ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• 'Designer sperm' inserts custom genes into offspring
• Bothersome pain afflicts half of older Americans
• Micromovements hold hidden information about severity of autism
• Energy drinks plus alcohol pose a public health threat
• Single spray of oxytocin improves brain function in children with autism, study suggests
• Vitamin D decreases pain in women with type 2 diabetes, depression
• New weapon in war against superbugs
• New drug cuts risk of deadly transplant side effect in half
• Bronchial thermoplasty shows long-term effectiveness for asthma
• Microplastic transfers chemicals, impacting health: Plastic ingestion delivers pollutants and additives into animal tissue
• Kids whose bond with mother was disrupted early in life show changes in brain
• Molecular imaging tracers help determine treatment plans for brain metastases
• Understanding hearing
• New means of growing intestinal stem cells
• Importance of standardizing drug screening studies
• Nanorobot for transporting drugs in the body
• Driver's eye movements key to controlled curve driving
• First Nations adults have more than double risk of end-stage kidney disease
• Blocking antioxidants in cancer cells reduces tumor growth in mice
• Predicting outcome for high-dose IL-2 therapy in cancer patients
• Prescription opioid abusers prefer to get high on oxycodone, hydrocodone
• Increased risk for cardiac ischemia in patients with PTSD
• New study suggests low vitamin D causes damage to brain
• Sports bras don't hold up, says researcher developing more supportive undergarment
• Key found to restoring 'exhausted' HIV-fighting immune cells
• Silent RNAs express themselves in ALS disease
• Appearing to be chronically ill may not be good indication of poor health
• New research shows obesity is inflammatory disease
• Predict Alzheimer's disease within two years of screening
• Junk food, poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease
• Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein
• Scientists create first large catalog of interactions between drugs, proteins
• New family of proteins linked to major role in cancer
• New evidence that gout strongly runs in family
• Sorting good germs from bad, in bacterial world
• Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty, ethnicity
• Why tumors become resistant to chemotherapy
• Tourette Syndrome in secondary schools: the real picture
• Head out to the ski slopes, for happiness' sake
• The Affordable Care Act: Translational research experiment to improve health
• Air pollution, genetics combine to increase risk for autism
• Novel rehabilitation device improves motor skills after stroke
• MRI technique reveals low brain iron in ADHD patients
• PRP therapy improves degenerative tendon disease in athletes
• Cardiac MRI reveals energy drinks alter heart function
• Imaging shows long-term impact of blast-induced brain injuries in veterans
• Living with chronic pain
• On the trail of prostate cancer
• Robot designed to guide insertion of needles, catheters
• Need inspiration? Let’s get physical!
• Drug testing without pain
• Parents' work hours in evenings, nights, weekends disadvantage children
• Congenital heart defects affects long-term developmental outcome
• Uniform protocols, standards for determining brain death needed
• Detailed image shows how genomes are copied
• Human stem cells converted to functional lung cells
• Colon cancer researchers target stem cells, discover viable new therapeutic path
• 'Nanosponge vaccine' fights MRSA toxins

'Designer sperm' inserts custom genes into offspring Posted: 02 Dec 2013 02:19 PM PST The "new genetics" promises to change faulty genes of future generations by introducing new, functioning genes using "designer sperm." Research shows that introducing genetic material via a viral vector into mouse sperm leads to the presence and activity of the genetic material in the embryos. These genes are inherited and functioning through three generations of the mice tested, and the discovery could break new ground in genetic medicine.

Bothersome pain afflicts half of older Americans Posted: 02 Dec 2013 02:18 PM PST Findings from a unique study underscore need for public health action on pain and disability in the elderly.

Micromovements hold hidden information about severity of autism Posted: 02 Dec 2013 02:18 PM PST Movements so minute they cannot be detected by the human eye are being analyzed by researchers to diagnose autism spectrum disorder and determine its severity in children and young adults.

Energy drinks plus alcohol pose a public health threat Posted: 02 Dec 2013 01:21 PM PST Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is riskier than just drinking alcohol alone, according to a new study that examines the impact of a growing trend among young adults.

Single spray of oxytocin improves brain function in children with autism, study suggests Posted: 02 Dec 2013 01:21 PM PST A single dose of the hormone oxytocin, delivered via nasal spray, may improve the core social deficits in children with autism by making social interactions with other people more rewarding and more efficiently processed, researchers report.

Vitamin D decreases pain in women with type 2 diabetes, depression Posted: 02 Dec 2013 12:20 PM PST Vitamin D decreases pain in women with type 2 diabetes and depression, according to a recent study.

