ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Women exposed to organic pollutants in early pregnancy have more than four-times increased risk of gestational diabetes
• Analysis of 21 studies shows exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes
• Disruptions of splicing proteins cause facial, skin, organ defects in young mice
• Electronic reminders keep TB patients on track with medication in China
• Yoga improves arthritis symptoms, mood, study finds
• Beta-blockers promote heart muscle cell survival following a heart attack
• Spleen may provide new target for treating stroke's debilitating chronic inflammation
• Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability
• Number of people at high risk of fracture set to double by 2040
• Popular hypertension drugs linked to worse heart health in blacks compared to whites
• Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence, frequency
• Specific fatty acids may worsen Crohn's disease
• Skin microbiome influences common sexually transmitted disease
• Additional time spent outdoors by children results in decreased rate of nearsightedness
• Controlling brain cells with sound waves
• Researchers document self-reported use of new, uncommon synthetic drugs by teens, young adults
• Acetic acid, found in vinegar, shown to be effective against bacteria found in burn wounds
• Growing public support found in USA, Canada for smokefree outdoor laws
• Virus in cattle linked to human breast cancer
• New drugs could stop growth of drug-resistant childhood tumors
• Link between air pollution, increased deaths and increased deaths from heart disease affirmed
• New mouse brain map may illuminate origins of mental illnesses
• Observing nano-bio interactions in real time
• New genome sequence to provide insight into tiger mosquito and how deadly diseases are transmitted to humans
• Smoke from forest fires aggravates respiratory health of children, study shows
• Study of antidepressants reveals how treatment helps depression management
• Keeping one step ahead of cancer cells
• Potential new therapeutic approach found for liver cell cancer
• Research breakthrough in fight against muscle wasting diseases
• Combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies likely to improve cancer patient outcomes
• Scan may identify best candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery
• MRI improves diagnosis of microbleeding after brain injury in military personnel
• England improving health performance compared to other wealthy countries
• Video game warnings fall far short in rating tobacco content
• Heightened injury risk linked to shift length for emergency services clinicians
• Loss of cellular energy leads to neuronal dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease model
• Molecule made by muscle shown for first time to build bone
• Blacks in all socioeconomic groups have poorer outcomes after heart attack
• Solo grandparents raising grandchildren at greater risk than parents for serious health problems
• Scientists chart a lost highway in the brain
• Whole genome-sequencing uncovers new genetic cause for osteoporosis
• Act now to improve the health of women, children and adolescents worldwide, say experts
• Study examines role of vegetable food pairings in school plate waste
• Larger, private colleges and universities more likely to attract hookah establishments
• New classification system developed for gout
• Researchers find major gaps in understanding risks, benefits of eating fish
• Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows
• New guideline aims to reduce fractures in seniors in long-term care facilities

Women exposed to organic pollutants in early pregnancy have more than four-times increased risk of gestational diabetes Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:13 PM PDT New research shows that a 10-times increased exposure to organic pollutants in early pregnancy is associated with a 4.4 times increased risk of a pregnant woman developing gestational diabetes.

Analysis of 21 studies shows exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:13 PM PDT A meta-analysis of 21 studies shows that exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes by 61 percent, with different types of pesticides showing varying levels of risk.

Disruptions of splicing proteins cause facial, skin, organ defects in young mice Posted: 15 Sep 2015 01:26 PM PDT Knocking out one or both crucial regulatory genes caused cleft lip, skin barrier defects, and a host of other developmental problems in mice, hinting that abnormalities in these molecular pathways could underlie many birth defects that are presently not well understood.

Electronic reminders keep TB patients on track with medication in China Posted: 15 Sep 2015 01:25 PM PDT Giving electronic reminders to tuberculosis patients in China can reduce the amount of medication doses they miss by half, according to new research.

Yoga improves arthritis symptoms, mood, study finds Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:11 AM PDT Yoga can be safe and effective for people with arthritis, a randomized trial of people with two common forms of arthritis has found. The researchers report that eight weeks of yoga classes improved the physical and mental well being of people with two common forms of arthritis, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Beta-blockers promote heart muscle cell survival following a heart attack Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:10 AM PDT A commonly prescribed drug for heart disease may do more good than previously thought. Researchers have found that beta-blockers may prevent further cell death following a heart attack and that could lead to better longer term patient outcomes.

