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• Cocaine changes brains makes relapse more common in addicts
• Lack of safety at school, poverty linked to childhood obesity
• Scientists observe deadly dance between nerves, cancer cells
• C. difficile rates highest in Northeast region of U.S., spring season
• Gastric band, weight management therapies offer similar benefits
• Elevated upper body position improves respiratory safety in women following childbirth
• Gene mapping reveals soy's dynamic, differing roles in breast cancer
• Beijing Olympics study links pollution to lower birth weight
• History of breastfeeding associated with reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence
• Church-based diabetes education program leads to healthier lifestyles among Latino adults
• New studies examine the significant risk of life-threatening blood clots in post-surgical lung cancer patients
• Risks from excessive drinking: Social and psychological issues trump physical hazards
• Evidence that premature girls thrive more than premature boys
• No single cut-off for parasite half-life can define artemisinin-resistant malaria
• Polygamy increases risk of heart disease by more than 4-fold
• Brain differences seen in children with dyslexia, dysgraphia
• As circumcision wounds heal, HIV-positive men may spread virus to female partners: Uganda study
• Genetic markers for fetal overgrowth syndrome discovered
• First six months best for stimulating heart growth, study reveals
• A minority of women seek health care after military sexual assault
• Researchers solve mystery of deadly transplant infection
• Bioactive gel to treat knee injuries being developed
• Emergency department treatment for opioid addiction better than referrals
• Bacteria in medical implants on purpose? Opening the way to living implants
• Genetically modified crops to fight spina bifida
• Watching cartoons helps children undergoing immunization
• Diet swap has dramatic effects on colon cancer risk for Americans and Africans
• New IVF device may improve fertility treatment
• Scientists find new mutation that may lead to better diabetes medications and prevention
• Healthy children's menu items tied to healthier ordering patterns, sustained restaurant revenue
• Childhood obesity: One epidemic or two?
• Researchers develop new computer-based vision screening test for young children
• Students break new ground in understanding genetic diversity of bacteriophages
• Keeping food visible throughout the house is linked to obesity
• Facts about our microbial menagerie
• Master switch for cancer-causing HER2 protein identified
• Patient portals could widen health disparities
• Stopping HIV in its tracks: New subdermal implant delivers potent antiretroviral drugs
• A CRISPR antiviral tool
• Microneedle patch for measles vaccination could be a global game changer
• Breast milk sharing among friends, relatives likely increasing, but still risky
• Peanut-allergic children more at risk of exposure at home than at school
• Childhood bullying causes worse long-term mental health problems than maltreatment
• A glitch in the recycling: Study identifies key factor in the neural death that causes Parkinson's disease
• Women show persistent memory impairment after concussion
• Dyslexic children do not detect stressed syllables well while listening to words
• New material for creating artificial blood vessels
• Discovery of an unexpected function of a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases
• Population and birth rates: Claims about decline of the West are 'exaggerated'
• Maternal overweight, obesity increases risk of type 1 diabetes in children when neither parent has diabetes
• Family break-up linked to heightened risk of psychosomatic problems in teens
• Potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing in critically ill infants
• Resolvin D1 reduces post-heart-attack heart failure
• Effective sleep apnea treatment lowers diabetes risk
• Physical exercise helps women with breast cancer to better tolerate chemotherapy

Cocaine changes brains makes relapse more common in addicts Posted: 28 Apr 2015 04:05 PM PDT Cocaine use causes 'profound changes' in the brain that lead to an increased risk of relapse due to stress, according to new research that identifies a molecular mechanism in the reward centre of the brain that influences how recovering cocaine addicts might relapse after stressful events. Importantly, the study identifies a potential mechanism for protecting against such relapses with treatment.

Lack of safety at school, poverty linked to childhood obesity Posted: 28 Apr 2015 03:59 PM PDT A lack of safety at school is one of the correlates of childhood obesity, say researchers. The researchers came to their conclusions by reviewing data provided by 1,234 Quebec youths who had just entered secondary school. The students were asked about their feelings of safety at school and whether they had been verbally, socially or physically bullied. This information was supplemented with data covering their family background and their health behaviours.

Scientists observe deadly dance between nerves, cancer cells Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:17 PM PDT In certain types of cancer, nerves and cancer cells enter an often lethal and intricate waltz where cancer cells and nerves move toward one another and eventually engage in such a way that the cancer cells enter the nerves.

