ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Shift work unwinds body clocks, leading to more severe strokes
• Study finds minimal risk for serious infection with 'in bone' prosthesis
• New measurement technique shows link between T-cells, aging
• Genetic approach could help identify side-effects at early stages of drug development
• 17 million women/children tasked with household water collection in 24 African countries
• New insights into muscular dystrophy point to potential treatment avenues
• Team identifies gene involved with fracture healing
• A new look at caspase 12 research
• In all US regions, broad support for increasing legal age of tobacco sales
• Study highlights 'emotional labor' of college student-athletes
• A vision for revamping neuroscience education
• New muscular dystrophy drug target identified
• Reported data on vaccines may not build public trust or adherence
• Studies examine use of newer blood test to help identify or rule-out heart attack
• First gene mutation explaining development of multiple sclerosis
• Is beer good for the brain?
• Novel mouse model sheds new light on autism spectrum disorder
• Imaging biomarker distinguishes prostate cancer tumor grade
• One in five women with ovarian cancer does not undergo surgery, study reveals
• Dietary fiber intake tied to successful aging, research reveals
• New study of the memory through optogenetics
• Online training helps prevent depression
• Stress receptor in brain only used for emergencies
• New devices, wearable system aim to predict, prevent asthma attacks
• Association between Medicare eligibility, rehabilitative care
• For women, barriers to physical activity can vary by weight
• Cancer studies should include overweight, elderly mice
• Even light drinking may increase breast cancer risk
• Unique effects of caffeinated alcohol consumption in adolescents
• Uncovering the genetics behind fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder show unique handwriting patterns
• Why cancer is so hard to beat: Is it evolution?
• Bacteriophage cocktail shows significant promise for Clostridium difficile infections
• Endocrine disrupters accelerate reproductive aging in rats
• Amid terror threats, new hope for radiation antidote
• Deadly toxin acrolein has a useful biological role
• Long-term memory test could aid earlier Alzheimer's diagnosis
• Scientists create compound that erases disease-causing RNA defect
• Scientists discover, test new class of pain relievers
• Workplace well-being linked to senior leadership support, new survey finds
• Study finds evidence of racial, class discrimination among psychotherapists
• West African genes lower the risk of obesity in men, suggests study
• ADHD medication linked to slightly increased risk of heart rhythm problems
• Women with migraines have higher risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality
• Maternal inflammation boosts serotonin, impairs fetal brain development in mice

Shift work unwinds body clocks, leading to more severe strokes Posted: 01 Jun 2016 12:20 PM PDT Statistics show that some 15 million Americans don't work the typical nine-to-five. These employees (or shift workers), who punch in for graveyard or rotating shifts, are more prone to numerous health hazards, from heart attacks to obesity, and now, new research shows shift work may also have serious implications for the brain.

Study finds minimal risk for serious infection with 'in bone' prosthesis Posted: 01 Jun 2016 12:19 PM PDT A new study found minimal risk for severe infection with osseointegrated implants -- a newer prosthetic system, press-fitted directly into the femur bone -- that enables bone growth over a metal, robotic prosthetic limb in patients with above knee amputations.

New measurement technique shows link between T-cells, aging Posted: 01 Jun 2016 12:19 PM PDT Researchers discover a new correlation between aging and the effectiveness of T-Cells. The research is based on a novel technique, called iTAST (in situ TCR affinity and sequence test), that is able to measure a T-cell's so-called affinity, a physical parameter that determines how well T-cell receptors recognize and bind to their antigens, such as those derived from bacteria, viruses or cancer cells.

Genetic approach could help identify side-effects at early stages of drug development Posted: 01 Jun 2016 12:19 PM PDT An approach that could reduce the chances of drugs failing during the later stages of clinical trials has been demonstrated. The technique involves identifying genetic variants that mimic the action of a drug on its intended target and then checking in large patient cohorts whether these variants are associated with risk of other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

17 million women/children tasked with household water collection in 24 African countries Posted: 01 Jun 2016 12:19 PM PDT Nearly 17 million women and children (mostly girls) in 24 sub-Saharan African countries are responsible for hauling water long distances to their homes, a task that takes them more than 30 minutes per trip, according to a study.

