ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• New views of intracellular channel that controls skeletal muscle
• Farming with forests
• Cesarean section carries increased risk for postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE)
• Researchers take a new step towards non-antibiotic bladder infection therapies
• New method to predict skin stretchiness could help burn victims grow new skin
• Floods severely affect children, young people
• 'Sixth sense' may be more than just a feeling
• Sharpshooting nanoparticles hit the target
• Fungus-fighting compound found in Drug Discovery Center Library
• Tracking down the origin of mercury contamination in human hair
• Fear of stigma or sanction keeps many doctors from revealing mental health issues, study finds
• Is it okay for a doctor to attend a patient's funeral?
• Swarms of magnetic bacteria could be used to deliver drugs to tumors
• Key requirement for regulatory T cell function discovered
• Researcher finds gene that reduces female mosquitoes
• Drug restores hair growth in patients with alopecia areata
• New research delimits the possible causes of celiac disease
• Edible crickets can be reared on weeds and cassava plant tops
• Testing Ecopipam's effectiveness in treating stuttering
• New insights into potent cancer tumor suppressor gene
• New device detects hazardous substances in water
• Youthful DNA in old age
• Smoking has a very broad, long-lasting impact on the human genome
• Biological 'dark matter' molecule plays surprise role in heart failure
• How can we make tomorrow's doctors healthier now?
• Drug may prevent, reduce progression of MS in mice
• Shaping sound waves in 3D: Tech and medical applications
• Unexpected cause of mutation in cancer identified
• Delaying motor neuron loss
• New strategy identified for treating acute myeloid leukemia
• Neutrophils are key to harnessing anti-tumor immune response from radiation therapy, study finds
• Shedding light on the mutational landscape of the most common pediatric cancer
• Trial helps doctors tell Lewy body dementia from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
• You can’t blame your genes if you don’t lose weight, study finds
• Study questions benefits of testosterone replacement for low T
• Bile acid uptake inhibitor prevents nash/fatty liver in mice
• New immunotherapy for leukemia shows promise in small clinical trial
• The microdoctors in our bodies
• Brain to robot: 'Move, please'
• Study illuminates how mystery MS drug works
• Stem cell 'heart patch' moves closer to clinic
• All non-Africans alive today likely descend from people within a single migration out of Africa
• Genetic ‘trace’ in Papuan genomes suggests two expansions out of Africa
• The first genomic history of Australia’s peopling
• New explanation offered for symptoms of fragile X syndrome
• Speedy bacteria detector could help prevent foodborne illnesses
• 50-country comparison of child and youth fitness levels: US near the bottom
• Common genetic variant regulates the mental health benefits of exercise
• Gene therapy technique may help prevent cancer metastasis
• In a heartbeat: Tiny propeller keeps blood flowing
• Smallest-reported artificial virus could help advance gene therapy
• Sitting for long periods of time is the cause of 4% of deaths worldwide
• Superbug MRSA may be spreading through contaminated poultry
• Sleep is key to curing chronic pain
• Getting the best help for overweight young people
• Scavenger cells repair muscle fibers
• Training during first half of menstrual cycle most efficient
• Decisions in a pinch: Receptor tyrosine kinases control mechanosensors
• Stimulating neurons could protect against brain damage, research shows

New views of intracellular channel that controls skeletal muscle Posted: 22 Sep 2016 09:43 AM PDT New details of the structure and function of an intracellular channel that controls the contraction of skeletal muscle have been uncovered by new research. The findings could lead to new treatments for a variety of muscle disorders.

Farming with forests Posted: 22 Sep 2016 09:40 AM PDT In the race to feed a growing population, it is important to consider sustainability. Researchers are promoting the practice of agroforestry—the intentional planting of trees and shrubs with crops or livestock—to achieve sustainability goals. A number of practical and policy challenges have prevented adoption of agroforestry practices on a large scale in the U.S. If adopted more widely, agroforestry could benefit wildlife, soil and water quality, and the global climate.

Cesarean section carries increased risk for postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE) Posted: 22 Sep 2016 09:40 AM PDT Women are four times more likely to suffer a VTE after a cesarean-section compared to a vaginal birth, according to a new study. Roughly one-third of all births in Europe and North America now occur via cesarean section.

