الجمعة، 11 أكتوبر 2013

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Analysis of herbal products shows contamination is common

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 05:51 PM PDT

Most herbal products, available to buy as alternative medicines, may be contaminated. Researchers demonstrate the presence of contamination and substitution of plant species in a selection of herbal products using DNA barcoding.

Brain mechanisms behind a debilitating sleep disorder

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:29 AM PDT

Cataplexy is characterized by muscle paralysis during cognitive awareness. Until now, researchers have not understood this condition well. Now research has shown that the neuro-degeneration of the brain cells that synthesize the chemical hypocretin causes the noradrenaline system to malfunction. When the norandrenaline system stops working properly, it fails to keep the motor and cognitive systems coupled. This results in cataplexy -- the muscles fall asleep but the brain stays awake.

New antiviral response discovered in mammals

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:27 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a part of the innate immune system in mice that had only been known in plants and invertebrates. This system seems more visible in stem and progenitor cells, which it protects from viral infection.

Newly discovered gene regulator could precisely target sickle cell disease

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:27 AM PDT

A research team has discovered a new genetic target for potential therapy of sickle cell disease. The target, called an enhancer, controls a molecular switch in red blood cells called BCL11A that, in turn, regulates hemoglobin production.

One in five persons seeking pre-travel advice are high-risk travelers

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:27 AM PDT

Researchers have found that high-risk travelers account for nearly 20 percent of patients using the five clinics of the Boston Area Travel Medicine Network. The study also found that these travelers often visited destinations with malaria and typhoid risk.

Innate virus-killing power discovered in mammals

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 11:27 AM PDT

Scientists have a promising new approach to combating deadly human viruses thanks to an educated hunch by a microbiology professor, and his 20 years of research on plants, fruit flies, nematodes and mice. Researchers have discovered that, like plants and invertebrate animals, mammals use the RNA interference process to destroy viruses within their own cells. Until now, scientists were unable to prove that mammals use RNAi for killing viruses. The findings could help create vaccines against deadly infections, including SARS, West Nile, dengue, Hepatitis C and influenza.

Sticks and stones: Brain releases natural painkillers during social rejection

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 10:22 AM PDT

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," goes the playground rhyme that's supposed to help children endure taunts. But a new study suggests that there's more going on inside our brains when someone snubs us -- and that the brain may have its own way of easing social pain.

Brain development differs in children who stutter

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:48 AM PDT

Researchers say study results could increase understanding of brain and speech production, improving treatment.

Cancer genome atlas exposes more secrets of lethal brain tumor

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:48 AM PDT

Scientists paint a more detailed picture of the genomic abnormalities that drive glioblastoma multiforme. Rich data set will underpin research and treatment advances.

A silent epidemic: Minor traumatic brain injury

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:47 AM PDT

In the United States, approximately 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Of those injuries, three out of four are minor TBI (mTBI) -- a head injury that causes a temporary change in mental status including confusion, an altered level of consciousness, or perceptual or behavioral impairments.

New model for neurotransmitter release, proposed by Nobel prize winner

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:46 AM PDT

New research challenges long-standing ideas on how neurotransmitter gets released at neuronal synapses.

Previously unstudied gene is essential for normal nerve development

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:46 AM PDT

Our ability to detect heat, touch, tickling and other sensations depends on our sensory nerves. Now, for the first time, researchers have identified a gene that orchestrates the crucially important branching of nerve fibers that occurs during development.

How a ubiquitous herpesvirus sometimes leads to cancer

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:46 AM PDT

Most of us are infected with the herpesvirus known as Epstein-Barr virus. For most of us, the virus will lead at worst to a case of infectious mononucleosis, but sometimes, and especially in some parts of the world, those viruses are found in association with cancer. Now, researchers have found that the difference between a relatively harmless infection and a cancer-causing one lies at least partly in the viral strain itself.

Circadian rhythms in skin stem cells protect us against UV rays

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:45 AM PDT

Human skin must cope with the sun and other environmental factors that fluctuate in a circadian manner. A study reveals that human skin stem cells deal with these cyclical threats by carrying out different functions depending on the time of day. By activating genes involved in UV protection during the day, these cells protect themselves against radiation-induced DNA damage. The findings could pave the way for new strategies to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.