New insights into muscular dystrophy point to potential treatment avenues Posted: 01 Jun 2016 11:15 AM PDT Certain stem cells in our bodies have the potential to turn into either fat or muscle. Experiments in mice suggest prospective drugs that manipulate these cells' fate could make it possible to relieve many of the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.

Team identifies gene involved with fracture healing Posted: 01 Jun 2016 11:15 AM PDT New identification of a gene involved in the fracture healing process could lead to the development of new therapeutic treatments for difficult-to-heal injuries, report scientists.

A new look at caspase 12 research Posted: 01 Jun 2016 11:15 AM PDT Inflammasomes are assemblies that are central to inflammatory responses. Now researchers shed new light on function of caspase 12. They have rid the field of a stubborn dogma, which held that caspase 12 was a negative regulator of inflammasomes. These novel insights pave the way for researchers to break from route of existing research and identify the real physiological functions of caspase 12.

In all US regions, broad support for increasing legal age of tobacco sales Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:26 AM PDT In all nine regions of the country, a majority of adults supported increasing the minimum legal age for tobacco product sales, a new research study concludes.

Study highlights 'emotional labor' of college student-athletes Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:26 AM PDT A recent study highlights the 'emotional labor' required of collegiate student-athletes, which can leave student-athletes feeling powerless, frustrated and nervous. The study calls on universities to better prepare their student-athletes with communication skills they can use to address the challenges of emotional labor.

A vision for revamping neuroscience education Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:24 AM PDT The expanding scope and growing number of tools used for neuroscience is moving beyond what is taught in traditional graduate programs, say leaders in American neuroscience education, funding, and policy. Researchers call for reinvestment in neuroscience graduate and post-graduate training to meet the challenges of this new era in brain science -- such as creating programs to broaden student experiences across disciplines and reimagining scientific staff positions.

New muscular dystrophy drug target identified Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:24 AM PDT Muscle cells affected by muscular dystrophy contain high levels of an enzyme that impairs muscle repair, scientists have discovered. This finding provides a new target for potential drug treatments for the disease, which currently has no cure.

Reported data on vaccines may not build public trust or adherence Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:24 AM PDT The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety reporting system that collects information about possible side effects that may occur after inoculation. Recently, researchers proposed that open communication about VAERS could improve public trust that vaccines are safe, thereby increasing vaccine acceptance. Findings from the study suggest that data and stories may not increase the public's acceptance of vaccines.

Studies examine use of newer blood test to help identify or rule-out heart attack Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:21 AM PDT Two studies examine the usefulness of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay to help identify or exclude the diagnosis of a heart attack for patients reporting to an emergency department with chest pain.

First gene mutation explaining development of multiple sclerosis Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:21 AM PDT Although multiple sclerosis is known to run in certain families, attempts to find genes linked to the disease have been elusive. Now for the first time researchers are reporting a gene mutation that can be connected directly to the development of the disease.

Is beer good for the brain? Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:20 AM PDT While most people will agree that excessive consumption of alcohol can have a detrimental effect on the brain, there is less agreement regarding the effects of light or moderate drinking. This includes concern and controversy surrounding the effects of drinking on the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD). This study investigated the association between consumption of different alcoholic beverages – beer, wine, and spirits – and one of the neuropathological signs of Alzheimer's disease, ?-amyloid (A?) aggregation in the brain.

Novel mouse model sheds new light on autism spectrum disorder Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:18 AM PDT A new mouse model is the first to show that when more of a specific biological molecule moves between different parts of nerve cells in the mouse brain, it can lead to behaviors that resembles some aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans.

