ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Waging a more effective war against viral outbreaks
• Does good-tasting food cause weight gain?
• Researchers combat antimicrobial resistance using smartphones
• Key benefits of large-scale use of universal over conventional flu vaccines
• Blocking hormone activity in mosquitoes could help reduce malaria spread
• Two major groups of rabies virus display distinct evolutionary trends
• Cellular reprogramming slows aging in mice
• New research paper challenges dogma of cell cycle control
• Timing may be key to understanding cognitive problems in Parkinson's disease
• Autism breakthrough: One protein's sweeping influence on development of autism revealed
• 'Junk RNA' molecule found to play key role in cellular response to stress
• Immunotherapy for cancer: New method identifies target antigens by mass spectrometry
• Groundbreaking discovery has potential to improve therapies for cancer and other diseases
• Researchers build liquid biopsy chip that detects metastatic cancer cells in blood
• New gene fusions, mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors
• Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans
• Herpes virus linked to most common type of childhood cancer
• New report finds health wearable devices pose new consumer and privacy risks
• Re­search­ers cor­rect Par­kin­son's mo­tor symp­toms in mice
• Specific ways in the body: New host for steroids
• Couch potatoes take note: If you want to stick to an exercise plan, try high-intensity workouts
• Decreased rates of pressure injuries linked to better preventive care
• Patient prostate tissue used to create unique model of prostate cancer biology
• Teens benefit from later high school start times
• Researcher explores the barriers stopping men seeking information on sexually transmitted infections
• New findings about stem cells in the brain of patients with epilepsy
• Breast cancer study predicts better response to chemotherapy
• The pill won't kill your sexual desire, researchers say
• Specific ways in the body: New host for steroids
• Infections during pregnancy have a negative impact upon maternal care, can trigger depression in child
• How brain tissue recovers after injury: The role of astrocytes
• Tracking down therapy-resistant leukemia cells
• Protein in urine linked to increased risk of memory problems, dementia
• Additional brain scan could provide more certainty in diagnosing fetal brain abnormalities
• Saliva test could offer new way to check immunity
• Gut cells are gatekeepers of infectious brain diseases, study finds
• Researchers turn back the clock on human embryonic stem cells
• Smart pitching: Engineer investigates dead arms and the rise of the teenage Tommy John surgery
• Lung-sparing surgery for patients with advanced mesothelioma results in prolonged survival, new study shows
• Microbial biodiversity in the environment can alter human health

Waging a more effective war against viral outbreaks Posted: 15 Dec 2016 02:53 PM PST As societies grow more complex and interconnected, a mathematical biologist calls for a similar evolution in models to combat communicable disease.

Does good-tasting food cause weight gain? Posted: 15 Dec 2016 12:21 PM PST Does eating good-tasting food make you gain weight? Despite the common perception that good-tasting food is unhealthy and causes obesity, new research using a mouse model suggests that desirable taste in and of itself does not lead to weight gain.

Researchers combat antimicrobial resistance using smartphones Posted: 15 Dec 2016 12:21 PM PST An automated diagnostic test reader for antimicrobial resistance using a smartphone has now been developed by researchers. The technology could lead to routine testing for antimicrobial susceptibility in areas with limited resources.

Key benefits of large-scale use of universal over conventional flu vaccines Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST Universal vaccines that protect against multiple strains of influenza virus at once could offer key population-level benefits over conventional seasonal vaccines, according to a new study.

Blocking hormone activity in mosquitoes could help reduce malaria spread Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST Disruption of hormone signaling in mosquitoes may reduce their ability to transmit the parasite that causes malaria, according to a new study. The findings suggest a potential new approach to combat spread of the disease.

Two major groups of rabies virus display distinct evolutionary trends Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST Using hundreds of viral genome sequences, scientists have shown that two major groups of rabies virus have unique evolutionary tendencies.

Cellular reprogramming slows aging in mice Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST Scientists have rolled back time for live mice through systemic cellular reprogramming, according to a new study. In mice carrying a mutation leading to premature aging, reprogramming of chemical marks in the genome, known as epigenetic marks, reduced many signs of aging in the mice and extended their lifespan on average from 18 weeks to 24.

New research paper challenges dogma of cell cycle control Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST All textbooks describe the cyclin-dependent kinase complex as the one and only/exclusive regulator of the eukaryotic cell cycle. But now scientists have found evidence that a metabolic oscillator acts as the 'conductor' of cell division.