C. difficile rates highest in Northeast region of U.S., spring season Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:14 PM PDT Rates of infection with the deadly superbug Clostridium difficile were highest in the Northeast region of the country and in the spring season over the last 10 years, according to a new study.

Gastric band, weight management therapies offer similar benefits Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:14 PM PDT A small clinical trial has shown that two approaches -- adjustable gastric band surgery and an intensive group-based medical diabetes and weight management program -- achieved similar improvements in controlling blood sugar levels after one year.

Elevated upper body position improves respiratory safety in women following childbirth Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:14 PM PDT Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is less common in young women, sleep apnea was found in 4.9 percent in a cohort of pregnant women. In addition, OSA worsens as pregnancy progresses and is likely to persist into the early postpartum period. An elevated upper body position might improve respiratory safety in women early after childbirth without impairing sleep quality, a new study concludes.

Gene mapping reveals soy's dynamic, differing roles in breast cancer Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:14 PM PDT Scientists have mapped genes affected by phytonutrients in soy, and have found that minimally processed soy flour suppresses breast cancer, while purified isoflavones stimulate genes that accelerate tumor growth, raising questions about soy supplements' safety for postmenopausal women.

Beijing Olympics study links pollution to lower birth weight Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:14 PM PDT Exposure to high levels of pollution can have a significant impact on fetal growth and development, researchers conclude. Their study found that women who were pregnant during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when pollution levels were reduced by the Chinese government, gave birth to children with higher birth weights compared to those who were pregnant before and after the games.

History of breastfeeding associated with reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:13 PM PDT Women diagnosed with breast cancer who previously breastfed their babies had a 30 percent overall decreased risk of the disease recurring, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. In addition, researchers found that the protective effect of breastfeeding was more pronounced for tumors of particular genetic subtypes, including the most commonly diagnosed of all breast cancers.

Church-based diabetes education program leads to healthier lifestyles among Latino adults Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:13 PM PDT Latino adults with diabetes who participated in a church-based education program reported eating less high-fat food and exercising more following a trial intervention program. The Picture Good Health program, based in the city's South Lawndale/Little Village neighborhood, included an eight-week series of classes led by trained community members. The participants, mostly older Latino women, all had a previous diagnosis of diabetes and were recruited from two Catholic church communities.

New studies examine the significant risk of life-threatening blood clots in post-surgical lung cancer patients Posted: 28 Apr 2015 02:13 PM PDT Lung cancer surgery patients are at higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), than previously thought, with elevated risks of complications or death. When thromboemboli occur, they may be asymptomatic or attributed to post-surgical pain or complications, and may reflect both the lung cancer itself as well as compromised lung function after surgery. These incidents may also be ascribed to an inconsistent approach to prevention that currently exists among thoracic surgeons and hematologists who care for these patients, researchers warn.

Risks from excessive drinking: Social and psychological issues trump physical hazards Posted: 28 Apr 2015 12:15 PM PDT A new study involving some 40,000 people indicates that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates.

Evidence that premature girls thrive more than premature boys Posted: 28 Apr 2015 12:15 PM PDT A new study from Loyola University Medical Center provides further evidence that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely. The study found that female infants independently orally fed one day earlier than males. The ability to suck, swallow and breathe simultaneously are reflexes that many premature infants are unable to do. Learning to master these skills and eat independently without feeding tubes is necessary before an infant can safely go home from the hospital.

No single cut-off for parasite half-life can define artemisinin-resistant malaria Posted: 28 Apr 2015 12:15 PM PDT Data from southeast Asia -- where artemisinin-resistant malaria strains were first detected -- broadly support WHO's 'working definition' for artemisinin resistance, but the currently used definitions require important refinements, according to a new study.

Polygamy increases risk of heart disease by more than 4-fold Posted: 28 Apr 2015 11:19 AM PDT Polygamy increases the risk of heart disease by more than 4-fold, reveals new research. The risk and severity of heart disease increased with the number of wives.

Brain differences seen in children with dyslexia, dysgraphia Posted: 28 Apr 2015 11:19 AM PDT Structural brain differences between children with dyslexia and dysgraphia and children who are typical language learners have been observed by researchers in a recent study. Researchers say the findings prove that using a single category of learning disability to qualify for special education services is not scientifically supported.

As circumcision wounds heal, HIV-positive men may spread virus to female partners: Uganda study Posted: 28 Apr 2015 11:18 AM PDT Scientists report that a new study of HIV-infected men in Uganda has identified a temporary, but potentially troublesome unintended consequence of the procedure: a possible increased risk of infecting female sexual partners while circumcision wounds heal.

