ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Local media helps communities to cope after traumatic events
• Viewing violent news on social media can cause trauma
• Comprehensive stroke centers may improve bleeding stroke survival
• Mapping app turns art into a sharable walking route
• Parents often misperceive their obese children as 'about the right weight'
• Using fresh whole blood lowers childrens' donor exposure risk in heart surgery
• Study solves ovarian cell mystery, shedding new light on reproductive disorders
• Memory task-specific encoding by neuronal networks in the human hippocampus
• Researchers reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics in lab
• Mobile phone video microscope automates detection of parasites in blood
• Plant toxin causes biliary atresia in animal model
• When mom gains too much weight during pregnancy, her child is more likely to be obese
• Molecular homing beacon redirects human antibodies to fight pathogenic bacteria
• Tiny silicone spheres come out of the mist: Targeted medicine?
• Fecal microbiota transplant cures C. diff, blocks multi-drug resistant pathogens, study shows
• Blocking obesity-associated protein stops dangerous fat formation, mouse study shows
• New stem cells hold potential for generating mature functional tissues
• A better way to build DNA scaffolds: Long, custom-designed DNA strands
• Brain chemical may offer new clues in treating chronic pain
• Survival rates in trauma patients after Massachusetts health insurance reform
• Biologist are increasingly becoming data scientists, expert says
• Is diet or exercise the best way to reduce diabetes risk?
• Insight into Ebola virus nucleocapsid assembly mechanism
• 'Super-cool' way to deliver drugs
• Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered
• The next step in DNA computing: GPS mapping?
• Thermometer-like device could help diagnose heart attacks
• From the depths of a microscopic world, spontaneous cooperation
• Social network experiments create a tipping point to improve public health
• Springing into action: New biosafety process introduced
• Blood markers could help predict outcome of infant heart surgery
• Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control
• 'Dr. Google' doesn't know best: Search engine self-diagnosis and 'cyberchondria'
• New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information
• New study calls for changes to childcare 'mandatory' sleep rules in daycare
• 'Leg Bank' hope for changing amputees' lives
• Building scaffolds in the cell's power stations
• New method detects more breast cancer in screening
• Scientists identify promising new melanoma treatment strategy
• Bacteria research opens way for new antibiotics
• Hepatitis C common among HIV-positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa
• New clues into how stem cells get their identity
• Non-Euclidean geometries for grid cells
• Researchers put magic spin on protein to tease out its first dance with tempo set by temperature
• Sensor detects spoilage of food
• Automated counting of tumor cells in blood
• Children's sleep, mental health are related
• The nucleus: Blueprints for the construction of nuclear pores deciphered
• Do online comments affect your medical attitude and decisions?
• Forests could be the trump card in efforts to end global hunger

Local media helps communities to cope after traumatic events Posted: 06 May 2015 01:43 PM PDT Local media's sensitive approach to communities trying to cope in the face of trauma helps local people adapt to the stressful events by strengthening community bonds.

Viewing violent news on social media can cause trauma Posted: 06 May 2015 01:42 PM PDT Viewing violent news events via social media can cause people to experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Comprehensive stroke centers may improve bleeding stroke survival Posted: 06 May 2015 01:42 PM PDT People with brain bleeds are more likely to survive if they're treated at a comprehensive stroke center. Comprehensive stroke centers have the equipment and personnel to deal with the most severe strokes, including neurological critical care and 24-hour availability of neurosurgeons.

Mapping app turns art into a sharable walking route Posted: 06 May 2015 01:41 PM PDT The Trace app turns a digital sketch that you draw on your smartphone screen -- heart, maple leaf, raindrop -- into a walking route that you can send to a friend. The recipient of the "gift" receives step-by-step walking directions that eventually reveal the hidden shape on a map.