Timing may be key to understanding cognitive problems in Parkinson's disease Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:34 AM PST People with Parkinson's disease (PD) and mice that lack dopamine both are missing a critical brain wave needed for timing actions -- a cognitive process that's consistently impaired in patients with PD, new research shows. Brain stimulation at the same frequency as the missing brain wave restores timing ability in mice lacking dopamine, suggesting that it might be possible to use brain stimulation to improve cognitive problems in PD.

Autism breakthrough: One protein's sweeping influence on development of autism revealed Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:34 AM PST A drop in one protein is enough to cause autism, according to the results of a new study. Scientists were able to trigger autistic-like behavior in mice that were engineered to have lower levels of the nSR100 protein, which had previously been found to be reduced in the brains of patients with ASD.

'Junk RNA' molecule found to play key role in cellular response to stress Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:33 AM PST A new study has found a surprising role for what had been considered a nonfunctional 'junk' RNA molecule: controlling the cellular response to stress.

Immunotherapy for cancer: New method identifies target antigens by mass spectrometry Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:33 AM PST New cancer therapies harness the immune system to fight tumors. One of the main principles behind these therapies is to find out precisely which molecules on cancer cells trigger an immune response. A team of researchers has, for the first time, identified suitable protein structures directly from patients' tumor cells. The procedure therefore opens up new possibilities for individualized targeted cancer treatments.

Groundbreaking discovery has potential to improve therapies for cancer and other diseases Posted: 15 Dec 2016 11:32 AM PST The Retinoblastoma protein (pRB) has long been studied for its role in cell growth and the prevention of cancer. Scientists have now discovered that pRB plays another, larger role with the potential to enhance therapies for cancer and other diseases such as HIV.

Researchers build liquid biopsy chip that detects metastatic cancer cells in blood Posted: 15 Dec 2016 09:59 AM PST A 'liquid biopsy' chip can trap and identify metastatic cancer cells in a small amount of blood drawn from a cancer patient. The breakthrough technology uses a simple mechanical method that has been shown to be more effective in trapping cancer cells than the microfluidic approach employed in many existing devices. The device captures cancer cells with antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes.

New gene fusions, mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors Posted: 15 Dec 2016 09:49 AM PST In recent years, researchers have identified specific gene mutations linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), which primarily occur in the stomach or small intestine, but 10 to 15 percent of adult GIST cases and most pediatric cases lack the tell-tale mutations, making identification and treatment difficult. Researchers have identified new gene fusions and mutations associated with this subset of GIST patients.

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans Posted: 15 Dec 2016 09:45 AM PST Researchers have discovered new insights into how one of the two X-chromosomes is silenced during the development of female human embryos and also in lab-grown stem cells. X-chromosome silencing is essential for proper development and these findings are important for understanding how the activity of the X-chromosome is regulated to ensure the healthy development of human embryos.

Herpes virus linked to most common type of childhood cancer Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:59 AM PST Newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus -- a common virus in the herpes family -- may have an increased risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia, according to new research. The study suggests the risk is even greater in Hispanic children.

New report finds health wearable devices pose new consumer and privacy risks Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:59 AM PST New research weighs in on the debate over the lack of safeguards built into the health-care system for fitness trackers.

Re­search­ers cor­rect Par­kin­son's mo­tor symp­toms in mice Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:59 AM PST A research group has succeeded in correcting the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease in mice. These results are promising in terms of treatment, since Parkinson's disease is practically always diagnosed only after motor symptoms appear.

Specific ways in the body: New host for steroids Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:59 AM PST Synthetic hosts are to transport medical substances into the body and to release them at specific points. They enclose the active substances in a cavity. In case of steroids, this task has been accomplished mainly by ring-shaped glucose molecules so far. Now, scientists have discovered a new class of host molecules, namely, barrel-shaped cucurbiturils. They can make hardly soluble steroids, such as cortisone or estradiol, act more gently and more efficiently.

Couch potatoes take note: If you want to stick to an exercise plan, try high-intensity workouts Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:54 AM PST High-intensity interval training (HIT) is more enjoyable than moderate exercise, a team of kinesiologists has found. It's the first study to examine changes in enjoyment for HIT workouts versus moderate continuous training, over the first six weeks of an exercise program.

Decreased rates of pressure injuries linked to better preventive care Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:54 AM PST Rates of new pressure injuries in U.S. hospitals and other acute care settings have decreased by about half over the past decade, according to national survey data.

Patient prostate tissue used to create unique model of prostate cancer biology Posted: 15 Dec 2016 07:54 AM PST For the first time, researchers have been able to grow, in a lab, both normal and primary cancerous prostate cells from a patient, and then implant a million of the cancer cells into a mouse to track how the tumor progresses. The achievement, say researchers who led the research, represents a critical advance in the effort to understand the origin and drivers of this puzzling cancer — the most common in men.