Molecule produced during exercise boosts brain health

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:45 AM PDT

Research has shown that exercise is good for the brain. Now investigators have identified a molecule called irisin that is produced in the brain during endurance exercise and has neuroprotective effects. Researchers were able to artificially increase the levels of irisin in the blood to activate genes involved in learning and memory. The findings may be useful for designing drugs that utilize this exercise-induced molecule to guard against neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognition.

Genetic variant that increases testicular cancer risk in caucasians evolved to protect light skin

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:45 AM PDT

One of the most important proteins implicated in cancer is p53. Researchers have identified a DNA sequence variation in a p53-binding site that is more prevalent in Caucasians than in Africans and is associated with a very large risk of testicular cancer but may protect light-skinned individuals against harmful ultraviolet rays. The study offers insights into the evolution of DNA sequence variations in p53-binding sites, and it could lead to improvements in personalized treatment strategies.

City of Providence is taking on big tobacco – and winning

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:43 AM PDT

The city of Providence, R.I., is taking the fight against Big Tobacco to a new level with innovative tobacco control policies in the retail environment. A new study details Providence's efforts and provides a road map for other municipalities to follow.

Stomach cells naturally revert to stem cells

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:43 AM PDT

New research has shown that the stomach naturally produces more stem cells than previously realized, likely for repair of injuries from infections, digestive fluids and the foods we eat.

Eat more, weigh less: Worm study provides clues to better fat-loss therapies for humans

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 09:43 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered key details of a brain-to-body signaling circuit that enables roundworms to lose weight independently of food intake, and there are reasons to suspect the circuit exists in a similar form in humans and other mammals.

Genes protect themselves against being silenced

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 07:51 AM PDT

Researchers have settled a century-old debate over whether occurrence of DNA methylation acts to silence gene expression, or if genes are turned off by other means before they are methylated.

Malaria, toxoplasmosis: Toward new lines of research?

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 07:50 AM PDT

A study could redefine part of the present lines of research toward a treatment against the parasites responsible for malaria and toxoplasmosis.

'Peanut butter' test can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease, researchers find

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:24 AM PDT

A dollop of peanut butter and a ruler can be used to confirm a diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer's disease, researchers have found.

US health spending projected to grow an average of 5.8 percent annually through 2022

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

New estimates from the Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services project that aggregate health care spending in the US will grow at an average annual rate of 5.8 percent for 2012-22, or 1.0 percentage point faster than the expected growth in the GDP. The health care share of GDP by 2022 is projected to rise to 19.9 percent from its 2011 level of 17.9 percent.

Direct 'writing' of artificial cell membranes on graphene

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:16 AM PDT

Graphene emerges as a versatile new surface to assemble model cell membranes mimicking those in the human body, with potential for applications in sensors for understanding biological processes, disease detection and drug screening.

Osteoporosis a major threat to women's future independence

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:16 AM PDT

A new report shows that women may expect to live longer, but their quality of life will be seriously jeopardized if action to protect their bone health is not taken. The report provides solutions for fracture prevention and osteoporosis management.

Scientists find potential new targets for anti-inflammatory therapies

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:15 AM PDT

A team has identified key signaling proteins in the inflammation process that contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, sepsis and inflammatory bowel diseases. The finding highlights possible new ways of treating these inflammation disorders, which sicken or kill millions of people around the world each year.

How to determine whether a patient is safe to drive

Posted: 10 Oct 2013 06:11 AM PDT

Driver rehabilitation provides a comprehensive evaluation on whether a patient can safely drive a car. It is intended for elderly patients and patients with stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, low vision, etc.

Origin of MERS coronavirus identified

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:56 PM PDT

The newly emerged Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has circulated in bats for a substantial time, before making the species leap to humans, according to research. By analyzing the genome of various bat species, scientists show that bat DPP4 genes have adapted significantly as they evolved, suggesting a long-term arms race between the bat and the virus.

