens door to research, possible treatments
• Diagnosing ear infection using smartphone
• Team redesigns epilepsy drug to increase potency, specificity, reduce side effects
• Study looks at why people may feel more helpless in stressful situations than others
• Stem cell transplantation: Cyclophosphamide, old dogs with new tricks?
• New heart disease screening target for middle-aged black women, finding suggests
• Researchers identify key statistical errors in obesity science, strategies to avoid them
• Mild TBI linked to eye movement impairment
• Identification of new protein essential for ovule, sperm formation
• Are you what you sweat?
• HPV: Cervical peeling as treatment for precancerous conditions
• Emotional distress in teens linked to later employment prospects
• Frosting on the cake: How depictions on cake mix boxes can lead us to overeat
• Blood clot risk lower for estrogen-only, transdermal, and vaginal estrogen at menopause
• When women feel their partner demands perfection, sex life suffers
• Revealing the fluctuations of flexible DNA in 3-D
• Classroom program increases school breakfast participation, not obesity
• New tool mines whole-exome sequencing data to match cancer with best drug
• Study finds adaptive IGRT for bladder preservation clinically feasible
• Narcissism linked to sexual assault perpetration in college, study finds
• Many in families with pregnant women don't know key facts about Zika
• Women with endometriosis at higher risk for heart disease
• Are we what we eat?
• Curbing malaria resistance with multiple therapies
• Automated Ebola blood test performs well in field evaluation

‘Concern’ over GPs prescribing ‘unnecessary’ antibiotics for toothache Posted: 30 Mar 2016 06:10 PM PDT Over half of all patients who visited their GP with a dental problem in the last 10 years were not offered a long-term treatment for their pain and were instead prescribed antibiotics, often unnecessarily, new research has found.

Ewing Sarcoma: New compounds may aid in development of targeted therapies for a rare pediatric cancer Posted: 30 Mar 2016 03:44 PM PDT Two recently discovered compounds have shown promise in preclinical studies for treating Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer that predominantly affects children and adolescents.

Link between Zika virus and fetal brain damage confirmed Posted: 30 Mar 2016 03:42 PM PDT Zika virus can be detected in blood samples taken from a pregnant woman while brain damage is developing, as well as isolated in cell culture from the brain tissue of the fetus.

New research: Nine laws particularly effective in reducing underage drinking fatalities Posted: 30 Mar 2016 02:42 PM PDT Nine laws designed to reduce underage drinking have been instrumental in saving more than 1,100 lives each year in the states that have adopted them, and that an additional 210 lives could be saved annually if they were adopted in every state, new research suggests.

Cancer drug could treat blood vessel deformities Posted: 30 Mar 2016 12:20 PM PDT A drug currently being trialed in cancer patients could also be used to treat an often incurable condition that can cause painful blood vessel overgrowths inside the skin, finds new research in mice.

Exercise keeps muscles, and you, young Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:57 AM PDT The "secret" to staying strong as we age has been discovered by a researcher: superb fitness. A new study found that elderly people who were elite athletes in their youth or later in life – and who still compete as masters athletes — have much healthier muscles at the cellular level compared to those of non-athletes.

Asthma-free? Maybe Mom experienced a sunny second trimester Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:54 AM PDT The best way to reduce a child's chances of developing asthma might be making sure Mom had enough vitamin D during the second trimester, a new study shows. The most cost-effective way to get Mom more vitamin D could be as simple as health recommendations that consider the benefits of soaking up a little more sun, a practical and cost-effective way to get a dose of D.

Scientists identify structure of crucial enzyme in cell division Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:53 AM PDT Researchers have determined the atomic structure of an enzyme that plays an essential role in cell division, the fundamental process that occurs countless times daily in many life forms on Earth.

