ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• New genomics tool could help predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment outcomes
• Facebook users' wishful thinking: Cyberbullying, depression won't happen to me
• Ophthalmologists uncover autoimmune process that causes rejection of secondary corneal transplants
• Exploring the ADHD-Autism link
• Scientists discover protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer
• First steps in basic process could be harnessed to make therapeutic cells
• Tumors prefer the easy way out
• Zinc deficiency linked to activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway
• Socioeconomic factors affect odds of death after a lung cancer operation
• Housework keeps older adults more physically, emotionally fit, researcher finds
• Electronic micropump to deliver treatments deep within the brain
• More individuals discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones
• Genetics overlap found between Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular risk factors
• New research sheds light on how popular probiotic benefits the gut
• Osteoporosis diagnosis contributes to hearing loss risk
• Difficult to break the soda habit? Sugar-sweetened beverages suppress body's stress response
• New transitional stem cells discovered
• Adverse childhood events appear to increase the risk of being a hypertensive adult
• New mouse model for the study of neurofibromatosis
• Novel online bioinformatics tool significantly reduces time of multiple genome analysis
• Virtual reality may be effective tool for evaluating balance control in glaucoma patients
• Mushrooms boost immunity, suggests research
• Obesity significantly increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men
• Botox makes unnerving journey into our nervous system
• Victorian baby teeth could help predict future health of children today
• Scientists use brain stimulation to boost creativity, set stage to potentially treat depression
• With biosimilar drug development on the rise, researchers explore efficacy
• A sniff of happiness: Chemicals in sweat may convey positive emotion
• After prostate cancer, start walking, experts say
• Breastfeeding may prevent postpartum smoking relapse
• Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease
• Synthetic drugs: evidence that they can cause cancer
• Firearm-related hospitalizations linked to U. S. stock market performance
• New assay helps determine lymphoma subtypes simply, quickly, and inexpensively
• Systems-wide genetic study of blood pressure regulation in the Framingham Heart Study
• New research agenda provides roadmap to improve care for hospitalized older adults
• Many teens try e-cigs, but few become regular users
• High flavoring content in some e-cigarettes may be cause for concern
• Gene in high-altitude cattle disease sheds light on human lung disease

New genomics tool could help predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment outcomes Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT A new method for measuring genetic variability within a tumor might one day help doctors identify patients with aggressive cancers that are more likely to resist therapy, according to a study. Researchers used a new scoring method they developed called MATH (mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity) to measure the genetic variability among cancer cells within tumors from 305 patients with head and neck cancer. High MATH scores corresponded to tumors with many differences among the gene mutations present in different cancer cells.

Facebook users' wishful thinking: Cyberbullying, depression won't happen to me Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT Facebook users with so-called optimistic bias think they're less likely than other users to experience cyberbullying, depression and other negative social and psychological effects from using the site, a study finds. The study suggests that optimistic bias, or an intrinsic tendency to imagine future events in a favorable light that enhances positive self-regard -- in other words, wishful thinking -- leaves those Facebook users vulnerable to the negative realities of social media.

Ophthalmologists uncover autoimmune process that causes rejection of secondary corneal transplants Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT Ophthalmologists have identified an important cause of why secondary corneal transplants are rejected at triple the rate of first-time corneal transplants. The cornea -- the most frequently transplanted solid tissue -- has a first-time transplantation success rate of about 90 percent. But second corneal transplants undergo a rejection rate three times that of first transplants.

Exploring the ADHD-Autism link Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:54 AM PDT A licensed clinical psychologist is focusing on the ADHD-autism link to better understand why people with ADHD and autism may be more prone to substance abuse and, in the process, to develop more effective behavioral therapies.

Scientists discover protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:11 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a protein that plays a central role in promoting immunity to viruses and cancer, opening the door to new therapies. Experiments in mice and human cells have shown that the protein promotes the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells, which kill cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. The discovery was unexpected because the new protein had no known function and doesn't resemble any other protein.

First steps in basic process could be harnessed to make therapeutic cells Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT Understanding the molecular signals that guide early cells in the embryo to develop into different types of organs provides insight into how tissues regenerate and repair themselves. By knowing the principles that underlie the intricate steps in this transformation, researchers will be able to make new cells at will for transplantation and tissue repair in such situations as liver or heart disease.

Tumors prefer the easy way out Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT Researchers describe a new way that cancer cells invade other parts of the body, identifying a new treatment target that may be more effective than current drugs. "We are looking for novel ways of preventing cancer cells of the primary tumor from spreading to other parts of the body. Our study points to potential therapeutic targets that could be inhibited to halt tumor cell movement," says the study's principal investigator.

Zinc deficiency linked to activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT Zinc deficiency -- long associated with numerous diseases, e.g., autism, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancers -- can lead to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, a biomolecular pathway that plays essential roles in developing organisms and in diseases, according to new research.