Teens benefit from later high school start times Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:59 AM PST Later high school start times are associated with positive outcomes among teens, including longer weekday sleep durations and reduced vehicular accident rates, research suggests.

Researcher explores the barriers stopping men seeking information on sexually transmitted infections Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:11 AM PST A researcher in England is undertaking research into the social and cognitive barriers hindering men who have sex with other men (MSM) from finding out more information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

New findings about stem cells in the brain of patients with epilepsy Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:10 AM PST Neural stem cells have been found in epileptic brain tissue—outside the regions of the brain where they normally reside. In a group of patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy, over half had stem cells where healthy individuals do not have them, according to a study.

Breast cancer study predicts better response to chemotherapy Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:10 AM PST It is known from previous research that the ER-beta estrogen receptor often has a protective effect. A new study has found that this effect is more pronounced in patients that undergo chemotherapy.

The pill won't kill your sexual desire, researchers say Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:10 AM PST A new study busts the myth that contraceptives curb sexual desire. Other factors like age and length of relationship are more important, say researchers.

Specific ways in the body: New host for steroids Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:08 AM PST Synthetic hosts are to transport medical substances and hormones into the body and to release them at specific points. They enclose the active substances in a cavity. In case of steroids, this task has been accomplished mainly by ring-shaped glucose molecules so far. Now, scientists have discovered a new class of host molecules, namely, barrel-shaped cucurbiturils. They can make hardly soluble steroids, such as cortisone or estradiol, act more gently and more efficiently.

Infections during pregnancy have a negative impact upon maternal care, can trigger depression in child Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:08 AM PST A viral infection in a pregnant woman not only affects her subsequent ability to provide maternal care but can also trigger depression in her offspring, which can then even extend into the next generation as a result of changes to genetic mechanisms in the brain.

How brain tissue recovers after injury: The role of astrocytes Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:08 AM PST The mechanism underlying astrocyte-mediated restoration of brain tissue after an injury has now been pinpointed by a team of researchers. This could lead to new treatments that encourage regeneration by limiting damage to neurons incurred by reduced blood supply or trauma.

Tracking down therapy-resistant leukemia cells Posted: 15 Dec 2016 05:08 AM PST Scientists have succeeded in finding a small population of inactive leukemia cells that is responsible for relapse of the disease. Now the way is paved for research into new therapies that prevent disease relapse by eliminating the remaining, so-called dormant leukemia cells.

Protein in urine linked to increased risk of memory problems, dementia Posted: 14 Dec 2016 06:37 PM PST People who have protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney problems, may also be more likely to later develop problems with thinking and memory skills or even dementia, according to a meta-analysis.

Additional brain scan could provide more certainty in diagnosing fetal brain abnormalities Posted: 14 Dec 2016 06:20 PM PST An additional MRI scan during pregnancy could help to more accurately detect fetal abnormalities and give more certainty for parents whose 20-week ultrasound scan showed a potential problem, according to new research.

Saliva test could offer new way to check immunity Posted: 14 Dec 2016 06:20 PM PST Antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a new method for assessment of protection against bacterial infections, new research shows.

Gut cells are gatekeepers of infectious brain diseases, study finds Posted: 14 Dec 2016 12:15 PM PST Fresh insights into infectious brain conditions help to explain why some people -- and animals -- are more at risk than others.

Researchers turn back the clock on human embryonic stem cells Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:59 AM PST Scientists report success in using a cocktail of cell-signaling chemicals to further wind back the biological clock of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), giving the cells the same flexibility researchers have prized in mice ESCs.

Smart pitching: Engineer investigates dead arms and the rise of the teenage Tommy John surgery Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:57 AM PST Biomechanical analysis has been compiled by a researcher from thousands of baseball players to find out what's behind the epidemic of an increase in teenage Tommy John surgery.

Lung-sparing surgery for patients with advanced mesothelioma results in prolonged survival, new study shows Posted: 14 Dec 2016 11:56 AM PST Patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) treated with a combination of surgery to remove the cancer but save their lung, plus photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy, had a median survival of nearly three years, with a subset of patients living longer than seven years, according to new research.

Microbial biodiversity in the environment can alter human health Posted: 14 Dec 2016 08:51 AM PST The science of human microbiomes is advancing at an incredible pace. With each passing day, more is known about the vast suite of microorganisms that inhabit human bodies--and about the important role that they play in maintaining our health. New work looks at the human microbiome from an environmentalist's perspective.

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