ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Air pollution linked to increased rates of kidney disease
• Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018
• Tracking brain atrophy in MS could become routine, thanks to new software
• Telomere length is indicator of blood count recovery in treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Risk of blindness from spine surgery down significantly
• Treating autoimmune disease without harming normal immunity
• Harnessing an innate repair mechanism enhances success of retinal transplantation
• Resistant starch may benefit people with metabolic syndrome
• Scientists develop computer models to unravel the complexities of TB infection
• A little spark for sharper sight
• New experimental system sheds light on how memory loss may occur
• Does discrimination increase drinking?
• New insight into the most common genetic cause of ALS, FTD
• Zebrafish reveal the ups and downs of vision
• Researchers identify calorie-burning pathway in fat cells
• Study finds potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Likelihood of widespread Zika outbreak in United States low
• Weight-loss technologies train the brain to resist temptation
• How will genomics enter day-to-day medicine?
• New effort uses implementation science to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission
• Researchers develop effective strategy for disrupting bacterial biofilms
• Falls in months before surgery are common in adults of all ages
• Incidence of cancer in patients with large colorectal polyps lower than previously thought
• Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector
• New research may help to develop effective pain killers
• Media not the scapegoat when it comes to teen sex
• Bioinformatics software developed to predict effect of cancer-associated mutations
• Study pinpoints behavior type linked to binge drinking in young adults
• Benefit of art therapy in reducing psychological problems in Syrian refugee children
• Chemoradiotherapy after surgery for gastric cancer shows similar outcomes to post-operative chemotherapy
• Potential flaws in test for Lyme Disease
• The RNA that snips and stitches RNA
• Mimicking the development of the whole eye with human iPS cells
• Antidiabetic effects discovered in the appetite hormone CART
• Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins
• Smartphone apps not so smart at helping users avoid or achieve pregnancy
• Researchers discover powerful defense against free radicals that cause aging, disease
• Early diagnosis, effective therapy vital for treatment of deadly invasive aspergillosis
• All signs point to health: Arrows on grocery floors increased the proportion of produce spending
• Scientific breakthrough may limit damage caused by heart attacks
• To improve global health, experts call for a standard list of essential diagnostic tests
• Zika virus identified in brain, placenta tissue, strengthening link to birth defects
• Microcephaly screening alone won't detect all cases of Zika virus in newborns, study suggests
• Genetically inherited high cholesterol increases long-term risks of coronary heart disease, stroke
• Wearable technology gets good ratings from plastic surgeons

Air pollution linked to increased rates of kidney disease Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:45 PM PDT While air pollution is known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, a new study indicates that it also likely causes damage to the kidneys.

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018 Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:45 PM PDT The artificial pancreas -- a device which monitors blood glucose in patients with type 1 diabetes and then automatically adjusts levels of insulin entering the body -- is likely to be available by 2018, conclude authors of a new paper.

Tracking brain atrophy in MS could become routine, thanks to new software Posted: 30 Jun 2016 01:37 PM PDT The loss of brain tissue, called brain atrophy, is a normal part of aging, but multiple sclerosis (MS) accelerates the process. Such atrophy is a critical indicator of physical and cognitive decline in MS, yet because measuring brain atrophy is expensive and complicated, it's done primarily in research settings. That may be changing, say scientists.

Telomere length is indicator of blood count recovery in treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Posted: 30 Jun 2016 12:53 PM PDT The chemotherapy treatments necessary to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in children can be grueling on the body, and can cause health-related complications during therapy, as well as long down the road after remission. Children receiving chemotherapy for AML receive 4 to 5 intensive chemotherapy courses, and while some children recover quickly from each course, others may take several months or more, which increases their risk for life-threatening infections.

Risk of blindness from spine surgery down significantly Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:56 AM PDT The risk of blindness caused by spinal fusion, one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S., has dropped almost three-fold since the late 1990s, according to the largest study of the topic to date.