Researchers take a new step towards non-antibiotic bladder infection therapies Posted: 22 Sep 2016 09:39 AM PDT Cystitis is a common infection, particularly in women. Although usually treatable with antibiotics, patients can be plagued with recurrent and chronic infections. When ascending to the kidneys, bladder infections can turn into a life threatening complications, a particular concern in case of multidrug-resistant strains of the causative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium. A new step towards non-antibiotic bladder infection therapies has now been taken by researchers.

New method to predict skin stretchiness could help burn victims grow new skin Posted: 22 Sep 2016 07:44 AM PDT A method to measure the limit to which human skin can be stretched has been developed by researchers, which could help to grow new skin for burn victims.

Floods severely affect children, young people Posted: 22 Sep 2016 07:42 AM PDT Research with flood-affected children reveals serious impacts on well-being but also a desire to take on a role in flood risk management. Factors impacting on children's well-being include: loss of valued personal and family possessions, friendship networks, familiar spaces, education; experience of fear, anxiety, poverty, isolation, unfairness, destruction, stress, uncertainty, being ignored/misunderstood; lack of sleep and recreation; deterioration in diet, space and housing conditions; lack of flood education provision in schools for children and all staff.

'Sixth sense' may be more than just a feeling Posted: 22 Sep 2016 07:12 AM PDT With the help of two young patients with a unique neurological disorder, scientists have discovered that a gene called PIEZO2 controls specific aspects of human touch and proprioception, a "sixth sense" describing awareness of one's body in space. Mutations in the gene caused the two to have movement and balance problems and the loss of some forms of touch. Despite their difficulties, they both appeared to cope with these challenges by relying heavily on vision and other senses.

Sharpshooting nanoparticles hit the target Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:59 AM PDT Multi stimuli-responsive nanocapsules selectively deliver drugs to exactly where they are needed, say researchers. The researchers created the multifunctional nanocapsules by wrapping magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles inside a biocompatible polymer coat that could be tuned to respond to acidity or temperature. The team has already shown that the nanoparticles can selectively deliver the toxic antitumor drug doxorubicin to cancer cells.

Fungus-fighting compound found in Drug Discovery Center Library Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:58 AM PDT A compound has been found that blocks the growth of a fungus that causes deadly lung infections and allergic reactions in people with compromised immune systems.

Tracking down the origin of mercury contamination in human hair Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:58 AM PDT Mercury is a potent neurotoxin present in our daily lives and our body can accumulate it over the years. Food consumption, such as fish and rice, is the most common source of mercury exposure. Mercury can be found in dental amalgams, compact fluorescence lamps, vaccines, drugs, and electronics or can be used in artisanal gold mining. Finding the source of mercury contamination in our bodies is crucial for treatment and forensic investigations, but at present knowledge of the molecular form of mercury in human tissues and fluids, which could indicate source, is limited.

Fear of stigma or sanction keeps many doctors from revealing mental health issues, study finds Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:34 AM PDT Even as doctors across America encourage their patients to share concerns about depression, anxiety and other concerns, a new study suggests the doctors may be less likely to seek help for those same concerns about themselves.

Is it okay for a doctor to attend a patient's funeral? Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:33 AM PDT New research has shed light on how many doctors are attending the funerals of their patients and the reasons behind their choice. The researchers say more needs to be done within the medical profession to openly discuss the issue.

Swarms of magnetic bacteria could be used to deliver drugs to tumors Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:33 AM PDT One of the biggest challenges in cancer therapy is being able to sufficiently deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumors without exposing healthy tissues to their toxic effects. Magnetic bacteria are a promising vehicle for more efficiently delivering tumor-fighting drugs, researchers have demonstrated.

Key requirement for regulatory T cell function discovered Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:33 AM PDT A key requirement for the function of regulatory T cells—immune cells that play a critical role in many biological processes, from suppressing inflammation and deadly autoimmunity to helping tumors evade immune attack—is now better understood thanks to new research. The findings also unravel the complex role these cells can play in the genesis and progression of certain gastrointestinal cancers.

Researcher finds gene that reduces female mosquitoes Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:33 AM PDT Placing a particular Y chromosome gene on the autosomes of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes — a species responsible for transmitting malaria — killed off 100 percent of all female embryos that inherited this gene, researchers report.

Drug restores hair growth in patients with alopecia areata Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:33 AM PDT Seventy-five percent of patients with an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss had significant hair regrowth after treatment with ruxolitinib, according to a study.

New research delimits the possible causes of celiac disease Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:31 AM PDT The amount of gluten could be a more important clue than breast-feeding or the timing of the introduction of gluten for continued research into the causes of celiac disease (gluten intolerance). This is one of the findings from several extensive studies of children with an increased genetic risk of celiac disease.

