ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Two-step mechanism of inner ear tip link regrowth
• Body clocks linked to osteoarthritis
• Long-distance cross-country skiers at increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances
• New surgical technique for Bell's palsy facial paralysis
• Very high prevalence of chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer
• Bacterium that causes gum disease packs a one-two punch to the jaw
• New details of natural anticancer mechanism uncovered
• Workers do not quit due to mandatory flu shot
• First comprehensive and prospective characterization of a genetic subtype of autism
• Moon radiation findings may reduce health risks to astronauts
• Chlamydia protein has an odd structure, scientists find
• Flu vaccines aimed at younger populations could break annual transmission cycle
• Exercise for stroke patients' brains
• Diabetes drug points the way to overcoming drug resistance in melanoma
• Pilot program to decrease emergency room wait times
• New research urges caution on use of peer support in chronic disease
• Females fend off gut diseases -- at least among mice
• Understanding the heart's rhythm
• Discovery of gene responsible for multiple intestinal atresia in newborns
• Stem cells reach standard for use in drug development
• Obesity can be predicted from infancy, researchers find
• Nanofiber sensor detects diabetes or lung cancer faster and easier
• Sudden allergies: When a summer cold is much more
• Fetal neuromaturation associated with mother's exposure to DDT and other environmental contaminants
• Neurostimulation helps children’s intractable constipation, study finds
• Screening fails to affect breast cancer mortality statistics, UK study finds
• Background mortality rates key to accurate reporting of vaccine safety risks
• Potential disease-transmission sources in animals ID'd by calculating risk using social network mathematics
• Why is my baby hospitalized? Many moms in under-developed countries don't know the answer
• Voiding disorder therapy improved sexual dysfunction
• Scientists discover new layer of the human cornea
• Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment: Genetic predictor of response to exposure therapy
• Blueprint for blood vessel fusion discovered
• Turning human spare parts into exports: Tissue engineering can become a new global export item, expert says
• Partial livers from deceased donors saving the lives of infants
• Frequent soccer ball 'heading' may lead to brain injury
• Quick and simple ways to reduce risk from the most common form of cancer
• Hepatitis C virus entry factor identified

Two-step mechanism of inner ear tip link regrowth Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:46 PM PDT Scientist have found an unexpected two-step process that happens during the growth and regeneration of inner ear tip links in mice. Tip links are extracellular tethers that link stereocilia, the tiny sensory projections on inner ear hair cells that convert sound into electrical signals, and play a key role in hearing. The discovery offers a possible mechanism for potential interventions that could preserve hearing in people.

Body clocks linked to osteoarthritis Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:45 PM PDT Scheduled exercise, regular meals and the periodic warming and cooling of joints could be used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis according to scientists. Their research may also help explain why older people are more prone to developing this common joint disorder.

Long-distance cross-country skiers at increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:45 PM PDT Cross-country skiers who take part in one of the world's most challenging ski races, the 90 km Vasaloppet in Sweden, are at increased risk of developing arrhythmia – problems with the rate or rhythm of their heart beat – according to a study of nearly 53,000 race participants.

New surgical technique for Bell's palsy facial paralysis Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:44 PM PDT A surgeon is using electrical stimulation as part of an advanced surgical technique to treat Bell's palsy, a condition that causes paralysis on one side of a patient's face.

Very high prevalence of chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer Posted: 11 Jun 2013 01:18 PM PDT In an analysis that included more than 1,700 adult survivors of childhood cancer, researchers found a very high percentage of survivors with 1 or more chronic health conditions, with an estimated cumulative prevalence of any chronic health condition of 95 percent at age 45 years, according to a new study.

Bacterium that causes gum disease packs a one-two punch to the jaw Posted: 11 Jun 2013 12:44 PM PDT The newly discovered bacterium that causes gum disease delivers a one-two punch by also triggering normally protective proteins in the mouth to actually destroy more bone.

New details of natural anticancer mechanism uncovered Posted: 11 Jun 2013 12:40 PM PDT Scientists have identified key triggers of an important cancer-blocking mechanism in cells. Termed "oncogene-induced senescence," this mechanism can block most cancer types and is commonly experienced when incipient skin cancers turn instead into slow-growing moles.

Workers do not quit due to mandatory flu shot Posted: 11 Jun 2013 12:40 PM PDT In its fourth year with 99 percent compliance, Loyola University Health System's mandatory flu shot program is the subject of a new study presented at an infectious disease conference.