Spleen may provide new target for treating stroke's debilitating chronic inflammation Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:10 AM PDT Stroke injures the brain, but a new study indicates an abdominal organ that plays a vital role in immune function, the spleen, may be a target for treating stroke-induced chronic inflammation leading to further brain cell death.

Teen marijuana use down despite greater availability Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:10 AM PDT Marijuana use among American high school students is significantly lower today than it was 15 years ago, despite the legalization in many states of marijuana for medical purposes, a move toward decriminalization of the drug and the approval of its recreational use in a handful of places, new research suggests.

Number of people at high risk of fracture set to double by 2040 Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:10 AM PDT A new study projects a dramatic increase in the burden of fragility fractures within the next three decades. By 2040, approximately 319 million people will be at high risk of fracture -- double the numbers considered at high risk today.

Popular hypertension drugs linked to worse heart health in blacks compared to whites Posted: 15 Sep 2015 11:10 AM PDT Drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks and strokes, are associated with significantly worse cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive African Americans compared to whites, according to a new comparative effectiveness research.

Hookah tobacco smoking seems to be increasing in both prevalence, frequency Posted: 15 Sep 2015 10:58 AM PDT Nearly one in five recently surveyed high school seniors report having smoked tobacco from a hookah in the past year, and more than a third of them reported smoking hookahs often enough to be considered regular users, an analysis has revealed. The findings add to evidence that hookah use among adolescents is increasing in both prevalence and frequency.

Specific fatty acids may worsen Crohn's disease Posted: 15 Sep 2015 10:56 AM PDT Some research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish oils, can relieve inflammation in the digestive tracts of people with Crohn's disease. But a new study hints that we should be paying closer attention to what the other omegas -- namely, omega-6 and omega-7 -- and are doing to improve or worsen the disease.

Skin microbiome influences common sexually transmitted disease Posted: 15 Sep 2015 10:54 AM PDT For years, researchers have known that the human skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome. Now a new study has shown that individuals with a particular skin microbiome can effectively clear bacteria that cause chancroid, a sexually transmitted disease common in the developing world that has been linked to enhanced HIV transmission.

Additional time spent outdoors by children results in decreased rate of nearsightedness Posted: 15 Sep 2015 10:54 AM PDT The addition of a daily outdoor activity class at school for three years for children in Guangzhou, China, resulted in a reduction in the rate of myopia (nearsightedness, the ability to see close objects more clearly than distant objects), according to a new study.

Controlling brain cells with sound waves Posted: 15 Sep 2015 10:54 AM PDT A new technique to selectively and noninvasively turn on groups of neurons in worms could be boon to science and medicine.

Researchers document self-reported use of new, uncommon synthetic drugs by teens, young adults Posted: 15 Sep 2015 07:59 AM PDT This is the first study reporting on use of a variety of new drugs in a nationally representative U.S. sample. Researchers are confident that use was severely underreported, as the subjects were not asked about most of these new drugs specifically. The researchers advocate for health surveys to ask about use of new drugs, in addition to traditional drugs such as marijuana and cocaine, in order to quickly pick up on potential drug epidemics.

Acetic acid, found in vinegar, shown to be effective against bacteria found in burn wounds Posted: 15 Sep 2015 07:52 AM PDT Highly diluted acetic acid, an active ingredient of household vinegar, has been shown to be an effective alternative agent to prevent infection and kill bacteria found in burn wounds.

Growing public support found in USA, Canada for smokefree outdoor laws Posted: 15 Sep 2015 07:50 AM PDT A new study has found increasing support in the United States and Canada for smokefree laws for outdoor areas, especially in playgrounds and school grounds. The collaborative study provides new and some unexpected insights for health promotion in North America. A key finding is that most residents welcome smokefree laws. Support was strongest for smokefree playgrounds and school grounds, but there was also majority support for a range of other smokefree areas.