Edible crickets can be reared on weeds and cassava plant tops Posted: 22 Sep 2016 06:31 AM PDT To become a sustainable alternative to meat, reared crickets must be fed feeds other than the chicken feed that is most commonly used today. Researchers now present a study that shows that there are weeds and agricultural by-products that actually work as single ingredients in feeds for crickets. The study was conducted in Cambodia, where many children suffer from malnutrition and where the need for cheap protein is large.

Testing Ecopipam's effectiveness in treating stuttering Posted: 22 Sep 2016 05:57 AM PDT Stuttering, an interruption in the flow of speech, affects about three million Americans. Currently, no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug treatments are available. In an attempt to find a new medicine, a research team will conduct a study to determine how effective ecopipam, an orally administered medication, is as treatment against stuttering.

New insights into potent cancer tumor suppressor gene Posted: 22 Sep 2016 05:54 AM PDT TP53 is one of the most potent genes in the human genome at preventing cancer and hence is termed a tumor suppressor gene, explain researchers. The TP53 gene has even greater anti-cancer activity than previously thought, a new study suggests.

New device detects hazardous substances in water Posted: 22 Sep 2016 05:54 AM PDT A device for the rapid analysis of liquids on the content of hazardous substances - such as heavy metals - has been developed by researchers, who have used a method based on polymer optodes, very small plastic matrices that can be made sensitive to specific substances by means of special reagents. The matrices change color and their intensity depending on the concentration of the substance. The device is mobile, can carry out analysis in situ even at low temperatures, and its cost is many times less than the price of a spectrophotometer, the most used device for chemical analysis.

Youthful DNA in old age Posted: 22 Sep 2016 05:53 AM PDT The DNA of young people is regulated to express the right genes at the right time. With the passing of years, the regulation of the DNA gradually gets disrupted, which is an important cause of aging. A study of over 3,000 people shows that this is not true for everyone: there are people whose DNA appears youthful despite their advanced years.

Smoking has a very broad, long-lasting impact on the human genome Posted: 21 Sep 2016 06:51 PM PDT Smoking leaves its "footprint" on the human genome in the form of DNA methylation, a process by which cells control gene activity, according to new research. Even after someone stops smoking, the effects of smoking remain in their DNA.

Biological 'dark matter' molecule plays surprise role in heart failure Posted: 21 Sep 2016 02:19 PM PDT A molecule that appears to play a key role in the development of heart failure has been discovered by researchers. The scientists found that blocking the molecule, known as chaer, in animal studies prevented the animals from developing heart failure.

How can we make tomorrow's doctors healthier now? Posted: 21 Sep 2016 02:09 PM PDT A randomized study aims to learn whether wearing activity trackers and incorporating physical activity education helps student-physicians improve their activity levels. Researchers say they're motivated by studies suggesting that physical activity habits of medical students influence how they treat and counsel patients after graduation.

Drug may prevent, reduce progression of MS in mice Posted: 21 Sep 2016 02:09 PM PDT The experimental drug laquinimod may prevent the development or reduce the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, according to new research.

Shaping sound waves in 3D: Tech and medical applications Posted: 21 Sep 2016 01:41 PM PDT Sound can now be structured in three dimensions. Researchers have found a way of generating acoustic holograms, which could improve ultrasound diagnostics and material testing. The holograms can also be used to move and manipulate particles.

Unexpected cause of mutation in cancer identified Posted: 21 Sep 2016 01:26 PM PDT Researchers looking for a missing cause of a common type of mutation in breast cancer cells have uncovered the biochemical culprit and found that it may also be a general source of mutation in other cancer types.

Delaying motor neuron loss Posted: 21 Sep 2016 01:12 PM PDT A potential treatment to delay motor neuron loss and symptoms has been discovered in the inevitably fatal motor neuron disease (MND). Researchers have reported that triheptanoin, a synthetic triglyceride oil, might help to address problems with energy metabolism associated with the neurodegenerative disease.

New strategy identified for treating acute myeloid leukemia Posted: 21 Sep 2016 12:58 PM PDT A promising new approach to the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been discovered by a team of researchers. In their report, the investigators have identified a crucial dysfunction in blood cell development that underlies AML and show that inhibiting the action of a specific enzyme prompts the differentiation of leukemic cells, reducing their number and decreasing their ability to propagate the cancer.