Genetic markers for fetal overgrowth syndrome discovered Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:54 AM PDT Researchers have identified a number of genes that contribute to large offspring syndrome, which can result in the overgrowth of fetuses and enlarged babies. In humans, this disorder is called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS).

First six months best for stimulating heart growth, study reveals Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:54 AM PDT The optimal window of time to stimulate heart muscle cell regeneration -- cardiomyocyte proliferation -- in humans is the first six months of life, researchers have discovered. The drug neuregulin is currently under investigation as a drug treatment for heart failure in adults, but corresponding studies for pediatric applications had not been attempted before now.

A minority of women seek health care after military sexual assault Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:54 AM PDT Most female service members who experience sexual assault are unlikely to seek post-assault health care, at least in the short term, suggests a new study.

Researchers solve mystery of deadly transplant infection Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:53 AM PDT After the death of a patient, a thoracic surgeon has determined the possible cause of a rare infection, likely saving lives of future lung transplant patients. Lungs are one of the most difficult organs to transplant because unlike other organs, lungs are exposed to the external atmospheric elements during normal respiration, leading to possible infection and damage.

Bioactive gel to treat knee injuries being developed Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:53 AM PDT Current surgical options for repairing damaged cartilage caused by knee injuries are costly, can have complications, and often are not very effective in the long run. But an orthopedics research team is working on a biologic solution -- an injectable gel that encourages self-healing of cartilage -- with hopes it will result in a minimally invasive, practical, and inexpensive approach for repairing cartilage and preventing osteoarthritis.

Emergency department treatment for opioid addiction better than referrals Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:52 AM PDT The first known randomized trial comparing three treatment strategies for opioid-dependent patients receiving emergency care has been conducted by researchers who found that patients given the medication buprenorphine were more likely to engage in addiction treatment and reduce their illicit opioid use.

Bacteria in medical implants on purpose? Opening the way to living implants Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:50 AM PDT Supramolecular chemistry is the science that is concerned with molecular self-assembly: chemical building blocks which, when you combine them, naturally form larger ordered structures. Researchers have now found a method that allows them to ensure that living cells - in this case bacteria from the human body - can be incorporated in materials while maintaining their mobility. This opens the way to a wide range of new applications, for example as part of medical implants. Examples include stents equipped with bacteria on which endothelial cells can grow, or bacteria that can release medicines in specific parts of the body.

Genetically modified crops to fight spina bifida Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:50 AM PDT Genetically modified crops are usually designed to have herbicide tolerance and insect resistance, but there are other applications of such engineered plants, such as the incorporation of genes for specific nutrients. Research suggests that the bio-fortification of rice with a gene to produce more folate (vitamin B9) could significantly reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida and other neural tube defect conditions, caused by deficiency of this nutrient.

Watching cartoons helps children undergoing immunization Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:50 AM PDT Watching cartoons can reduce pain and distress in children undergoing immunization before, during and after the procedure, a study has found. Results showed that levels of distress were lowered in children distracted with cartoons. Researchers added that these results concurred with previous studies, especially in showing that children younger than seven years typically report more distress and pain from needles than older children.

Diet swap has dramatic effects on colon cancer risk for Americans and Africans Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:50 AM PDT Scientists have found dramatic effects on risk factors for colon cancer when American and African volunteers swapped diets for just two weeks.

New IVF device may improve fertility treatment Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:47 AM PDT Scientists have developed a technique to more effectively grow and screen embryos prior to implantation.

Scientists find new mutation that may lead to better diabetes medications and prevention Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:38 AM PDT A new genetic mutation that appears to protect people from developing Type 2 diabetes has been identified by an international team of researchers. The finding could lead to the development of new drug therapies to treat about 26 million Type 2 diabetics in the United States who rely on insulin and oral medication to manage the life-threatening disease for which there is no cure.

Healthy children's menu items tied to healthier ordering patterns, sustained restaurant revenue Posted: 28 Apr 2015 09:38 AM PDT The first study of its kind evaluating ordering patterns of children's meals when provided with healthier menu items and changes in restaurant revenues shows potential for both improved children's health and restaurant growth. This study shows promise for other restaurateurs looking to promote healthy eating among children while remaining competitive in the marketplace.