Parents often misperceive their obese children as 'about the right weight' Posted: 06 May 2015 01:41 PM PDT Although rates of childhood obesity have risen over the last several decades, a vast majority of parents perceive their kids as "about the right weight," according to new research. The authors believe it is the first study to examine the lack of change over time of parents' perception of their preschool child's weight status.

Using fresh whole blood lowers childrens' donor exposure risk in heart surgery Posted: 06 May 2015 01:41 PM PDT Children who undergo heart surgery are better off receiving fresh whole blood transfusions from a single donor, rather than receiving component blood from multiple donors. Limiting donor exposures reduces the patients' risk of complications, research shows.

Study solves ovarian cell mystery, shedding new light on reproductive disorders Posted: 06 May 2015 01:41 PM PDT A long-standing mystery about the origin of one of the cell types that make up the ovary has been solved by researchers. The team also discovered how ovarian cells share information during development of an ovarian follicle, which holds the maturing egg.

Memory task-specific encoding by neuronal networks in the human hippocampus Posted: 06 May 2015 01:37 PM PDT Epilepsy patients undergoing intracranial monitoring for seizure localization provide an excellent model to study discharge patterns of single neurons within the mesial temporal lobe during memory tasks. Animal models have shown that discharge patterns of CA3 neuronal populations influence the discharge of CA1 neurons. The researchers hypothesized that human hippocampal neurons have regionally and temporally specific and interrelated discharge patterns, which contribute to task specific memory formation and retrieval.

Researchers reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics in lab Posted: 06 May 2015 11:26 AM PDT The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing problem in the United States and the world. New findings by researchers in evolutionary biology and mathematics could help doctors better address the problem in a clinical setting.

Mobile phone video microscope automates detection of parasites in blood Posted: 06 May 2015 11:25 AM PDT A new mobile phone microscope that uses video to automatically detect and quantify infection by parasitic worms in a drop of blood has been developed by researchers. This next generation of CellScope technology could help revive efforts to eradicate debilitating diseases in Africa by providing critical information for health providers in the field.

Plant toxin causes biliary atresia in animal model Posted: 06 May 2015 11:25 AM PDT A new study is a classic example of how seemingly unlikely collaborators can come together to make surprising discoveries. An international team of gastroenterologists, pediatricians, natural products chemists, and veterinarians, working with zebrafish models and mouse cell cultures have discovered that a chemical found in Australian plants provides insights into the cause of a rare and debilitating disorder affecting newborns called biliary atresia, is the most common indication for a liver transplant in children.

When mom gains too much weight during pregnancy, her child is more likely to be obese Posted: 06 May 2015 11:05 AM PDT A new study has found that when an expecting mother gains more weight than recommended, does not exercise or smokes during pregnancy, the probability that her child will be overweight or obese at the age of eight sharply increases.

Molecular homing beacon redirects human antibodies to fight pathogenic bacteria Posted: 06 May 2015 11:04 AM PDT With the threat of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens growing, new ideas to treat infections are sorely needed. Researchers report preliminary success testing an entirely novel approach -- tagging bacteria with a molecular "homing beacon" that attracts pre-existing antibodies to attack the pathogens.

Tiny silicone spheres come out of the mist: Targeted medicine? Posted: 06 May 2015 10:48 AM PDT Technology in common household humidifiers could enable the next wave of high-tech medical imaging and targeted medicine, thanks to a new method for making tiny silicone microspheres. The researchers made silicone microspheres with a variety of properties for different applications, including colored, fluorescent and magnetic spheres.

Fecal microbiota transplant cures C. diff, blocks multi-drug resistant pathogens, study shows Posted: 06 May 2015 10:48 AM PDT A fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) not only cured a case of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection in a 66 year old man; it eliminated populations of multi-drug resistant organisms both in the patient's gastrointestinal tract, and several other body sites, researchers report.