Neutrophils are key to harnessing anti-tumor immune response from radiation therapy, study finds Posted: 21 Sep 2016 12:56 PM PDT Combining targeted radiation therapy with a neutrophil stimulant enhances anti-tumor immunity, according to new research into cancer immunology.

Shedding light on the mutational landscape of the most common pediatric cancer Posted: 21 Sep 2016 12:56 PM PDT Genomic alterations have been discovered in pediatric relapsed ALL that cause both therapy resistance and improved clinical response to multi-agent chemotherapy treatment.

Trial helps doctors tell Lewy body dementia from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Posted: 21 Sep 2016 12:19 PM PDT Knowing that many clinicians find it difficult to correctly diagnose patients with Lewy body dementia, researchers set out to develop a clinical profile for these patients.

You can’t blame your genes if you don’t lose weight, study finds Posted: 21 Sep 2016 12:07 PM PDT You might be able to blame your genes for weighing more and increasing your risk of obesity, but you can no longer blame your genes for failing to lose weight, a comprehensive study has found.

Study questions benefits of testosterone replacement for low T Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:53 AM PDT The prescription of testosterone supplementation for cardiovascular health, sexual function, physical function, mood, or cognitive function in men with "low T" is not supported by clinical trials data, conclude researchers who describe a review of more than 200 clinical trials.

Bile acid uptake inhibitor prevents nash/fatty liver in mice Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:53 AM PDT Drugs that interfere with bile acid recycling can prevent several aspects of NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) in mice fed a high-fat diet, scientists have shown. The findings suggest that these drugs, known as ASBT inhibitors, could be a viable clinical strategy to address NASH, an increasingly common liver disease.

New immunotherapy for leukemia shows promise in small clinical trial Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:53 AM PDT 'Training' immune cells boosts effectiveness in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), report scientists. A small clinical trial provides evidence that the immune system's "natural killer" cells can be dialed up in the laboratory, trained to recall that activation and then effectively unleashed to destroy cancer cells in some patients.

The microdoctors in our bodies Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:30 AM PDT Researchers are developing tiny, sophisticated technological and biological machines enabling non-invasive, selective therapies. Their creations include genetically modified cells that can be activated via brain waves, and swarms of microrobots that facilitate highly precise application of drugs.

Brain to robot: 'Move, please' Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:22 AM PDT Using the power of thought to control a robot that helps to move a paralysed hand: new research could fundamentally change the therapy and daily lives of stroke patients.

Study illuminates how mystery MS drug works Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:05 AM PDT Scientists have de-mystified the molecular workings of the multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera®. The drug is the most widely prescribed pill-based therapy for MS, but its biological mechanism remains mysterious.

Stem cell 'heart patch' moves closer to clinic Posted: 21 Sep 2016 11:04 AM PDT The promise of stem cells to treat cardiovascular disease may soon be a step closer to clinical application as scientists seek to perfect and test three-dimensional "heart patches" in a large animal model — the last big hurdle before trials in human patients.

All non-Africans alive today likely descend from people within a single migration out of Africa Posted: 21 Sep 2016 10:13 AM PDT A study of hundreds of new genomes from across the globe has yielded insights into modern genetic diversity and ancient population dynamics, including compelling evidence that essentially all non-Africans today descend from a single migration out of Africa.

Genetic ‘trace’ in Papuan genomes suggests two expansions out of Africa Posted: 21 Sep 2016 10:11 AM PDT A new study of human genomic diversity suggests there may have in fact been two successful dispersals out of Africa, and that a "trace" of the earlier of these two expansion events has lingered in the genetics of modern Papuans.

The first genomic history of Australia’s peopling Posted: 21 Sep 2016 10:11 AM PDT Australia has one of the longest histories of continuous human occupation outside Africa. But who exactly were the first people to settle there? Such a question has obvious political implications and has been hotly debated for decades. The first comprehensive genomic study of Aboriginal Australians reveals that they are indeed the direct descendants of Australia's earliest settlers and diverged from their Papuan neighbours about 37'000 years ago (y.a.). The study also uncovers several other major findings on early human populations.

New explanation offered for symptoms of fragile X syndrome Posted: 21 Sep 2016 09:06 AM PDT Until recently, scientists thought they understood one of the underlying causes of fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability in the United States. The syndrome, which is associated with autism, was believed to be linked primarily to overactivity in a molecular pathway in the brain.

