ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Study of 'senior citizen' marine snails uncovered how nerve cells fail during learning
• Researchers design first artificial ribosome
• Can we restart the heart?
• Prostate cancer is five different diseases, experts say
• Targeted therapy shows effectiveness against a subtype of the brain tumor medulloblastoma
• New research opens the door for treatment of relapsing bacterial infections
• State immunization laws should eliminate non-medical exemptions, say internists
• Researchers illuminate key role of NOX proteins in liver disease
• Evolutionary link between diet, stomach acidity
• Bioethicists call for end to 'pay-to-play' clinical research
• Red grape chemical may help prevent bowel cancer but less is more
• Vaccination rates in older adults fall short of targets
• Colonoscopies of the future: Adjustable-focus endoscope helps to reduce discomfort
• Ongoing recovery efforts take toll on hurricane survivors
• Socially integrated women have lower suicide risk
• First smartphone DNA test for chlamydia
• First lab-on-cartridge device that can perform all common medical tests
• Atomic view of bacterial enzymes that help human digestion
• Hospital penalties based on total number of blood clots may be unfairly imposed, study shows
• Monitoring wildlife may shed light on spread of antibiotic resistance in humans
• Brain surgery saved Russian general who helped defeat Napoleon: Scientists 'rewrite' history books
• Compliance with guidelines for treating brain injuries doesn't guarantee better outcomes
• Closing the gap on developing a vaccine for middle ear infections
• Use of left-ventricular assist devices on heart failure patients: Findings, treatment criteria released
• Naturally occurring protein fragment found in the brain inhibits key enzyme implicated in Alzheimer's disease
• Mechanism behind the lack of effectiveness of certain antagonist drugs discovered
• Key factor for stability of capillaries in brain identified
• Study finds brain chemicals that keep wakefulness in check
• Alcohol laws have a preventive effect on young men
• High intensity training helps ease arthritis pains
• Overcoming why a new treatment is resisted by lung cancer
• Adolescents with sleep problems more likely to self-harm
• Imbalance of cellular bioenergetics in pancreatic beta-cells links to type 2 diabetes
• 'Dialing for Diabetes Control' helps urban adults lower blood sugar
• Probiotics improve behavioral symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases in mice
• Many dialysis patients are unprepared for natural disasters
• Big data gives new insight into blood pressure reduction role of commonly prescribed drug

Study of 'senior citizen' marine snails uncovered how nerve cells fail during learning Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:57 PM PDT A new research study on marine snails uncovered the first cells in the nervous system to fail during aging. The researchers' findings are important to better understanding the underlying mechanisms of age-related memory loss in humans.

Researchers design first artificial ribosome Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:57 PM PDT Researchers have engineered a tethered ribosome that works nearly as well as the authentic cellular component, or organelle, that produces all the proteins and enzymes within the cell. The engineered ribosome may enable the production of new drugs and next-generation biomaterials and lead to a better understanding of how ribosomes function.

Can we restart the heart? Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:57 PM PDT What if you could use the proliferative and survival properties of cancer-prone cells to rejuvenate cardiac progenitor cells and get them dividing again, without forming tumors? Researchers are exploring the results of taking an enzyme, Pim, known to be associated with growth and survival of certain types of cancer cells, and causing it to be overexpressed in cardiac progenitor cells in mice.

Prostate cancer is five different diseases, experts say Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:56 PM PDT Scientists have, for the first time, identified that there are five distinct types of prostate cancer and have found a way to distinguish between them, according to a landmark study.

Targeted therapy shows effectiveness against a subtype of the brain tumor medulloblastoma Posted: 29 Jul 2015 12:52 PM PDT A subset of medulloblastoma tumors briefly stopped growing or disappeared entirely during treatment with vismodegib, researchers report after a trial with both adults and children.

New research opens the door for treatment of relapsing bacterial infections Posted: 29 Jul 2015 12:52 PM PDT A new discovery could put people with relapsing urinary tract infections (UTIs) on the fast track for a new therapeutic regimen. An estimated 150 million UTIs occur each year worldwide, accounting for $6 billion in healthcare costs, according to the American Urological Association.

State immunization laws should eliminate non-medical exemptions, say internists Posted: 29 Jul 2015 12:52 PM PDT Support for eliminating existing exemptions, except for medical reasons, from immunization laws was among the policy recommendations adopted at the summer meeting of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians.

Researchers illuminate key role of NOX proteins in liver disease Posted: 29 Jul 2015 12:51 PM PDT A direct connection between two signaling proteins and liver fibrosis, a scarring process underlying chronic liver disease, the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, has been demonstrated by researchers.