Blocking obesity-associated protein stops dangerous fat formation, mouse study shows Posted: 06 May 2015 10:36 AM PDT By changing mouse genes to block a protein associated with obesity, scientists have prevented fat from forming around the animals' internal organs, even when the animals eat an unhealthy diet. The study found that these genetically engineered mice also retained their sensitivity to insulin (normally blunted by obesity), despite gaining weight.

New stem cells hold potential for generating mature functional tissues Posted: 06 May 2015 10:16 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a new type of stem cell that could potentially generate mature, functional tissues. They report using these new stem cells to develop the first reliable method for integrating human stem cells into nonviable mouse embryos in a laboratory dish in such a way that the human cells began to differentiate into early-stage tissues.

A better way to build DNA scaffolds: Long, custom-designed DNA strands Posted: 06 May 2015 09:50 AM PDT Imagine taking strands of DNA - the material in our cells that determines how we look and function - and using it to build tiny structures that can deliver drugs to targets within the body or take electronic miniaturization to a whole new level. While it may still sound like science fiction to most of us, researchers have been piecing together and experimenting with DNA structures for decades. And, in recent years, scientists have moved the use of human-made DNA structures closer to a variety of real-world applications.

Brain chemical may offer new clues in treating chronic pain Posted: 06 May 2015 09:05 AM PDT A chemical in the brain typically associated with cognition, movement and reward-motivation behavior -- among others -- may also play a role in promoting chronic pain, according to new research. The chemical, dopamine, sets the stage for many important brain functions, but the mechanisms that cause it to contribute to chronic pain are less well understood.

Survival rates in trauma patients after Massachusetts health insurance reform Posted: 06 May 2015 09:05 AM PDT A study of survival rates in trauma patients following health insurance reform in Massachusetts found a passing increase in adjusted mortality rates, an unexpected finding suggesting that simply providing insurance incentives and subsidies may not improve survival for trauma patients, according to a report.

Biologist are increasingly becoming data scientists, expert says Posted: 06 May 2015 09:04 AM PDT Biology is rapidly acquiring the character of a data science. Billions of data points on genes, proteins and other molecules are compiled in large files and systematically studied. This should lead to more knowledge and understanding about living organisms, including crops and livestock that are the basis of food security for the world population, an expert explains.

Is diet or exercise the best way to reduce diabetes risk? Posted: 06 May 2015 08:15 AM PDT Though people often think of the benefits from exercise, calorie restriction and weight loss as interchangeable, it appears that they may all offer distinct and cumulative benefits when it comes to managing type 2 diabetes risk.

Insight into Ebola virus nucleocapsid assembly mechanism Posted: 06 May 2015 08:15 AM PDT For decades, numerous research works have identified the structures of most EBOV encoded proteins except two, the L protein and nucleoprotein (NP), because of the difficulties they present in the expression, purification and crystallization process. Recently, researchers identified the structure of the EBOV NP core domain.

'Super-cool' way to deliver drugs Posted: 06 May 2015 08:15 AM PDT Some substances, when they undergo a process called 'rapid-freezing' or 'supercooling,' remain in liquid form -- even at below-freezing temperatures. A new study is the first to break down the rules governing the complex process of crystallization through rapid-cooling. Its findings may revolutionize the delivery of drugs in the human body, providing a way to 'freeze' the drugs at an optimal time and location in the body.

Negative regulator of natural killer cell maturation discovered Posted: 06 May 2015 08:13 AM PDT A new study has identified a regulatory pathway in natural killer cells that inhibits their maturation and homing behavior. Natural killer cells are one of the body's first lines of defense against viruses and cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for boosting natural-killer cell activity against cancer and viral infections, scientists say.

The next step in DNA computing: GPS mapping? Posted: 06 May 2015 08:13 AM PDT Conventional silicon-based computing, which has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent decades, is pushing against its practical limits. DNA computing could help take the digital era to the next level. Scientists are now reporting progress toward that goal with the development of a novel DNA-based GPS.