Socioeconomic factors affect odds of death after a lung cancer operation Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT People with limited education and low income have higher odds of death within 30 days after undergoing an operation for lung cancer than those who are more educated and financially better off, according to new research.

Housework keeps older adults more physically, emotionally fit, researcher finds Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT Older adults who keep a clean and orderly home -- because of the exercise it takes to get the job done -- tend to feel emotionally and physically better after tackling house chores, according to new findings.

Electronic micropump to deliver treatments deep within the brain Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:23 AM PDT For a condition such as epilepsy, it is essential to act at exactly the right time and place in the brain. For this reason, a team of researchers has developed an organic electronic micropump which, when combined with an anti-convulsant drug, enables localized inhibition of epileptic seizure in brain tissue in vitro.

More individuals discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:23 AM PDT Discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones can be difficult, but new research shows more individuals are engaging in advance care planning. Advance care planning includes discussing end-of-life care preferences, providing written end-of-life care instructions and appointing a durable power of attorney for health care.

Genetics overlap found between Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular risk factors Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT Genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two significant cardiovascular disease risk factors -- high levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma lipids or fats -- has been identified by researchers. The findings suggest the two cardiovascular phenotypes play a role in AD risk and perhaps offer a new avenue for potentially delaying disease progression.

New research sheds light on how popular probiotic benefits the gut Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT The gut bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has a reputation as a helpful microbe. Now, researchers have come up with an explanation for why. It appears that the bacteria may boost the activity of other gut microbes.

Osteoporosis diagnosis contributes to hearing loss risk Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT People who have osteoporosis face a 1.76-fold higher risk of developing sudden deafness than those who do not have the bone disease, according to a new study. Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bones become structurally weak and are more likely to fracture or break. More than 40 million people nationwide already have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing the condition due to low bone mass. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), also called sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing that typically happens in one ear. About half of the people who develop SSHL will spontaneously regain their hearing.

Difficult to break the soda habit? Sugar-sweetened beverages suppress body's stress response Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can suppress the hormone cortisol and stress responses in the brain, but diet beverages sweetened with aspartame do not have the same effect, according to a new study.

New transitional stem cells discovered Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:52 AM PDT In an effort to grow placenta cells to better study the causes of pre-eclampsia, researchers serendipitously discovered a previously unknown form of human embryonic stem cell.

Adverse childhood events appear to increase the risk of being a hypertensive adult Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:52 AM PDT Children who experience multiple traumatic events, from emotional and sexual abuse to neglect, have higher blood pressures as young adults than their peers, researchers report. These events include emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; and household dysfunction, such as substance abuse or domestic violence. Researchers found the blood pressure increase resulting from experiencing multiple events wasn't fully explained by known concurrent risk factors such as being male, black, a low socioeconomic status, inactivity, obesity, and smoking.

New mouse model for the study of neurofibromatosis Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT New mouse models for the study of principal malignant tumor associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 have been developed by researchers. Neurofibromatosis are disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of neural tissue cells.

Novel online bioinformatics tool significantly reduces time of multiple genome analysis Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT A new bioinformatics pipeline has been developed that enables automated primer design for multiple genome species, significantly reducing turnaround time.

Virtual reality may be effective tool for evaluating balance control in glaucoma patients Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and morbidity in older adults, especially those with a chronic eye disease such as glaucoma. To investigate this problem, a multidisciplinary group of researchers has become the first to use virtual reality technology to develop a new method for measuring balance control in those with glaucoma.

Mushrooms boost immunity, suggests research Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT Could a mushroom a day help keep the doctor away? Some early evidence indicates that the Shiitake mushroom boosts immunity. Of the thousands of mushroom species globally, about 20 are used for culinary purposes. Shiitake mushrooms are native to Asia and are cultivated for their culinary and medicinal value.

Obesity significantly increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT Obesity in black men substantially increases the risk of low- and high-grade prostate cancer, while obesity in white men moderately reduces the risk of low-grade cancer and only slightly increases the risk of high-grade cancer, according to the first large, prospective study to examine how race and obesity jointly affect prostate cancer risk.

Botox makes unnerving journey into our nervous system Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:40 AM PDT Researchers have shown how Botox -- also known as Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A -- is transported via our nerves back to the central nervous system. Botox -- best known for its ability to smooth wrinkles -- has been extremely useful for the treatment of over-active muscles and spasticity as it promotes local and long-term paralysis. To date, it has generally been accepted as safe.

Victorian baby teeth could help predict future health of children today Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:40 AM PDT Baby teeth from children who died during the 1845-52 Irish famine could help us predict the future health of children born today, according to new research. Investigators found that the biochemical composition of teeth that were forming in the womb and during a child's early years not only provided insight into the health of the baby's mother, it even showed major differences between those infants who died and those who survived beyond early childhood.

Scientists use brain stimulation to boost creativity, set stage to potentially treat depression Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:38 AM PDT The first direct evidence has been found demonstrating that a low dose of electric current can enhance the brain's natural alpha oscillations to boost creativity by an average of 7.4 percent. Next up: using the method to treat depression, scientists say.