New weapon in war against superbugs Posted: 02 Dec 2013 11:27 AM PST In the arms race between bacteria and modern medicine, bacteria have gained an edge. In recent decades, bacterial resistance to antibiotics has developed faster than the production of new antibiotics, making bacterial infections increasingly difficult to treat. Now research has discovered a protein that kills bacteria. The isolation of this protein, produced by a virus that attacks bacteria, is a major step toward developing a substitute for conventional antibiotics.

New drug cuts risk of deadly transplant side effect in half Posted: 02 Dec 2013 11:27 AM PST A new class of drugs reduced the risk of patients contracting a serious and often deadly side effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplant treatments, according to a study.

Bronchial thermoplasty shows long-term effectiveness for asthma Posted: 02 Dec 2013 11:27 AM PST The beneficial effects of bronchial thermoplasty, a non-pharmacologic treatment for asthma, last at least five years, according to researchers. The therapy, in which heat is applied to a patient's airways during a bronchoscopy procedure, was approved by the FDA in 2010. The researchers report that reductions in severe asthma exacerbations, emergency department visits, medication use and missed workdays continued out to five years after the procedure was performed.

Microplastic transfers chemicals, impacting health: Plastic ingestion delivers pollutants and additives into animal tissue Posted: 02 Dec 2013 11:27 AM PST With global production of plastic exceeding 280 metric tons every year, a fair amount of it makes its way to the natural environment. However, until now researchers haven't known whether ingested plastic transfers chemical additives or pollutants to wildlife. A new study shows toxic concentrations of pollutants and additives enter the tissue of animals that have eaten microplastic.

Kids whose bond with mother was disrupted early in life show changes in brain Posted: 02 Dec 2013 10:48 AM PST Children who experience profound neglect have been found to be more prone to a behavior known as "indiscriminate friendliness," characterized by an inappropriate willingness to approach adults, including strangers. Now researchers are reporting some of the first evidence from human studies suggesting that this behavior is rooted in brain adaptations associated with early life experiences.

Molecular imaging tracers help determine treatment plans for brain metastases Posted: 02 Dec 2013 10:48 AM PST Imaging with the molecular imaging tracer 18F-FDOPA can help distinguish radiation-induced lesions from new tumor growth in patients who have been treated with radiation for brain metastases, according to new research. Using this amino acid tracer, researchers found that physicians could accurately differentiate the two types of lesions 83 percent of the time. Progression-free survival could also be predicted through evaluating the 18F-FDOPA imaging results.

Understanding hearing Posted: 02 Dec 2013 10:48 AM PST Children learning to speak depend on functional hearing. So-called cochlear implants allow deaf people to hear again by stimulating the auditory nerve directly. Researchers are working to overcome current limits of the technology. They are investigating the implementation of signals in the auditory nerve and the subsequent neuronal processing in the brain.

New means of growing intestinal stem cells Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:15 AM PST Researchers have shown that they can grow unlimited quantities of intestinal stem cells, then stimulate them to develop into nearly pure populations of different types of mature intestinal cells.

Importance of standardizing drug screening studies Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:15 AM PST A bioinformatics expert has recently published an article stressing the importance of standardizing drug screening studies. The article supports the need for further development and standardization to improve the reproducibility of drug screening studies, as they are important in identifying new therapeutic agents and their potential combinations with existing drugs.

Nanorobot for transporting drugs in the body Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:15 AM PST The first step has been taken towards developing a nanorobot that -- in the long run -- will enable the targeted transport of medications in the body.

Driver's eye movements key to controlled curve driving Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:14 AM PST All drivers know from personal experience that they must keep their eyes on the road when driving through curves. But how exactly does looking at the road guide the car through the curve? Research reveals new crucial aspects of eye movements in curve driving.

First Nations adults have more than double risk of end-stage kidney disease Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:14 AM PST First Nations adults with diabetes have more than double the risk of end-stage kidney disease compared with non–First Nations adults, found a new study.

Blocking antioxidants in cancer cells reduces tumor growth in mice Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:14 AM PST Researchers report the effects of a SOD1 pharmacological inhibitor on non-small-cell lung cancer cells.

Predicting outcome for high-dose IL-2 therapy in cancer patients Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:14 AM PST Previous studies indicate that regulatory T cell (Treg) populations increase in patients undergoing HD IL-2 therapy. Researchers now report on their study that performed an in depth analysis of Treg populations in melanoma patients undergoing HD IL-2 therapy.

Prescription opioid abusers prefer to get high on oxycodone, hydrocodone Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:13 AM PST Researchers investigate factors that influence the choice of abused drugs, and report their findings in a new article.

Increased risk for cardiac ischemia in patients with PTSD Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:13 AM PST There is growing concern that long-term untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may increase the risk of developing a number of medical problems, particularly compromised cardiovascular health. Considering that up to 30% of veterans suffer from PTSD, this is an important goal.