Childhood obesity: One epidemic or two? Posted: 28 Apr 2015 07:59 AM PDT Scientists have compared data on contemporary children with those of the 1980's. They discovered that the rise in obesity among very young children has been largely restricted to the minority with obese parents. Toddlers as a whole have not changed. By contrast, obesity among adolescents has not been restricted to those with obese parents, but has occurred across the entire age group. This new research could have far-reaching implications for attempts to reduce the global epidemic of childhood obesity, as it indicates that very different approaches may be needed at various stages of development.

Researchers develop new computer-based vision screening test for young children Posted: 28 Apr 2015 07:58 AM PDT Many eye disorders in young children are asymptomatic and may remain undetected without testing. Since effective treatments are available for many of those conditions, early identification and intervention are critical to prevent potentially permanent vision problems. A new report describes the effectiveness of a new computer-based vision-screening test, the Jaeb Visual Acuity Screener (JVAS), which is suitable for use in schools and pediatrician's offices.

Students break new ground in understanding genetic diversity of bacteriophages Posted: 28 Apr 2015 07:56 AM PDT Over the last seven years, thousands of undergraduate students have sequenced and analyzed the genomes of bacteria-infecting viruses, known as bacteriophages. Those genomes are now the focal point of a new study that examined the genetic diversity of 627 phages isolated from a single species of bacteria. The study shows a continuum of genetic diversity rather than discrete groups within the population of bacteriophages studied.

Keeping food visible throughout the house is linked to obesity Posted: 28 Apr 2015 07:56 AM PDT Researchers have identified two seemingly unrelated but strong predictors of obesity: having low self-esteem related to one's weight, and keeping food visibly available around the house, outside the kitchen. The study focused primarily on determining whether the home environment – architectural features and food storage and availability – was associated with obesity, but also measured a number of psychological factors. While architectural features had no relationship to obesity status, several food-related findings did.

Facts about our microbial menagerie Posted: 28 Apr 2015 07:56 AM PDT Trillions of microorganisms inhabit us -- inside and out. Scientists are surveying these microbial metropolises to learn more about their role in health. Here are a few details of what researchers have learned so far.

Master switch for cancer-causing HER2 protein identified Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:19 AM PDT Herceptin has been touted as a wonder drug for women with HER2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease that is fueled by excess production of the HER2 protein. However, not all of these patients respond to the drug, and many who do respond eventually acquire resistance.

Patient portals could widen health disparities Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:19 AM PDT Online patient portals are increasingly important for doctor-patient communication and access to health care information. But patient portals could widen the gap in health disparities. Patients with low health literacy, less education and who are African American were much less likely to use these portals compared with white patients and those who were more health literate. These people lose the opportunity to easily engage their doctor about health concerns or medications, quickly refill prescriptions and get lab results, authors of a new report say.

Stopping HIV in its tracks: New subdermal implant delivers potent antiretroviral drugs Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:19 AM PDT A novel, subdermal implant delivering potent antiretroviral drugs shows extreme promise in stopping the spread of HIV, researchers report. Scientists say that they have developed a matchstick size implant, similar to a contraceptive implant, that successfully delivers a controlled, sustained release of ARV drugs up to 40 days in dogs with no adverse side effects.

A CRISPR antiviral tool Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:19 AM PDT Cas9 is part of the CRISPR genetic defense system in bacteria, which scientists have been harnessing to edit DNA in animals, plants and even human cells. Researchers now demonstrate they can use Cas9 to put a clamp on RNA, which hepatitis C virus uses for its genetic material, rather than change cells' DNA.

Microneedle patch for measles vaccination could be a global game changer Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:16 AM PDT A new microneedle patch being developed could make it easier to vaccinate people against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, scientists say. The microneedle patch is designed to be administered by minimally trained workers and to simplify storage, distribution, and disposal compared with conventional vaccines.

Breast milk sharing among friends, relatives likely increasing, but still risky Posted: 28 Apr 2015 06:16 AM PDT A new study offers insight into the attitudes around the growing -- and unregulated -- practice of breast milk sharing. Results indicate that friends and relatives are sharing breast milk with each other, but that many may not be aware of the risks, even when the milk is from someone they know. The study also found that healthcare practitioners are being left out of the milk-sharing dialogue-- and that there are untapped opportunities to encourage women to donate desperately needed, extra breast milk for premature babies.

Peanut-allergic children more at risk of exposure at home than at school Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:22 AM PDT Children who are allergic to peanuts are far more likely to be exposed to them in their own homes that at school, says a new research study, adding that adolescents were found to be at a high-risk, something the team imputes to teenagers' general predilection towards risk-taking behaviour.

