ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• Getting to the heart of chronic fatigue syndrome
• Researchers discover how faulty genetic instructions drive a deadly blood cancer in adults
• Fix for 3-billion-year-old genetic error could dramatically improve genetic sequencing
• Index could help identify women at risk for rapid bone loss
• An effective but painful treatment
• The silencer: Study reveals how a cancer gene promotes tumor growth
• 'Smoke alarm' one of 36 genes newly found to play role in pain sensation
• Discovery of an epigenetic regulator of tumorigenesis suggests new strategies against lethal forms of breast cancer
• Novel study in Nairobi infants may accelerate path to HIV vaccine
• New study provides unprecedented insight into the fine details of neuronal communication
• Precise control of brain circuit alters mood
• Running releases protein associated with improved memory in mice
• Not only trauma but also the reversal of trauma is inherited
• Novel gene-hunting method implicates new culprit in pancreatic cancer
• A better way to predict diabetes
• How molecules can do statistics
• State opioid laws appear to have no impact on prescribing for one vulnerable population
• Novel controller allows video gamer who lacks hands to compete with his feet
• Dengue virus exposure may amplify Zika infection
• Could wearable biosensors become part of drug rehab programs?
• Scientists streamline synthesis of potential cancer drug
• Crisis in the treatment of osteoporosis
• 3D Brain-on-a-chip
• Genetic clue to how patients respond to treatment for Parkinson's Disease
• Light combined with time-based data sees more deeply inside the body
• Broccoli sprout extract may protect against oral cancer recurrence
• New findings challenge current view on origins of Parkinson's disease
• Mycobacterium in olive oil for cancer treatment
• World map of resistance to artemesinin anti-malarial medicines
• Do you know what you're smoking? Research suggests that you don't
• Unexpected findings reveal insight into how cancer spreads in the body
• Adherence to cancer prevention guidelines may reduce risk
• Loss of essential protein in the choroid plexus epithelium linked to hydrocephalus
• Researchers find more uses for immune system's 'Swiss army knife'
• Scientists find two ways to limit the number of heat-related deaths from climate change
• Students design ebola protection suit improvements
• Helping children with autism transfer new communication skills from home to school
• The struggle to maintain accurate data on the prevalence of opioid abuse
• Sequencing method precise enough to reveal mechanisms by which bacteria resist antibiotics

Getting to the heart of chronic fatigue syndrome Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:42 PM PDT By better understanding daily activity levels and heart rate patterns of those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), scientists hope to discover more about this complex illness condition.

Researchers discover how faulty genetic instructions drive a deadly blood cancer in adults Posted: 23 Jun 2016 01:59 PM PDT A study has uncovered the genetic mechanism for how acute myeloid leukemia cells with a specific DNA mutation stay as undifferentiated cells, rather than maturing into healthy blood cells.

Fix for 3-billion-year-old genetic error could dramatically improve genetic sequencing Posted: 23 Jun 2016 12:01 PM PDT Researchers found a fix for a 3-billion-year-old glitch in one of the major carriers of information needed for life, RNA, which until now produced errors when making copies of genetic information. The discovery will increase precision in genetic research and could dramatically improve medicine based on a person's genetic makeup.

Index could help identify women at risk for rapid bone loss Posted: 23 Jun 2016 11:58 AM PDT Researchers have developed an index to better predict which women may experience faster bone loss across the menopause transition, according to a new study.

An effective but painful treatment Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:30 AM PDT Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for early-stage skin cancer. However, this therapy can cause patients severe pain. The reason for this was previous a mystery to researchers. Physiologists have now discovered that it is due to two specific ion channels.

The silencer: Study reveals how a cancer gene promotes tumor growth Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT A new study describes how a known cancer gene, EGFR, silences genes that typically suppress tumors. The finding may lead to the development of more effective, individualized treatment for patients with lung cancer and other cancer types.

'Smoke alarm' one of 36 genes newly found to play role in pain sensation Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT Researchers have found that a suite of genes in both fruit flies and humans plays a role in nerve sensitivity. The research could lead to new drug targets in pain management.

Discovery of an epigenetic regulator of tumorigenesis suggests new strategies against lethal forms of breast cancer Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT Scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which a protein called CBX8 promotes tumor growth in the most lethal forms of breast cancer. The study underscores the need for cancer researchers to pay more attention to 'epigenetic' factors, meaning chemical and biological processes that control gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence of the cells that are running amok.

Novel study in Nairobi infants may accelerate path to HIV vaccine Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT The first and only study to look at isolate HIV-neutralizing antibodies from infants has found that novel antibodies that could protect against many variants of HIV can be produced relatively quickly after infection compared to adults. This suggests that various aspects of HIV-vaccine development, from design to administration, could be improved by mimicking infection and immune response in infants.