Spinal cord regeneration might actually be helped by glial scar tissue Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:53 AM PDT Few neuroscientists question the idea that scar tissue formed by glial cells after brain or spinal cord injury impedes regrowth of damaged nerve cells. But now, working in mouse models, a team of scientists has found that glial scar tissue formed after spinal cord damage may actually favor nerve cell regeneration. This study may ultimately guide development of new approaches to repair catastrophic spinal cord injury.

Study describes molecular cause of common cerebrovascular disease Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:52 AM PDT Cerebral cavernous malformations are clusters of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels in the brain that can cause stroke and seizures, yet exactly how they form is somewhat of a mystery. Now, a research team has discovered the molecular mechanism that underlies this common cerebrovascular disease.

Eating beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils may help lose weight and keep it off Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:52 AM PDT Eating one serving a day of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils could contribute to modest weight loss, a new study suggests. Eating about 3/4 cup (130 grams) each day of these foods known as pulses led to a weight loss of 0.34 kilograms (just over half a pound), in a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available clinical trials on the effects of eating pulses.

Successful dying: Researchers define the elements of a 'good death' Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:52 AM PDT For most people, the culmination of a good life is a 'good death,' though what that means exactly is a matter of considerable consternation. Researchers now report qualitative and quantitative studies defining a 'good death,' ultimately identifying 11 core themes associated with dying well.

Why neural stem cells may be vulnerable to Zika infection Posted: 30 Mar 2016 10:52 AM PDT Zika's hypothesized attraction to human neural stem cells may come from its ability to hijack a protein found on the surface of these cells, using it as an entryway to infection. Researchers show that the AXL surface receptor, normally involved in cell division, is highly abundant on the surface of neural stem cells, but not on neurons in the developing brain.

Birth control pills may increase risk of seizures Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:45 AM PDT Could certain types of hormonal contraceptives cause an increase in seizures in women with epilepsy? A recent study suggests that ethinyl estradiol, the primary component of oral contraceptives, could be detrimental to the epileptic brain.

Longer maternity leave linked to better infant health Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:35 AM PDT For each additional month of paid maternity leave offered in low- and middle-income countries, infant mortality is reduced by 13 percent, according to a new study.

Parents' binge eating, restrictive feeding practices may be reactions to kids' emotions Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:29 AM PDT A new study of more than 440 parents and their preschoolers offers insight into why some parents who binge eat also may try to restrict their children's food intake, placing their children at higher risk for unhealthy eating habits and weight problems.

Medics call for urgent improvements in the quality of endoscopy across Europe Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:29 AM PDT Every year, tens of millions of individuals across Europe undergo endoscopic procedures to assist with the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases. However, significant variation in current endoscopy provision across Europe has been reported, with back-to-back colonoscopy studies demonstrating that a concerning 22 percent of all adenomas are missed and that a three-to-six fold variation in adenoma detection is present between endoscopists.

Rat study reveals long-term effects of adolescent amphetamine abuse on the brain Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:29 AM PDT A study of rats given regular, high doses of amphetamine finds that those exposed to the drug at an age corresponding to human adolescence experience long-term changes in brain function that persist into adulthood. The study found that amphetamine leads to changes in dopamine signaling. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, attention, learning and feelings of pleasure.

Dynamic connections in the brain Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:29 AM PDT Functional connections in the brain change over time in ways that are only now beginning to be appreciated. In the field of neuroscience, there is a new approach to studying the brain known as human connectomics. This dynamic model of studying the brain and its moment-to-moment variations is what researchers now present in a new article.

Using glucose monitors to detect other diseases Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:26 AM PDT Diagnosing disease can be highly technical, costly and time-consuming, which are all challenges that become particularly problematic in low-income and remote locations. Now scientists are reporting a new way to repurpose portable glucose monitors to harness these simple devices' practicality and low cost for the detection of other diseases.

Heart, liver disease linked to shutdown of body's antioxidant Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:26 AM PDT Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States while one in 10 Americans has some form of liver disease. A new study indicates how critical it is to carefully control oxidative stress -- which can also lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancers and gene mutations as well as liver and heart disease -- so that cell or tissue damage doesn't occur.