New study suggests low vitamin D causes damage to brain Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:11 AM PST A new study suggests that a diet low in vitamin D causes damage to the brain.

Sports bras don't hold up, says researcher developing more supportive undergarment Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:10 AM PST A professor in apparel, textiles and interior design is researching the movement of breast tissue to develop a better supportive sports bra.

Key found to restoring 'exhausted' HIV-fighting immune cells Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:10 AM PST Researchers have identified a protein that causes loss of function in immune cells combating HIV. The scientists report that the protein, Sprouty-2, is a promising target for future HIV drug development, since disabling it could help restore the cells' ability to combat the virus that causes AIDS.

Silent RNAs express themselves in ALS disease Posted: 02 Dec 2013 09:10 AM PST RNA molecules are generally thought to be "silent" when stowed in cytoplasmic granules. But a protein mutated in some ALS patients forms granules that permit translation of stored RNAs. The finding identifies a new mechanism that could contribute to the pathology of the disease.

Appearing to be chronically ill may not be good indication of poor health Posted: 02 Dec 2013 08:22 AM PST New research says how sick a patient appears to be may have limited value in diagnosing their actual state of health.

New research shows obesity is inflammatory disease Posted: 02 Dec 2013 08:21 AM PST A new "obesity drug" may block the effects of high sugar and fat diets. Scientists reports on how an abnormal amount of the inflammatory protein, PAR2, appears in abdominal fat tissue of overweight humans and rats, and is increased on human immune cell surfaces. When obese rats on this diet were given a drug that binds to PAR2, its inflammation-causing properties were blocked, as were other effects -- including obesity itself.

Predict Alzheimer's disease within two years of screening Posted: 02 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST In a new study, scientists accurately predicted (at a rate of 90%) which of their research subjects with mild cognitive impairment would receive a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease within the following two years, and which subjects would not develop this disease.

Junk food, poor oral health increase risk of premature heart disease Posted: 02 Dec 2013 07:53 AM PST The association between poor oral health and increased risk of cardiovascular disease should make the reduction of sugars such as those contained in junk food, particularly fizzy drinks, an important health policy target, say experts.

Researchers pinpoint superbug resistance protein Posted: 02 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST Researchers have recently identified a resistance protein that allows a "superbug" to survive a disinfectant used in hospitals.

Scientists create first large catalog of interactions between drugs, proteins Posted: 02 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST A new study brings together the biggest collection of interactions between pharmacological molecules, including other compounds, and proteins. The catalog includes 16,600 compounds, of which 1,300 contain pharmacological descriptions, and 500,000 interactions that witness the extensive social network that governs the functioning of organisms.

New family of proteins linked to major role in cancer Posted: 02 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST Scientists have described a new family of proteins that appear to play a key role in cancer and might be targets for future cancer drugs. A major new study sets out the structure of the new family, called glutamate intramembrane proteases -- the founding member of which plays a critical role in transforming healthy cells into cancer cells.

New evidence that gout strongly runs in family Posted: 02 Dec 2013 07:50 AM PST It's historically known as 'the king of diseases and the disease of kings' and was long thought to be caused by an overindulgent lifestyle, but now scientists have confirmed that gout strongly runs in families.

Sorting good germs from bad, in bacterial world Posted: 02 Dec 2013 06:43 AM PST There are good E. coli and bad E. coli. Some live in your gut and help you keep healthy, others can cause serious disease -- even death. For pathologists, telling them apart has been a long and laborious task sometimes taking days. New technology using microscale electric field gradients now can tell the difference between good and bad bacteria in minutes from extremely small samples.

Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty, ethnicity Posted: 02 Dec 2013 06:43 AM PST An avalanche of chronic stress affecting poor mothers and fathers is revealed in new data from a comprehensive national, federally funded American study.

Why tumors become resistant to chemotherapy Posted: 02 Dec 2013 06:43 AM PST Researchers describe one of the causes that make a patient with colon cancer that responds well to initial chemotherapy, becomes resistant when the tumor reappears.

Tourette Syndrome in secondary schools: the real picture Posted: 02 Dec 2013 06:41 AM PST Secondary school can be a stressful enough time for any teenager, but for those living with Tourette Syndrome (TS) their neurological condition can present a whole new set of challenges.

Head out to the ski slopes, for happiness' sake Posted: 02 Dec 2013 06:41 AM PST Are you contemplating a skiing holiday? The all-out pleasure and enjoyment you experience on a pair of skis or a snowboard is positively priceless to enhance your overall happiness. This is true even if you only get to go out on the slopes once in a blue moon, say researchers.