Evolutionary link between diet, stomach acidity Posted: 29 Jul 2015 12:51 PM PDT An analysis of data on stomach acidity and diet in birds and mammals suggests that high levels of stomach acidity developed not to help animals break down food, but to defend animals against food poisoning. The work raises interesting questions about the evolution of stomach acidity in humans, and how modern life may be affecting both our stomach acidity and the microbial communities that live in our guts.

Bioethicists call for end to 'pay-to-play' clinical research Posted: 29 Jul 2015 11:24 AM PDT Charging people to participate in research studies is likely to undermine the fundamental ethical basis of clinical research, according to a new paper written by bioethicists. The paper outlines the arguments for and against the concept of "pay-to-play" research, ultimately concluding that this type of approach compromises the overall integrity of clinical research.

Red grape chemical may help prevent bowel cancer but less is more Posted: 29 Jul 2015 11:23 AM PDT Resveratrol, a chemical found in red grapes, is more effective in smaller doses at preventing bowel cancer in mice than high doses, according to new research. Previous research looked at high doses of purified resveratrol to study its potential to prevent cancer. This is the first study to look at the effects of a lower daily dose -- equivalent to the amount of resveratrol found in one large (approx. 250ml) glass of red wine -- comparing it with a dose 200 times higher.

Vaccination rates in older adults fall short of targets Posted: 29 Jul 2015 11:20 AM PDT A new white paper discusses factors for underutilization of vaccines in older adults and offers recommendations to improve immunization rates.

Colonoscopies of the future: Adjustable-focus endoscope helps to reduce discomfort Posted: 29 Jul 2015 11:19 AM PDT An endoscopic probe that delivers adjustable-focus capabilities in a slimmer package has been developed by researchers. The findings could ultimately facilitate more effective and less painful imaging of internal tissues.

Ongoing recovery efforts take toll on hurricane survivors Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:36 AM PDT According to a major report on NJ residents living in Superstorm Sandy's path, over 100,000 experienced significant structural damage to their primary homes. Research finds that tens of thousands still live with unfinished repairs, disputed claims and recurrent mold, all associated with increased odds of mental health distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.

Socially integrated women have lower suicide risk Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:35 AM PDT Women who were socially well integrated had a lower risk for suicide in a new analysis of data from the Nurses' Health Study, according to an article. Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of death among middle-age women in the United States.

First smartphone DNA test for chlamydia Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:08 AM PDT Researchers have developed a smartphone test for chlamydia that can detect the disease with high accuracy, which could reduce the prevalence of this sexually transmitted disease (STD) by making chlamydia screening easier and cheaper.

First lab-on-cartridge device that can perform all common medical tests Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:08 AM PDT Clinical laboratory tests play a crucial role in making sure patients get appropriate care, yet many small labs and clinics in low resource settings cannot afford the instruments needed to provide these tests. Research on a novel fingerprick test that can perform all common clinical diagnostics could help to expand access to basic medical testing in the developing world.

Atomic view of bacterial enzymes that help human digestion Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:08 AM PDT A group of researchers has reached deep into the human gut, plucked out a couple enzymes produced by bacteria residing there and determined their biological activities and molecular structures -- details that should shed new light on how we digest many of the foods we eat.

Hospital penalties based on total number of blood clots may be unfairly imposed, study shows Posted: 29 Jul 2015 08:08 AM PDT Researchers say their review of 128 medical case histories suggests that financial penalties imposed on Maryland hospitals based solely on the total number of patients who suffer blood clots in the lung or leg fail to account for clots that occur despite the consistent and proper use of the best preventive therapies.

Monitoring wildlife may shed light on spread of antibiotic resistance in humans Posted: 29 Jul 2015 07:21 AM PDT Researchers tested for resistance to 10 antibiotics among cattle and 18 wildlife species to explore key attributes and behaviors that may increase exposure and allow resistance to move among humans, animals, and ecosystems.

Brain surgery saved Russian general who helped defeat Napoleon: Scientists 'rewrite' history books Posted: 29 Jul 2015 07:21 AM PDT After more than two-years of international investigation, scientists have concluded that Napoleon likely would have conquered Russia in 1812 if not for the life-saving brain surgery performed on Russian general Mikhail Kutuzov by the French surgeon Jean Massot, who operated on Kutuzov after bullets twice passed through his head.

Compliance with guidelines for treating brain injuries doesn't guarantee better outcomes Posted: 29 Jul 2015 07:19 AM PDT Two decades ago, the Brain Trauma Foundation published its first set of guidelines for treating traumatic brain injury. Now, a study has found no evidence that compliance with the guidelines led to lower mortality rates.

Closing the gap on developing a vaccine for middle ear infections Posted: 29 Jul 2015 07:19 AM PDT Researchers have made a discovery with the potential to impact the treatment of middle ear infections and other illnesses. They found that the bacterial pathogen Haemophilus influenzae, which causes illnesses such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and otitis media, contains a system that randomly changes gene expression causing the bacteria to switch between two different cell types.