Thermometer-like device could help diagnose heart attacks Posted: 06 May 2015 08:13 AM PDT Diagnosing a heart attack can require multiple tests using expensive equipment. But not everyone has access to such techniques, especially in remote or low-income areas. Now scientists have developed a simple, thermometer-like device that could help doctors diagnose heart attacks with minimal materials and cost.

From the depths of a microscopic world, spontaneous cooperation Posted: 06 May 2015 08:13 AM PDT A clever combination of two different types of computer simulations enabled a group of researchers to uncover an unexpectedly cooperative group dynamic: the spontaneous emergence of resource sharing among individuals in a community. Who were the members of this friendly, digitally represented collective? Escherichia coli, rod-shaped bacteria found in the digestive systems of humans and many other animals.

Social network experiments create a tipping point to improve public health Posted: 06 May 2015 08:13 AM PDT Convincing a large group of people to change its behavior is no popularity contest, a new study shows. In a novel experiment, researchers found that certain public health interventions work best when key 'influencers' in a face-to-face social network are exposed to the program. What's surprising, they say, is that those key influencers are not the most socially connected people in the network.

Springing into action: New biosafety process introduced Posted: 06 May 2015 08:12 AM PDT While new and groundbreaking innovations in biotechnology are developed in laboratories, it is crucial that scientists employ the highest level of safety measures within the laboratory to prevent any unintentional effects on human health or environment. To that end, researchers are developing and making available to the public a proactive, biosafety process to review all proposed biotechnology research and manage potential risks preemptively.

Blood markers could help predict outcome of infant heart surgery Posted: 06 May 2015 08:12 AM PDT New research suggests it may be possible to predict an infant's progress following surgery for congenital heart disease by analysing a number of important small molecules in the blood.

Employers and workers can join forces to keep diabetes under control Posted: 06 May 2015 08:09 AM PDT People with diabetes who enroll in a health plan tailored to their medical condition are more likely to stick to their medication and actively take charge of their own health care, research into the effectiveness of the Diabetes Health Plan finds.

'Dr. Google' doesn't know best: Search engine self-diagnosis and 'cyberchondria' Posted: 06 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT Research is aiming to improve search engines after finding online self-diagnosis of health conditions provides misleading results that can do more harm than good.

New form of DNA modification may carry inheritable information Posted: 06 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT The surprising discovery and function of a new DNA modification in insects, worms, and algae has been described in a new article by an international team of researchers.

New study calls for changes to childcare 'mandatory' sleep rules in daycare Posted: 06 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT Findings from a new study have put to bed the idea of mandatory sleep times in licensed childcare settings. The study found that children who were exposed to more than 60 minutes mandatory sleep at childcare slept worse at night which continued when they started school.

'Leg Bank' hope for changing amputees' lives Posted: 06 May 2015 06:55 AM PDT A 'leg bank' – providing life-changing prostheses to low-income people who have lost limbs – is being developed by a team of researchers. The team aims to help people who struggle to find work, meaning they cannot afford to buy prosthetic limbs, or to support themselves and their families.

Building scaffolds in the cell's power stations Posted: 06 May 2015 06:54 AM PDT A basic architectural principle of mitochondria has been revealed through new research. Researchers have decoded the molecular basis for the characteristic structures inside of mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells and contain microscopic, strongly infolded membrane structures. These structures allow mitochondria to use the energy gained from food effectively. A defect in the architecture of mitochondrial membrane folds can lead to serious disorders in the nervous and muscular system.

New method detects more breast cancer in screening Posted: 06 May 2015 06:54 AM PDT Tomosynthesis detects 40% more breast cancers than traditional mammography does, according to a major screening study. This is the first large-scale study to compare the screening method with regular mammograms. The 3D X-ray technique is also more comfortable for women, as breast compression is halved.

Scientists identify promising new melanoma treatment strategy Posted: 06 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT The enzyme GMPS drives melanoma growth, researchers report. The scientists propose a new strategy for targeting that protein that may help advance toward a new melanoma treatment strategy.