First comprehensive and prospective characterization of a genetic subtype of autism Posted: 11 Jun 2013 12:40 PM PDT A new study describes the clinical presentation of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and will help guide future research and clinical care.

Moon radiation findings may reduce health risks to astronauts Posted: 11 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT Space scientists report that data gathered by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter show lighter materials like plastics provide effective shielding against the radiation hazards faced by astronauts during extended space travel. The finding could help reduce health risks to humans on future missions into deep space.

Chlamydia protein has an odd structure, scientists find Posted: 11 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT Discovery of the structure of a protein secreted by the chlamydia bug may lead to novel therapies for the common sexually transmitted disease, which infects more than a million Americans annually.

Flu vaccines aimed at younger populations could break annual transmission cycle Posted: 11 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT The value of vaccinating more children and young adults for influenza is being seriously underestimated. A new report suggests heavier emphasis on vaccinating those groups might save thousands of lives every year.

Exercise for stroke patients' brains Posted: 11 Jun 2013 10:09 AM PDT Researchers found that while the typical brain responded to the visual stimulus with activity in cortical motor regions that are generally activated when we watch others perform actions, in the stroke-affected brain, activity was strongest in these regions of the damaged hemisphere, and strongest when stroke patients viewed actions they would have the most difficulty performing.

Diabetes drug points the way to overcoming drug resistance in melanoma Posted: 11 Jun 2013 10:09 AM PDT Despite the success of melanoma-targeting drugs, tumors inevitably become drug resistant and return, more aggressive than before. Researchers now describe how they increase the effectiveness of anti-melanoma drugs by combining anticancer therapies with diabetes drugs. Their studies, conducted in cell and animal models of melanoma, demonstrate that the combined therapy could destroy a subset of drug-resistant cells within a tumor.

Pilot program to decrease emergency room wait times Posted: 11 Jun 2013 10:09 AM PDT Emergency department overcrowding has been a major issue nationally for 20 years and continues to increase in severity. To address this issue, a pilot study has been launched at UC San Diego Health System's ED to use telemedicine as a way to help address crowding and decrease patient wait times. The study is the first of its kind in California to use cameras to bring on-call doctors who are outside of the hospital to the patient in need.

New research urges caution on use of peer support in chronic disease Posted: 11 Jun 2013 09:21 AM PDT Health organizations need to give careful consideration to schemes which encourage people with chronic diseases to seek support from peers, to avoid the potential negative effects, new research shows.

Females fend off gut diseases -- at least among mice Posted: 11 Jun 2013 09:21 AM PDT At least among mice, females have innate protection from certain digestive conditions, according to a new study. While it's tricky to draw conclusions for human health, the findings could eventually help scientists better understand and treat the millions of people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

Understanding the heart's rhythm Posted: 11 Jun 2013 09:21 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a previously unidentified potassium channel in cardiac cells that regulate the human heartbeat. This could be a significant step towards developing "biological pacemakers" to replace today's mechanical pacemakers, the researcher says.

Discovery of gene responsible for multiple intestinal atresia in newborns Posted: 11 Jun 2013 09:21 AM PDT Physicians have conducted a study that has led to the discovery of a gene that causes multiple intestinal atresia, a rare and life-threatening hereditary disorder that affects newborns. In addition to exploring novel therapeutic treatments for children with the disease, the discovery of the gene TTC7A will make it possible to develop a prenatal diagnostic test and a screening test for parents who are carriers.

Stem cells reach standard for use in drug development Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:17 AM PDT Drug development for a range of conditions could be improved with stem cell technology that helps doctors predict the safety and the effectiveness of potential treatments. Researchers in the UK have been able to generate cells in the laboratory that reach the gold standard required by the pharmaceutical industry to test drug safety.

Obesity can be predicted from infancy, researchers find Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:17 AM PDT Infants as young as two months old already exhibit growth patterns that can predict the child's weight by age 5, according to researchers.

Nanofiber sensor detects diabetes or lung cancer faster and easier Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:17 AM PDT Researchers in South Korea have recently developed a highly sensitive exhaled breath sensor by using hierarchical tin dioxide fibers that are assembled from wrinkled thin tin dioxide nanotubes.

Sudden allergies: When a summer cold is much more Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:15 AM PDT With temperatures in the 80s, the last thing anyone wants is a runny nose and constant sneezing to put a damper on vacation plans and outdoor festivals. While many blame their symptoms on a summer cold, it could be something much more. Summer allergies can strike at any age, mimicking a cold.