Treating autoimmune disease without harming normal immunity Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:44 AM PDT With potentially major implications for the future treatment of autoimmunity and related conditions, scientists have found a way to remove the subset of antibody-making cells that cause an autoimmune disease, without harming the rest of the immune system. They studied an autoimmune disease called pemphigus vulgaris, a condition in which a patient's own immune cells attack a protein called desmoglein-3 that normally adheres skin cells.

Harnessing an innate repair mechanism enhances success of retinal transplantation Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:44 AM PDT Cell replacement therapies hold promise for many age-related diseases, but efforts to bring treatments to patients have not been very successful -- in large part because the newly derived cells can't integrate efficiently into tissues affected by the ravages of aging. This is poised to change. Researchers have harnessed a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory mechanism that repaired the eye and significantly enhanced the success of retinal regenerative therapies in mice. The results could be particularly significant for macular degeneration.

Resistant starch may benefit people with metabolic syndrome Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:09 AM PDT The secret ingredient is in the flour, but its impact lies within the gut. Adding resistant starch to the diets of people with metabolic syndrome can improve bacteria in the gut, according to research. These changes help lower bad cholesterol and decrease inflammation associated with obesity.

Scientists develop computer models to unravel the complexities of TB infection Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:09 AM PDT Scientists used computers to model the formation of tuberculosis granulomas in the lung -- the non-active (latent) form of infection found in 2 billion individuals worldwide (11 million in the U.S.) that can activate to become a life-threatening infection. Employing a computer model aims to speed analysis of TB's complex life-cycle and to identify potential new antibiotics, antibiotic targets, and biomarkers that can predict transition to active infection.

A little spark for sharper sight Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:09 AM PDT Stimulating the brain with a mild electrical current can temporarily sharpen vision without glasses or contacts, researchers have found.

New experimental system sheds light on how memory loss may occur Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:05 AM PDT Spatial memory decays when the entorhinal cortex is not functioning properly, a new mouse model shows. The study, say the authors, provides new information about how dysfunction of this circuit may contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.

Does discrimination increase drinking? Posted: 30 Jun 2016 11:04 AM PDT Another negative health outcome linked to discrimination has been uncovered by research: alcohol abuse.

New insight into the most common genetic cause of ALS, FTD Posted: 30 Jun 2016 10:59 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a novel function of the C9orf72 protein which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) -- giving a new insight into the most common genetic cause of the degenerative diseases.

Zebrafish reveal the ups and downs of vision Posted: 30 Jun 2016 10:59 AM PDT Researchers have shed light on how we perceive and recognize specific visual stimuli.

Researchers identify calorie-burning pathway in fat cells Posted: 30 Jun 2016 10:59 AM PDT Investigators have identified a natural molecular pathway that enables cells to burn off calories as heat rather than store them as fat. This raises the possibility of a new approach to treating and preventing obesity, diabetes, and other obesity-linked metabolic disorders including cancer.

Study finds potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Posted: 30 Jun 2016 10:58 AM PDT Researchers report on a targeted molecular therapy that dramatically reduces the initial development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in laboratory mouse models of the disease. The study found increased levels of an enzyme called cdk4 in patients with NAFLD and in mouse models. Using two drugs that inhibit cdk4 in mouse models reduced development of hepatic steatosis -- the first stage of the disease.

Likelihood of widespread Zika outbreak in United States low Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:55 AM PDT High mosquito and human population densities, combined with mosquito breeding conditions, are the central cause for Zika virus.

Weight-loss technologies train the brain to resist temptation Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:54 AM PDT Can a computer game train your brain to resist sweets? The game is designed to improve a person's "inhibitory control," the part of the brain that stops you from giving into unhealthy cravings -- even when the smell of French fries is practically begging you to step inside a fast food restaurant. Researchers are testing whether a new smartphone app and computer game can change behaviors.

How will genomics enter day-to-day medicine? Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:54 AM PDT A quiet transformation has been brewing in medicine, as large-scale DNA results become increasingly available to patients and healthcare providers. Amid a cascade of data, physicians, counselors and families are sorting out how to better understand and use this information in making health care decisions.