Organ donor promotion brings increase in registrations

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:39 PM PDT

More than 90 percent of the public supports organ donation, yet less than half the population registers as donors, surveys show. What if registration was better promoted to those who had previously turned it down?

Enigmatic neurons help flies get oriented

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 05:11 PM PDT

Neurons deep in the fly's brain tune in to some of the same basic visual features that neurons in bigger animals such as humans pick out in their surroundings. The new research is an important milestone toward understanding how the fly brain extracts relevant information about a visual scene to guide behavior.

High-dose radiation therapy for bladder cancer has comparable tumor control compared to surgery

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 01:26 PM PDT

Standard and reduced high-dose volume radiation therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer provide comparable tumor control and decreased late toxicity when compared to surgery.

New strategy lets cochlear implant users hear music

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 10:32 AM PDT

Scientists have developed a new way of processing the signals in cochlear implants to help users hear music better. The technique lets users perceive differences between musical instruments, a significant improvement from what standard cochlear implants can offer.

Researchers close in on cause of gynecological disease

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 10:01 AM PDT

For the first time, researchers have created a model that could help unlock what causes adenomyosis, a common gynecological disease that is a major contributor to women having to undergo hysterectomies.

Recombinant human prion protein inhibits prion propagation

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 09:57 AM PDT

Researchers have published findings that point to a promising discovery for the treatment and prevention of prion diseases, rare neurodegenerative disorders that are always fatal. They discovered that recombinant human prion protein stops the propagation of prions, the infectious pathogens that cause the diseases.

Cataract surgeries on the rise as boomers age, raising access, cost issues

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 09:57 AM PDT

A study focused on cataract surgery has found that more people are getting the vision-improving procedure, seeking it at younger ages and having both eyes repaired within a few months, rather than only treating one eye.

Fear of missing bowel cancer may be exposing patients to unnecessary risks

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:06 AM PDT

We cannot allow a collective fear of missing bowel cancer to risk unnecessary and harmful treatment of patients with non-cancerous lesions, argue experts.

Cholera emerging as a driver of progress in public health in Haiti

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:02 AM PDT

The deadly cholera epidemic that rocked earthquake-shattered Haiti in 2010, claiming 8,000 lives and counting, has rallied the public health community to seek water and sewer improvements that, combined with vaccination, could prevent some 89,000 future cholera infections. These findings are among the many insights published in a new study documenting the public health response to the largest national cholera outbreak in modern history.

Physician job satisfaction driven by quality of patient care

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:02 AM PDT

An in-depth study about doctors' job satisfaction has found physicians are motivated primarily by their ability to provide quality health care to their patients. Obstacles that interfere with those efforts are a source of stress for doctors.

No serious adverse reactions to HPV vaccination

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:01 AM PDT

Researchers have monitored HPV-vaccinated girls via patient data registries in order to examine the incidence of a wide range of diseases and thus determine if there are any serious adverse effects of the vaccine. Their results show no significant increase of the examined diseases in the vaccinated girls relative to their unvaccinated peers. The study included almost a million Swedish and Danish girls born between 1988 and 2000, and compared roughly 300,000 girls who had been HPV vaccinated with 700,000 who had not.

Innovative concept for knee cartilage treatment

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:59 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a material that can be used for the controlled release of a substance when subjected to cyclic mechanical loading. This work, carried out within the context of the National Research Programme "Smart Materials," offers a potential treatment method for specific tissues such as knee cartilage.

Tool to improve seniors' autonomy, promote active aging

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:59 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an ICT tool in prototype phase that will help seniors to monitor their health and the security of their home, and avoid social exclusion by means of digital technologies. The final aim of the project is to improve seniors' quality of life and boost their autonomy.

Household chaos may be hazardous to a child’s health

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Kindergarten-age children have poorer health if their home life is marked by disorder, noise and a lack of routine and they have a mother who has a chaotic work life, new research suggests.

Childbirth not significant contributor to later sexual dysfunction

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Childbirth is not a major contributor to sexual dysfunction in women later in life, according to a new study.

ALS stem cell trial begins with first two patients receiving injections

Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have received stem cell injections to their spinal cords – the first two to receive the experimental injections in Michigan as part of a national clinical trial.
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