Imaging biomarker distinguishes prostate cancer tumor grade Posted: 01 Jun 2016 10:18 AM PDT Physicians have long used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect cancer, but results of a new study describe the potential use of restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) as an imaging biomarker that enhances the ability of MRI to differentiate aggressive prostate cancer from low-grade or benign tumors and guide treatment and biopsy.

One in five women with ovarian cancer does not undergo surgery, study reveals Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:26 AM PDT Nearly 20 percent of women with ovarian cancer do not undergo surgery, despite it being a standard part of treatment recommendations. The findings, which suggest women may live four times longer with surgical treatment, were especially striking among older patients; researchers found that nearly half of women over 75 with stage III/IV cancer do not have surgery and roughly 25 percent receive no treatment at all.

Dietary fiber intake tied to successful aging, research reveals Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:26 AM PDT Most people know that a diet high in fiber helps to keep us 'regular.' Now researchers have uncovered a surprising benefit of this often-undervalued dietary component.

New study of the memory through optogenetics Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:26 AM PDT Scientists have improved memory in mice using optogenetics.The study was based on light stimulation of a group of neurons, named Tac2, in the cerebral amygdala. These neurons play a key role in the memory of fear. Treated mice increased their long-term memory.

Online training helps prevent depression Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:26 AM PDT For the first time, research shows that depression can be effectively prevented through online training. The team studied 406 people who were at increased risk of developing depression but were not suffering from the disorder.

Stress receptor in brain only used for emergencies Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:25 AM PDT A stress receptor in the brain is found to regulate metabolic responses to stressful situations differently in male and female mice.

New devices, wearable system aim to predict, prevent asthma attacks Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:14 AM PDT Researchers have developed an integrated, wearable system that monitors a user's environment, heart rate and other physical attributes with the goal of predicting and preventing asthma attacks. The researchers plan to begin testing the system on a larger subject population this summer.

Association between Medicare eligibility, rehabilitative care Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:14 AM PDT Becoming Medicare eligible at age 65 (as compared to age 64) was associated with an abrupt 6.4 percentage-point decline in the number of people who were uninsured and a 9.6 percentage-point increase in rehabilitation, researchers have found.

For women, barriers to physical activity can vary by weight Posted: 01 Jun 2016 08:07 AM PDT When it comes to helping women become more physically active, a one-size-fits-all approach may not work, according to a new study.

Cancer studies should include overweight, elderly mice Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:47 AM PDT Young, healthy mice are nearly universally used in cancer immunotherapy studies even though the immune system grows less responsive with aging. A new article explains why using a more accurate animal model could improve cancer research.

Even light drinking may increase breast cancer risk Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:46 AM PDT This review examines three areas of study – one, the biological pathways of alcohol-linked breast cancer; two, the epidemiological risk relationship between drinking and breast cancer; and three, the global burden of breast cancer incidence and mortality that is attributable to drinking – with a focus on light drinking.

Unique effects of caffeinated alcohol consumption in adolescents Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:46 AM PDT A new review examines three areas of study – one, the biological pathways of alcohol-linked breast cancer; two, the epidemiological risk relationship between drinking and breast cancer; and three, the global burden of breast cancer incidence and mortality that is attributable to drinking – with a focus on light drinking.

Uncovering the genetics behind fetal alcohol spectrum disorders Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:46 AM PDT A new review examines the current literature on the genetics of FASD susceptibility and gene-ethanol interactions. The authors also comment on potential mechanisms of reported gene-ethanol interactions.

Children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder show unique handwriting patterns Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:46 AM PDT The new study found that children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder integrated in regular schools find it difficult to perform writing tasks. This can impair their academic achievements, social availability, and self-confidence, say experts.

Why cancer is so hard to beat: Is it evolution? Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:44 AM PDT A new study may have identified one of the key reasons why cancer is so hard to beat; it's an evolutionary mechanism to protect the survival of life on Earth. As authors explain, our bodies are usually very efficient at identifying and repairing damaged DNA in our cells though a series of 'checkpoints.' When the damage cannot be repaired, the cell usually dies in a process called apoptosis. But when that doesn't happen, cancer can result as a last-ditch 'checkpoint' to remove defective cells, the mutations that caused the damage and their DNA from the gene pool.