New effort uses implementation science to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:53 AM PDT An emerging field, known as implementation science, may help reduce the nearly 150,000 instances of mother-to-child HIV transmissions that occur annually around the world, mostly in developing countries. A team of scientists and program managers has been studying a variety of implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Researchers develop effective strategy for disrupting bacterial biofilms Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:53 AM PDT A new discovery provides strong evidence that an innovative therapeutic approach may be effective in the resolution of bacterial biofilm diseases.

Falls in months before surgery are common in adults of all ages Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:53 AM PDT Falling up to six months before an elective surgery was common and caused injuries among adults of all ages, according to researchers. Surprisingly, the frequency of falls among middle-aged patients was higher than those who were elderly. The study suggests that falling may be an important indicator of baseline health.

Incidence of cancer in patients with large colorectal polyps lower than previously thought Posted: 30 Jun 2016 08:53 AM PDT For the majority of patients with large or difficult to remove colorectal polyps (growths in the colon), the incidence of cancer is actually lower than previously thought, and using more advanced endoscopic techniques that spare the colon may be a better, safer alternative to a traditional operation in certain cases, according to study results.

Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector Posted: 30 Jun 2016 07:22 AM PDT Wearable, wireless sensors have now been developed by researchers, based on carbon nanotubes, that can detect toxic gases and can be worn by soldiers to detect hazardous chemical agents.

New research may help to develop effective pain killers Posted: 30 Jun 2016 07:22 AM PDT If you have ever chopped chilies and then accidentally touched your eyes you will be familiar with the burning sensation that this causes. However, the substance responsible for this sensation can also have beneficial effects. Unfortunately, it often causes side effects such as a strong burning sensation. Researchers have now identified another substance that could be just as effective at combating severe pain but is much more easily tolerated.

Media not the scapegoat when it comes to teen sex Posted: 30 Jun 2016 07:22 AM PDT Parents and society shouldn't shift the blame for young people's sexual behavior on what teens supposedly see and read in the media about intimate encounters. So says a researcher who led a thorough systematic analysis of 22 relevant studies on the topic.

Bioinformatics software developed to predict effect of cancer-associated mutations Posted: 30 Jun 2016 07:20 AM PDT A new piece of software has been developed that analyses mutations in proteins. These mutations are potential inducers of diseases, such as cancer. The development is free, easy, versatile and, above all, fast bioinformatics application that is capable of analyzing and combining the information from 40,000 proteins within the space of one minute.

Study pinpoints behavior type linked to binge drinking in young adults Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:40 AM PDT Binge drinking — almost a rite of passage — peaks during the college years. So this begs the question, "Are there specific characteristics associated with high-level binge drinking habits in college students?"

Benefit of art therapy in reducing psychological problems in Syrian refugee children Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:30 AM PDT Group art therapy shows promise in reducing a wide range of psychological symptoms commonly experienced by refugee children, according to a pilot study of Syrian refugee children living in Turkey.

Chemoradiotherapy after surgery for gastric cancer shows similar outcomes to post-operative chemotherapy Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:26 AM PDT A phase III trial finds no significant difference in overall survival of having chemoradiotherapy after surgery for gastric cancer compared to post-operative chemotherapy.

Potential flaws in test for Lyme Disease Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:26 AM PDT A new microscopy technique (LM-method) developed to detect Lyme disease is unable to distinguish infected patients from healthy controls, yielding false-positive results that could lead doctors to over-diagnose a patient, according to new research.

The RNA that snips and stitches RNA Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:26 AM PDT RNA is a fundamental molecule that codes for protein and controls gene expression, playing a part in regulating many cell responses and vital processes. The genetic information contained in premature messenger RNA (mRNA), before being converted to proteins, needs to be processed and cleared of its non-coding sections, known as introns. In several simpler organisms, this key process is carried out by group II introns, enzymes entirely made up of RNA (different from the true protein enzymes) called ribozymes that are able to self-cleave by removing themselves from the mRNA filament and thereby promoting RNA maturation, report scientists.