Virus in cattle linked to human breast cancer Posted: 15 Sep 2015 07:50 AM PDT For the first time, researchers have established a link between infection with the bovine leukemia virus and human breast cancer. Researchers analyzed breast tissue from 239 women, comparing samples from women who had breast cancer with women who had no history of the disease for the presence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV). They found that 59 percent of breast cancer samples had evidence of exposure to BLV, as determined by the presence of viral DNA.

New drugs could stop growth of drug-resistant childhood tumors Posted: 15 Sep 2015 07:49 AM PDT New drugs are needed to treat the most common type of childhood brain tumor and could also be effective against skin cancer, scientists report. They tested a drug called Roflumilast in mice with a brain tumor that is resistant to Vismodegib, the drug in current use. Roflumilast is normally used to treat inflammatory lung diseases. It dramatically inhibited tumor growth from the first day of treatment. As expected, Vismodegib had no effect.

Link between air pollution, increased deaths and increased deaths from heart disease affirmed Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:43 AM PDT In what is believed to be the largest, most detailed study of its kind in the United States, scientists have confirmed that tiny chemical particles in the air we breathe are linked to an overall increase in risk of early death.

New mouse brain map may illuminate origins of mental illnesses Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:41 AM PDT A highly detailed model has been released of connections in the mouse brain that could provide generations of neuroscientists new insights into brain circuits and origins of mental illness, such as depression and schizophrenia.

Observing nano-bio interactions in real time Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:07 AM PDT A new technique has been developed to observe, in real time, how individual blood components interact and modify advanced nanoparticle therapeutics. The method helps guide the design of future nanoparticles to interact in concert with human blood components, thus avoiding unwanted side effects.

New genome sequence to provide insight into tiger mosquito and how deadly diseases are transmitted to humans Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:07 AM PDT The first draft genome sequence of Aedes albopictus, commonly known as the tiger mosquito, has been published by scientists. This tiger mosquito is responsible for transmitting several deadly diseases to humans, such as dengue and chikungunya, potentially offering hope to millions around the world.

Smoke from forest fires aggravates respiratory health of children, study shows Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:07 AM PDT Air pollution from forest fires aggravates the respiratory health of children, new research concludes. Researchers conclude that this study provides scientific evidence that wildfires, such as those that devastated a large part of the province of Valencia, Spain in 2012, affect the health of children, especially of those who are more susceptible.

Study of antidepressants reveals how treatment helps depression management Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:06 AM PDT Several different classes of antidepressants increase early growth responses in astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells, which could help develop new treatments, researchers have shown.

Keeping one step ahead of cancer cells Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:06 AM PDT BRD4 inhibitors are among the most promising new agents in cancer therapy that are currently evaluated in clinical trials. In a new study, a team of researchers reveals how leukemia cells can evade the deadly effects of BRD4 inhibition. Understanding this adaptation process could aid the development of sequential therapies to outsmart resistant leukemias.

Potential new therapeutic approach found for liver cell cancer Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:06 AM PDT The growth factor receptor FGFR3 increases the rate of growth and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinomas (liver cell cancer), new research shows. Inhibition of this receptor could be a new and effective way of treating patients.

Research breakthrough in fight against muscle wasting diseases Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:04 AM PDT It is estimated that half of all cancer patients suffer from a muscle wasting syndrome called cachexia. Cancer cachexia impairs quality of life and response to therapy, which increases morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. Currently, there is no approved treatment for muscle wasting, but a new study could be a game changer for patients, improving both quality of life and longevity.

Combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies likely to improve cancer patient outcomes Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:04 AM PDT Epigenetic therapies are likely to provide additional clinical benefit to cancer patients when rationally combined with immunotherapeutic drugs, according to a review.

Scan may identify best candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:04 AM PDT Fetuses with enlarged ventricles -- the fluid-filled cavities inside the brain -- may be less likely than their counterparts to benefit from surgery in the womb to treat spina bifida, according to a study.

MRI improves diagnosis of microbleeding after brain injury in military personnel Posted: 15 Sep 2015 06:04 AM PDT Imaging patients soon after traumatic brain injury occurs can lead to better (more accurate) detection of cerebral microhemorrhages, or microbleeding on the brain, according to a new study of military service members.

England improving health performance compared to other wealthy countries Posted: 14 Sep 2015 07:43 PM PDT In 2013, England performed better than average on a variety of key health outcomes compared with 18 other high-income countries in the European Union, and Australia, Canada, Norway, and the USA (EU15+), according to new research.

