الاثنين، 24 فبراير 2014

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Skin cells transformed into functioning liver cells in mouse study

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 10:17 AM PST

An important breakthrough has been made that could affect patients waiting for liver transplants. Scientists have discovered a way to transform skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells that flourish on their own, even after being transplanted into laboratory animals modified to mimic liver failure. In previous studies on liver-cell reprogramming, scientists had difficulty getting stem cell-derived liver cells to survive once being transplanted into existing liver tissue. But this team figured out a way to solve this problem, and have revealed a new cellular reprogramming method that transforms human skin cells into liver cells that are virtually indistinguishable from the cells that make up native liver tissue.

Baby food puree could be made even safer with new processing technique

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 03:45 PM PST

Although levels of furan—a carcinogen resulting from heat treatment techniques, such as canning and jarring—are far below of what would cause harmful effect as determined by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), a team of food scientists found that treatment of baby food puree with high pressure thermal sterilization (HPTS) instead of conventional thermal processing showed a reduction of furan.

Studies show how traceability can work across entire food supply chain

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 03:45 PM PST

Recent developments across the globe have put an increasing focus on the traceability of foods. Complicated supply chains of hundreds of ingredients that are used to make a food product make food product tracing a daunting task. In an effort to better protect public health from foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls, governments across the world are in the process of implementing new regulations around food traceability.

Selenium, vitamin E supplements can increase risk of prostate cancer in some men

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 03:45 PM PST

High-dose supplementation with both the trace element selenium and vitamin E increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. But importantly, this risk depends upon a man's selenium status before taking the supplements. "Men using these supplements should stop, period. Neither selenium nor vitamin E supplementation confers any known benefits -- only risks," the lead author stated. "While there appear to be no risks from taking a standard multivitamin, the effects of high-dose single supplements are unpredictable, complex and often harmful. There are optimal levels, and these are often the levels obtained from a healthful diet, but either below or above the levels there are risks."

Antibody may be detectable in blood years before MS symptoms appear

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 03:45 PM PST

An antibody found in the blood of people with multiple sclerosis may be present long before the onset of the disease and its symptoms, according to a study. For the study, 16 healthy blood donors who were later diagnosed with MS were compared to 16 healthy blood donors of the same age and sex who did not develop MS. Scientists looked for a specific antibody to KIR4.1. Samples were collected between two and nine months before the first symptoms of MS appeared. KIR4.1 antibodies were found in the people with pre-clinical MS several years before the first clinical attack.

Sauces and marinades address consumers' desire for ethnic flavors

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 03:45 PM PST

Sauces and marinades are an easy way for consumers cooking at home to infuse distinctive flavors into all kinds of different foods. New consumer trends and a growing interest in international/ethnic flavor preferences regarding sauces and marinades are the subject of a new article.

Promising cervical cancer study: Combining drugs, chemo to extend life

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 12:04 PM PST

New research has revealed that women with advanced cervical cancer live about four months longer with the combined use of bevacizumab (Avastin®) and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. Women who combined bevacizumab with chemotherapy lived an average of 17 months after diagnosis, while those who received chemotherapy alone lived 13.3 months. The multi-site research project is expected to change the standard of care in advanced cervical cancer.

Chemical transport in plants likened to that of humans

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 12:04 PM PST

Plant roots and certain human membrane systems resist chemical transport in much the same way, say researchers. This similarity could make it easier to assess chemical risks for both people and plants, and may even lead to a new approach to testing medications. "A plant's root is similar to the blood-brain barrier and intestine of humans," say the researchers. "It's amazing when you think about it -- plants and animals evolved separately but somehow developed comparable structures to control transport of water and dissolved chemicals."

Air force aircraft returned from Vietnam identified as postwar source of agent orange contamination

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 08:40 AM PST

From 1971-1982 Air Force reservists, who flew in about 34 dioxin-contaminated aircraft used to spray Agent Orange and returned to the US following discontinuation of the herbicide spraying operations in the Vietnam War, were exposed greater levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged, according to a study. The new evidence is contrary to current position held by Air Force and VA. "These findings are important because they describe a previously unrecognized source of exposure to dioxin that has health significance to those who engaged in the transport work using these aircraft," says the lead investigator, an environmental engineer with many years of experience evaluating environmental exposures in the Air Force.
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