Mimicking the development of the whole eye with human iPS cells Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:26 AM PDT Scientists have developed a 2D culture system which mimics the development of the whole eye by promoting cell-autonomous differentiation of human iPS cells.

Antidiabetic effects discovered in the appetite hormone CART Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:26 AM PDT The appetite hormone CART is regulated by glucose and is found in greater quantity in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers have discovered.

Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:21 AM PDT Since the completion of the human genome an important goal has been to elucidate the function of the now known proteins: a new molecular method enables the investigation of the function for thousands of proteins in parallel. Applying this new method, an international team of researchers was able to identify hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins.

Smartphone apps not so smart at helping users avoid or achieve pregnancy Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:20 AM PDT You might not want to depend on your smartphone app alone to help you avoid or achieve pregnancy, say the authors of a new study. A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps finds that most don't employ evidence-based methodology.

Researchers discover powerful defense against free radicals that cause aging, disease Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:20 AM PDT Free radicals cause cell damage and death, aging and disease, and scientists have sought new ways to repel them for years. Now, a new study outlines the discovery of a protein that acts as a powerful protectant against free radicals.

Early diagnosis, effective therapy vital for treatment of deadly invasive aspergillosis Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:20 AM PDT New therapies are improving care, but early diagnosis remains critical in the effective treatment of invasive, a potentially deadly fungal infection, according to new guidelines.

All signs point to health: Arrows on grocery floors increased the proportion of produce spending Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:20 AM PDT Fruit and vegetable availability is often assumed to be a purchase barrier, yet fruit and vegetable availability does not necessarily result in frequent purchases. Rather, in-store marketing of less-healthy foods may be a major influencing factor in consumer spending habits regarding fruits and vegetables. A new study, in which in-store marketing focused attention on fruits and vegetables, resulted in an increased proportion of produce purchases keeping overall food spending the same.

Scientific breakthrough may limit damage caused by heart attacks Posted: 30 Jun 2016 06:20 AM PDT A new discovery of a key control point in controlling the formation of new blood vessels in the heart could lead to new drugs that minimize the damage caused by heart attacks.

To improve global health, experts call for a standard list of essential diagnostic tests Posted: 29 Jun 2016 07:17 PM PDT A team of experts has put together a list of the key diagnostic tests that every country should have available, with high quality standards, in order to make the best use of the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. Many developing countries will need help with establishing high-quality labs to use them, but in the end it may be cost effective.

Zika virus identified in brain, placenta tissue, strengthening link to birth defects Posted: 29 Jun 2016 07:17 PM PDT Zika virus has been detected in the brain tissue of a deceased two-month-old baby in Brazil who was diagnosed with microcephaly, in the brain tissue of two newborns who died shortly after birth, and in the placenta tissue of two fetuses that were spontaneously aborted, new research reveals.

Microcephaly screening alone won't detect all cases of Zika virus in newborns, study suggests Posted: 29 Jun 2016 07:17 PM PDT Zika virus infection cannot be accurately diagnosed in newborns solely on the basis of microcephaly screening, according to the largest study of its kind. The findings suggest that signs and symptoms of brain abnormalities, regardless of head circumference, should also be included in screening criteria to detect all affected newborns.

Genetically inherited high cholesterol increases long-term risks of coronary heart disease, stroke Posted: 29 Jun 2016 01:59 PM PDT People who inherit a genetic disorder from one of their parents that results in high cholesterol may be five times more likely to develop coronary heart disease. These patients also may be more likely to have hardening of the arteries, including an accelerated onset of coronary heart disease by up to 30 years.

Wearable technology gets good ratings from plastic surgeons Posted: 29 Jun 2016 11:52 AM PDT Plastic surgeons see some clear advantages of using Google Glass in the operating room, reports a new survey.

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