Use of left-ventricular assist devices on heart failure patients: Findings, treatment criteria released Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:31 AM PDT Researchers are announcing results of a study on the effectiveness of left-ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in treating patients with a form of cardiomyopathy called restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM).

Naturally occurring protein fragment found in the brain inhibits key enzyme implicated in Alzheimer's disease Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:31 AM PDT A natural protein fragment produced in the brain can act as an inhibitor of a key enzyme implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease, researchers have discovered for the first time. This is a finding that could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the disease, they say.

Mechanism behind the lack of effectiveness of certain antagonist drugs discovered Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:30 AM PDT The formation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which allows understanding the unexpected behavior of some antagonists that block physiological responses, has been the focus of recent research.

Key factor for stability of capillaries in brain identified Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:30 AM PDT The brain needs a lot of oxygen – so every last corner of the brain's tissue is served by a dense network of fine blood vessels. When these capillaries are damaged by high blood pressure or age, doctors call the condition cerebral small vessel disease. They estimate this is the cause of around one in five strokes, and that the condition may also lead to certain forms of dementia.

Study finds brain chemicals that keep wakefulness in check Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:29 AM PDT Mice that have a particular brain chemical switched off become hyperactive and sleep for just 65 per cent of their normal time, a new study shows. This discovery could help researchers to develop new drugs that promote better sleep, or control hyperactivity in people with the medical condition mania.

Alcohol laws have a preventive effect on young men Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:29 AM PDT Young men are at risk of alcohol consumption. Regulations such as the minimum legal drinking age can protect them. A new Swiss study reveals: The more legal measures for alcohol prevention are enforced in a canton, the less young men drink excessively. However, this is not effective for high-risk consumers such as young men with a tendency towards sensation seeking or antisocial behavior.

High intensity training helps ease arthritis pains Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:29 AM PDT Arthritis: it's a disease that sneaks up on you. Fingers and toes slowly but surely become stiff and painful. A nice morning stretch is no longer all it takes to get your body moving. Arthritis is a chronic illness that sinks its claws into your body, and causes inflammation in your joints. It can destroy your joints, which causes weakness and loss of movement. New research suggests that high intensity training can help with the pain that the illness provides.

Overcoming why a new treatment is resisted by lung cancer Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:29 AM PDT A promising agent for the treatment of cancer has so far had little effect on the most common lung tumours, but new research has suggested how this resistance might be overcome.

Adolescents with sleep problems more likely to self-harm Posted: 29 Jul 2015 06:29 AM PDT There is a strong relationship between sleep problems such as insomnia, and self-harm, according to findings in a new Norwegian study. The researchers say that depressive symptoms accounted for some, but not all, of the association to self-harming. However, the latter association remained significant even in the fully adjusted analyses.

Imbalance of cellular bioenergetics in pancreatic beta-cells links to type 2 diabetes Posted: 29 Jul 2015 05:59 AM PDT While impaired activation of mitochondrial energy metabolism in the presence of glucose has been demonstrated in pancreatic beta-cells from patients with type 2 diabetes, the cause of this dysfunction has been unknown. New research shows that in patients with type 2 diabetes, the balance between supply and demand of the mitochondrial membrane potential is altered causing a decrease in the signaling that turns on insulin secretion.

'Dialing for Diabetes Control' helps urban adults lower blood sugar Posted: 29 Jul 2015 05:59 AM PDT Periodic telephone counseling can be a highly effective, low-cost tool for lowering blood-sugar levels in minority, urban adults with uncontrolled diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 29 million Americans have diabetes. Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are about twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic white adults.

Probiotics improve behavioral symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases in mice Posted: 28 Jul 2015 04:49 PM PDT Probiotics may improve the behavioral symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases by altering communication between the immune system and the brain, according to an animal study.

Many dialysis patients are unprepared for natural disasters Posted: 28 Jul 2015 04:49 PM PDT Among patients scheduled to have dialysis during the landfall of Hurricane Sandy at clinics where electricity had been deprived, 26.3 percent missed dialysis sessions and 66.1 percent received dialysis at non-regular dialysis units. The percentage of patients who carried their insurance information and detailed medication lists with them were 75.9 percent and 44.3 percent, respectively.

Big data gives new insight into blood pressure reduction role of commonly prescribed drug Posted: 28 Jul 2015 01:52 PM PDT A drug commonly prescribed to conserve potassium in the blood also significantly lowers blood pressure when taken in conjunction with a diuretic frequently prescribed to patients with hypertension, a new big data study has found. The combination of the two drugs, both available as generics, has been shown to consistently amplify the blood pressure reduction in patients with or without the presence of other antihypertensive agents such as ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

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