The impact of anti-odor clothing on the environment Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:26 AM PDT Anti-odor athletic clothes containing silver nanoparticles have gained a foothold among exercise buffs, but questions have arisen over how safe and effective they are. Now scientists report that silver nanoparticles and coatings do wash off of commercially available garments in the laundry but at negligible levels. They also found that even low concentrations of silver on clothing kept microbes at bay.

Study highlights risk of lapse in surgical skills among nation's pediatric surgeons Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:26 AM PDT Some pediatric surgeons perform so few rare and complex procedures once they finish their surgical training that they may have a hard time maintaining operative skills in the long run, according to a new study.

Genome-wide association study of cannabis Posted: 30 Mar 2016 09:26 AM PDT Cannabis dependence is a serious problem worldwide and it is of growing importance in the United States as marijuana becomes increasingly legal, report experts.

Kidney disease: Report assesses mammoth problem for the United States Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:33 AM PDT A sweeping new report assessing chronic kidney disease in the United States offers startling statistics about a condition that affects almost 14 percent of the US population and costs billions in Medicare spending each year.

New mouse model for acute myeloid leukemia opens door to research, possible treatments Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:33 AM PDT A novel mouse model of a highly lethal form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) offers a new tool for scientists working to better understand this disease and research new therapeutic targets.

Diagnosing ear infection using smartphone Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:28 AM PDT Researchers have developed a method that simplifies the diagnosis of ear infections (otitis media), something which annually affects half a billion children worldwide. The software-based method automatically analyses images from a digital otoscope and enables highly accurate diagnoses.

Team redesigns epilepsy drug to increase potency, specificity, reduce side effects Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:28 AM PDT A more effective version of an FDA-approved epilepsy drug has been designed with the potential for fewer side effects, according to a study. The experimental agent could also prove to be a treatment for tinnitus and other disorders caused by volatile neural signaling.

Study looks at why people may feel more helpless in stressful situations than others Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:28 AM PDT Some people are able to cope with stress much better than others. Some individuals are resilient, while others succumb to despair. The reason, scientists have discovered, is all in the brain.

Stem cell transplantation: Cyclophosphamide, old dogs with new tricks? Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:28 AM PDT Researchers have reviewed, in depth, the rejuvenated role of cyclophosphamide in stem cell transplantation.

New heart disease screening target for middle-aged black women, finding suggests Posted: 30 Mar 2016 07:28 AM PDT Middle-aged black women have higher levels of a protein in their blood associated with greater risk of heart disease than their white counterparts, even after other factors, such as obesity, are taken into consideration, according to a study. The finding suggests routine blood testing of black menopausal women may be warranted to determine their heart disease risk and potentially when to start therapies, such as aspirin and statins.

Researchers identify key statistical errors in obesity science, strategies to avoid them Posted: 30 Mar 2016 06:47 AM PDT Exposing common statistical errors and bias in obesity research to improve the reliability of future research is the aim of the authors of new research.

Mild TBI linked to eye movement impairment Posted: 30 Mar 2016 06:47 AM PDT Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) could be linked to eye movement impairment, even beyond the acute stage of injury, according to researchers. These findings indicate a potentially more effective way to identify long-term chronic effects on those with mild TBI.

Identification of new protein essential for ovule, sperm formation Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:58 AM PDT The protein RingoA is a key regulator of meiosis -- the cell division process that gives rise to ovules and sperm for sexual reproduction in mammals -- report scientists.

Are you what you sweat? Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:57 AM PDT Researchers have analyzed how the sodium lost through sweat during a marathon influences the maintenance of stable and physiologically sound conditions that allow the body to carry out its functions. Excessive electrolyte loss may lead to a medical problem known as hyponatraemia.