Speedy bacteria detector could help prevent foodborne illnesses Posted: 21 Sep 2016 08:58 AM PDT It seems like almost every week another food product is being recalled because of contamination. One of the more common culprits is a pathogenic strain of E. coli. To help prevent illnesses caused by this bacteria in food or water, researchers have developed a new nanosensor to rapidly detect its presence.

50-country comparison of child and youth fitness levels: US near the bottom Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:43 AM PDT Scientists studied the aerobic fitness levels of children and youth across 50 countries. America placed 47 out of 50 and the least fit country evaluated is Mexico.

Common genetic variant regulates the mental health benefits of exercise Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:39 AM PDT A new study revealed that a common genetic variant in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene reduces the neurobiological benefits induced by physical exercise in mice.

Gene therapy technique may help prevent cancer metastasis Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:17 AM PDT A new gene therapy technique being developed is showing promise as a way to prevent breast cancer tumors from metastasizing. The treatment uses microRNAs -- small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression -- to control metastasis.

In a heartbeat: Tiny propeller keeps blood flowing Posted: 21 Sep 2016 07:01 AM PDT In the moments after a heart attack, every second counts. Medical professionals need to act quickly to stabilize the patient and prevent further damage to the heart. Often, that means opening up the chest cavity -- a complex and traumatic procedure -- and implanting a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help the weakened heart muscle keep pumping blood throughout the body. Thanks to a new type of LVAD, such an invasive procedure might not be necessary for some heart patients.

Smallest-reported artificial virus could help advance gene therapy Posted: 21 Sep 2016 06:54 AM PDT Gene therapy is a kind of experimental treatment that is designed to fix faulty genetic material and help a patient fight off or recover from a disease. Now scientists have engineered the smallest-reported virus-like shell that can self-assemble. It could someday carry potentially therapeutic DNA or RNA and transfer it to human cells.

Sitting for long periods of time is the cause of 4% of deaths worldwide Posted: 21 Sep 2016 06:52 AM PDT The next time you wrap up your work day and realize you've been sitting in front of the computer for almost eight straight hours, maybe you won't feel so proud of yourself. A new study, conducted in 54 countries around the world, declares that 3.8% of all deaths are due to the fact that society spends more than three hours a day sitting down.

Superbug MRSA may be spreading through contaminated poultry Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:50 AM PDT A new study offers compelling evidence that a novel form of the dangerous superbug Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can spread to humans through consumption or handling of contaminated poultry. The research shows that poultry may be an important source of human exposure to MRSA, a superbug which can cause serious infections and even death.

Sleep is key to curing chronic pain Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:48 AM PDT A ink between chronic pain and lack of sleep has been identified by a team of researchers. They also discovered that people with pain who believe they won't be able to sleep are more likely to suffer from insomnia, thus causing worse pain. A pioneering study could lead to specific cognitive therapy to cure insomnia and treat chronic pain.

Getting the best help for overweight young people Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:47 AM PDT Obesity among children and teenagers is on the increase worldwide. More and more people use food as a reward or a source of comfort, or as a way of escaping from the world around them -- with the result that they often become overweight. Researchers in Norway are looking into how best to help overweight children and teenagers.

Scavenger cells repair muscle fibers Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:47 AM PDT Everybody knows the burning sensation in the legs when climbing down a steep slope for a long time. It is caused by microruptures in the cell membrane of our muscle fibers. These holes in the cell envelopes must be closed as soon as possible as otherwise muscle cells will die off. Researchers have now been able to observe this repair process using high-resolution real-time microscopy. The researchers also demonstrated that scavenger cells moving around within the muscle virtually perform nano-surgery to remove this repair patch later and restore the normal cell membrane structure.

Training during first half of menstrual cycle most efficient Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:45 AM PDT When during the menstrual cycle is it advantageous to periodize your strength training? Results of a new study show that training that is concentrated to the first two week of the cycle have more of an effect on muscular strength, power and muscle mass. The study is a part of a dissertation that also shows that periodic training could be implemented without any female specific exercise-related complications and was perceived positively by participants.

Decisions in a pinch: Receptor tyrosine kinases control mechanosensors Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:45 AM PDT The role of receptor tyrosine kinases in the regulation of the cellular mechanosensory machinery is now better understood, This discovery has relevance for understanding the basis of cancerous growth and developmental abnormalities.

Stimulating neurons could protect against brain damage, research shows Posted: 21 Sep 2016 05:45 AM PDT A breakthrough in understanding how brain damage spreads – and how it could potentially be limited – has been made through a collaboration between neuroscientists and engineers.

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