Video game warnings fall far short in rating tobacco content Posted: 14 Sep 2015 07:43 PM PDT Video games are not adequately rated for tobacco content, according to a new study that found video gamers are being widely exposed to tobacco imagery.

Heightened injury risk linked to shift length for emergency services clinicians Posted: 14 Sep 2015 07:43 PM PDT Working shifts of 16 to 24 hours in length is linked to a 60 percent heightened risk of injury and illness among emergency services (EMS) clinicians, compared to shifts of eight to 12 hours, finds new research.

Loss of cellular energy leads to neuronal dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease model Posted: 14 Sep 2015 06:56 PM PDT For the first time, research shows that impairments in mitochondria -- the brain's cellular power plants -- can deplete cellular energy levels and cause neuronal dysfunction in a model of neurodegenerative disease.

Molecule made by muscle shown for first time to build bone Posted: 14 Sep 2015 06:56 PM PDT A recently identified molecule produced by skeletal muscle in response to exercise, has been shown to increase bone mass, according to a study. Although exercise is a well known stimulus for new bone formation, it has remained unclear how muscle "talks" to bone, despite their close proximity. This discovery may provide some clues to start answering that question.

Blacks in all socioeconomic groups have poorer outcomes after heart attack Posted: 14 Sep 2015 06:56 PM PDT Low socioeconomic blacks and whites have poorer outcomes after a heart attack. Blacks with high socioeconomic status had shorter life expectancy after a heart attack compared to whites.

Solo grandparents raising grandchildren at greater risk than parents for serious health problems Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:29 PM PDT Single grandparents raising grandchildren are more vulnerable to poor physical and mental health than are single parents, according to a study. These caregivers may be at greater risk for diminished physical capacity and heightened prevalence of depression, researchers found.

Scientists chart a lost highway in the brain Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:27 PM PDT A part of the brain lost from scientific literature for over a century may be responsible for a key component of perceptionm according to a new study from the neuroscientist who was part of the team that rediscovered the forgotten structure.

Whole genome-sequencing uncovers new genetic cause for osteoporosis Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:26 PM PDT Using one of the world's most extensive genetics data sets, an international research team has identified a novel gene implicated in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common disease that will lead to fractures in between one-third and one-half of all women over the course of their lives. Because osteoporosis becomes more severe with age, it is becoming more prevalent with the overall aging of the population.

Act now to improve the health of women, children and adolescents worldwide, say experts Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:26 PM PDT Societies are failing women, children and adolescents, particularly in the poorest communities around the world, and urgent action is needed to save lives and improve health, say global health experts.

Study examines role of vegetable food pairings in school plate waste Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:26 PM PDT School meals paired with popular vegetables are less likely to wind up in garbage bins, research has shown. A research team measured food waste in three elementary schools in Bryan and Dallas.

Larger, private colleges and universities more likely to attract hookah establishments Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:26 PM PDT Larger and private colleges and universities seem to attract hookah cafes and lounges, but smoke-free policies decrease these odds, according to findings of a new study.

New classification system developed for gout Posted: 14 Sep 2015 12:26 PM PDT A panel of experts and researchers has developed a new classification system for gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. This new system standardizes the classification of this condition using a variety of evidence-based criteria.

Researchers find major gaps in understanding risks, benefits of eating fish Posted: 14 Sep 2015 09:47 AM PDT Fish tissue is rarely measured for concentrations of both harmful contaminants and healthful nutrients across a range of species and geographic regions, says a research team who reviewed the risks and benefits of eating seafood.

Tall and slim: They go together, genetic study shows Posted: 14 Sep 2015 09:47 AM PDT Scientists have found a genetic basis for height and body mass differences between European populations. The researchers said the genes that resulted in greater height correlated strongly with genes that reduced body mass index.

New guideline aims to reduce fractures in seniors in long-term care facilities Posted: 14 Sep 2015 09:46 AM PDT A new guideline that aims to prevent fractures in residents of long-term care facilities is targeted at frail seniors and their families as well as health care workers. The guideline was developed with input from residents of long-term care facilities and their families, as well as researchers and health care professionals.

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