Fetal neuromaturation associated with mother's exposure to DDT and other environmental contaminants Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:15 AM PDT A has for the first time found that a mother's higher exposure to some common environmental contaminants was associated with more frequent and vigorous fetal motor activity. Some chemicals were also associated with fewer changes in fetal heart rate, which normally parallel fetal movements.

Neurostimulation helps children’s intractable constipation, study finds Posted: 11 Jun 2013 08:15 AM PDT Home treatment with a simple, battery-operated system that applies four sticky electrode patches to the mid-section allowed a group of children with the most difficult-to-treat, possibly congenital, constipation to reduce soiling and improve elimination, according to new research.

Screening fails to affect breast cancer mortality statistics, UK study finds Posted: 11 Jun 2013 07:21 AM PDT New research from the UK analysing breast cancer mortality data spanning almost 40 years concludes that breast cancer screening does not yet show an effect on mortality statistics. The research analyzed mortality trends before and after the introduction of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme in 1988.

Background mortality rates key to accurate reporting of vaccine safety risks Posted: 11 Jun 2013 07:20 AM PDT In a study using the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), investigators analyzed four years of data and determined that background mortality rates (rates of death irrespective of cause) are crucial in interpreting the numbers of deaths following vaccination. The VSD mortality rate following immunization is lower than the general US population mortality rate, and the causes of death are similar. These background rates can be used in communications to the public about vaccine safety risks.

Potential disease-transmission sources in animals ID'd by calculating risk using social network mathematics Posted: 11 Jun 2013 07:20 AM PDT Scientists have successfully identified animal species that can transmit more diseases to humans by using mathematical tools similar to those applied to the study of social networks like Facebook or Twitter. Their research describes how parasite-primate interactions transmit diseases like malaria, yellow fever or AIDS to humans. Their findings could make an important contribution to predicting the animal species most likely to cause future pandemics.

Why is my baby hospitalized? Many moms in under-developed countries don't know the answer Posted: 11 Jun 2013 07:18 AM PDT Communication gap between moms and providers in low-income countries about why sick newborns are hospitalized puts babies at higher health risks.

Voiding disorder therapy improved sexual dysfunction Posted: 11 Jun 2013 07:18 AM PDT A prospective study of 23 women aged 21 to 71 showed pelvic neuromodulation for bladder disorders also increased five of six sexual function scores in a validated questionnaire administered pre- and post-treatment.

Scientists discover new layer of the human cornea Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:42 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a previously undetected layer in the cornea, the clear window at the front of the human eye. The breakthrough could help surgeons to dramatically improve outcomes for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants.

Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment: Genetic predictor of response to exposure therapy Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:41 AM PDT There is growing evidence that a gene variant that reduces the plasticity of the nervous system also modulates responses to treatments for mood and anxiety disorders. In this case, patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, with a less functional variant of the gene coding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), responded less well to exposure therapy.

Blueprint for blood vessel fusion discovered Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:40 AM PDT The fusion of blood vessels during the formation of the vascular system follows a uniform process. In this process, the blood vessels involved go through different phases of a common choreography, in which the splitting and the rearrangement of endothelial cells play a critical role. Researchers have now been able to demonstrate this in a living organism, the zebrafish.

Turning human spare parts into exports: Tissue engineering can become a new global export item, expert says Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:38 AM PDT A Finnish researcher believes that tissue engineering can become a new global export item. With tissue engineering, it is possible to produce tailored, living human spare parts. If the method can be rolled out on a larger scale, it may become the third alternative form of treatment alongside the traditional forms, surgery and pharmacotherapy.

Partial livers from deceased donors saving the lives of infants Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:38 AM PDT New research reveals that transplantation of partial livers from deceased adult and teen donors has become less risky for infants and young children, helping to save these young lives. New findings indicate that risk of organ failure and mortality from partial or split liver transplant was comparable to whole organ transplant in this pediatric population.

Frequent soccer ball 'heading' may lead to brain injury Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:22 AM PDT Researchers have shown that soccer players who frequently head the ball have brain abnormalities resembling those found in patients with concussion (mild traumatic brain injury). The study used advanced imaging techniques and cognitive tests that assessed memory.

Quick and simple ways to reduce risk from the most common form of cancer Posted: 11 Jun 2013 05:22 AM PDT Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States, with one in five Americans expected to develop a form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, there are simple steps people can take to reduce their skin cancer risk.

Hepatitis C virus entry factor identified Posted: 10 Jun 2013 04:26 PM PDT A new study reveals that HCV not only alters expression of the iron-uptake receptor known as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) but that TfR1 also mediates HCV entry.

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