HPV: Cervical peeling as treatment for precancerous conditions Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:57 AM PDT A new treatment for the pre-stages of cervical cancer has been developed, caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The treatment involves using 85% trichloroacetic acid, an acid that is traditionally used for medical and cosmetic skin peeling. The scientists showed that complete remission was achieved in 82% of the patients after only one application. Moreover, the new treatment is very easy for experts to use and is very cost-effective.

Emotional distress in teens linked to later employment prospects Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT Suffering from emotional problems in adolescence is an important risk factor for future joblessness, irrespective of socioeconomic background, according to a new report.

Frosting on the cake: How depictions on cake mix boxes can lead us to overeat Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT When estimating portion size, we may be more influenced by food images on the packaging than by the listed serving size leading us to serve more than is recommended. When additional food items are depicted on packages -- such as frosting on cake-mix boxes -- we are even more likely to overserve, researchers report.

Blood clot risk lower for estrogen-only, transdermal, and vaginal estrogen at menopause Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT A Swedish population study is helping answer lingering questions about hormone therapy safety. The study shows that estrogen-only therapy carries a lower risk of blood clots than combined estrogen-progestogen therapy, but there is no significantly increased risk of clots with combination therapy when the estrogen is transdermal, and vaginal estrogen doesn't raise the risk at all.

When women feel their partner demands perfection, sex life suffers Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT Women who perceive that their sexual partner is imposing perfectionist standards on them may suffer sexual dysfunction as a result, psychologists have found.

Revealing the fluctuations of flexible DNA in 3-D Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT Scientists have captured the first high-resolution 3-D images from individual double-helix DNA segments attached to gold nanoparticles, which could aid in the use of DNA segments as building blocks for molecular devices that function as nanoscale drug-delivery systems, markers for biological research, and components for electronic devices.

Classroom program increases school breakfast participation, not obesity Posted: 30 Mar 2016 05:56 AM PDT Serving free breakfast in New York City's classrooms has boosted the number of students eating what some consider the most important meal of the day at school, according to research. This increase in school breakfast participation did not raise the prevalence of obesity in New York City schools, as some critics may have feared.

New tool mines whole-exome sequencing data to match cancer with best drug Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT A new tool interprets raw data of whole exome tumor sequencing to match cancer's unique genetics with FDA-approved targeted treatments.

Study finds adaptive IGRT for bladder preservation clinically feasible Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT A prospective study examining a trimodality treatment approach in localized bladder cancer cases using adaptive image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) found that the bladder preservation rate at three years was 83 percent.

Narcissism linked to sexual assault perpetration in college, study finds Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT Almost 20 percent of college men have committed some kind of sexual assault, and 4 percent have committed rape, according to researchers who were examining the link between different kinds of narcissism and the perpetration of sexual assaults.

Many in families with pregnant women don't know key facts about Zika Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT Many people in US households where someone is pregnant or considering getting pregnant in the next year are unaware of key facts about Zika virus, according to a new poll. The poll of 1,275 adults was conducted March 2-8, 2016 in cooperation with the National Public Health Information Coalition, an organization serving state and local public health communications officers.

Women with endometriosis at higher risk for heart disease Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT Women who have endometriosis -- abnormal growth of uterine tissue -- may have a higher risk of coronary heart disease. The association between endometriosis and coronary heart disease was strongest among women age 40 or younger.

Are we what we eat? Posted: 29 Mar 2016 03:49 PM PDT In a new evolutionary proof of the old adage, 'we are what we eat,' scientists have found tantalizing evidence that a vegetarian diet has led to a mutation that -- if they stray from a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 diet -- may make people more susceptible to inflammation, and by association, increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Curbing malaria resistance with multiple therapies Posted: 29 Mar 2016 12:34 PM PDT In order to preserve first-line drugs for treating malaria, multiple combination therapies should be deployed within a population to prevent resistance from developing, according to new research.

Automated Ebola blood test performs well in field evaluation Posted: 29 Mar 2016 12:33 PM PDT An automated 'sample-to-answer' system could provide Ebola virus disease (EVD) diagnosis more quickly and easily than the current standard test, according to new research.

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