Bacteria research opens way for new antibiotics Posted: 06 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT A target for the development of completely new antibiotics against disease-causing bacteria has been discovered by scientists. The discovery will also be useful in the biotechnology field for the development of a variety of marketable products and processes which rely on coupling biological molecules to cell surfaces.

Hepatitis C common among HIV-positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa Posted: 06 May 2015 05:48 AM PDT A new study has found high levels of infection with hepatitis C across Africa, particularly in people infected with HIV. In the largest study of its kind, researchers collated data on over 1.1 million individuals from 213 studies to provide policymakers with robust estimates of the burden of HCV infection.

New clues into how stem cells get their identity Posted: 06 May 2015 05:48 AM PDT Scientists have identified one mechanism that explains how some stem cells choose to become a given cell type: the cells combine specific sets of proteins at precise positions along the DNA. When these particular groups of proteins are combined, the gates are opened so that certain groups of genes can now be used, giving the cells a new identity.

Non-Euclidean geometries for grid cells Posted: 06 May 2015 05:46 AM PDT Grid cells, space-mapping neurons of the entorhinal cortex of rodents, could also work for hyperbolic surfaces. A new study tests a model (a computer simulation) based on mathematical principles, that explains how maps emerge in the brain and shows how these maps adapt to the environment in which the individual develops.

Researchers put magic spin on protein to tease out its first dance with tempo set by temperature Posted: 06 May 2015 05:46 AM PDT All cells contain complex molecular components that fulfil functions necessary for the cell to live. These components require motion in a very particular order to function almost like an intricate set of dance steps, and researchers have learned that temperature affects these movements.

Sensor detects spoilage of food Posted: 06 May 2015 05:45 AM PDT A sensor that detects ethanol in the headspace of a food package has been developed by scientists. Ethanol, in addition to carbon dioxide, has been found to be the main volatile spoilage metabolite in fresh-cut fruit. The sensor signal is wirelessly readable, for instance, by a mobile phone.

Automated counting of tumor cells in blood Posted: 06 May 2015 05:45 AM PDT Biological and medical scientists have been using flow cytometry to count cancer cells for the past 40 years. But the large instruments are expensive and can only be operated by trained personnel. By contrast the PoCyton cytometer is cheap to produce, no bigger than a shoebox, and automated, developers report.

Children's sleep, mental health are related Posted: 06 May 2015 05:44 AM PDT Toddlers who take a long time to fall asleep or wake up many times during the night have put many a desperate mom and dad to the test. Tired parents are often told that night waking is part of toddlerhood, and that it will soon pass on its own, but this is not the case for everyone.

The nucleus: Blueprints for the construction of nuclear pores deciphered Posted: 06 May 2015 05:44 AM PDT New insights have been provided into how nuclear pores are constructed in the nuclear envelope. Nuclear pores regulate the exchange of macromolecules between the interior of the nucleus, where genetic information is stored, and the cytoplasm, where these blueprints are used to produce many different cellular building blocks. More than a million macromolecules are transported through the 3,000 – 4,000 nuclear pores in a human nucleus every minute. This exchange is a vital function and transport errors are associated with cancer, aging and autoimmune diseases.

Do online comments affect your medical attitude and decisions? Posted: 06 May 2015 05:44 AM PDT A new study reveals that social media posts, product reviews, and word-of-mouth communication influences consumer's attitudes and behaviors toward vaccinations and other health-related decisions.

Forests could be the trump card in efforts to end global hunger Posted: 06 May 2015 05:38 AM PDT About one in nine people globally still suffer from hunger with the majority of the hungry living in Africa and Asia. The world's forests have great potential to improve their nutrition and ensure their livelihoods. In fact, forests and forestry are essential to achieve food security as the limits of boosting agricultural production are becoming increasingly clear, researchers say.

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