The Affordable Care Act: Translational research experiment to improve health Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST An editorial published says the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is an example of the role of experimentation in improving health at the public policy level.

Air pollution, genetics combine to increase risk for autism Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Exposure to air pollution appears to increase the risk for autism among people who carry a genetic disposition for the neurodevelopmental disorder, according to newly published research.

Novel rehabilitation device improves motor skills after stroke Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Using a novel stroke rehabilitation device that converts an individual's thoughts to electrical impulses to move upper extremities, stroke patients reported improvements in their motor function and ability to perform activities of daily living.

MRI technique reveals low brain iron in ADHD patients Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Magnetic resonance imaging provides a noninvasive way to measure iron levels in the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a new study. Researchers said the method could help physicians and parents make better informed decisions about medication.

PRP therapy improves degenerative tendon disease in athletes Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Ultrasound-guided delivery of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves functionality and reduces recovery time in athletes with degenerative disease in their tendons, according to a new study.

Cardiac MRI reveals energy drinks alter heart function Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Healthy adults who consumed energy drinks high in caffeine and taurine had significantly increased heart contraction rates one hour later, according to a new study.

Imaging shows long-term impact of blast-induced brain injuries in veterans Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:26 AM PST Using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have found that soldiers who suffered mild traumatic brain injury induced by blast exposure exhibit long-term brain differences, according to a new study.

Living with chronic pain Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:25 AM PST People who suffer with chronic musculoskeletal pain face a daily struggle with their sense of self and find it difficult to prove the legitimacy of their condition.

On the trail of prostate cancer Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:25 AM PST New biomarkers will improve diagnostics of endemic diseases in future, such as prostate cancer. Researchers focus efforts on ways to recognize the tumor earlier and classify it more precisely – thereby helping avoid unnecessary operations.

Robot designed to guide insertion of needles, catheters Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST A robot has been designed with a hybrid powerstrain structure which will allow a precise, repetitive, planned and controlled insertion of needles or catheters, enhancing the procedures currently used. In addition, it has a lower cost and requires only a brief learning period before usage.

Need inspiration? Let’s get physical! Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST People who exercise regularly are better at creative thinking. This is the outcome of research by a cognitive psychologist, as outlined in a recently published article.

Drug testing without pain Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST Microneedles on a sticking-plaster-like patch may be the painless and safe way doctors will test for drugs and some infections in the future.

Parents' work hours in evenings, nights, weekends disadvantage children Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST A comprehensive review of studies on parents' work schedules and child development spanning the last three decades shows that parents' work schedules in evenings, nights and weekends, so called "nonstandard work schedules" or "unsociable work hours", may have negative consequences for children. When parents work such hours, children tended to have more behavioral problems, poorer cognitive ability, and were more likely to be overweight or obese than children in families where parents mostly worked during the daytime hours and week day.

Congenital heart defects affects long-term developmental outcome Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST Approximately one percent of all newborns in Switzerland are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, and roughly half of them require open heart surgery. Most children, including those with the most severe heart defects, survive because of the significant advancements in surgical techniques. Therefore, the current research focuses less on survival than on long-term consequences and quality of life of these children.

Uniform protocols, standards for determining brain death needed Posted: 02 Dec 2013 05:23 AM PST Process variations related to brain death have far-reaching implications beyond delaying an official declaration of death, including added stress for the patient's family, missed opportunities for organ donation and increased costs of care, according to an article.

Detailed image shows how genomes are copied Posted: 01 Dec 2013 02:43 PM PST For the first time, researchers have succeeded in showing how the DNA polymerase epsilon enzyme builds new genomes. The detailed image produced by these researchers shows how mutations that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer and cervical cancer lead to changes in the structure of the protein.

Human stem cells converted to functional lung cells Posted: 01 Dec 2013 11:02 AM PST For the first time, scientists have succeeded in transforming human stem cells into functional lung and airway cells. The advance has significant potential for modeling lung disease, screening drugs, studying human lung development, and, ultimately, generating lung tissue for transplantation.

Colon cancer researchers target stem cells, discover viable new therapeutic path Posted: 01 Dec 2013 11:02 AM PST A team of scientists and surgeons have discovered a promising new approach to treating colorectal cancer by disarming the gene that drives self-renewal in stem cells that are the root cause of disease, resistance to treatment and relapse. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world.

'Nanosponge vaccine' fights MRSA toxins Posted: 01 Dec 2013 11:02 AM PST Nanosponges that soak up a dangerous pore-forming toxin produced by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) could serve as a safe and effective vaccine against this toxin. This "nanosponge vaccine" enabled the immune systems of mice to block the adverse effects of the alpha-haemolysin toxin from MRSA -- both within the bloodstream and on the skin.

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