With biosimilar drug development on the rise, researchers explore efficacy Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:44 AM PDT A new article focuses on the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody to be approved in Europe. "While there is growing interest in biosimilars and their potential to reduce the cost of treatment for a number of debilitating diseases, clinicians and patients alike still have some questions," said an author. "Using a detailed background on the clinical development of the first EMA approved biosimilar monoclonal antibody, this article creates a useful framework for consideration of these new drug options."

A sniff of happiness: Chemicals in sweat may convey positive emotion Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT Humans may be able to communicate positive emotions like happiness through the smell of our sweat, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The research indicates that we produce chemical compounds, or chemosignals, when we experience happiness that are detectable by others who smell our sweat.

After prostate cancer, start walking, experts say Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT Walking at an easy pace for about three hours every week may be just enough physical activity to help prostate cancer survivors reduce damaging side effects of their treatment, according to a new study. "Non-vigorous walking for three hours per week seems to improve the fatigue, depression and body weight issues that affect many men post-treatment," said the lead author of the study. "If you walk even more briskly, for only 90 minutes a week, you could also see similar benefits in these areas."

Breastfeeding may prevent postpartum smoking relapse Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT While a large number of women quit or reduce smoking upon pregnancy recognition, many resume smoking postpartum. Previous research has estimated that approximately 70 percent of women who quit smoking during pregnancy relapse within the first year after childbirth, and of those who relapse, 67 percent resume smoking by three months, and up to 90 percent by six months. A new study indicates the only significant predictor in change in smoking behaviors for women who smoked during pregnancy was in those who breastfed their infant, finding that women who breastfed their infants for at least 90 days smoked less in the months following childbirth than women who breastfed for a shorter period of time or who did not breastfeed at all.

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT About 15 percent of patients with Lyme disease develop peripheral and central nervous system involvement, often accompanied by debilitating and painful symptoms. New research indicates that inflammation plays a causal role in the array of neurologic changes associated with Lyme disease. The investigators also showed that the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone prevents many of these reactions.

Synthetic drugs: evidence that they can cause cancer Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT Almost weekly, a new synthetic psychoactive drug comes onto the market that can be ordered legally and easily, for example as an incense blend, via the Internet. Synthetic cannabinoids are difficult to identify chemically and the possible unwanted toxic effects that can occur following their consumption have so far barely been investigated. As part of the international EU project "SPICE II Plus", researchers have now also found evidence that synthetic substances damage the DNA of human cells and can therefore possibly have cancer-causing effects.

Firearm-related hospitalizations linked to U. S. stock market performance Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT Economic climate may impact incidence of firearm-related injuries and fatalities, which pose a burden on U.S. healthcare resources, report scientists.

New assay helps determine lymphoma subtypes simply, quickly, and inexpensively Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT With the advent of targeted lymphoma therapies on the horizon, it becomes increasingly important to differentiate the two major subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These are germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and activated B-cell-like (ABC), which differ in management and outcomes. A report describes use of the reverse transcriptase multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (RT-MLPA) assay for differentiating DLBCL subtypes. RT-MLPA is as accurate as the current gold standard technology and offers advantages such as simplicity, flexibility, short turnaround time, low cost, and efficiency.

Systems-wide genetic study of blood pressure regulation in the Framingham Heart Study Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT A genetic investigation of individuals in the Framingham Heart Study may prove useful to identify novel targets for the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure. The study takes a close look at networks of blood pressure-related genes.

New research agenda provides roadmap to improve care for hospitalized older adults Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT Older adults with complex medical needs are occupying an increasing number of beds in acute care hospitals, and these patients are commonly cared for by hospitalists with limited formal geriatrics training. These clinicians are also hindered by a lack of research that addresses the needs of the older adult population. A new paper outlines a research agenda to address these issues.

Many teens try e-cigs, but few become regular users Posted: 15 Apr 2015 05:35 PM PDT E-cigarettes are popular with teens, including those who have never smoked, but few of those who try them become regular users, while most of those who do so are also smokers, finds research. Researchers also found that the use of e-cigarettes at least once was more common than having smoked a conventional cigarette among all age groups, except the oldest (15-16 year olds).

High flavoring content in some e-cigarettes may be cause for concern Posted: 15 Apr 2015 05:35 PM PDT The levels of chemicals used to flavor some brands of e-cigarette fluid exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants, in some cases, suggests research. The electronic cigarette market has developed rapidly in recent years, with global sales in 2014 estimated to be in the region of US$7 billion, but the health implications of vaping remain hotly contested.

Gene in high-altitude cattle disease sheds light on human lung disease Posted: 15 Apr 2015 12:54 PM PDT A genetic mutation that causes pulmonary hypertension in cattle grazed at high altitude has been linked to a condition that leads to a life-threatening situation called brisket disease. This discovery may shed light on human lung disease, in particular, the mechanism behind non-familial pulmonary hypertension in patients with conditions such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

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