Bacteriophage cocktail shows significant promise for Clostridium difficile infections Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:39 AM PDT Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are responsible for approximately 39% of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in the Western world, causing 10% of deaths. Now researchers report that specific phage combinations caused complete destruction of C. difficile cells while in animal model dramatically reduced spread.

Endocrine disrupters accelerate reproductive aging in rats Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:39 AM PDT Female rats exposed to endocrine disrupters during early development end up with fewer eggs in their ovaries and are at risk of losing their ability to reproduce at an earlier age. The findings have increased our knowledge of how endocrine disrupting chemicals affect the female reproductive system. The results give rise to concern that endocrine disrupters may also affect egg reserves in women and cause earlier menopause.

Amid terror threats, new hope for radiation antidote Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT Researchers have identified promising drugs that could lead to the first antidote for radiation exposure that might result from a dirty bomb terror attack or a nuclear accident such as Chernobyl.

Deadly toxin acrolein has a useful biological role Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT Scientists discovered that acrolein -- a toxic substance produced in cells during times of oxidative stress -- in fact may play a role in preventing the process of fibrillation, an abnormal clumping of peptides that has been associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neural diseases. The key to this new role is a chemical process known as 4+4 cycloaddition.

Long-term memory test could aid earlier Alzheimer's diagnosis Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT People with Alzheimer's disease could benefit from earlier diagnosis if a long-term memory test combined with a brain scan were carried out, a study suggests.

Scientists create compound that erases disease-causing RNA defect Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT For the first time, scientists have created a drug candidate that attacks and neutralizes the RNA structure that causes an incurable progressive, inherited disease involving a gradual loss of control over body movement.

Scientists discover, test new class of pain relievers Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT A potential new class of small-molecule drugs has been discovered that simultaneously inhibit two sought-after targets in the treatment of pain, the ion channels TRPV4 and TRPA1. Their proof-of-concept experiments in mice could lead to the development of a new drug to treat conditions including skin irritation, headaches, jaw pain and abdominal pain.

Workplace well-being linked to senior leadership support, new survey finds Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT Despite the prevalence of workplace wellness efforts, only one-third of American workers say they regularly participate in the health promotion programs provided by their employer, according to a new survey.

Study finds evidence of racial, class discrimination among psychotherapists Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:23 AM PDT Psychotherapists discriminate against prospective patients who are black or working class, a new study shows. Among middle-class people who contacted a therapist to schedule an appointment, the study found that 28 percent of whites and 17 percent of blacks received appointment offers. Appointment offer rates for both black and white working-class therapy seekers were 8 percent.

West African genes lower the risk of obesity in men, suggests study Posted: 01 Jun 2016 05:22 AM PDT Why do African American men have a relatively low risk of overweight, obesity, and diabetes, despite facing many of the same socioeconomic disadvantages as African American women? Men with a high degree of West African genetic ancestry have less central adiposity, scientists report.

ADHD medication linked to slightly increased risk of heart rhythm problems Posted: 31 May 2016 07:21 PM PDT Use of methylphenidate in children and young people with ADHD is associated with a slightly increased risk of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) shortly after the start of treatment, suggests new research.

Women with migraines have higher risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality Posted: 31 May 2016 07:21 PM PDT Women diagnosed with migraines have a slightly increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, and are somewhat more likely to die from these conditions than women who do not have migraine, according to findings of a large study.

Maternal inflammation boosts serotonin, impairs fetal brain development in mice Posted: 31 May 2016 03:24 PM PDT Fighting the flu during pregnancy sickens a pregnant woman, but it may also put the fetus at a slightly increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism later in life. A new study in pregnant mice offers a potential mechanism explaining why: Inflammation alters neurotransmitters and impairs growth of nerve cells in the developing fetal brain.

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