Childhood bullying causes worse long-term mental health problems than maltreatment Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:22 AM PDT Bullying adversely affects children in later life more than being maltreated, according to new research. A new study shows that children who have been bullied by peers suffer worse in the longer term than those who have been maltreated by adults.

A glitch in the recycling: Study identifies key factor in the neural death that causes Parkinson's disease Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:22 AM PDT In studying the molecular biology of brain development, a team of researchers has discovered how disruption of a developmental mechanism alters the very nerve cells that are most affected in Parkinson's disease. Their study took nearly four years to complete and involved the targeted manipulation of mouse genes to generate a model of the disease.

Women show persistent memory impairment after concussion Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:22 AM PDT Women may have a more difficult time than men in recovering from concussion, according to a new study. Concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is a common medical problem affecting cognitive function and quality of life in some individuals.

Dyslexic children do not detect stressed syllables well while listening to words Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:20 AM PDT Dyslexia is not only a problem related to reading; children with this difficulty also display impaired prosodic processing, in other words, they struggle to detect stressed syllables. A team of researchers has shown this feature to be lacking in dyslexia for the first time in Spanish (it has already been demonstrated in English) and highlights the importance of including oral expression activities, as well as reading, to differentiate tone, word stress and intonation.

New material for creating artificial blood vessels Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:17 AM PDT Blocked blood vessels can quickly become dangerous. It is often necessary to replace a blood vessel – either by another vessel taken from the body or even by artificial vascular prostheses. Researchers have developed artificial blood vessels made from a special elastomer material, which has excellent mechanical properties. Over time, these artificial blood vessels are replaced by endogenous material. At the end of this restorative process, a natural, fully functional vessel is once again in place. The method has already been used successfully in rats.

Discovery of an unexpected function of a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases Posted: 28 Apr 2015 05:17 AM PDT Until now, the proteins known as ubiquitin receptors have been associated mainly with protein degradation, a basic cell cleaning process. A new function now described for the protein dDsk2 links ubiquitin receptors for the first time with the regulation of gene expression. This discovery opens up a double scenario, one focused on basic epigenomic research and the other biomedical, because of the link between dDsk2 and neurodegenerative diseases.

Population and birth rates: Claims about decline of the West are 'exaggerated' Posted: 27 Apr 2015 06:16 PM PDT A new paper argues that some countries in Western Europe, and the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand now have birth rates that are now relatively close to replacement, that the underlying trend in Europe is upwards, and that population aging, although inevitable, is likely to be 'manageable'.

Maternal overweight, obesity increases risk of type 1 diabetes in children when neither parent has diabetes Posted: 27 Apr 2015 06:16 PM PDT A study of more than 1.2 million children in Sweden has concluded that children of parents with any type of diabetes are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes (T1D), and that maternal overweight and obesity increases the risk of the child developing T1D when neither parent has diabetes.

Family break-up linked to heightened risk of psychosomatic problems in teens Posted: 27 Apr 2015 06:16 PM PDT Parental separation or divorce is linked to a heightened risk of psychosomatic problems among the children in the family, indicates new research. But joint custody seems to be less problematic than sole custody, the findings suggest. The assessment focused on concentration and sleep difficulties; headaches; stomach aches; feelings of tension, sadness, and dizziness; and loss of appetite.

Potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing in critically ill infants Posted: 27 Apr 2015 06:16 PM PDT The early results of the clinical usefulness of rapid whole-genome sequencing in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs) has been presented by researchers. The STAT-Seq test helped diagnose a genetic disease in more than one half of 35 critically ill infants tested, compared to just nine percent with standard genetic tests.

Resolvin D1 reduces post-heart-attack heart failure Posted: 27 Apr 2015 03:27 PM PDT Mice that are given the lipid Resolvin D1 after experimental heart attacks have substantially reduced amounts of inflammation and heart failure. Resolvin D1 is naturally produced in the body as a metabolite of one omega-3 fatty acid that is especially present in fish oil. It and other resolvins have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Effective sleep apnea treatment lowers diabetes risk Posted: 27 Apr 2015 01:38 PM PDT Using a continuous positive airway pressure device for eight hours a night to treat sleep apnea can help people with prediabetes improve their blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes, researchers report.

Physical exercise helps women with breast cancer to better tolerate chemotherapy Posted: 27 Apr 2015 01:36 PM PDT Women with breast cancer who follow a physical exercise program during their chemotherapy treatment experience less side effects like fatigue, reduced physical fitness, nausea and pain. It is also less often necessary to adjust the dosage of their chemotherapy, scientists show.

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