New study provides unprecedented insight into the fine details of neuronal communication Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT For communication between neurons to occur, an electrical impulse, called an action potential, must travel down an axon to its synaptic terminal. A major technical challenge impeding the direct examination of this process, axonal excitability, is the small diameter of a typical axon -- less than 500 nanometers. Researchers have now optimized optical and electrophysiological recordings from single neurons to study axonal excitability with unprecedented detail.

Precise control of brain circuit alters mood Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT By combining super-fine electrodes and tiny amounts of a very specific drug, researchers have singled out a circuit in mouse brains and taken control of it to dial an animal's mood up and down. Stress-susceptible animals that behaved as if they were depressed or anxious were restored to relatively normal behavior by tweaking the system, according to a study.

Running releases protein associated with improved memory in mice Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:29 AM PDT The reason why treadmill training can boost memory recall remains an active area of investigation. A couple of proteins have been shown to fuel exercise-induced neuron growth, but a new study presents a new candidate, cathepsin B -- one that can be directly traced from the muscles to the brain in mice. Also, after a run, protein levels increased in blood in mice, monkeys, and humans.

Not only trauma but also the reversal of trauma is inherited Posted: 23 Jun 2016 09:03 AM PDT Behaviors caused by traumatic experiences in early life are reversible. Researchers could demonstrate that environmental enrichment allows trauma-related symptoms in mice to be reversed. This is the first evidence that positive environmental factors can correct behavioral alterations which would otherwise be transmitted to the offspring. The symptoms and their reversal are associated with epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene.

Novel gene-hunting method implicates new culprit in pancreatic cancer Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:57 AM PDT Using an innovative approach to identify a cancer's genetic vulnerabilities by more swiftly analyzing human tumors transplanted into mice, researchers have identified a new potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment.

A better way to predict diabetes Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:57 AM PDT An international team of researchers has discovered a simple, accurate new way to predict which women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes after delivery. The discovery would allow health care providers to identify women at greatest risk and help motivate women to make early lifestyle changes and follow other strategies that could prevent them from developing the disease later in life.

How molecules can do statistics Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:57 AM PDT Researchers have shown how noise filters can be realized using biochemical reactions. This could help improve the reliability of synthetic biological circuits and play an important role in the development of new medical therapies, they say.

State opioid laws appear to have no impact on prescribing for one vulnerable population Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:57 AM PDT States are aggressively enacting laws aimed at curbing prescription opioid abuse and overdose. The laws appear to have no impact on hazardous prescribing for disabled workers, a large population with high opioid use. People in this group, presumably a population the laws aim to protect, are 10 times more likely than average to die of prescription opioid overdose.

Novel controller allows video gamer who lacks hands to compete with his feet Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:23 AM PDT Engineering graduate students, one of whom lost his hands to meningitis, design and build a foot-activated video game controller.

Dengue virus exposure may amplify Zika infection Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:23 AM PDT Previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, according to research. The early-stage laboratory findings suggest the recent explosive outbreak of Zika may have been driven in part by previous exposure to the dengue virus.

Could wearable biosensors become part of drug rehab programs? Posted: 23 Jun 2016 08:22 AM PDT There is merit in looking at the use of wearable biosensors to detect whether opioid users stay focused on their rehabilitation programs. This follows a preliminary study. Scientists tested the use of wristband sensors worn by a group of patients in an emergency room who were receiving opioids for severe pain relief.

Scientists streamline synthesis of potential cancer drug Posted: 23 Jun 2016 07:09 AM PDT A team of scientists has simplified the design and manufacture of a potent anti-tumor antibiotic known as uncialamycin. Uncialamycin is an enediyne, compounds defined by the presence of nine- and 10-member atomic rings in their structures. Two other enediynes, neocarzinostatin and calicheamicin, are or have been used as chemotherapy agents to treat leukemia and cancers of the liver and the brain.

Crisis in the treatment of osteoporosis Posted: 23 Jun 2016 07:09 AM PDT The remarkable progress made over the past 30 years to reduce fractures and dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of osteoporosis patients is rapidly being reversed, say two bone health experts.

3D Brain-on-a-chip Posted: 23 Jun 2016 07:05 AM PDT To study brain cell's operation and test the effect of medication on individual cells, the conventional Petri dish with flat electrodes is not sufficient. For truly realistic studies, cells have to flourish within three-dimensional surroundings. Researchers have developed a sieve with 900 openings, each of which has the shape of an inverted pyramid. On top of this array of pyramids, a micro-reactor takes care of cell growth.

Genetic clue to how patients respond to treatment for Parkinson's Disease Posted: 23 Jun 2016 07:04 AM PDT Researchers have identified a gene variant which explains why some patients with Parkinson's Disease respond well to drug treatment and other do not.

Light combined with time-based data sees more deeply inside the body Posted: 23 Jun 2016 06:56 AM PDT Scientists provide an overview of recent developments in light-based technologies that enable a deeper noninvasive look into the human body. The technologies hold promise to enable compact, wearable devices for point-of-care diagnostics and powerful new systems that provide even more information from under the skin.

Broccoli sprout extract may protect against oral cancer recurrence Posted: 23 Jun 2016 06:52 AM PDT Potent doses of broccoli sprout extract activate a 'detoxification' gene and may help prevent cancer recurrence in survivors of head and neck cancer, according to a 'green chemoprevention' trial. It is the first study demonstrating that the extract protects against oral cancer, with the results of human, animal and laboratory tests reported today.

New findings challenge current view on origins of Parkinson's disease Posted: 23 Jun 2016 06:52 AM PDT 'Mutant flies' have provided insight into the origins of Parkinson's disease, report scientists. The work found that the death of neurons associated with the disease was prevented when chemicals that block the effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress were used.

Mycobacterium in olive oil for cancer treatment Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:52 AM PDT Researchers announced one year ago that the cells of the Mycobacterium brumae offer an improved alternative to current bladder cancer treatments such as BCG (an immunotherapy based on the Mycobacterium bovis), which can cause infections.

World map of resistance to artemesinin anti-malarial medicines Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:52 AM PDT Practically all currently available treatments for malaria are based in some form or other on a derivative of artemisinin, a plant substance that is found in the leaves and flowers of annual mugwort (Artemisia annua). However, more and more malaria parasites are becoming resistant to artemesinin – especially in South-East Asia. In order to provide an accurate view of the spread of resistance throughout the world, an international research group from more than 50 countries has drawn up a map of artemesinin resistance.

Do you know what you're smoking? Research suggests that you don't Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT There is little awareness of the chemical components of cigarette smoke amongst US adults, even though many of them report having looked for relevant information. In a new study, researchers suggest that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expand its messaging activities so that information about these constituents reaches all segments of the US population, especially those most vulnerable to tobacco product use and its associated health risks.

Unexpected findings reveal insight into how cancer spreads in the body Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT Cancer cells appear to depend on an unusual survival mechanism to spread around the body, according to an early study. The discovery could help with future development of novel treatments to prevent metastasis and secondary tumors.

Adherence to cancer prevention guidelines may reduce risk Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT Following cancer prevention guidelines on diet and physical activity consistently reduced overall cancer incidence and mortality, as well as reducing risk of breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.

Loss of essential protein in the choroid plexus epithelium linked to hydrocephalus Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT A team led by researchers reports that mice lacking the protein Alix develop hydrocephalus or 'water on the brain.' Alix ensures that epithelial cells of the choroid plexus are oriented correctly with respect to one another to prevent compromise of the epithelial barrier.

Researchers find more uses for immune system's 'Swiss army knife' Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT MAIT cells are little know but have been shown to be generally active against bacteria, unlike other T-cells which respond to specific pathogens. Now, researchers have found that they can respond to chemical messengers in the immune system to respond to viruses as well.

Scientists find two ways to limit the number of heat-related deaths from climate change Posted: 23 Jun 2016 03:50 AM PDT By the 2080s, as many as 3,331 people could die every year from exposure to heat during the summer months in New York City. The high estimate is based on a new model -- the first to account for variability in future population size, greenhouse gas trajectories, and the extent to which residents adapt to heat through interventions like air conditioning and public cooling centers.

Students design ebola protection suit improvements Posted: 22 Jun 2016 12:17 PM PDT Engineering students working to develop a better suit to protect health care workers in Ebola outbreaks have developed prototypes for a more comfortable hood and face mask that make breathing easier, and for a battery-powered system that curbs humidity in the suit.

Helping children with autism transfer new communication skills from home to school Posted: 22 Jun 2016 11:52 AM PDT A new study is testing whether an intervention with parents and teachers can help children with autism transfer newly acquired social communication skills from home into school.

The struggle to maintain accurate data on the prevalence of opioid abuse Posted: 22 Jun 2016 11:50 AM PDT A new study describes the differences in self-reporting of nonmedical opioid use among high school seniors. The results underscore that medical and law enforcement communities may be underestimating opioid use and not just among younger populations.

Sequencing method precise enough to reveal mechanisms by which bacteria resist antibiotics Posted: 22 Jun 2016 11:48 AM PDT A new technology can read the order (sequence) of the 'letters' making up DNA code with enough accuracy to reveal how bacteria use high-speed evolution to defeat antibiotics, report researchers.

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